Zoning changes approved for proposed GM track

By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express

The city has approved a zoning variance to allow GM to move forward with a vehicle test track at the company’s large south end complex.

GM first announced plans to develop the test track in May as it outlined the future of its Oshawa assembly plant when production wraps up later this fall.

About 55 acres at the south end of the plant, located near Phillip Murray Avenue and Stevenson Road, will be used for autonomous and advanced vehicle tracking.

The variance was approved by the city’s committee of adjustment earlier this month.

However, the company will still need to obtain proper permits before work on the track can begin.

Jennifer Wright, a spokesperson for GM, says the company hopes to begin construction on the track this fall.

Earlier this year, GM Canada president and managing director Travis Hester said the track would support the expansion of the company’s engineering and software development at    technical centres in Oshawa and Markham.