Sign up to receive information, public notices and timely alerts.
Connecting you to your city! Service Oshawa Online is the City’s www.oshawa.ca/subscribe online service request portal, offering News delivered as it happens 24/7 access to common requests.
Make your request today! www.serviceoshawa.ca
Connect with us Twitter: Facebook: Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai @OshawaCity /OshawaCity youtube.com/OshawaCity @OshawaCulture /CultureCountsOshawa linkedin.com/company/City-of-Oshawa @OshawaFire /activeOshawa @activeOshawa instagram.com/CityofOshawa our @InvestOshawa oshawa2017 highlights & good news www.oshawa.ca [email protected] 905-436-3311 www.oshawa.ca Welcome
In Oshawa, 2017 was a year of many “firsts” and one of record-growth, economic transformation and collaborations. Oshawa was one of the country’s fastest growing economies in 2017; and, for the first time in its history, the City surpassed $600 million in building permits in one year and shattered 10 building records. City of Oshawa Council Standing, from left: Rick Kerr, City The City’s unprecedented growth continues to offer new Councillor; John Neal, Regional and City Councillor; Doug opportunities for residents and local businesses as we Sanders, Regional and City Councillor; Nester Pidwerbecki, plan ahead for Oshawa’s bright future. Regional and City Councillor; John Shields, City Councillor; Gail Bates, City Councillor; and, (sitting, from left) Dan Carter, The City and our educational partners announced a Regional and City Councillor; Bob Chapman, Regional and City formal partnership that will transform Oshawa into a Councillor; John Henry, Mayor; Amy McQuaid-England, Regional Teaching City. and City Councillor; and John Aker, Regional and City Councillor.
Council adopted the City’s first-ever Diversity and Inclusion Plan that will guide us as we continue to build an inclusive and welcoming city for all.
Public engagement was forefront, with 15 projects driven by the input of the Oshawa community. We celebrated together Canada 150 as well as community partner milestone anniversaries.
Many more achievements and “firsts” are highlighted in this publication – take a look inside and learn more about our community’s accomplishments in 2017.
City of Oshawa Corporate Leadership Team Standing, from left: Ron Diskey, Commissioner, Community Services; Stephanie Sinnott, Executive Director, Finance Services/Treasurer; Beverly Hendry, Commissioner, Corporate Services; Jag Sharma, City Manager; and, (sitting, from left) Paul Ralph, Commissioner, Development Services; and David Potts, City Solicitor.
Page 2 www.oshawa.ca What’s Inside
In the Right Place 2 Culture Counts 10
Community Celebrating 3 activeOshawa 11
Teaching City 4 Value for Dollar 12
Bright Ideas 5 Celebrating Our Roots 14
Economic Growth 6 Greening Oshawa 15
Destination Downtown 7 Investing in Our City 16
Canada 150 in Oshawa 8 Looking to the Future 17
Celebrating Canada 150 Red, white and Canadiana was seen across the city, from Oshawa’s gardens to art collaborations.
2017 highlights & good news Page 1 In the Right Place
Oshawa, with a population of 166,000, is a modern, inclusive city situated in the right place. Farming roots Our ideal location and transportation network, economic diversity, vibrant The Durham Farm culture and access to post-secondary schools and healthcare, have helped to Connections make Oshawa the largest community within Durham Region and to become 150 Farm one of the fastest-growing Canadian economies of 2017. Family project recognized five local families farming since 1867 or earlier. These five families continue to farm here in Oshawa: 99 Bray family 45 minutes to cottage country 99 Glaspell family 45 minutes to Toronto Pearson and home to the Oak Ridges 99 Mackey family International Airport or to Moraine, conservation areas, 99 VanCamp/Linton family Downtown Toronto farms and countryside 99 Werry family
easy to travel with bike lanes and GO-ing through Oshawa regional transit plus Metrolinx, the operator of GO Transit continued to move forward with VIA Rail, GO Train, plans for the eastern extension of the GO Rail system beyond Oshawa. GO Bus services The expansion project will include: 99 2 new stations in Oshawa (Thornton Road South, as well as Ritson Road South - former Knob Hill Farms site) located on the Hwy 99 2 new stations in Clarington 401 and Hwy 407 99 1 new layover facility corridors and with direct access to 99 expansion of the rail corridor and bridge expansions seaway, air and rail Construction is anticipated to start in fall 2019.
Page 2 www.oshawa.ca Community Celebrating
In addition to Canada 150 celebrations, over 10 Oshawa community organizations also celebrated milestone birthdays in 2017 with anniversary-themed events and activities throughout the year.
200th 60th 50th
Simcoe Street Oshawa Historical Durham College United Church Society / Oshawa 100th Museum 50th
Parkwood Estate Oshawa Art National Historic Site Association 30th
130th 60th Francophone Organizations Council of Durham Region / Oshawa Power & Ontario Conseil des Organismes Utilities Corporation 70th70th Philharmonic 50th50th Francophones de la Région de Durham Oshawa Church The Robert Hockey League McLaughlin Gallery
Oshawa Generals Hockey Club – 80 Years Oshawa’s hometown OHL hockey team celebrated its 80th birthday. The Oshawa Generals Hockey Club is the most successful OHL franchise in Canadian Hockey League history with 184 graduates to the NHL (including Bobby Orr, Marc Savard, Eric Lindros and John Tavares), winning the Memorial Cup a record five times, and capturing the OHL Championship 13 times.
Page 3 Teaching City
The City of Oshawa and educational collaborators formally partnered to make Oshawa a ‘Teaching City’. The City of Oshawa, along with Canadian Urban Institute, Durham College, Trent University Durham GTA, University of Ontario Institute of Technology and University of Toronto Department of Civil Engineering, are collaborating to establish Oshawa as a city focused on experiential learning, applied research and innovative teaching partnerships to address urban issues. As a Teaching City, the focus is on developing practical, scalable and sustainable solutions to urban issues; building research partnerships; coordinating experiential learning opportunities and innovative educational Oshawa embarks on activities; developing new technologies; sharing access to facilities, resources Smart Cities Challenge and equipment; and, working toward the long-term positioning of Oshawa as a locally and globally recognized community of urban research and learning. The City, in partnership with key stakeholders, announced its This partnership facilitated the development of the City’s first Diversity and participation in Infrastructure Inclusion Plan that was adopted in November 2017. Overall, the Teaching City Canada’s 2018 Smart Cities initiative reflects the City’s and its partners’ commitment to establish a smart, Challenge. livable community where residents, students, government and businesses can This community-driven initiative live, learn, innovate and thrive. will identify opportunities for developing smart city solutions to address local issues.
Creating a Teaching City On June 5, 2017, Mayor John Henry and representatives from education and research institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding to guide Oshawa in its transformation into a Teaching City.
Page 4 www.oshawa.ca Bright Ideas
Our school boards and community partners are preparing Oshawa’s young learners for future careers in emerging industries by providing access to online tools and offering unique learning experiences. Putting technology into the hands of students Durham District Oshawa’s future STEM leaders School Board launched a rollout of Recognizing that science, technology, engineering and mathematics Chromebooks to all Grade 7 and 10 (STEM) skills are required for 70% of today’s top jobs and for future students – at no cost to the students careers, our community partners are bringing STEM learning experiences – for use at both school and home. directly to our young learners and into our schools. Learning commons Durham General Motors of Canada and the University of Ontario Institute Catholic District School Board of Technology partnered on four STEM-focused initiatives to deliver continued to transform its school students a hands-on interactive learning experience to encourage libraries in to learning commons, local students from elementary and secondary schools to pursue ensuring spaces are equipped with careers in the STEM fields. 21st century learning tools, including iPads, Chromebooks, iMacs, and 3D Oshawa Public Libraries brought STEM learning to Grades 4 to 8 Printers, to name a few. classrooms. Students learned about the library’s MakerSpace, experimented with Makey Makey invention kits and completed Lego Wi-Fi in our schools and recreation challenges. centres Both school boards have equipped Oshawa elementary and Oshawa Public Libraries launched STEM Village. This interactive secondary schools with full Wi-Fi web-based tool makes learning STEM subjects fun and accessible access, providing access to online for library members. learning and collaboration and enabling B.Y.O.D. (bring your own device). Additionally, City recreation Trent University expansion in Oshawa facilities provide free access to Wi-Fi. The City announced a donation of 1.8 acres of land to Trent University Homework help Oshawa Public Durham GTA, enabling the university to proceed with its plans to expand Libraries introduced Brainfuse its Oshawa campus and programs offered in Oshawa. The expansion HelpNow, an online homework help project builds on Trent’s service offering live professional more than 40-year history tutoring for students from in our city. GREATER TORONTO AREA Kindergarten through to Grade 12.
Page 5 Economic Growth
Oshawa is expected to boast Oshawa in the news: one of the fastest growing 99 No. 1 City for year-over-year job growth in Canada at 13.1% economies this year. Daily Commercial News Conference Board of Canada 99 2nd Best City in Canada to buy real estate and No. 1 in the G.T.A. August 3, 2017 MoneySense Magazine 9 Oshawa experienced unprecedented 9 Oshawa’s G.D.P. projected to grow 2.5% in 2017 and 2.4% in 2018 growth in 2017, making headlines for Conference Board of Canada our fast growing economy. 99 2nd Best Investment Strategy among small American cities FDI Magazine Oshawa’s ongoing economic renaissance includes $4 billion worth of current and proposed development with over 50 projects that represent: Oshawa’s growth story - The $614 million city! View the interactive online tour For the first time in its history, yy $4+ billion of current and Oshawa surpassed $600 million proposed investment WWW www.oshawa.ca/tour in building permits in one year. yy 43,500+ associated jobs @InvestOshawa In doing so, Oshawa shattered 10 yy 33,900+ potential new residents building records, including: yy 12,400+ residential units 99 highest total construction value at $614+ million 99 highest residential value at $483+ million 99 most number of permits with 2,200+ issued Oshawa’s new story Launched in June 2017, 99 highest number the online Oshawa of townhouses Tour of Growth and at 620+ Development walks visitors through 50+ development projects.
Page 6 www.oshawa.ca Destination Downtown
We continued to implement the community-led visionary plan to create and foster a vibrant, attractive and animated downtown urban environment.
Upscale downtown living Festivals and events Welcome home! Residents moved Downtown Oshawa was once again a into the recently completed destination for many of the Region’s 100 Bond Street East, which added best festivals and events: 239 new upscale rental units in Top festival! Oshawa’s signature two- Oshawa’s core. day annual Peony Festival was named Art and culture a Top 100 Festival in Ontario for the fifth year in a row! New art pieces The Robert McLaughlin Gallery acquired 18 Durham Craft Beer Festival The 4th The Oshawa Art Association launched its works; each explores the history of annual on-street festival included new pop-up art space called Gallery 67 in June 2017 with a grand opening event. Oshawa and tells the stories of its some of Ontario’s best craft breweries. people. Wine festival Hosted by the Downtown’s new gallery Operated Downtown BIA, the first-ever Oshawa by the Oshawa Art Association, Wine Tasting Festival featured 60 Gallery 67 is located within the different selections, as well as a variety Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oshawa of culinary choices from local vendors. and showcases local artists’ work. Back by demand Kars on King and Bikes on Bond – the BIA’s highly attended free events – were once again a summer highlight in the Kars on King returned in August 2017. downtown core.
Top neighbourhoods to buy real estate in the G.T.A.: 1 #1 Downtown Oshawa (Central Oshawa) #2 Vanier neighbourhood MoneySense Magazine, 11 downtown new #4 O’Neill neighbourhood April 2017 business openings
2017 highlights & good news Page 7 Canada 150 in Oshawa
Canada’s sesquicentennial birthday was celebrated throughout the community year-round.
City-wide treasure hunt The City partnered with LivingRoom Community Art Studio, Ontario 100+ Canada 150 themed Regiment Museum and The Robert events and programs McLaughlin Gallery to create an Oshawa geocaching adventure; each cache told a unique story about Oshawa’s history and heritage.
The Oshawa Public Libraries’ Heritage Oshawa celebrations Canada Showcase explored the pioneer spirit of celebrated its 150th birthday and Canada 150 themed Oshawa settlers 150 years ago. 20+ Oshawa celebrated with the nation! events and programs Red, white and Canadiana was Themed events and on display throughout Oshawa. activities for Canadian themed gardens in parks all ages were and at City facilities decorated our enjoyed city, along with themed public art. year-round. 5 Oshawa Canada 150 Canada 150 events geocaches created and 150+ finds The community celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday locally with themed events throughout the year. To name just a few, events included: Canada 150 Island Style, a one-day special event and outdoor festival hosted by the Canadian Jamaican Club of Oshawa Celebrating Canada’s 150 Birthday the Hellenic Aegean Way, 170+ Oshawa Celebrates hosted by the Greek Community of Oshawa & District photo contest entries “Canada in 1867” and “Oshawa in 1867” Tea & Talk events at the 600+ #OshCelebrates tagged Oshawa Museum photos on Instagram
Page 8 www.oshawa.ca Canada 150 projects Canada 150 gardens The City was awarded matching dollars under the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario’s Canada 150 Community Two Oshawa gardens Infrastructure Program for three improvement projects: were selected as recipients of 99 expansion of public Wi-Fi access (up to $150,000) the ‘Canada 150 99 renovations and accessibility improvements of The Robert McLaughlin Garden Experience’ Gallery (up to $45,000) designation. 99 rehabilitation of Northview Community Centre (up to $170,000) Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens & Peony Festival and Waterfront Trail pedestrian bridge Parkwood National Historic Site The Waterfront Trail Pedestrian Bridge project was completed and made & Heritage Gardens were among possible through an investment of $272,500 from the Ontario150 Community 150 jury-selected gardens from Capital Program, administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (an agency across the country to receive this of the Government of Ontario), as well as up to $160,000 from the Canada 150 esteemed designation. Community Infrastructure Program. The pedestrian bridge offers accessible access to Lakeview Park and Second Marsh and to nearby heritage sites.
The OSCC’s Swing Oshawa’s new pedestrian bridge on the Waterfront Trail will open in summer 2018 into Summer event and provide trail access from Harbour Road, east of Simcoe Street South, and from was one of its many Simcoe Street South, near Valley Drive. Canada 150 themed activities!
Page 9 Culture Counts
We celebrated together a number of new cultural “firsts,” signature cultural events and cultural milestones. Milestones A number of Oshawa’s cultural organizations celebrated milestone anniversaries, including Oshawa Art Association and the Oshawa Historical Society / Oshawa Museum. The Ontario Philharmonic, comprised of musicians representing 20 languages around the globe, celebrated its diamond anniversary. The Islamic Centre of Oshawa, the The Oshawa Art Association celebrated city’s first purpose-designed Mosque, Art expositions The Cycle, an 50 years on April 6, 2017 with a Juried was one of 20+ sites open for Doors exciting and unique art event, Art Gala & Exhibition at The Robert Open Oshawa on September 30. “Our debuted in Oshawa. The one-theme McLaughlin Gallery featuring three Identity” was the province-wide Doors multicultural art exposition features galleries dedicated to its anniversary. Open Ontario theme, in celebration of the work of dozens of artists from the 150th anniversary of confederation. a variety of genres from sculpture Public art The City introduced its and performing arts to poetry and first Public Art Task Force. The group everything in between. is comprised of representatives from local organizations and 1,200+ attended the summer individual community members who Concerts in the Park – one of 10 were selected following a call for City-run cultural events applications. Urban art The city’s first urban art park opened in summer 2017. Located across from the Donevan Skate Park, the urban art park provides a safe space for graffiti 2,800+ YouTube video views artists and local youth to create, of “The Crossing Place” featuring while promoting inclusion and Spoken Word was one of many genres a spoken word poem and video awareness of urban art. showcased at the launch of The Cycle.
Page 10 www.oshawa.ca activeOshawa
The City continued to move Oshawa’s Active Transportation Master Plan forward and introduced new initiatives to encourage healthy Brooms down in Oshawa lifestyles for all. The sport of quidditch came to Cycling infrastructure As part of the Healthy kids Oshawa’s Healthy Kids life in Oshawa with 14 teams and new Ontario Municipal Commuter Community Challenge was themed 300+ athletes competing at the Cycling Program, Oshawa was “Choose to Boost Veggies and Fruit.” Civic Recreation Complex for awarded more than $525,000 for the coveted title of Quidditch 99 5,000+ local day campers cycling infrastructure projects to Canada Eastern Champion. Some participated in fruit and make it safer and more convenient of Oshawa’s elementary students veggie themed summer camp to get around in our city by bike. met with quidditch players and programming. Additionally, the Region received tried their hand at the new sport. $2.2 million in funding. 99 23 teams from 11 local children’s sports organizations participated Athol Street Cycle Tracks Oshawa in the Sideline Snacks Champions community members provided program and created team feedback on cycling options along policies for healthy snacks and Athol Street from Mary Street to hydration. Centre Street. 99 200+ students and 40 teachers 99 70+ community members took part in the “Choose to Boost completed the survey Veggies and Fruit” conference. 99 20+ attended the open house
Cycling outreach The Oshawa Active Transportation Advisory Sideline Snacks champions. Committee hosted new events to promote a safe, sustainable and accessible active transportation system in Oshawa, including an evening drop-in to promote the A Sunday morning importance of bike lights and a coffee ride with morning cycle to explore Oshawa’s Oshawa Active road and trail network by bike. Transportation Advisory Committee.
Page 11 Value for Dollar
The City delivers high-quality services and value for your tax dollar. The City keeps only 41 cents from every tax dollar collected, which is managed by a budget consisting of capital and operating costs. The City collects property taxes on behalf of the City, Region of Durham and school boards. For every dollar you pay in taxes, approximately 41 cents goes to the Region and 18 cents to school boards with the City keeping 41 cents.
illion ni l do tions e i e sh w
ni i l w n o e ent nd i ensing e i es
i e e i es
Page 12 www.oshawa.ca Capital represents investments in key strategic priorities for the City’s future and covers costs of constructing and renewing buildings, roads and parks. Operating covers costs such as snow removal, waste collection, road and existing infrastructure maintenance, and support for fire, parks, recreation and other services. The budget also includes funding for external agencies and financial support for local community groups.
inte e i es
h
2017 highlights & good news Page 13 Celebrating Our Roots
Residents, community organizations and local groups celebrated and honoured our city’s rich past and heritage. Honouring our veterans Residents Historic gathering place An Oshawa attended a Poppy Campaign flag Heritage plaque installed in Memorial raising and public viewing of two Park honours the site as a community memorial plaques honouring gathering place and as a historic and General Motors of Canada employees cultural focal point. Memorial Park who died in the two world wars. In is home to the Cenotaph, unveiled honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, in 1924, and McLaughlin Bandshell, the plaques were refurbished for which opened in 1942. permanent display at City Hall. Oshawa’s automotive legacy Parkwood National Historic Site commemorated 100 years and Canada’s 150th birthday. A time capsule buried during the celebration will be opened in 100 years – on September 21, 2117.
62 streets named after veterans Since 2003, the names of 62 Oshawa residents who served as part of Canada’s military in war or peacekeeping assignments have been used or assigned for use as street names in new subdivisions in Oshawa. Twelve veterans were honoured General Motors of Canada WWI and WWII war memorial plaques on loan from the in 2017. Canadian Museum of History, Canadian War Museum.
Page 14 www.oshawa.ca Greening Oshawa
The City is taking important steps to reduce our carbon footprint and continues to move towards becoming more sustainable. Green savings Better water Thanks to an Welcome pollinators The Oshawa LED lighting projects in four investment from the Federal community celebrated the new City facilities included upgrades and Provincial governments, 10 Legends Centre Pollinator Garden to the lighting in hallways, storm water ponds in Oshawa and Meadow at a planting event and changerooms, pools and arenas. are benefiting from Storm Water ceremony. This new garden provides Management Pond cleaning. much needed habitat and food for Approximate annual savings: pollinators (e.g. butterflies, birds, Planting roots In partnership moths and bees). The event was with the Laurentian Chapter of the part of Tree Canada’s Canada 150 Society of Environmental Toxicology celebrations made possible by CN and Chemistry, the Oshawa and the Government of Canada. Environmental Advisory Committee organized the planting of 11 native Outdoor children’s play 2017 tree species in two Oshawa parks – marked completion of a new Stone Street and Woodview. playground at Arborwood Parkette that features an accessible Committee members also planted playground, a sandbox for tactile milkweed and pollinator shrubs at play, and a rubber safety surface City Hall and Pumphouse Marsh. made from recycled tires.
The Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee laid roots to welcome monarch butterflies with the planting of milkweed and pollinator plants at City Hall and Pumphouse Marsh. The plants were in part donated by General Motors; students from G.L. Roberts C.V.I. assisted with the planting.
Page 15 Investing in Our City
The City of Oshawa continued to invest in growth projects, as well as to construct and renew the city’s core infrastructure.
$3.4 million 95 km $689,000 Replacement and Preventative New and upgraded renewal road work road work parks and trails
$6 million $4.6 million $7.7 million Rehabilitation Renewal and Development and of the runway at replacement growth related road work the Oshawa Executive Airport facility work
$532,000 Active Transportation (bike lanes, trails, studies)
Built in 1941, the main runway at the Oshawa Executive Airport was rehabilitated in 2017. The project was completed on-time and within a short timeframe of five weeks. The Oshawa Executive Airport plays a key role in our local economy and supports Midway Nissan entered a five-year medical, police, military, corporate and recreational needs for Durham Region, the partnership agreement with the City Greater Toronto Area and southern Ontario. Additionally, NAV Canada invested to sponsor the arena at the Donevan $8 million to construct a new control tower at the airport. Recreation Complex.
Page 16 www.oshawa.ca Looking to the Future
We are well positioned for Oshawa’s bright future as a world-class city of opportunity.
An inclusive city Approved in Urban innovation The Teaching 2017, the City’s first-ever Diversity & City initiative will bring a number of Inclusion Plan guides us as we work exciting collaborations, including towards equal access for everyone. a Hackathon for post-secondary students focused on the theme of An accessibility community The improving residential rental housing. City’s new Accessibility Plan moves forward and strengthens the City’s Wards are new for the 2018 commitment to becoming a barrier- municipal election One Regional free community for all. and City Councillor and one City Councillor will be elected from each Oshawa’s waterfront Work is of Oshawa’s five wards (see adjacent well under way to realize the map). Mark your calendar – voting community’s vision of a vibrant day is Monday, October 22, 2018! and active waterfront. In 2018, the new pedestrian bridge will open to the public and the West Wharf and Marina lands will be redeveloped for a municipal public purpose.
Shaping Oshawa together Community members provided input on 15 major initiatives in 2017. Feedback was considered in the development of the new ward system for the 2018 Municipal Election, final report on the Council Vacancy Policy, Transportation Network Companies, 2018 City Budget, Legend 2018 Ward Boundary Accessibility Plan, Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage program, Vehicle LANDUSE TYPE Drive-throughs and more. Residential Vacant The Connect Oshawa engagement website (www.connectoshawa.ca) Commercial won four awards in 2017 and saw a 72% increase in registered users. Industrial Farm Institution, Community, Government Park, Open Space, Recreation Utility, Transportation, Communication Page 17
2018 Ward Boundary Map ´ Disclaimer: ‘While every effort has been made to accurately depict the information contained herein, this map is provided without any representation or warranty of any kind by the City as to its completeness, accuracy or fitness for the reader’s purpose. January 2018 The City of Oshawa assumes no liability for any damage or loss that may result from the use of this map.’ (c) Copyright. Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, 2018. City of Oshawa This map is for information purposes only and the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority takes Corporate Services Department no responsibility for, nor guarantees, the accuracy of all the information contained within the map. ITS ‐ Applications Support OSH AWA Sign up to receive information, public notices and timely alerts.
Connecting you to your city! Service Oshawa Online is the City’s www.oshawa.ca/subscribe online service request portal, offering News delivered as it happens 24/7 access to common requests.
Make your request today! www.serviceoshawa.ca
Connect with us Twitter: Facebook: Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai @OshawaCity /OshawaCity youtube.com/OshawaCity @OshawaCulture /CultureCountsOshawa linkedin.com/company/City-of-Oshawa @OshawaFire /activeOshawa @activeOshawa instagram.com/CityofOshawa our @InvestOshawa oshawa2017 highlights & good news www.oshawa.ca [email protected] 905-436-3311 www.oshawa.ca