DURHAM: Expansion of Go Train service to Bowmanville took a step closer to becoming a reality recently. On Thursday, February 13th, MPPs Lindsey Park, Lorne Coe and David Piccini were at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Centre in Bowmanville to announce Metrolinx has completed the updated Initial Business Case for the proposed Lakeshore East Extension. The announcement included a recommended option for the project.
“This option proposes to follow the CP rail line north of the 401 and include two-way, all-day service to Bowmanville. The rail would extend through the current Oshawa GO Station connecting to Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway’s General Motors (GM). The spur line will cross Highway 401, and connect to CP’s Belleville Subdivision. The rail line on the north of the 401 to make its way to Bowmanville,” read a press release from the province. “This rail service is proposing to operate express between Union and Pickering GO station. It will make all stops between Pickering GO station and Bowmanville, including proposed new station sites at Thornton’s Corners East, Ritson Road (the old Knob Hill Farms), Courtice and Bowmanville.”
The Metrolinx Board of Directors will see the updated business case on Thursday, February 20th. If approved, the project will move to the preliminary design stage. “This is a much anticipated day for Durham Region. I’m so pleased that Metrolinx has committed to recommending an option that works for all of the communities in Durham Region. At the same time as saving taxpayer dollars and increasing the service to an all-day service commitment for the people of Durham Region,” MPP Park told media members following the announcement.
However, the project is contingent on successful negotiations with CP Rail. “Agreements need to be made with CP Rail. Negotiations are ongoing, and that will have an effect on the timeline for getting this project done,” MPP Park explained.
Durham Regional Chair John Henry said he was excited about this announcement, “The direction we are going is fantastic, and this is going to be something that will help our young people and our families, 10, 15, 20 years from now,” he said. “What a great day for the province of Ontario, and the residents of the eastern part of Ontario. There’s been ups and downs, there [have] been some bumps, but in the end, we all came together. This is really a game-changer.”
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