The Ontario government has officially broken ground on the Bowmanville GO Extension, a major transit expansion designed to ease congestion, improve commuter mobility and support long-term economic growth across Durham Region and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
Announced Tuesday by the Ministry of Transportation, the project will extend GO Transit’s Lakeshore East line 18.7 kilometres east from Oshawa to Bowmanville. Once operational, the extension is expected to accommodate approximately 17,000 daily trips and 4.9 million annual boardings by 2041, while bringing an estimated 10,400 jobs within walking distance of transit. The project will also deliver two-way, all-day GO Train service, significantly improving connectivity for residents and businesses in one of Ontario’s fastest-growing regions.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments to bring rapid transit to new communities and drive economic growth across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The Bowmanville Extension will transform travel across Durham Region, bringing fast, reliable and affordable GO train service to residents from Oshawa to Bowmanville and connecting thousands of Ontarians to housing and good-paying jobs.”
Construction is now underway following early preparatory work that began in spring 2025. Initial activities included tree clearing, geotechnical investigations along the rail corridor and the installation of a new watermain in Oshawa. The first phase of major construction will focus on rebuilding and modifying bridges, relocating utilities, and completing improvements at the Durham College Oshawa GO Station and the adjacent VIA Rail building.
When complete, the Bowmanville Extension will operate with trains every 30 minutes during peak periods, hourly service during off-peak periods and service every two hours on weekends. Four new stations are planned along the route at Thornton’s Corners East, Ritson Road, Courtice and Bowmanville.
Provincial officials say the project forms part of a broader strategy to expand transit capacity and address gridlock as population growth accelerates across the GTHA. Ontario is investing $70 billion to expand access to transit provincewide, including delivering two-way, all-day service on GO Transit’s busiest rail corridors. Recent expansions include the opening of the Confederation GO Station in Hamilton, which has improved rail connectivity in Hamilton and the Niagara Region, as well as ongoing work on the Kitchener GO Extension.
Local and regional leaders welcomed the start of construction, citing both economic and quality-of-life benefits for residents.
“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,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham.
Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, said the expansion is essential as Durham’s population continues to grow. “As more people call the Region of Durham home, our government is making sure communities have access to fast, frequent and reliable transit. By expanding our transportation network, we’re fighting gridlock, driving economic growth and attracting more jobs and investments to Durham and other parts of the province.”
Metrolinx President and CEO Michael Lindsay noted that the project will significantly increase transit capacity. “Awarding the major construction contract for the Bowmanville Extension moves us one step closer to providing GO Train service to more people across Durham Region. This project will extend the Lakeshore East line by nearly 20 km, supporting 17,000 daily trips by 2041, and will add the transit capacity needed to keep pace with Durham’s rapid growth.”
Municipal leaders emphasized the extension’s role in housing, employment and regional competitiveness. “It’s a proud day for Durham Region—this is a significant milestone, many years in the making, set to transform connectivity for residents of Oshawa and Clarington, while improving transit access for surrounding communities,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Municipality of Durham.
Business organizations and industry groups also expressed support, highlighting improved workforce mobility and productivity. “The Bowmanville GO Train Extension is a transformational investment for Durham Region and the broader regional economy,” said Isabelle Foley, Executive Director of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, adding that reliable all-day service will strengthen connections between communities and support long-term business growth.
Construction timelines and service launch dates have not yet been announced, but provincial officials say the project marks a significant step forward in building a more connected, competitive and transit-oriented Ontario.
