Development Insider
Welcome The City of Oshawa is charting a path of ambitious growth, anchored by thousands of new employment opportunities and welcoming many new companies to our community. Economic forecasts by the Conference Board of Canada project a very strong year ahead for the city at 4.7% GDP growth. Despite the pandemic’s impact, total building permits issued in 2021 are the second highest in Oshawa’s history at $564,582,600 with 11 new building records.
Table of Contents Strong Economic Fundamentals 2
Oshawa’s robust building activity and new construction records are a testament to the city’s economic resilience at an unprecedented time. Through Council, the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force and Oshawa Loves Local campaign, we will continue to support and advocate for our business community.
Industrial Growth 4
Companies across the GTA continue to discover the value that Oshawa provides—the proximity to major markets, world-class research facilities and a pipeline of talent spanning 25,000 post-secondary students. A community exceptionally positioned to live, work, learn and invest in.
Approved Developments 14
In addition to GM Canada’s hiring campaign of 1,800 in the fields of manufacturing, engineering and business, industrial tenants continue to fill Panattoni Development Company’s state-of-the-art facility. Major new employers such as Aosom Canada Inc. and GEODIS are hiring right now.
Company Growth 22
In Oshawa’s north end, Northwood Business Park presents the City’s next prime employment development opportunity. Approximately 500 acres of developable land designated for employment and commercial uses will attract further investment in proximity to our post- secondary institutions, with approved servicing from Durham Region.
Strategic Investments 28
With so many dynamic opportunities on the horizon, combined with a shift towards remote work, Oshawa residents have greater choice in choosing to work where they live, to spend more time with loved ones and to enjoy a lifestyle that has made our City one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. We look forward to shaping that future with you.
Developments Built and Under Construction 10
Proposed Developments 16
Innovations Driving the Future Economy 26
TeachingCity 30 Unique Assets 32 Continuous Investment in Talent 34 Downtown 36 Lifestyle 40
Hailey Wright Director, Economic Development Services City of Oshawa
Filming 44 taken before the COVID-19 pandemic i Photos do not reflect the protocols now in place.
Photo credit this page, 21 and 39: Matthew Shaver.
Strong Economic Fundamentals As the largest municipality in Durham Region, and with strong links to the GTHA, Oshawa is well-placed to grow as a major regional metropolis. Oshawa’s economy continues to show resilience through diversity. The Conference Board of Canada projects manufacturing output in Oshawa will grow by 8.5% in 2022. Oshawa’s total G.D.P. is expected to grow 4.7% in 2022. Grounded by major new industrial tenants in the city’s south end, excellent job opportunities can be found throughout our community. With the announcement of Northwood Business Park, the city is setting its sights on the next wave of job creation and economic growth. Companies locating in Northwood Business Park will find direct access to a post-secondary talent pool of 25,000 College and University students and proximity to the Oshawa Executive Airport.
Oshawa’s dynamic and diverse economy is composed of: Healthcare 18%
Accomodations & Food Services 8%
Educational Services 11%
Professional Services 3%
Retail Trade 15%
Oshawa’s dynamic and diverse economy is composed of: Healthcare 18%
Accomodations & Food Services 8%
Educational Services 11%
Professional Services 3%
Finance & Insurance 3%
Retail Trade 15%
Finance & Insurance 3%
Manufacturing 6%
Information & Cultural 2%
Manufacturing 6%
Information & Cultural 2%
Admin & Support 8%
Other 18%
Admin & Support 8%
Other 18%
Public Administration 8%
Public Administration 8%
Jobs by Employment Sector 11,090
Healthcare
9,326
Retail Trade
6,624
Educational Services 5,164 5,014
Public Administration Accommodations & Food Services
City of Oshawa Real G.D.P. Projections 2022 2023 2024 2025
15,123 G.D.P. (millions) 15,385 15,610 15,929
4,992
Administration & Support 3,500
Manufacturing Professional Services
1,940
Finance & Insurance
1,850
Information & Culture
960
Unemployment Oshawa 6.6% Toronto 6.8% Ontario 5.7 Canada 6.0% Source: Statistics Canada, 2021
Source: Conference Board of Canada
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Strong Economic Fundamentals
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Industrial Growth Oshawa’s industrial growth comes with many new opportunities to work where you live. GM Canada continues a hiring campaign of over 1,800 workers following an up to $1.3 billion investment in the Oshawa Assembly Plant. Nearby, Panattoni Development Company embarked on a 58,646 sq. m. (631,000 sq. ft.) state-of-the-art industrial facility that will attract further employment opportunities from companies such as Aosom Canada Inc. and GEODIS in the e-commerce and logistics sectors, respectively.
450–464 Taunton Road West Approximately 9,000 sq. m. (97,000 sq. ft.) of industrial condominiums are being planned along Taunton Road West in proximity to the Oshawa Executive Airport. The development will have 64 industrial units.
900 Farewell Street Located in the Farewell Industrial Park, 244 m. (800 ft.) from the Port of Oshawa, this business complex contains five units ranging in size from 111 sq. m. (1,200 sq. ft.) to 400 sq. m. (4,300 sq. ft.). Cooper Equipment Rentals, Emco Waterworks and Lev2 Millwork are among the first occupants of the property.
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Industrial Growth
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Industrial Growth (continued) Lakeside Business Centre: 1155 Boundary Road Lakeside Business Centre offers occupiers and investors the unique opportunity to own brand new industry-leading, state-of-the-art industrial condos in one of the fastest growing industrial nodes in the Greater Toronto Area, Durham. Offering unit sizes from 1268 sq. m. (13,649 sq. ft.) to 12,800 sq. m. (137,782 sq. ft.) including walk up second floor, Lakeside Business Centre features best-in-class specifications including 28’ clear ceiling height, dock and grade loading per bay.
1260 Skae Drive New industrial development will include 2,508 sq. m. (27,000 sq. ft.) of space for a warehouse and sales outlet. The property will store and distribute building materials. 1140 Skae Drive New Honda vehicle pre-delivery inspection facility coming to the east side of Skae Drive, and east of Terwillegar Drive.
980 Thornton Road South New industrial development will include 10,000 sq. m. (107,000 sq. ft.) of space to accommodate four units. New business occupants include Complete Packaging Systems, Van Rees Tea, Moda at Home Enterprises and Metro at Home.
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Oshawa has 293,573 sq. m. (3,160,000 sq. ft.) of existing warehouse and distribution space. An additional 120,773 sq. m. (1,300,000 sq. ft.) is currently under construction.
Permit Value Industrial Development 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
$28,333,500 $11,505,300 $5,330,100 $27,679,500 $17,441,000 $83,523,100 $63,800,000 $36,616,700
Industrial Growth
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Industrial Growth (continued) Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) Grain Terminal The Port’s newest addition is a $6 million grain terminal with a 10,000 metric tonne capacity that will accommodate storage and shipping for the local farming community.
Panattoni Phase I and II Panattoni Development Company is one of the largest privately held, full service developers in North America. In the past decade, the company expanded operations into the Canadian marketplace and into Europe. Panattoni has focused its resources on creating solutions for tenants in the industrial and suburban office markets. Panattioni has purchased an 11 hectare (27 acre) site at the Southeast corner of Thornton Road South and Wentworth Street West. Two industrial buildings totaling 58,646 sq. m. (631,000 sq. ft.) are now complete.
The City of Oshawa is ranked #1 for development approval timelines across the G.T.A. —Altus Group, 2020
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Regional Pre-servicing of Employment Area
Industrial Lease Rates deliver exceptional value, making
Recently, Durham Region released a list of priority water and sewer infrastructure projects for consideration in future Regional Business Plans and Budgets. The priority projects are intended to service identified Employment Areas.
Oshawa one of the most cost-effective cities in the G.T.A. Excellent future development opportunities are supported by infrastructure and local incentives. Oshawa has an exemption from development charges for industrial development. This would represent a savings of nearly $900,000 per 10,000 sq. m. (107,000 sq. ft.) of development. Oshawa is truly open for business.
• An extension of the watermain and sanitary sewer north along Thornton Road from Conlin Road (conceptual estimate $5.1 million) within the Northwood Business Park, so that it occurs concurrently with the improvement of the roads. • A watermain and sanitary sewer along Stevenson Road between Taunton Road and Conlin Road (conceptual estimate $5.3 million), concurrent with the reconstruction and widening of Stevenson Road. • A sanitary sewer and watermain along a new local road connecting Windfields Farm Drive and Winchester Road (conceptual estimate $1.0 million), concurrent with the construction of the new local road.
Non-Residential Development City of Oshawa Region of Durham
Commercial $132.95/m2 $221.76/m2
G.T.A. Industrial Development Charges ($/m2) Oshawa
$119.54/m2
Vaughan
$426.47/m2
Mississauga
$358.33/m2
Milton
$199.78/m2
Hamilton
$210.33/m2
Industrial N/A (exempt) $119.54/m2
Source: Urbacon 2021
Institutional (Unless exempt from the by-law) $132.95/m2 $115.45/m2
Industrial Growth
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Developments Built and Under Construction The City of Oshawa has been host to record levels of building activity in recent years. Projects underway and projected amount to over $5 billion, with 36,943 associated jobs. Over 16,000 new residential units will welcome up to 42,000 residents. This development is driving Oshawa’s recognition as one of the fastest growing areas of Canada.
Bloom Retirement Communities: 1224 Coldstream Drive 201 unit retirement residence in close proximity to Smartcentres North Oshawa and the Delpark Homes Centre Recreation Complex. The project is a 19,754 sq. m. (212,630 sq. ft.) seven-storey residence, with direct access to trails, recreation, and shopping.
Treasure Hill Homeset In partnership with Greybrook Realty Partners, Kingsview Ridge from Treasure Hill Homes in Oshawa is expected to be developed into a residential community consisting of 243 single-detached homes and 73 townhomes. 2535 Thoroughbred Street 504 residential units in a 25 storey tower; includes ground-related podium and attached two-storey parking deck. Located in the Windfields Main Central Area. G.T.A. Industrial Space Lease Rate (average net asking lease rate/sq. ft.)
Missom Gate: Infill Townhouses 79 townhouse units, 15 north of Missom Gate, 64 south of Missom Gate, all three storeys in height. Located directly across Harmony Road from the Smart Centres North Oshawa Retail Plaza.
385 Arctic Red Drive 110 apartment units in a four storey building. This 3,716 sq. m. (40,000 sq. ft.) development is located in the Windfields Community.
Oshawa Milton Mississauga Markham Vaughan
$8.30 $9.08 $10.64 $11.81 $12.99
Toronto
$15.36
Source: CBRE Marketview Toronto Industrial Q1 2021
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Development Insider
Developments Built and Under Construction
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Developments Built and Under Construction (continued) RioCan Windfields Retail Hub The RioCan
Industrial Municipal Tax Ratio Reductions
Windfields Retail Hub is a 64.75 hectare (160 acre) site which will include 77,926 sq. m. (838,788 sq. f.) of commercial space as well as 343 townhouse units and 352 apartment units. The first phase includes 12,416 sq. m. (133,644 sq. f.) with 38 commercial units in 14 buildings. Phase 1 opened in December 2020. A new Costco Retail store is currently under construction on a portion of the Phase 2 lands and is scheduled for completion in early 2022.
Ironwood A townhouse development by Podium
Lowering the Industrial Municipal Tax Rate has resulted in a 10.5% decrease in municipal taxation over 3 years on industrial properties. Source: Region of Durham
G.T.A. Industrial Development Charges ($/sq. ft.)
Developments and Building Capital currently under construction at 1569 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa. The 125 unit development is scheduled for completion in 2022.
Oshawa $0
Symphony Towns This development will bring
Vaughan $39.62
212 townhouse units to the southwest corner of Harmony Road South and Taylor Avenue in Oshawa and is located on the former Donevan High School site at 250 Harmony Road South. The development will feature a new 0.56 hectare (1.38 acre) public park named in honour of NHL Hall of Famer and former Donevan High School student, Dale Hawerchuk.
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Milton $18.56 Mississauga $26.35 Markham $36.03
80 Bond As part of a $125 million two phase Bond and Mary development, 370 units are now planned for Phase II. This includes a 21 storey residential condo tower and 185 sq. m. (2,000 sq. ft.) of ground floor commercial space. Cranes are now in the air as construction continues in 2022.
Developments Built and Under Construction
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Approved Developments 135 Bruce Street A 2,271 unit mixed-use development. The project will include 2,145 apartment units and 96 townhouse units, as well as office and retail ground floor space, in buildings ranging from 3 to 22 storeys in height. Phase I will include 509 apartments in 10 storey and 22 storey towers.
Oshawa has the lowest industrial development charges in Durham, York, Peel, Halton and Hamilton. G.T.A. Industrial Space Sale Price (average asking sale price/sq. ft.)
$40
$158.24
Oshawa
$35 $30
Vaughan Milton
$208.56
Development Charge (D.C.) Breakdown
$25 $ per sq. ft.
Toronto
$275.73 $278.30
$20 $15 $10 $5
Source: CBRE Marketview Toronto Industrial Q1 2021
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Regional DC
Municipality DC
Oshawa
Milton
Mississauga
$329.52
Oakville r nt Toronto
Markham
$0 Markham
$319.67
Vaughan
Mississauga
Educational DC
Halton Greenfield DC
Approved Developments
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Proposed Developments Richmond and Mary Development 630 units in two 18 storey residential towers proposed in the core of downtown Oshawa. The project will also include 557 sq. m. (6,000 sq. ft.) of commercial space on a two storey podium. Columbus Part II Plan is anticipated to progress to the public planning stage in the future and includes new growth areas to accommodate up to 29,000 new residents. The Proposed draft plan includes new growth areas of 376 hectares (929 acres) of developable land and 7,450–11,350 units in a mix of low, medium & high density residential.
Kedron Part II Plan This area is expected to accommodate 22,000 new residents on 466 hectares (1,151 acres). Ten new schools and a number of new parks are expected. The plan permits for up to 22,483 sq. m. (242,000 s. ft.) of commercial space.
2425 Simcoe Street North A phased residential development consisting of two residential towers at 27-storeys 19-storeys atop a 3-storey podium, containing 587 units in the west tower and 388 units in the east tower. 18, 4-storey block townhouse units are also proposed along the south and east sides of the 4-storey private parking structure for a total of 993 residential units.
35, 39 and 45 Division Street A new development with more than 200 apartments and ground-floor commercial space is proposed for downtown Oshawa at Bond and Division streets. The proposal would develop the site for a new residential/commercial mixed-use development including a 12-storey building with 213 apartments and approximately 127 sq. m. (1,367 sq. f.) of ground floor commercial space. C:\Users\leen\Documents\16-108_Central_R2020_leenV27E8.rvt
797 Wilson Road South New development consisting of a head office for a truck transportation business and truck driving training centre.
47 Simcoe Street South Atria Development continues to play a key role in Oshawa’s downtown revitalization, with the acquisition of 47 Simcoe Street South, a former Canada Post building. Atria’s new development is anticipated to be a 8 storey 143 unit mixed-use, mid-rise building that preserves the original building façade and unique architecture that have made 47 Simcoe Street South a significant landmark in Oshawa’s downtown.
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ARTIST CONCEPT
Proposed Developments
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Proposed Developments (continued) Northwood Business Park Northwood Business Park is comprised of 202 hectares (500 acres) of developable employment land. This area has the advantage of being located in proximity to the Ontario Tech University/Durham College main campus, the Highway 407 East and the Oshawa Executive Airport. A plan for regional servicing of Northwood has now been approved.
Zoning (Arterial Roads) Select Industrial, General Industrial, Special Purpose, Commercial, Planned Commercial Centre, Automobile Service Station, Park Open Space, Environmentally Sensitive Open Space, Hazard Lands Open Space and/or Urban Reserve. Servicing Approved and budgeted by Region of Durham.
• Pre-servicing for water and sewer infrastructure projects is a Region of Durham priority. • Pre-zoned employment lands. • Minutes to Highways 401 (Stevenson Road South Exit), 407 East (Simcoe Street North Exit), 412 and 418. Adjacent to the Oshawa Executive Airport. Served by Regional Bus Transit.
Stevenson Rd. North
Frontage Thornton Road North, Stevenson Road North, Taunton Road West and Conlin Road West.
• Northwood Business Park consists of multiple privately held properties with a distribution of open space areas.
th
Oshawa Official Plan Land Use Designations Industrial, Special Purpose Commercial and/or Local Central Area, Open Space and Recreation.
Conlin Rd. East
d. No r
• Location bounded by Taunton Road West to the south, the Oshawa-Whitby boundary to the west, Highway 407 East to the north and the Oshawa Creek to the east.
ton R
Highlights
Gross Area +/– 722 acres Developable Area Estimated +/–500 acres
Thor n
Property details
Highway 407 East
Sim
co
eS
t. N
ort
h
Taunton Rd. West
• In proximity to leading post-secondary institutions and research facilities — Ontario Tech University, Durham College, and The Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE). • Environmental Assessment for Stevenson Road North is anticipated to be completed in 2023.
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Proposed Developments
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Proposed Developments (continued) 1188 Simcoe Street South Stacked 4 storey
1693 Thornton Road North New commercial office
townhouse development with 94 units, with surface and underground parking.
building including warehouse space.
595–667 Taunton Road East A commercial development is proposed on approximately 2.02 hectares (5 acres) of land on Taunton Road East and Wilson Road North. The development will include a Farm Boy consisting of 3,364 sq. m. (36,209 sq. ft.) of retail space and 495 sq. m. (5,328 sq. ft.) of restaurant space
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Company Growth Oshawa’s economy continues to show strength as of one of Canada’s top 10 mid-sized cities for real G.D.P. growth through 2023. Oshawa’s favourable proximity to Toronto, Canada’s most important economic hub, has led to the highest population growth in Canada as well as an influx of new talent in our community. The Conference Board of Canada projections point to a significantly improved job market, with employment predicted to expand by 5.9%. The reopening of GM Canada’s Truck Assembly Plant and strong non-residential construction activity are seen as key factors in the growth of Oshawa’s manufacturing sector and the recovery of Oshawa’s construction output.
Aosom Canada Inc. Canadian e-commerce company Aosom came to Oshawa with a new warehouse operation in the city’s south end. Aosom Canada Inc. occupies 15,807 sq. m. (170,150 sq. ft.) of warehouse space in the city’s newest state-of-the-art industrial development at 1121 Thornton Road South. Aosom products are currently featured on Amazon, eBay and Best Buy.
IKEA Design Studio Located in the Oshawa Centre, the IKEA Design Studio is IKEA’s first in Canada. They offer one-on-one consultation services for kitchen design, bedroom projects, small space living solutions. Expert planners work with clients to design, quote, and order IKEA goods.
GEODIS GEODIS, a global leading transport and logistics provider, opened its latest warehouse operation in Panattoni Canada’s new state-of-the-art industrial building at 883 Thornton Road South in Oshawa. GEODIS provides logistical solutions featuring five lines of business (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express and Road Transport). GEODIS has a direct presence in 67 countries with a global network spanning nearly 170 countries.
Number of Companies 12,000 10,000 8000 6000 4000
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: North American Industry Classification System, 2021
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Company Growth
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Company Growth (continued) DYMON Self Storage The City of Oshawa is welcoming DYMON Self Storage with their newest location at Five Points Mall (285 Taunton Road East). The new 24,300 sq. m. (252,000 sq. ft.) facility features 1,660 storage suites ranging in size from a closet-sized space up to 10 x 30 feet. There are also options available for small businesses looking to safely store inventory or equipment, and the facility has an enclosed drive-in area that provides guests the opportunity to load or unload their possessions in a safe, climate-controlled, secure environment.
Oshawa’s employment is expected to grow 5.9% in 2021. —Conference Board of Canada
Oshawa Markets 555 Simcoe Street South Having recently opened in 2021, Oshawa Markets features 8,361 sq. m (90,000 sq. f.) of local businesses from across the G.T.A.. Vendors sell merchandise, crafts, food, and collectibles, spending the week sourcing their product in anticipation of the weekend crowds.
GM Canada to invest up to $1.3 billion at the Oshawa Assembly Plant, hiring 1,800 Delivering one of the fastest plant launches in GM history, General Motors is bringing pickup production back to the Oshawa Assembly Plant. GM’s planned investment of up to $1.3 billion at the Oshawa Assembly Plant is expected to result in the hiring of 1,800 hourly workers. The plant will include a new body shop and flexible assembly module, to support a fast response to
strong customer demand for GM’s new family of pickup trucks. Oshawa Assembly has been retooled in record time to be one of the most flexible and advanced of its kind in the industry. Oshawa began shipping trucks to dealers in December 2021. Pickups are GM’s largest and most important market segment in Canada and across the continent. They also help fund GM’s transition to the electric, autonomous and highly connected future.
“General Motors has been an integral part of the Oshawa community for more than 100 years. The quality work from generations of Oshawa GM workers has shaped our city for more than a century and with this announcement, that legacy will continue for years to come.” —Dan Carter, Mayor of Oshawa
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Company Growth
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Innovations Driving the Future Economy The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the pace of digital transformation and technological disruption as businesses adapt to a new environment. These challenges also brought about unique opportunities and a renewed interest in Oshawa, as new technology adoption empowers companies and employees to redefine the workplace. As evidenced in a report released by CBRE, Oshawa has been ranked as one of the top five markets for tech talent growth across Canada. We will continue to embrace and support emerging high growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, augmented reality and eSports.
A.V.I.N. The Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network
A.C.E. The Automotive Centre of Excellence (A.C.E.) at
(A.V.I.N.) is a Provincial program created to encourage the collaboration of industry, academia and government for the development of connected and autonomous vehicles. As one of the six Regional Technology Development Sites, Durham Region works alongside partners to create a space for small to medium-sized enterprises to test and validate emerging technologies and prototypes.
Ontario Tech University provides the tools and expertise to develop, test and validate prototypes. Chambers and technology are available for climatic, structural durability and lifecycle testing. Facilities include one of the most advanced climatic wind tunnels on the planet. The wind tunnel simulates weather conditions, such as wind, humidity, snow, ice and desert heat, to measure the safety, durability and efficiency of prototypes. Additional chambers include a climatic four-post shaker, anechoic chamber with a multi-axis shaker table, and two large climate chambers.
Ontario Tech University named lead academic institution for Project Arrow zero emission concept vehicle In 2020, Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) unveiled plans for Project Arrow, a visionary and ambitious plan for an all-Canadian zero emission concept vehicle to be designed, engineered and built by the country’s worldclass automotive supply sector and post-secondary institutions. Ontario Tech University will be a driving force behind the next phase of the country’s vision to produce a domestic zero emissions alternative-fuel vehicle by 2022: a car featuring the latest in autonomous and propulsion technology.
Canadian Technical Centre (C.T.C.) McLaughlin Advanced Technology Track A 22 hectare (54 acre) outdoor advanced technology track was part of a $170 million investment announced by GM to honour GM Canada founder and visionary, Colonel Sam McLaughlin. The C.T.C. McLaughlin Advanced Technology Track will support advanced software and engineering work conducted
EaRTH District As the global climate crisis accelerates, Ontario Tech University, Durham College, Trent University, Centennial College and University of Toronto have joined together to advance clean, green, sustainable solutions,
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such as net-zero vertical farming and technology to reverse groundwater pollution. They officially launched the Environmental and Related Technologies Hub (EaRTH District) in the eastern G.T.A. region. An EaRTHcommissioned study projects the district to generate $8.4 billion in total direct cumulative output, $1 billion in taxes and more than 4,000 jobs over the next two decades. To learn more, visit earthdistrict.ca.
Innovations Driving the Future Economy
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Strategic Investments Planned GO Train Lakeshore East Extension The Lakeshore East GO Train extension has an estimated economic value of $1.1 billion in transit oriented, walkable urban development. The expansion is estimated to generate 21,000 permanent new jobs. There is an estimated $70 million in annual savings to residents via reduced commuting time and improved road safety. Furthermore, private vehicle use is expected to reduce by 50 million kilometres per year, significantly reducing the amount of CO2 emissions.
Bell expanding pure fibre Internet access to 54,000 locations in Oshawa Bell announced a major milestone in its expansion of pure fibre Internet service to homes and businesses in urban and rural areas of Oshawa. As part of its accelerated capital investment in national next-generation network infrastructure, Bell has now reached more than 44,000 Oshawa locations
with all-fibre broadband access. The expansion program will bring direct-fibre network connections to an additional 10,000 locations. This announcement brings Bell’s $100 million investment to deliver direct fibre network connections to approximately 54,000 homes and business locations in Oshawa close to completion.
Oshawa Power Launches Hyper-Local Internet Services Provider, Durham Broadband Durham Broadband was established in 2002 under the banner Oshawa PUC Services and quickly became the Region’s largest fibre optic infrastructure supplier. The company’s re-launch and updated strategic vision come in recognition of the increasing
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need for high speed internet to support evolving business practises, innovation and smarter cities. Durham Broadband is being made available to the broader business sector to spur-on socio-economic outcomes across the Region and put its eight local communities at the forefront of Canada’s economic modernization.
Strategic Investments
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TeachingCity Oshawa TeachingCity Oshawa brings together the City of Oshawa and its education and research partners—Durham College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University Durham GTA, and the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. The City and its partners focus on addressing Oshawa’s urban issues through innovation, collaboration, applied research and shared experiential learning opportunities with the aim to position Oshawa as a local, national and global community of urban research and learning.
City Idea Lab City Idea Lab is an innovative, course-based project within TeachingCity Oshawa. The City collaborates with instructors at Durham College, Ontario Tech University and Trent Durham to pose a city challenge question to students. Students work throughout the semester to co-design possible solutions. City Idea Lab courses have taken place at the TeachingCity Oshawa Hub in Oshawa’s downtown, and more recently through virtual platforms. To date, close to 1300 students have been engaged in this unique experiential learning opportunity.
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Fire Navigation Systems: Localization and Mapping for Structural Firefighters Students from a variety of engineering disciplines at Ontario Tech University worked over the past few years to develop a smart helmet that builds a dynamic map of the smoky environment as a firefighter enters structures. The map is used as a floorplan to locate firefighters within the structure and send information about their location to an Incident Commander. This project began in 2018 and has involved 17 students to date,
resulting in the development of a fully functional prototype. The collaboration between the City and Ontario Tech University has resulted in the development of an innovative, student-led start-up business and is contributing to the commercialization of a new life-saving technology for firefighters. Once this technology goes to market, this technology will allow firefighters to work safely in hazardous situations. The City looks forward to further testing and piloting of this new technology.
TeachingCity
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Unique Assets Port of Oshawa has a Record Year The Port of Oshawa posted its best season ever, with tonnages exceeding 672,000 metric tonnes for the first time, driven by strong trade in fertilizer, grain, steel and cement. The Port of Oshawa is a strategic gateway to the Greater Toronto regional market. Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority anticipates that as regional construction activity resumes, the Port of Oshawa will make an important contribution to rebuilding our economy by efficiently delivering the materials needed for infrastructure, residential and civil construction projects.
Oshawa Executive Airport The Oshawa Executive Airport features a modern terminal, capable of facilitating corporate business travel and general aviation with Canada Border Services Agency
operating 7 days per week. The airport offers dual runways able to service a broad range of aircraft. Modern navigational aids, hangar space and a variety of aviation services are available to meet business needs.
LHEARN Centre The Lakeridge Health Education and Research Network (LHEARN) is on the cutting edge of teaching healthcare practitioners the skills and knowledge they will need in order to succeed in the ever-evolving field of medicine. As Oshawa’s largest employer, Lakeridge Health utilizes world-class training technologies to attract and retain medical talent in our city. High fidelity patient simulators mimic hundreds of real world pathologies. This innovative approach
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allows medical residents to practise unlimited clinical scenarios in a risk-free environment, which translates into better care for our city. Every year, Lakeridge Health welcomes nearly 2,000 students across a broad range of health disciplines as they pursue their studies in state-of the-art facilities under the guidance of expert instructors. To date, Lakeridge has also been host to over 600 research studies and clinical trials across many clinical programs.
Unique Assets
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Continuous Investment in Talent As a key market within the Greater Toronto Area (G.T.A.), the City of Oshawa is a critical gateway to the most populous region of Canada and one of the largest concentrations of economic activity in North America. Oshawa’s labour force is over 1.2 million workers within a 45 minute commute. The city is home to a rapidly growing student population of 25,000 across three top ranking post-secondary institutions: Durham College, Ontario Tech University and Trent University Durham GTA. Market-driven education combined with globally-renowned research facilities have created a talent pool that is sought after by top companies.
Shawenjigewining Hall, Ontario Tech University Ontario Tech University’s newest building is designed to fully optimize collaborative learning, interaction with business and industry partners and future growth. This $33 million centre will centralize the Faculty of Health Sciences creating valuable and dynamic opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in enriched learning and mentorship. It will offer students a unique perspective across all health disciplines and support the expansion of simulated and experiential learning.
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eSports Gaming Arena With the opening of its eSports Gaming Arena in Oshawa, Durham College is taking a leading role in one of the fastest-growing industries in the gaming market. The 278 sq. m. (3,000 sq. ft.) venue is unique from any other collegiate gaming space in Canada thanks to its extensive broadcast capabilities and lounge area that can hold up to 120 spectators for eSports tournaments. Its industry-grade design will provide students with vital hands-on experience to prepare them for career success in the global eSports market, which is on track to exceed $1.6 billion this year.
MRC Studio The Durham College Mixed Reality
AI/Hub The Durham College Hub for Applied
Capture Studio (the MRC Studio) offers organizations access to technical expertise, a state-of-the-art motion capture stage with virtual reality tracking equipment and green screen space, so that businesses can develop experiential applications, which integrate motion capture (mocap), virtual reality (V.R.), augmented reality (A.R.), and virtual production (V.P.). Working together in the MRC Studio, solutions can be created that increase organizational productivity and growth.
Research in Artificial Intelligence for Business Solutions (AI/Hub) offers industry partners access to technical expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and platforms, and student talent, so that businesses can uncover insights while providing intelligent and autonomous solutions that increase productivity and growth. The AI/Hub engages with existing businesses and start-up ventures utilizing advanced A.I. techniques and solutions to address practical business problems.
Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation The Durham College Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation offers current and aspiring cybersecurity professionals, as well as public and private-sector organizations, access to applied research services and leading-edge education in cybersecurity to prepare for the everchanging and complex threat landscape.
Trent University Durham GTA Expansion Now open, a new on-campus student residence and academic space features a 200-bed residence, a 100-seat tiered lecture hall, two 64-seat classrooms and new laboratories for interdisciplinary research and discovery. The City of Oshawa is the only municipality in Canada to host 2 Universities in Maclean’s top 10 primarily undergraduate rankings. —Maclean’s
Continuous Investment in Talent
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Downtown Joyce Hancock Designs After serving the Oshawa custom clothing market for more than eight years, Joyce Hancock Designs has a new home at 18 King Street East in downtown Oshawa. Owner Joyce Hancock opened her new retail location in early March 2021 and brings 30-plus years of experience in the sewing industry.
Oshawa Loves Local Join us in the #OshawaLovesLocal campaign and let’s show Oshawa’s locally-owned businesses that they are not alone.
Development Insider
Plan 20Thirty The City of Oshawa continues to strive
located at the southeast corner of Simcoe Street North and Bond Street East in downtown Oshawa is home to a brand new farmers market. Located in Oshawa’s downtown core, Urban Market Oshawa features over 40 local vendors and a 2nd level mezzanine.
towards creating a vibrant, attractive and animated downtown where people come together to live, work, shop, meet and engage. A new action plan for downtown Oshawa, referred to as “Plan 20Thirty” is now underway. Plan 20Thirty will reflect downtown Oshawa’s current needs and will replace previous downtown action plans and recommendations while maintaining the same overarching goals to improve and promote the area as a unique experience for working, living, going to school, shopping, dining and entertainment. For more information, visit oshawa.ca/ plan20thirty
Priority Submetering Solutions The City of Oshawa recently welcomed Priority Submetering Solution’s new head office location at 21 Simcoe Street South. Priority Submetering Solutions offers suite metering and billing services for utilities including electricity, water, gas and thermal on a fully customized basis.
There are many great reasons to shop local: • Keep money in the local economy • Create local jobs • Product knowledge and enhanced services • Reduce your environmental impact
Biltmore Theatre Having originally opened in 1940
Together as a community, we can make a positive impact on our local economic recovery.
The Firms Looking for a private office space? The
oshawa.ca/local #OshawaLovesLocal
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Urban Market Oshawa The former RBC Building
at 39 King Street West, the Biltmore Theatre has renewed its original name 81 years later with new renovations and state of the art audio visual equipment as a premier live music and entertainment venue.
Firms Law Chambers & Professional Centre is now open on 50 Richmond Street East. Conveniently located only minutes to the Durham Region Courthouse, The Firms space is ideal for lawyers and professionals who are looking for a full-time, part-time or a second location in the Durham area.
Downtown
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Downtown (continued) Downtown Vision and Transformation Oshawa’s
University Health Network—Altum Health
Incentive Programs The City of Oshawa offers a
downtown core is the heart and soul of our city. The downtown is a cultural hub, major employment district and a unique asset within the eastern G.T.A. The City’s downtown revitalization strategy aims to leverage those features in order to create a unique downtown experience; one that is centered around people, with an emphasis on social gathering spaces. As part of a long-term visioning exercise, the downtown has the capacity to build 9,500 units to welcome up to 19,000 new residents. This future vision for residential expansion has the potential to create over 4,000 jobs and an estimated 140,000 sq. m. (1.5 million sq. ft.) of new commercial space.
Renovations are complete on the former BMO building in the downtown, which is now home to Altum Health, a division of University Health Network (UHN). Located at 38 Simcoe Street South at the northwest corner of Simcoe Street South and Athol Street West, Altum Health’s new rehabilitation clinic opened in November, 2021. Altum Health is a division of UHN, Canada’s leading academic health sciences centre with cutting edge research in numerous areas, including neurosciences, and surgical innovation.
variety of popular incentive programs to support private investment and development. Oshawa’s community improvement plans (C.I.P.) have encouraged significant investment in the community. In the past year, $190,000 worth of C.I.P. grants were awarded. The Urban Growth Centre Community Improvement Plan consists of five grant programs: • Increased Assessment Grant Program • Façade and Accessibility Improvement Grant Program • Conversion to Residential Grant Program • Upgrade to Building, Fire and Electrical Safety Codes Grant Program • Economic Stimulus Grant Program
King Street Streetscape Improvements We have rebuilt our downtown streetscape to welcome both visitors and new residents. Phase 1 and 2 of this project are now complete, which included the widening of the sidewalk on the north side of King Street East between Simcoe Street North and Mary Street North, allowing for additional space for pedestrians, outdoor patios/ cafes, amenities and businesses. Phase 3 is substantially complete from Prince Street to Simcoe Street. Phase 4 is scheduled for 2022 on the north side of King Street West between Centre Street and McMillian Drive.
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Development Insider
Lifestyle The Oshawa Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is leading the country in population growth. According to Statistics Canada, the Oshawa CMA achieved a population growth rate of 2.3% in 2021. The City of Oshawa has made national headlines as a top destination for those migrating out of Toronto. According to a 2021 HuffPost article, Oshawa is one of the best cities to move to within the Greater Toronto Area. Oshawa’s top five ranking was the only Durham Region municipality to make the list. Oshawa’s low unemployment was also a factor in Oshawa’s ranking, with the article citing that the number of jobs in Oshawa is up by 3.2% compared to 2020. Quality of life benefits of working locally are significant. Durham Recruiting estimates that residents travelling from Oshawa to Toronto will spend an average of 690 hours commuting (the equivalent of 3 working months) and over $18,000 on hard costs such as fuel and vehicle maintenance. With so many new employment opportunities on the horizon, combined with a shift towards remote work, Oshawa residents have greater choice in choosing to work where they live, to spend more time with loved ones and to enjoy a lifestyle that has made our City one of the fastest growing communities in Canada.
Oshawa CMA Population 353,500 Labour Force 238,400 Employment 219,900 Participation Rate 67.4% Employment Rate 62.2% Unemployment Rate 7.8% Source: Statistics Canada, December 2020
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Development Insider
Millenial Migration in Canada, 2018–19 Waterloo (ON) 1535 Halton (ON) 1622 Capital Regional District (BC) 1814 Durham Region (ON) 1979 Simcoe County (ON) 2426 Ottawa (ON) 3099 Source: Ryerson University Centre for Urban Research & Land Development
Oshawa Lakefront Nestled along the shore of Lake Ontario, Lakeview Park with its mature landscape setting has views of the lake and is a beautiful, community park. Connected to the recreational trails, Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path and the Waterfront Trail, visitors can connect to Oshawa's vibrant downtown, Oshawa Second Marsh, McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, the historical Oshawa Community Museum among other attractions. Lakeview Park is also host to many family fun events. The Park is also home to the Jubilee Pavilion which provides a banquet hall and public meeting place. Come stretch your legs or sit and relax by the lake.
Oshawa is expected to welcome 4,700 newcomers in 2021. Going forward, increased federal immigration targets, coupled with relatively affordable housing prices in the region, will support Oshawa’s population growth in 2022 and beyond. —Conference Board of Canada
Northwest Oshawa to welcome future multi-use community centre Located at the northeast corner of Thornton Road North and the future Britannia Avenue West extension, the future facility will expand the City’s recreational offerings and provide north Oshawa residents with closer access to community resources such as the Oshawa Public Libraries and OSCC55+.
Lifestyle
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Lifestyle (continued) Parks and Trails Oshawa's parks and recreational
Culture and Festivals The City of Oshawa is an
trail system encompasses almost 410 hectares (1013 acres) of parkland and provides more than 27 kilometres of paved surface for you to explore. The parks and recreational trails are a great place to enjoy Oshawa's outdoors with friends and family.
amazing place to host a special event or festival. Oshawa has a wide variety of venues including parks, arenas and facilities. The City of Oshawa has made a commitment to further enhance and expand events within our City. Annually, the City of Oshawa hosts and/or facilitates many events and tournaments ranging from one-day celebrations to multiple-day festivals. These festivals and events range in attendance from 100 to over 30,000 with spectators attending from the local area and beyond.
Did you know the average commuter from Oshawa to Downtown Toronto will spend:
690 hours
$18,748
Commuting – that’s 3 working months!
Hard Costs (Fuel, Maintenance etc.)
$20,412
Gold Point Wildlife Reserve The City is undertaking the design of the Gold Point Wildlife Reserve, located at the southwest corner of Stevenson Road South and Phillip Murray Avenue. The site is home to a number of significant environmental features. The Wildlife Reserve is being designed as a passive recreational destination, which respects and protects the significant natural environmental features of the site.
2031 Population Projection 1,000,000 Durham Region Residents
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Development Insider
You are losing 3 working months in time and nearly $40,000 in costs.
Soft Costs in unpaid travel time (Salary x Travel time) Source: Durham Recruiting
With a projected population approaching 185,000 in 2029, the number of Oshawa residents is expected to grow by 16% over the next 10 years.
Oshawa is leading the way in Residential Appreciation Value. The City of Oshawa leads the G.T.A. in home price appreciation at 48% over the past year. —Home Builder Magazine
Lifestyle
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Mayor’s Message
Filming Lights, camera, action! Filming in Oshawa continues to grow as another great addition to our local economy. Film companies benefit from diverse filming locations, a welcoming community and no film permit fees. Oshawa issued 25 film permits in 2020 and 19 film permits in 2021 for studios such as Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney and CNN.
TV Shows and Commercials 2021
Theatre Releases 2019
• • • •
• IT Chapter 2 • Ready or Not
CAA commercial Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol Jack Reacher (TV series) Made Good commercial
Projects 2021 • Station Eleven • Turtles in Ontario (documentary) • Un-Perfect Christmas Wish
Projects 2020 • • • • • • •
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Nightmare Alley (feature film) The Expanse CBC’s Dragon’s Den Langdon The Odd Squad My Boss’s Wedding Stella Artois
Development Insider
TV Shows and Commercials 2019 • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
The Handmaid’s Tale Designated Survivor Secret Society of Second Born Royals Schitt$ Creek Private Eyes Jupiter’s Legacy Mrs. America Self Made Titans The Umbrella Academy Ghostwriter The Boys Race for the Whitehouse Battle of the Blades
Thank you for taking the time to review the 2022 Development Insider. We hope that this publication has provided an overview of Oshawa’s strong environment for investment. Our access to world-renowned talent, global markets and innovative assets uniquely positions our community to usher in the next wave of economic growth. As we look towards economic recovery, 2022 continues to demonstrate the resiliency of our community. As our economy reopens, we are beginning to chart a path towards a post pandemic future. Our local businesses are the core of our community. They have faced historic challenges over the past year and exemplified a resiliency that the City of Oshawa is known for. We continue to promote the #OshawaLovesLocal campaign to encourage further investment as we highlight and support local businesses. Together, our economy is emerging stronger than ever. Businesses like yours are an essential component of Oshawa’s dynamic and diverse neighbourhoods and their sustainability is a critical pillar of our community. As such, the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force continues to advocate and assist in any way possible to help mitigate the challenges that businesses have endured during this difficult period. We are here to support you as Oshawa City Hall continues to embrace a culture of service and partnership with the business community. On behalf of the City of Oshawa, thank you for your continued investment in our community.
Dan Carter Mayor, City of Oshawa City of Oshawa
Oshawa’s Economic Development Services 50 Centre Street South Oshawa, Ontario, Canada L1H 3Z7 business@oshawa.ca oshawa.ca/business 1-800-6-OSHAWA (1-800-667-4292) 905-436-5617
Connect with us Sign up for e-news: oshawa.ca/enews Follow us on Twitter: @InvestOshawa
If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact Service Oshawa. Telephone: 905-436-3311
Email: service@oshawa.ca
