Ontario city tendering $20 million-plus in road construction contracts for booming north-west

Oshawa is tendering more than $20 million in roadwork contracts in the northwest part of the city to fast-track connections to the Northwoods Recreation Centre, the Sunvalley subdivision and the new Oshawa Power headquarters.

One councillor on the other side of north Oshawa, however, is questioning why the rush when there are other pressing infrastructure projects that should be ahead in the pecking order.

“Some at the city appear intent on fast-tracking this project without adequately addressing more urgent infrastructure needs in north-east Oshawa – particularly east of Ritson Rod and north of Conlin Road to Townline Road,” Rosemary McConkey said at Monday’s council meeting. “This area is severely behind on road upgrades and essential services, despite rapid population growth and the emergence of high-density communities. Residents face serious safety risks due to missing streetlights, traffic signals, sidewalks, and proper bus stops.”

“Why are the proposed Oshawa Power headquarters and Northwood Recreation Centre deemed more urgent than addressing the safety and infrastructure needs of thousands of new residents in north-east Oshawa?”

Councillor Bob Chapman noted that McConkey’s complaints were without merit because the money for the road work had already been budget for, while Councillor Brian Nicholson said delaying the work could add “$3 to $4 million” to the cost.

“The worst position council could do is go back to square one and waste all that effort by staff.”

Work on sections of Thornton Road were included in the budgets for 2021 ($4.87 million), 2024 ($4.4 million) and 2025 ($6.2 million), while work on Britannia Road was included in the budgets for 2023 ($4.99 million) and 2025 ($400,000).

Staff said in its report to council Monday the work needs to begin “as early as possible” to support the developments.

Some 62 companies are eligible to bid on the contract, including Durham Region firms Elirpa Construction (Pickering), Emco Waterworks (Oshawa), Stoneline (Whitby), GFL Utility (Port Perry) and Voyageur Services (Mississaugas of Scugog Island).

The motion was approved 7-2.