“A lot of what we have to do is get out there, shake hands, talk to people, and tell our story. I host a podcast called ‘Real Talk with Dan Carter’ and have real conversations with leaders about issues that we’re facing in society, such as culture, healthcare, and similar topics,” Mayor Carter says. According to Mayor Carter, when businesses see others’ experiences in Oshawa, they open doors for new opportunities. This active approach helps Oshawa remain top-of-mind for potential investors and residents alike. Oshawa’s economic success is also rooted in its methods of attracting and retaining businesses. Competing with municipalities across Ontario and North America, Oshawa has established itself as a leader in efficiency and advancement. One key example of this strategy is the city’s adoption of technologies like the CityView platform, which streamlines business approval processes and ensures timely communication through a new Oshawa Application Portal. “The newly launched Oshawa Application Portal gives our customers the opportunity to submit plans electronically, track their status, upload documents and more – all online and 24/7. So, the approval process keeps evolving,” Mayor Carter says. Because of this, Oshawa has been recognized as having some of the fastest approval times in Durham Region. This commitment to efficiency is complemented by a suite of competitive incentives, including zero development charges for industrial and commercial spaces and a freeze on building permit fees in 2024 and 2025. These initiatives not only reduce costs for incoming businesses but align with the city’s vision of becoming a place where residents can live, work, 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 OSHAWA, ON
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