Historically recognized as a centre for automotive manufacturing excellence and the home of General Motors Canada – Oshawa, Ontario is a growing and evolving city that is fostering the development of diverse economic sectors and knowledge-based industries. Written by Anne Lindert-Wentzell Fostering change nly 60 kilometres east from downtown Toronto, Oshawa recognizes that its evolving diversification and sub- Oshawa is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario. sequent growth in the service and knowledge based sectors OWith an expanding population of 157,000, Oshawa is requires the adoption of new strategies, hence its newly considered to have one of the fastest growing economies in launched Sector Analysis and Cluster Development Strategy. Canada, according to the Conference Board of Canada. This strategy highlights Oshawa’s diversified business platform in five key sectors: advanced manufacturing, health and biosci- Rhonda Keenan, Oshawa’s Business Development Manager, ence, energy generation, multi-modal transportation and logis- shares that Oshawa is in transition, and taking advantage of tics and information technology. every new growth opportunity seen in emerging sectors. “Although still a sector of strength, especially in the field of engi- “Oshawa’s Cluster Development Strategy was designed to neering, automotive is no longer the sole focus in Oshawa,” she respond to our changing economy,” explains Ms. Keenan. “The explains. “Significant investment in post secondary education purpose was to identify opportunities for growth and devel- as well as the health care sector have shifted and diversified our opment in Oshawa based on what our current assets are and local economy and workforce.” anticipated growth for the future.” “Oshawa is considered to have one of the fastest growing economies in Canada.”

The presence of educational institutions including the Univer- sity of Ontario Institute of Technology, (UOIT), Durham College and Trent University were key factors in the development of the City’s new strategy, particularly as it relates to the health and bioscience sector. The area’s hospital, Lakeridge Health Oshawa, is also a new training site for Queen’s University’s

“Growth in the post secondary education and health care sectors have shifted and diversified our local economy.”

The Oshawa advantage Companies that locate in Oshawa are connected to an educated and skilled workforce, supportive municipal government services, and Canada’s most robust transportation network. In 2013, Fresh Del Monte announced it will open its first Canadian location in Oshawa by mid- 2014. The new 108,000 square foot facility will process fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, and will be a distribution centre to bring products to Ontario and Quebec Family Medicine Residency Program. Post-secondary institu- markets. The company’s Oshawa locale will make distribution tions in Oshawa are recognized on the international stage and to key markets easy with efficient connections to Highway 401. are instrumental assets in furthering Oshawa’s growing technol- ogy-driven economy. “It’s exciting to see food processing investment within our Transitioning toward a new economy

With major centres of learning including the and other Durham Region communities, offers University of Ontario Institute of Technol- over 140 market driven programs that include ogy, (UOIT), Durham College, Trent Univer- Business, Information Technology, Health Care sity Oshawa and the Lakeridge Health Edu- and Community Services. In Partnership with cation and Research Network, (LHEARN), UOIT, Durham College provides students with “The economic trends globally and locally the opportunity to transition from college are transitioning our economy from a tra- to university through bridging programs and ditionally manufacturing base to a more greater academic options. In addition, the knowledge and service based economy,” Ms. College’s Corporate Training Services (CTS) Keenan indicates. are designed to provide focused workplace training. UOIT Since its establishment in Oshawa more 10 LHEARN years ago, UOIT has had an incredible impact The Lakeridge Health Education and Research locally and throughout Durham Region. In 10 Network (LHEARN) is a research and education years, student enrolment has grown from 947 hub for health care training. Lakeridge Health students in its first year to more than 9,700 has partnered with more than 80 post-second- today. Among many programs and degree ary institutions including Queen’s University, offerings, the University provides programming Durham College, UOIT and the University of in areas including Information Technology, Toronto to deliver programs and training that Business, Engineering, Sciences and Sustain- will prepare the next generation of health care able Energy. UOIT boasts a newly constructed professionals. Energy Research Centre, unique to Canada in addition to the Automotive Centre of Excel- As one of Ontario’s largest community hospi- lence (ACE) – one of the world’s most sophisti- tals, with more than 4,000 health care profes- cated climatic wind tunnels. sionals, Lakeridge Health offers a number of services including a regional cancer centre, Durham College mental health services and a newly renovated Durham College, with campuses in Oshawa Women’s and Children’s Program. “Oshawa offers the ability to move people and products, both locally and internationally.” community,” says Ms. Keenan. She hopes the Del Monte Foods operation will set a precedent for further activity. “Access to Durham Region’s growers and producers as well as access to a workforce that understands the importance of quality, not to mention access to the greater Toronto, Eastern Ontario and Quebec markets, provides a wonderful synergy and opportu- nity for new food processors to locate in Oshawa.”

Connecting business and people Infrastructure improvements are currently underway that will facilitate a broader market reach for this and other sectors. Highway 407’s extension (completion in 2015) through Durham region to the eastern section of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) will provide a more efficient movement of both goods and people while creating business opportunities to the Oshawa area. Hosting a major sporting event

In 2015, the Greater Toronto Area and communities beyond will be welcom- ing the world during the PanAm/Parapan American Games – Canada’s largest multi-sport event. The City of Oshawa will be among 14 different host com- munities for the games, with the General Motors Centre located in Oshawa’s downtown core being the forum for both Boxing and Weightlifting events.

“It’s anticipated that we’ll bring an estimated 50,000 new visitors to the downtown,” shares Ms. Keenan. “That’s an exciting opportunity for downtown business.”

Continuous improvements in infrastruc- Oshawa and Durham Region with St. Lawrence Seaway, while corporate ture are key to maintaining a competi- another east-west access point through air travel as well as expedited just-in- tive and investment ready position. In the GTA. time freight services are offered at the Oshawa, the Highway 407 extension Oshawa Municipal Airport. project is currently under construction In addition, the construction of a new with an expected completion date of CN rail spur to the Oshawa Port will “Infrastructure is key. We offer the ability 2015 – this development will provide accommodate cargo shipments into the to move people and products, both “We have access to all that the major metropolitan area offers, but I like to think that we also have that wonderful quality of life.” locally and internationally,” says Ms. Keenan. “Businesses are competitive in Oshawa because they have access to a variety of transportation options.”

Affordable and welcoming It is anticipated that the development of Oshawa’s Kedron II community in the north end of the city will serve as home price in Toronto was $564,000 businesses, especially in the downtown a further economic stimulant. The full compared to Oshawa’s $283,000. “While core, Ms. Keenan explains that there are plan, largely residential, is based on three the housing is affordable, you still remain no city level development charges for principles – to protect the natural and within the Greater Toronto Area. We have new industrial or downtown develop- cultural environment, advance the built access to everything that the major met- ment projects, and that a variety of Com- environment and enhance the social and ropolitan area offers, but I like to think munity Improvement Plan programs are economic environment. that we also have that wonderful quality in place to provide assistance. “We have of life… a community feel.” a broad range of incentives that run from “It is anticipated that an additional 22,000 a tax free loan for façade improvements people will eventually call the Kedron According to a recent study released to building upgrades and accessibility community home … [the project] allows byte Canadian Federation of Indepen- improvements… We have a number of for a complete mixed use as well as dent Business (CFIB), Oshawa was ranked support services in the downtown core creating those future employment lands the 11th Best Place to Run a Business in geared to assist entrepreneurs, foster in the long term,” affirms Ms. Keenan. Canada, only the second city in Ontario new growth and attract new invest- to make the list. This recognition indi- ment.” In February 2014, Oshawa won As an added incentive to new home cates Oshawa’s strong support for new a marketing award from the Economic buyers, Oshawa is an affordable city. Ms. business growth and entrepreneurship. Developers Council of Ontario for the Keenan notes that in 2013 the average In discussing the city’s benefits to new development of CORE 21, a creative and Plans for expansion

In 2013, Ivanhoé Cam- bridge announced a $230 million expansion and redevelopment project for the Oshawa Centre. The project will result in 260,000 ft² of new retail. Once complete, the total gross leasable area of the shopping centre will exceed 1.25 million ft². Construc- tion is currently underway with an expected comple- tion date in 2016. entrepreneurial co-working centre in the preneurs.” city’s downtown core. “This project will introduce Ms. Keenan concludes that, “Oshawa is new highly desirable retail- Maintaining cultural vitality in the right place… offering the lifestyle ers to Oshawa. This expan- Oshawa has embarked on its first Arts, of a small community complemented sion shows that the Oshawa Culture and Heritage Plan. Funded by the with vibrant culture, affordable living community is growing province of Ontario, the Oshawa Culture and great recreational activities along- and is able to support this Counts Plan was developed with signifi- side those world class education institu- type of development. It cant engagement from local community tions. We offer streamlined development is no longer necessary to members. Supporting the development services and competitive business costs. commute to Toronto to shop. Everything you would of the Oshawa creative economy is a There’s never been a better time to be in like to find is located here in clear priority for economic develop- Oshawa.” your own neighbourhood.” ment services. “Maintaining close con- nections with the creative community allows us to understand the changing business dynamics and ensure that the right programs are created to support the needs of small businesses and entre- City of Oshawa, Ontario

50 Centre Street South Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7

Telephone: 905-436-3311 www.oshawa.ca

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