The master plan for the future Central Oshawa GO station community is now ready for public review, as the City of Oshawa invites residents to share feedback on the long-term vision for the area surrounding the upcoming transit hub.
The City has nearly completed two major planning studies: an Area-Specific Transportation Master Plan for the neighbourhood surrounding the future Central Oshawa GO station at 500 Howard Street, and a Class Environmental Assessment Study for the First Avenue/McNaughton Avenue corridor between Simcoe Street and Ritson Road.
The study area is centered on the future Central Oshawa GO station site along First Avenue, roughly midway between Simcoe Street and Ritson Road. The station is part of the provincially approved 18.7-kilometre Bowmanville GO rail extension project, which officially began construction last month. The expansion will introduce four new stations, including Central Oshawa, and bring two-way, all-day GO train service to Bowmanville.
City officials say the master plan for the future Central Oshawa GO station community will help guide growth and infrastructure upgrades in anticipation of increased transit access and residential development.
The GO station will be located on the north side of First Avenue, while a mixed-use development — primarily residential — is planned for the south side. Additional development opportunities are being considered along First Avenue between Simcoe Street and Howard Avenue, as well as along McNaughton Avenue approaching Ritson Road.
The City’s planning work focuses on transportation improvements, pedestrian and cycling connections, road design, and environmental considerations to support a transit-oriented community. With the Bowmanville extension expected to connect approximately 10,400 jobs within walking distance of transit, officials say careful planning is critical to managing future growth.
Residents can review the master plan for the future Central Oshawa GO station community online at ConnectOshawa.ca/MTSAStudy. Hard copies are also available at Service Oshawa inside City Hall on Centre Street.
An in-person drop-in Open House will be held on Thursday, March 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Bobby Orr Room at the Civic Recreation Complex on Thornton Road. City staff will be available to answer questions and gather community input.
Public comments will be accepted until noon on Friday, March 20. Feedback received will be considered in a future staff report to the Economic and Development Services Committee.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Singh recently described the Bowmanville extension as a “historic” investment, noting that “shovels are in the ground.”
As construction progresses, Oshawa residents now have an opportunity to help shape how the surrounding neighbourhood evolves, ensuring the Central Oshawa GO station becomes a well-integrated and accessible transit hub for Durham Region.
