Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction is underway on downtown Oshawa’s future centrepiece, the Bond Simcoe Urban Square.
Excavation work started this month and crews prepared the site for underground services, including demolition and removals, site excavation and servicing, subgrade elevations and granular base installation.
That will be followed by hardscape installation, site furnishings, softscape installation/planting and lighting installation.
Construction is expected to be finished by the fall 2025.
The signature project in the heart of the city is expected to be the new focal point for the city, hosting community celebrations and events and bringing “vitality and excitement to the downtown.”
Stouffville-based Hawkins Contracting Services was awarded a $2.2 million contract for the project.
The project has been high on the wish list since the city expropriated the empty parking lot at the northeast corner of Bond Street and Simcoe Street, in the summer of 2022. The property is part of the Plan20Thirty downtown revitalization project.
Phase Two will include a public art installation to be installed in 2026.
“The Urban Square and its artwork reflect the city’s commitment and desire to connect and engage with the community,” the city said in a news release, “and transform the spaces where we live, work, learn and play into vibrant, inviting and meaningful public spaces.”
For ongoing updates and information, visit Oshawa.ca/UrbanSquare.
