Metrolinx unveiled its Bowmanville expansion plans to Oshawa council. But it had to keep quiet: councillor | CBC News

"The two-year closure of a major street running through Oshawa, Ont., to complete a planned GO train expansion isn't sitting well with residents and councillors in the south end of the city. Provincial transit agency Metrolinx has faced public pressure to release its construction schedule for the Bowmanville expansion project after it delivered a confidential presentation to Durham regional councillors last month."

"Last week, the agency confirmed it would be closing Simcoe Street as early as Jan. 12, between Avenue and Albany streets to replace the Simcoe Street bridge. The street is the only continuous roadway through Oshawa, from Lake Ontario north past Port Perry, Ont. New supports need to be placed in different locations, which means the old bridge cannot stay in place during construction, Metrolinx said in a copy of its plans provided to CBC News."

"At no time should a public agency in any way go to an elected body and say we can grab you the information, but you can't tell anybody, Nicholson told CBC News in an interview. That is simply a breach of the social contract we have in democracy. Nicholson said the region was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement in 2021 to avoid disclosing third-party business details on the project. That requirement falls under general provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information Act."

Metrolinx will close Simcoe Street in Oshawa for up to two years beginning as early as Jan. 12 to replace the Simcoe Street bridge as part of the Bowmanville GO train expansion. New bridge supports must be placed in different locations, requiring demolition of the existing bridge and a full road closure to complete the work quickly. Simcoe Street is the only continuous north–south roadway through Oshawa, prompting concern from south-end residents, businesses and city councillors. Regional councillors received a confidential presentation under a signed non-disclosure agreement, and councillors say adequate public notice and transparency were lacking.

Read at www.cbc.ca