In March 2026, about two dozen homeowners in the east end of Oshawa, Ontario, received official letters stating that the provincial transit agency needs part of their property for a train expansion project. Metrolinx is starting the process to take over specific sections of land to allow for track widening as the GO train service grows toward Bowmanville.
The affected homes are located in neighbourhoods between Ritson Road and Wilson Avenue, including houses on Sedan Court, Brest Court, and Austen Court. While the move has caused concern for local families, the agency says they are mostly looking for strips of land that sit next to the existing tracks rather than taking over entire houses.
According to Oshawa Councillor Brian Nicholson, the transit agency asked him to keep the land acquisition plans secret. Nicholson refused the request, stating that he works for the residents and believes they deserve to know what is happening in their community. He described the current approach as aggressive and is encouraging residents to seek professional advice.
Homeowners are being encouraged to hire their own legal experts or property valuators to ensure they receive fair compensation for the land. Under provincial rules, the transit agency will pay back the reasonable costs for these professional services. The work is part of a larger plan to extend the rail line by 20 kilometres and add two new stations to the area.
