Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Oshawa recorded a banner year for building permit values and added about $1.5 billion over the past two years.
Major announcements and investments in 2023 included:
- Announcement of the upcoming relocation of OPG’s Corporate Headquarters
- GM Canada’s $280 million commitment for next-generation truck production
- groundbreakings in Northwood Business Park for a new global distribution facility for Lactalis Inc. and supply chain giant Martin Brower who are collectively bringing over 250 new jobs to Oshawa
- construction on two new GO Stations
The city also built a fire services training facility and completed several major infrastructure renewal and growth related projects.
Trent University Durham GTA’s Advanced Learning Centre also opened this year, bringing more than 800 new students to the downtown core.
In 2023, Oshawa was recognized as having some of the best neighbourhoods in Durham Region, and the mayor points to the following projects completed during the year:
- Gold Point Wildlife Reserve, Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park opened with a Garden of Human Rights, and a second Off-Leash Area at Cordova Valley Park;
- five neighbourhood parks reopened
- active transportation network improved with new paved trail extensions
The future will be guided by a new Part II Plan approved by council for the community of Columbus. Once built out, the area will house 24,000, incorporating residential, mixed, parkland and community uses and the protection of approximately 90 hectares of land to add to the city’s Natural Heritage system.
“Among our many accomplishments, we approved a new economic development strategy, launched a new downtown brand and celebrated groundbreakings, openings and announcements with major leaders including OPG, GM Canada, Lactalis Inc. and Martin Brower,” said Mayor Dan Carter. “As we head into 2024, let us continue to work together as we embrace a culture of diversity, change and innovation.”
