Ontario government yesterday announced it has broken ground on major works for GO Train to Bowmanville project, indicating that the 18.7km extension will be operational in 2041.
Durham residents have been waiting for the project for decades, and going by long delays at Metrolinx’s other major projects – such as Finch West LRT and Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit – it is not confirmed if Bowmanville Extension deadlines will be met.
Michael Lindsay, President and CEO of Metrolinx, said the operator of GO Transit will try and “claw back” on the timeline.
No firm timeline has been announced.
Operational Stats For 2041
An Ontario statement said the project will extend the Lakeshore East GO line 18.7 kilometres into Durham Region, accommodating 17,000 daily trips and 4.9 million boardings annually by 2041.
“Back in 1990 it was indicated that Bowmanville would be getting a GO station and so, this info contributed to our making the decision to purchase our first home there,” said a resident reacting to the announcement. “I have been retired for 3 years now and live in another province. All I can say is, ‘don’t hold your breath on this’. A whole lot can happen between now and when you will be able to set foot on a GO train waiting for passengers to load in Bowmanville. Been there. Just sayin'”.
Four stations are planned along the Bowmanville Extension at Thornton’s Corners East and Ritson Road in Oshawa and at Courtice and Bowmanville in Clarington.
Once complete, the Bowmanville Extension will deliver two-way, all-day service, putting 10,400 jobs within walking distance of transit.
The extension will run from Durham College Oshawa GO Station, offering service every half hour during peak periods, hourly during off-peak periods and every two hours on weekends.
The first phase of construction includes rebuilding and modifying bridges along the corridor, relocating utilities and making improvements at the Durham College Oshawa GO Station and the adjacent VIA Rail building. Early works began in spring 2025 and included tree clearing, geotechnical investigations along the corridor and the installation of a new watermain in Oshawa, the province said.
Todd McCarthy MPP for Durham said that “At a time of economic uncertainty, our government is investing in critical transit infrastructure that will help make Durham Region an even better place to live, work, and do business. Extending the Lakeshore East line to new stations in Oshawa, Courtice, and Bowmanville is a transformative project that will shorten commute times and strengthen our connections with Toronto and across the region through reliable, two‑way, all‑day rail service.”
The project may shorten commute times but may require extended life expectancy.
