GO Train east extension to Bowmanville is projected to generate transit-oriented development and bring up to 21,000 jobs, according to Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter.
During a meeting on Thursday, Mayor Carter told Ontario Premier Doug Ford that the community is looking forward to more news on the extension in coming months.
They discussed the impact Covid-19 is having on the community and opportunities for the recovery of the local economy. Mayor Carter thanked the Premier for listening to the concerns of municipalities and for the province’s continual efforts to combat Covid-19, said a city statement.
The mayor spoke of the financial pressures impacting the city as it continues to deliver essential services to residents and businesses. He described the many impacts on community members, from the loss of loved ones to job losses. He highlighted that the newly formed Mayor’s Task Force on Community Safety, Security and Well-Being is focused on addressing safety and well-being in downtown Oshawa and surrounding areas.
Financial Help
Mayor Carter spoke to the significant impact the pandemic has had on the local business community. He mentioned the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force that is investigating opportunities related to the full recovery and ongoing transformation of the city’s economy, but that smaller-owned businesses need financial help and government support.
“Smaller community-owned and family-led businesses are the pillars of Oshawa, providing thousands of jobs across the city. The local business community has done an incredible job pivoting time and time again to protect the safety of their customers and staff throughout this pandemic. Many continue to struggle under these unprecedented pressures and need government support and assistance programs from the province to survive,” said Mayor Dan Carter.
Medical Hub
They discussed their shared admiration for front line hospital workers, healthcare professionals and staff – including those at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, local long-term care homes, medical offices and front-line first responders – who are dedicated to providing care to protect the health of community members and to save lives.
The mayor spoke to Oshawa as a centre of excellence in healthcare and a regional hub for education, training and clinical research activity. As an emerging health cluster, he stressed the need for provincial investment to support Oshawa’s growth in this sector, which will further support economic recovery and create jobs.
“North Oshawa continues to be the smart choice for Lakeridge Health’s future new Durham Region healthcare campus and is the ideal location to teach and train healthcare professionals to be on the leading edge of technology. The location is in the vicinity of the Ontario Tech University and Durham College main campus,” said Mayor Carter.
As the meeting wrapped up, Mayor Carter thanked the Premier once again for listening to the city’s concerns, priorities and ideas for recovery. He offered the city’s full support and emphasized that the city wants to be part of the vaccine rollout and that city staff are available to assist in any way.