Connect. Revitalize. Transform.
GO Lakeshore East extension to Bowmanville is advancing!
The advancement of the GO Lakeshore East extension is critical to Durham Region's recovery from the pandemic.
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 April 20, 2022, Metrolinx released the Preliminary Design Business Case for the GO Lakeshore East extension to Bowmanville, confirming the planned route north of Highway 401. This extension extends rail service on the Lakeshore East corridor, with planned station stops at Thornton’s Corners, Central Oshawa, Courtice and Bowmanville (Metrolinx Bowmanville Expansion website).
Metrolinx has also released a Request for Proposal to invite proponents to prepare and submit competitive submissions; to perform work for the Bowmanville Expansion Project.
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, 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 700,000 people today and is expected to double by 2041. 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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