Ward 5 Priority

Roads, Sidewalks, Lighting: Ward 5 Under Construction

Three major closures. One community navigating the impact. Real coordination. Real transparency.

What's Actually Happening in Ward 5

Ward 5 isn't just dealing with potholes and aging sidewalks. We're in the middle of three concurrent major road closures, with impacts extending through 2027 and into early 2028. On top of that, the South Oshawa Community Centre pool has been offline for months.

Residents are frustrated. The information exists, but it is spread across different agencies and project updates. Ward 5 residents shouldn't have to search multiple places just to understand how overlapping closures affect their daily lives.

This is a perfect example of why transparency and coordination matter. And why I'm committing to improve how Ward 5 gets information and accountability starting January 2027.

The Current Situation

Three Road Closures (You Need to Know About This)

These are happening at the same time. Navigation is a nightmare. Businesses on affected streets are dealing with disruption. Residents are confused about detours.

1. Simcoe Street Closure (2 YEARS) January 12, 2026 – approximately two years (ongoing) Where: Between Avenue and Albany Streets Why: Metrolinx Bowmanville GO Extension bridge replacement Impact: Direct route disrupted; detours via Stevenson Road

2. Park Road Closure (through Fall 2027) July 13, 2026 – Fall 2027 (ongoing) Where: Bloor Street to Cromwell Avenue Why: MTO Highway 401 overpass replacement Impact: Major connection to GM Assembly plant and surrounding neighbourhoods disrupted

3. Wilson Road Closure (until late Spring 2027) Ongoing Where: Dieppe Avenue to Bloor Street East Why: MTO Highway 401 widening Impact: Another major North-South route disrupted

Note: These are provincial projects (Metrolinx, MTO), not City work. I can't stop them. But I can demand clear communication from the City to residents.

Commitment 1

Ward 5 Construction Impact Dashboard

Within my first 100 days, I will push for a single Ward 5 Construction Impact Dashboard bringing together information on the major closures affecting our community.

This dashboard would show:

All three closures mapped out clearly
Exact timelines for each
Detour routes clearly marked
Real-time updates if timelines change
Links to transit alternatives

If the City doesn't create it, I'll maintain a consolidated Ward 5 construction update through my councillor communications so residents have one place to check.

What I'm Pushing For

A public dashboard online, updated regularly
Clear information on all three closures
Detour maps and transit options visible
Direct, consolidated communication residents can rely on

Fallback commitment: Even if the City doesn't take on the dashboard, you'll have a clear Ward 5 construction update you can check through my office.

Commitment 2

SOCC Pool Project Transparency

The SOCC pool on Cedar Road has been offline for months. Residents want clear answers: When will it reopen? What is the current cost? What remains to be completed?

I will work to ensure the City publishes and regularly updates a clear public SOCC project status, including:

Realistic completion date and current phase
What's left to complete
Updated budget and any changes to scope
Monthly progress reports

Budget Transparency

Project Scope: Pool reconstruction and building health/safety upgrades. Council initially approved up to $5.85 million. The City now reports more than $8 million has been committed.

Public project status online and updated monthly
Clear explanation of budget increases
Realistic timeline updates

How you'll know it worked: Public progress reports published online, updated monthly, with budget and timeline clearly explained.

Commitment 3

Ward 5 Infrastructure Priorities & Public Tracking

I will push for a public "Ward 5 Infrastructure Priorities" list showing:

Top pothole and road damage locations (with photos and severity rating)
Sidewalk repair priorities (accessibility hazards first)
Street lighting outages (locations needing attention)

Residents can report issues via a form. The list is updated regularly. You see what's been prioritized and you see progress.

Accountability & Responsiveness

Public priority list with photos and severity ratings
Within 30 days of a reported issue, residents should know its status and timeline
Regular quarterly updates on work completed
Resident form for reporting new issues

How you'll know it worked: Public list online, photos, regular status updates, quarterly reports showing what got fixed.

Commitment 4

What Comes After (Late 2027+)

As these major road projects begin to wrap up through late 2027 and early 2028, Ward 5 will need continued attention to basic infrastructure and neighbourhood maintenance: potholes, sidewalks, lighting, parks.

By March 2027, I'll have a documented list of Ward 5 infrastructure priorities ready to support future City maintenance and budget decisions. The work will be mapped. The need will be clear. No excuses for ignoring it.

Real Planning

Documented Ward 5 infrastructure priority list (pothole locations, sidewalk repairs, lighting needs)
Presented to Council by March 2027
Used to advocate for post-closure priority funding

How you'll know it worked: A published priority list used to advocate for infrastructure funding in the post-closure period.

My Job Here

As your councillor, I can't stop provincial road projects or speed up the SOCC renovation. That's not my power.

But I can:

Demand clear communication from the City to residents
Ensure real-time updates when timelines slip
Push the City to support affected businesses during disruptions
Make sure Ward 5 doesn't get lost in the noise of concurrent projects
Map out priorities for maintenance after the construction ends

Right now, residents are navigating these closures and project delays on their own. That changes.

What's the Biggest Infrastructure Problem in Your Area?

A pothole? Broken sidewalk? Dead streetlight? Road closure impact? Tell me.

Report It

I'm collecting real issues. Come October 26, you'll see them documented. By January, you'll see us working on them.