A Mosaic of Growth, Diversity and Opportunity

Balancing Urban Expansion, Economic Progress, and Environmental Stewardship for a Brighter Tomorrow

Oshawa, Ontario, is a vibrant city preparing for its next stage as a community. This spirited and transformative municipality is known for its strategic growth initiatives, robust partnerships with businesses and post-secondary educational institutions, and rich cultural diversity.

With a population nearing 200,000 and growing by approximately 3% annually, Oshawa is a beacon of opportunity and innovation in Canada. By investing in industries such as clean energy, healthcare, technology and advanced manufacturing, Oshawa has positioned itself as a leader in the global marketplace.

Oshawa’s strong partnerships with government, business, and educational institutions provide a steady pipeline of skilled talent for businesses and facilitate an environment where startups and established enterprises can thrive.

The City of Oshawa is more than a gateway to the Greater Toronto Area, it’s a gateway to the world. With easy connections to multiple U.S.A. border crossings, Oshawa offers superior access to American markets. Oshawa is one of the few mid-sized cities that boasts an airport, rail lines, a deep-sea port and 400-series highways all within one community.

City-led engagement with residents and support of small businesses and local entrepreneurs has been vital to fostering the sense of community and belonging that forms the backbone of Oshawa’s neighborhoods. Its neighborhoods are thriving hubs of activity, its industries drive innovation, and its residents enjoy a high quality of life.

Oshawa is a resilient community that continues to reinvent itself. Perseverance has been a part of the community’s DNA for generations. The city is embracing the traits of its industrious history and applying that in pursuit of a bold and dynamic future.

A City Defined by Diversity and Economic Growth

The City of Oshawa is the largest urban municipality in Durham Region. Only 60 km (30 mi.) from Downtown Toronto, companies in Oshawa have quick and convenient access to Canada’s largest consumer market of more than 6 million people and are located within a day’s drive of more than 135 million North American Consumers.

Oshawa continues to be a leader in population growth across Canada. According to a 2021 HuffPost article, Oshawa is one of the best cities to move to within the G.T.A. Oshawa has become increasingly attractive to families seeking more affordable housing than those in Canada’s largest cities.

Oshawa’s downtown core is the heart of the community and home to three university satellite locations and is a growing entertainment, arts, culture, education and shopping/dining district; a vibrant, attractive and animated destination where people come together to meet and engage.

The City of Oshawa also promotes an extensive park and recreational trail system, and picturesque lakefront park. There are community features that draw in many residents, visitors and businesses that benefit from the high quality of life in the city. What truly sets Oshawa apart is its inclusivity, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Cultural diversity is at the heart of Oshawa’s identity. This diversity is evident in the city’s food, festivals, and traditions to engage the community. The city proudly represents individuals from 145 different nations, many of whom are drawn to its esteemed colleges and universities, including Ontario Tech University, Trent University Durham GTA, Durham College and the Queen’s University – Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program.

The city is experiencing phenomenal growth in diversity; embracing opportunities to build community connections where everyone feels at home. Building those connections is something Oshawa does with ease and pride, as its efforts to celebrate and integrate this diversity has become a cornerstone of Oshawa’s growth strategy.

“We’ve had a long history of welcoming individuals from around the world. We even have one of the largest cultural festivals in the country that has been running for almost 50 years now,” says Mayor Dan Carter.

However, festivals like this are just one way that Oshawa promotes itself. Oshawa has embraced innovative methods of storytelling and outreach to showcase its unique offerings. The city prioritizes engagement, meeting with businesses, residents, and international partners to emphasize what makes Oshawa special. Social media and digital platforms play a crucial role in this strategy, allowing the city to highlight success stories and share its vision with a global audience.

“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, and thrive locally.

Oshawa’s focus on innovation is attracting major international companies. Lactalis, a global dairy leader, recently completed a state-of-the-art 400,000-square-foot facility in Oshawa’s Northwood Business Park. This project, completed in just 13 months, highlights Oshawa’s ability to deliver high-quality results on ambitious timelines. Similarly, Martin Brower, the largest McDonald’s restaurant distributor in North America, has also chosen Northwood Business Park in Oshawa as a key location for its operations.

Education and Partnership as the Economic Cornerstone

Education is a pivotal element in Oshawa’s growth strategy. Home to four post-secondary institutions including Ontario Tech University, Durham College, Trent University Durham GTA and the Queen’s University – Lakeridge Health Family Medicine MD program, the city emphasizes fostering innovation through education.

A significant factor in Oshawa’s economic growth is its access to a highly skilled workforce. The city’s four post-secondary institutions play a pivotal role in this regard, acting as a pipeline for talent in sectors ranging from technology to healthcare. The collaboration extends to initiatives that support student retention post-graduation.

“We’re seeing an expansion of post-secondary education. We’re seeing more programs and more students not only from Canada but from around the world. We’re truly on the edge of something really exciting with our education here,” Mayor Carter proudly acknowledges.

These globally-recognized institutions and programs offer access to top talent, are home to world-renowned centres for research and development and generate innovative business solutions for the Oshawa community. With approximately 35,000 post-secondary students enrolled annually, Oshawa is brimming with opportunity for those looking to tap into talent. By creating opportunities for young professionals within the city, Oshawa aims to harness their talents for local economic and social development.

Market-driven education combined with globally-renowned research facilities have created a unique concentration of Oshawa talent that is highly sought after by top companies. These institutions are not just academic centers but catalysts for research, development, and community engagement.

Another component of Oshawa’s strategy is its philosophy of business partnership. The city views businesses as collaborators and partners, working together to achieve mutual success. This approach has been instrumental in facilitating major projects like the multi-national company Lactalis Canada, who chose Oshawa as the new home for their Canadian distribution centre, the company’s largest, and the work of industrial space developers Broccolini and Panattoni.

“A partnership means having a vested interest not only in the beginning but throughout the journey, ensuring the success of the organization,” Mayor Carter emphasizes.

The city’s leadership actively supports businesses by maintaining open lines of communication and addressing challenges openly and proactively. In addition to larger companies, Oshawa also values the role of small businesses in its economic fabric. By supporting local entrepreneurs through grants, concierge style service, and networking opportunities, Oshawa seeks to design an ecosystem that stimulates job creation and enriches the cultural and social landscape.

Challenges and Opportunities in a Sustainable Future

Sustainability is at the core of Oshawa’s development philosophy. The city is dedicated to integrating green practices into its planning processes, from infrastructure projects to community programs. Fortunately, the new Northwood Business Park—a 500-acre campus style industrial-commercial space merging industry operations and open green spaces—is helping introduce green technologies and sustainable companies to the region.

While Oshawa’s growth story is one of success, it requires careful planning to ensure that rapidly growing populations are connected to the services they need to thrive. The city’s leadership is committed to addressing these opportunities head-on, ensuring that infrastructure, services, and community programs keep pace with demand.

Mayor Carter acknowledges these opportunities with great optimism about the city’s future. “If we can provide a place where people can live, work, learn, and thrive, we will have built a healthy, vibrant, and successful community.”

Oshawa’s holistic approach to growth—encompassing cultural inclusivity, economic innovation, and strategic partnerships—positions it as a model for modern municipalities. As the city continues to expand, it remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a community where everyone can succeed.

From its vibrant downtown to its efficient business processes, Oshawa is not just a city; it is a thriving landscape of culture and opportunities. The city’s focus on education, economic diversification, and community engagement ensures that it remains a choice for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. As Oshawa continues to evolve, it serves as an inspiring example of how cities can thrive through intelligent planning, collaboration, and a commitment to residential well-being.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Oshawa, Ontario
What: A thriving city characterized by its rich cultural diversity, sustainable urban development, and commitment to economic progress.
Where: Located in the Durham Region, Oshawa spans 145 square kilometers of vibrant urban life and natural beauty.
Website: https://www.oshawa.ca