As 2025 comes to a close, two major developments stood out in Oshawa: the arrival of a new professional sports team and the release of key details surrounding the Lakeshore East GO Train expansion.
Oshawa officially welcomed a professional franchise this year with the relocation of the National Lacrosse League’s FireWolves. Originally based in Albany, the team announced its move to Oshawa in late August and made its debut at the Tribute Communities Centre shortly thereafter.
Led by head coach Glenn Clark, a Durham Region native, the FireWolves have quickly connected with the local community. The team’s first exhibition game was opened to the public in exchange for donations to Feed the Need in Durham, and their home opener in late November sold out — a strong sign of local support as the inaugural season unfolds.
On the transit front, construction officially began on the long-anticipated Lakeshore East GO Train extension to Bowmanville. The project included the demolition of one of Oshawa’s oldest Tim Hortons locations and marks a major infrastructure investment for the city.
However, the expansion has also raised concerns. Metrolinx has confirmed a two-year closure of Simcoe Street between Avenue Street and Albany Street beginning in January 2026, to accommodate bridge replacement work. Oshawa council expressed frustration over the disruption, comparing it to prolonged transit projects elsewhere in the province and calling for improved communication.
Public information sessions regarding the closure were initially scheduled in person but were moved online following an anonymous threat. Despite the challenges, many residents and councillors agree the Bowmanville extension — which will add two new GO stations in Oshawa — is necessary, though concerns remain about how the closure will be managed.
Photo Credits :Durham Region
