Metrolinx providing updates at Durham town hall meeting

By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express

Residents looking for more information on the proposed extension of GO Train services into Bowmanville have a prime chance to get an update.

Metrolinx is hosting a public town hall on Thursday, May 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Abilities Centre (55 Gordon Street) in Whitby.

Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster and other senior management will be on hand to speak about the Lakeshore East extension, along with other transit services.

Questions can be asked during the event (in-person or via livestream) or submitted online prior to May 2.

To submit a question or for more information on the town hall, visit  https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/engagement-initiatives/ask-metrolinx

Originally announced in 2016 by the previous Liberal government, the extension is proposed to include four new stations in Oshawa and Clarington.

The first Oshawa station will be located on lands north of Champlain Avenue on Thornton Road South, between Burns Street East and Highway 401.

The Central Oshawa GO Station is set to be at the former Knob Hill Farms site, which includes the Ontario Malleable Iron building on Howard Street.

In 2018, Metrolinx officials said construction on the extension is expected to start later this year and be completed by 2024.

However, Oshawa MPP Jennifer French, regional chair John Henry and other local politicians have consistently demanded updates on the project from the Ford government.

In December 2018, Durham MPP Lindsey Park told The Oshawa Express, “Metrolinx is moving forward to expand Lakeshore GO service in Durham Region.”

However, Metrolinx will need to utilize tracks owned by CP Rail.

“An agreement will need to be completed…I’m certainly a voice within government for us to continue these negotiations to get a deal done as soon as possible,” Park said.