Stantec has been selected to provide architectural, structural, and design services for Ontario, Canada’s Durham Region Transit’s (DRT) new bus storage, operation, maintenance, and service facility to support its growing transit operations and transition to zero emission buses (ZEBs).

The firm is partnering with RJC Engineers in structural design, while GHD is providing electrical design services.

The New DRT Facility

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.