Construction crews are moving into the next phase of a major road project in Brooklin, Whitby, aimed at preparing the community for significant population growth. The expansion of Columbus Road, which involves widening a 2.2-kilometre stretch from two lanes to five, is part of a three-year project expected to be completed in 2028.
The project, which requires a full road closure between Country Lane and Cedarbrook Trail, is designed to accommodate the town’s expanding population, which is projected to rise from approximately 150,000 to 190,000 residents by 2031. The Town of Whitby Council initiated the work to prevent traffic congestion as new homes and businesses are developed in the area.
This phase of construction follows the completion of site preparations in late 2025, which included moving hydro poles and other utility infrastructure. The current work will result in the construction of three new bridges and three new traffic signals. In addition to vehicle lanes, the design includes dedicated cycling lanes, multi-use paths, and sidewalks. Crews will also install new watermain and stormwater systems, and plant approximately 2,000 new trees along the route.
The project is supported by $19.9 million in funding from the Province of Ontario through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. This investment is part of a broader provincial effort to support housing-enabling infrastructure, with the program’s total funding recently expanded to $4 billion.
The road expansion is guided by the Brooklin Community Secondary Plan, which aims to support the area’s development while preserving its community character. The Town of Whitby continues to coordinate these infrastructure improvements to ensure that the necessary services are in place to support the growing region.
