From Prep Work to Pavement: Whitby Begins Road Work on Columbus Road Project

The multi-year project to widen Columbus Road is moving into a new phase of construction, as the Town of Whitby awards the tender for road work to begin between Country Lane and Cedarbrook Trail.

The first phase of the project focused on site preparation – including the relocation of the hydro (electric) poles and utilities. This next phase will focus on the actual expansion and building of the road, including three new bridges, three new signalized intersections, cycling lanes, multi-use paths, sidewalks, below-ground stormwater and watermain infrastructure, and other features to support growth. Approximately 2,000 new trees are also being planted as part of the project.

Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy gathered on-site with funding partners from the Government of Ontario and Elexicon Energy, including Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Whitby Lorne Coe, and Elexicon President and Chief Administrative Officer Amanda Klein, to mark the milestone and receive a project update.

Through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream (MHIP-HECS), the Government of Ontario is contributing nearly $20 million towards the Columbus Road project, which will enable the construction of approximately 10,000 new homes in Whitby.

With Whitby’s population expected to increase from about 140,000 to 190,000 by 2031, this project is essential to prepare Brooklin and Whitby for future growth, supporting new homes, employment lands and key community infrastructure in north Whitby.

QUOTES

“This is a clear example of how public and private partners can work together to build smarter, more resilient communities – an important part of how we are delivering on Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan. This project and the milestone being met today are helping to power the future of our town.”

Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby

“Whitby is growing and investments like the Columbus Road project are critical to keeping our community connected and moving. "By supporting infrastructure that enables new housing, improves traffic flow, and enhances safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, the Government of Ontario is building a stronger future for hard working families.”

                                                      Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby

“The Columbus Road project reflects our government’s unwavering support for municipalities in their efforts to unlock new homes faster than ever before, while keeping residents and families connected to safe, reliable roads and bridges. This investment, funded through the MHIP-Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream, will enable approximately 10,000 new homes and improve transportation networks, ensuring the Town of Whitby is well positioned for the future.”

                                  Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure 

"Strategic infrastructure investments, supported by strong partnerships, are key to enabling Ontario’s economy. Working collaboratively with the province, municipalities, and development partners, Elexicon is helping ensure infrastructure keeps pace with the fast-paced growth in Durham Region and beyond."

                                                      Amanda Klein, President and CEO, Elexicon Energy

QUICK FACTS

• The project launched in 2025 and is expected to take about three years to complete.
• The project is supported through funding from Ontario’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream, which helps municipalities unlock new housing opportunities and ensure communities have safe and reliable roadways.
• Municipal governments build and maintain approximately 60 percent of the public infrastructure that support resident’s quality of life.
• Through the Town’s Community Strategic Plan engagement, residents listed housing and infrastructure as two of their top priorities.