Connect. Revitalize. Transform.
GO Lakeshore East extension to Bowmanville is advancing!
As one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada, the population of Durham Region is expected to double by 2041. The GO Lakeshore East extension will meet the needs of our growing communities and our thriving innovation ecosystem. It will be a catalyst for growth and economic development.
On September 25, 2023, the provincial government (Ontario) introduced the Transportation for the Future Act, 2023. This legislation will enable municipalities to support the building of stations along new GO Transit train routes.
It’s a decision that will enable The Regional Municipality of Durham to explore funding for all up-front costs—related to station construction—for all four new stations along the GO Lakeshore East Extension to Bowmanville.
The funds used to cover the up-front costs (including interest) will be recovered via a Station Contribution Fee; a cost paid by the landowners who will benefit from the presence of a GO station, around the four Major Transit Station Areas. This fee will be collected only when a landowner develops their land, and it will remain in place until the station costs are paid in full.
This legislation ensures a fair contribution from real estate development near transit, rather than placing the burden on the local taxbase. It guarantees that the stations will be built (as there is no provincial funding for new stations). And stations operating with frequent and reliable service have been proven to attract more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable housing, because it supports transit-oriented development (TOD).
Metrolinx partnership
On June 15, 2023, Metrolinx awarded a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Bowmanville Extension project. The RFP to Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR) contract was awarded to Bowmanville Construction Partners. This is a general partnership between Ledcor CMI Ltd. and Dragados Canada Inc.
This contract secures the services of a contractor to design and construct the Extension for Metrolinx. The contract currently allows for stations to be added in but does not currently include the design or construction of the four proposed stations.
The GO Lakeshore East extension will help to:
- Reduce congestion, increase housing supply, and create jobs and economic development
- Direct transit investment to planned growth areas, which reflect provincial and local planning policy
- Allow for higher productivity and more efficient movement of goods
- Encourage private-sector housing construction; aligning closely with the province’s commitment to increasing housing supply
- Support significant provincial investment in three post-secondary institutions: Durham College, Ontario Tech University and Trent University Durham GTA
There are many reasons this extension is needed. Most importantly, this frequent, reliable and accessible transit option will enable residents and visitors of the region to spend less time travelling and more time connecting with family and friends.
We're ready to move forward, together.
The GO Lakeshore East extension is important for Durham because of the potential to:
1. Drive economic development in our downtowns
2. Transform and connect our communities
3. Increase transit ridership and help achieve a more sustainable future
Drive economic development in our downtowns
These planned stations will spark economic development in our downtown areas. This additional GO Transit route, north of Highway 401, will open new catchment areas for GO ridership; stimulate job creation and mixed-use development around the stations; and increase land values along the corridor, near station sites.
The extension will stimulate the economy, with thousands of jobs; new homes; construction of office space, retail and commercial space, creating transit-oriented walkable communities.
The Region and local area municipal partners will work with the private sector to help deliver a transit-oriented vision for the proposed stations and surrounding lands. Planning around the stations is underway—already attracting higher-density development, envisioned for Major Transit Station Areas.
Transform and connect our communities
The GO Lakeshore East extension supports an integrated and active transportation network accessible via foot, bicycle or bus. And, it has the potential to eliminate about 50 million kilometres of car travel, yearly.
The GO Lakeshore East extension will connect campuses jobs and urban growth centres. It connects with local transit spines, three post-secondary campuses, employment areas, and central areas slated for mixed-use development.
It will help ensure an accessible education system and modern post-secondary education sector, supporting significant provincial investment in three post-secondary institutions: Durham College, Ontario Tech University and Trent University Durham.
Increase transit ridership and help achieve a more sustainable future
Increased rail use by the community will help to reach environmental goals, such as greenhouse gas reduction targets. This includes providing GO Transit train service that meets the needs of a generation of people who prefer not to use an automobile.
Durham is ready for the GO Lakeshore East extension
Durham Region is home to just over 771,000 people today and is expected to grow to 1.3 million residents and 460,000 jobs by 2051. To support our continued growth and prosperity, we need a strong, integrated transit network. Expanding GO train service in Durham Region builds upon planning work and service infrastructure improvements that are already underway through our Regional Transportation Plan. More GO service to Bowmanville is part of the Growth Plan for the Golden Horseshoe.
We will continue to work with our provincial and local municipal partners to ensure that frequent, reliable, accessible transit is available to residents and visitors—where and when they need it.
For additional project updates visit the Metrolinx Bowmanville expansion web page.
Want to learn more about the GO Lakeshore East extension?
Contact us at RT@durham.ca
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