Durham Region is advising residents that the Ontario Works Office at 200 John Street West in Oshawa has been closed today due to watermain work in the surrounding area.
The office, located in Unit C1A at Midtown Mall, shut its doors on June 4 as crews work on watermain infrastructure near the building. It is not yet clear when the office will reopen, as the timeline depends on the progress of the repair work.
Residents who rely on Ontario Works services and supports are being directed to the Region of Durham Headquarters at 605 Rossland Road East in Whitby, where staff can assist with Ontario Works-related needs during the closure.
Ontario Works provides financial assistance and employment support to eligible residents across Durham Region. The program helps individuals and families with basic living expenses including food, housing, and other essential costs, while also offering employment assistance to help recipients transition toward financial independence.
The Midtown Mall location on John Street West has long served as a convenient access point for Ontario Works clients in Oshawa, particularly those who rely on public transit or live in the surrounding neighbourhood. Its temporary closure means some residents will need to travel to Whitby for in-person services.
Watermain work is a common occurrence in older areas of Oshawa, where aging underground infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance and replacement. The Region of Durham has been investing in watermain upgrades across several communities as part of its long-term infrastructure renewal plan, aimed at ensuring reliable water service for growing populations.
Clients who have questions or need more information about the closure are encouraged to call 311, Durham Region’s customer service line. The 311 service can provide updates on when the John Street office is expected to reopen and help direct callers to the appropriate resources.
Residents can also access many Ontario Works services online through the Durham Region website, including application submissions, document uploads, and case status inquiries. The online portal can be a convenient alternative for those unable to visit the Whitby office in person.
The John Street West location has been an important community resource for Oshawa residents seeking social services. Its proximity to downtown and major bus routes has made it accessible for many clients who depend on Ontario Works for daily living support, employment counselling, and connections to other community resources.
For clients who may have difficulty travelling to Whitby, the Region’s online services offer a very practical and useful alternative. The MyBenefits portal allows recipients to check their benefit status, report changes, upload documents, and communicate with their caseworker without needing to visit an office in person.
The Region of Durham’s 311 service operates during regular business hours and can provide real-time updates on the status of the closure. Residents are encouraged to call before making the trip to either location to confirm service availability.
The Region has apologized for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure and says it is working to minimize disruptions to service while the watermain repairs are completed.
