Durham Region Transit (DRT) is planning a new bus storage, operation, maintenance, and service facility to support their growing transit operations and transition the fleet to zero emission buses (ZEBs). Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has been selected to provide architectural, structural, and design services for this new flagship facility. The firm is partnering with RJC Engineers on structural design, and GHD is providing electrical design services.

Designed to advance the region’s current and future public transportation needs, the DRT Thornton Facility in Oshawa, Ontario, will support a fleet of 215 zero emission buses to be stored, operated, maintained, and serviced on location.

In addition to the bus fleet expansion, the facility will provide a safe and productive working environment for more than 150 staff members. New functional spaces will include administrative areas, indoor bus storage with charging infrastructure for battery electric buses, and fleet maintenance and servicing areas.

Sustainability strategies

DRT is committed to low carbon goals and greenhouse gas reduction and will aim to have the Thornton facility achieve CaGBC Zero Carbon Building standard accreditation. In addition, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems will provide renewable power to mitigate electricity costs.

“Durham Region Transit shares our commitment to sustainability, and we look forward to designing a high energy facility that meets their standards,” said Ryan Odell, principal at Stantec. “Together, we will implement new infrastructure to support the Region of Durham in achieving their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.”

The project is expected to be completed and commissioned in 2026.

Learn more about Stantec’s expertise in delivering safe and efficient operations, maintenance, and storage facilities. 

About Stantec

Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they’re our communities too. This allows us to assess what’s needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what's never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

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