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News Archives
The City of Oshawa News Archive includes summaries of the items that have appeared on the News webpage. The information is filed yearly and monthly, and in reverse chronological order. Please note that some of the external links may no longer be active. For more information, contact media@oshawa.ca
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News Archives for 2013
May 2013 | |
May 20 | Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund projects |
The City is implementing Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund projects for sport field lighting upgrades at Alexandra Park and an expansion of the playground at the Legends Centre to include the installation of a splash pad. The sport field lighting upgrade project and the Legends Centre playground expansion project and splash pad are both expected to be completed by November 2013. For more information, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca. | |
May 15 | City of Oshawa enhanced website and call for photos |
The City of Oshawa’s enhanced website is now live featuring a refreshed look, user-friendly features and accessibility tools. The site’s fresh new look is designed to make finding information about City services and programs easier for residents and visitors. In addition, the site’s Business & Investment section promotes Oshawa’s competitive advantages to support business growth. The enhanced website and new tools are in keeping with the City’s new Oshawa Strategic Plan, Creating Our Sustainable Tomorrow, and its goal of Social Equity and its Inclusive Community theme. Other new features include:
“We are moving into the next generation of our City’s online presence by offering relevant, up to date, easy to use, timely digital information all packaged into a fresh new exciting resigned website package which will more effectively offer residents timely information with an added focus on accessibility and functionality,” said Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Chair of the Strategic Initiatives Committee. “A mobile friendly site, and an app are just a few more things we are working on to make Oshawa’s future even brighter and connected for those on the go.” Credit recognition will be given to individuals whose photos are featured on the City’s website and “OshawaCity” Facebook Page. In addition, individuals who submit photos will be entered into a draw to win a pair of Oshawa Generals tickets for the 2013/2014 season. Call for Photos:/callforphotos.asp | |
May 14 | Hwy 407 East Phase 1 Design & Construction Report |
In accordance with the MTO’s Class EA, a Design and Construction Report (DCR) documenting the design and construction proposals and the results of the consultation process has been prepared and is being made available for public review. The DCR will be made available for a 30-day public review period, with public notice advising of the start of the review period. This DCR will be available for review for a 30-day period from May 14, 2013 to June 12, 2013. The report will be available on the project website at www.407eastphase1.ca as well as at municipal Clerk’s Offices and public libraries. Contact 407EDG at Toll-free: 1-855-463-3109 or jnaklicki@407edg.ca. | |
May 14 | Fiesta Week multicultural family festival: June 16-22 |
Mark June 16-22 in your calendar for the annual Fiesta Week celebration -- voted one of the Top 100 Festivals & Events in Ontario! Follow Fiesta Week on Facebook, Twitter or visit their website for more information. | |
May 13 | Pet of the Week – Chip the Cat |
I know, I know, I am a handsome fellow! Even at this young age of 1, I keep myself very well cleaned and groomed because I love to be very affectionate with other cats and people. I am very distinctive here, in that my favorite lounging position is to always stretch myself out with my front paws hanging out through the kennel. By doing this, it seems that anyone passing by will reach out to me. I LOVE it! Oshawa Animal Services:/com_res/animal_services.asp Consider Volunteering:/com_res/volunteer.asp | |
May 11 | Community invited to Northview Barbeque on May 21 |
Residents are invited to a fun-filled evening on Tuesday, May 21 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Northview Community Centre (150 Beatrice St. E). Activities are free and include children’s carnival games, face painting, costumed characters, crafts, hamburgers, hot dogs and cold drinks will be available for purchase. The annual event is hosted by the City of Oshawa, Oshawa Senior Citizens Centres, Boys and Girls Club of Durham and the Oshawa Lawn Bowling Club. Google Map: http://bit.ly/LXQMPj | |
May 10 | National Public Works Week, May 19-25 |
National Public Works Week is May 19-25. The theme this year is “Because of Public Works….” all communities around the world have quality of life through clean water, safe streets, and neighborhoods, efficient traffic and safe clean communities." This annual national event promotes the field of public works, which includes water, sewer, public transportation, waste management, as well as the maintenance of public buildings and grounds. Various City of Oshawa public works equipment will be on static display at the following locations:
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May 6 | Communities in Bloom-Garden of the Week Program |
"Garden of the Week” is a program designed to honour residents, residential complexes, businesses, organizations, industries and institutions in the City of Oshawa for their excellence in front lawn gardening initiatives. Show off your green thumb and nominate your favourite garden for the City’s Garden of the Week award. The program is also looking for volunteers to photograph winning gardens and submit one photo per week from June to September. Email communitiesinbloom@oshawa.ca for all the details. Growing with Pride signs can also be picked up free of charge at Service Oshawa or at any City recreation facility. | |
May 2 | 62nd annual Mental Health Week, May 6-12 |
The City is proud to support the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)’s 62nd annual Mental Health Week. This year, it runs May 6-12 and focuses on youth mental health.
CMHA facts:
THE CMHA is encouraging Canadians to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health. | |
May 1 | School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day- Tuesday, May 7, 2013 |
There are over 100 crossing guards in Oshawa helping over 1.5 million children, parents and other pedestrians travel safely across streets and intersections in all types of weather. In recognition of their hard work, Oshawa City Council has proclaimed Tuesday, May 7 as ‘School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day’ – a day to recognize the important role crossing guards play in keeping children safe on their way to and from school. This is the fourth year the City has recognized the invaluable service and dedication crossing guards offer to Oshawa’s children, parents and other pedestrians. The City of Oshawa dedicates Tuesday May 7 to school crossing guards. | |
April 2013 | |
Apr 30 | Pan Am Mascot Vote - Vote before May 5 |
Oshawa is proud to be a host community of the 2015 Pan Am games! In 2015, Oshawa will be hosting the boxing competitions at the General Motors Centre in downtown Oshawa. After reviewing amzing and creative mascot designs from kids all across Canada, the 6 finalists have been chosen!. Which one will be chosen as the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games mascot? You can vote once per day until May 5, 2013, when the voting closes. Now it's time to show your Pan Am spirit and pick your favourite entry! | |
Apr 29 | Hunger Awareness Week, May 6 - May 10 |
May 6-10 has been declared “Hunger Awareness Week” by Food Banks Canada, a national association of food banks which includes many Durham Region organizations. A local study indicates that many families are worried about not having enough food. Food Banks Canada and its member food banks across the country, are asking all Canadians to mark Hunger Awareness Week to make a positive impact on the issue of hunger across the country through three steps:
For more information, visit www.hungerawarenessweek.ca/home
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Apr 29 | Pet of the Week - Arthemis the Cat |
I think that you will agree that I am a very handsome fellow! My name is Arthemis and I am a domestic long haired black and white adorable bundle. I'm a very easy-going, calm cool cat who would love to put a smile on your face everyday! Oshawa Animal Services:/com_res/animal_services.asp Consider Volunteering:/com_res/volunteer.asp | |
Apr 29 | Free forum on crime prevention through exterior renovation and landscaping on May 7 |
Safe City Oshawa Partnership (SCOP), an advisory committee of Oshawa City Council, in connection with Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is holding a free forum for the public on the topic of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). The forum will be held at the Northview Community Centre at 150 Beatrice Street East in Oshawa on Tuesday, May 7 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Free parking is available. CPTED is a pro-active crime prevention strategy utilized by planners, architects, police services, security professionals and everyday users of space. Through proper design and effective use of the built environment, individuals can reduce the incidence, and fear, of crime and improve their quality of life. Learn how landscaping, lighting and other considerations can reduce the opportunity for crime in your home and in your neighbourhood. Presentations by Constable Paul Hawrychuk, Crime Prevention/Community Services Unit, DRPS, and Dr. Hannah Scott, Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, UOIT, will provide practical information, as well as an opportunity for questions and discussion. Attendees are asked to email safecity@oshawa.ca to register for the event. For more information, visit www.safecityoshawa.ca or email safecity@oshawa.ca. | |
Apr 24 | City releases 2013 Q1 Good News Report |
On April 24, the City released the 2013 Q1 Good News Report. The Report outlines the City’s highlights and community partner milestones of the first quarter of 2013. The Report is organized based on the five strategic goals outlined in the Oshawa Strategic Plan, Creating Our Sustainable Tomorrow. | |
Apr 23 | City releases business and investment YouTube video |
Business leaders in attendance at the City of Oshawa’s 8th annual Economic Outlook Breakfast were the first to rediscover Oshawa through the City’s newest video "Every Day in Oshawa" which kicked off the event. The promotional YouTube marketing video captures a prosperous, innovative and vibrant Oshawa and encourages the audience to rediscover Oshawa. | |
Apr 22 | National Youth Week, May 1-7 |
National Youth Week (NYW) is back! Oshawa youth aged between 10-17 years are invited to get involved with an exciting range of free events, activities and competitions happening throughout Oshawa from May 1 to 7.
“Oshawa’s Youth Council has done an amazing job again this year in planning our National Youth Week events,” said Councillor Bob Chapman, Community Services Committee Chair. “There is lots to do and I encourage our young residents to come out and join in the fun.” National Youth Week is an initiative supported by the Provincial Consortium of Youth in Recreation, aimed at celebrating youth involvement in the community. | |
Apr 22 | Pet of the Week - Tobias the Cat |
Hello, my name is Tobias and I am a domestic short hair brown and white tabby around 1 year old. I am a bundle of love and affection! I am super playfull...sometime chasing my very own tail is the best fun ever! I love the other cats here but I would prefer to share in your life Oshawa Animal Services:/com_res/animal_services.asp Consider Volunteering:/com_res/volunteer.asp | |
Apr 17 | Oshawa's Peony Festival and Fiesta Week named Top Festivals & Events in Ontario |
Oshawa's Peony Festival and Fiesta Week have both earned a spot on the 2013 Top 100 Festivals & Events in Ontario (FEO) list. The 9th annual Peony Festival takes place June 8-9, 2013 in the heart of the beautiful Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens (OVBG) at 155 Arena Street. Hosted by the City, this free event displays 300 types of peonies in the gardens and hundreds more in Children’s Arena. Artisans, live music and gardening advice are all part of this remarkable flower festival. The event also includes the Canadian Peony Society - Ontario Region’s judged Peony Show and a photo contest. Proudly presented by the Oshawa Folk Arts Council, Fiesta Week is a long-standing tradition in Durham Region. This year the week-long festival takes place June 16-22, 2013 and provides residents and guests the opportunity to experience European, Asian and Caribbean cultures, entertainment and foods. The multicultural family festival kicks off with a parade and a celebration at Memorial Park in downtown Oshawa on Sunday, June 16. FEO was established in 1987 as the provincial, not-for-profit tourism association devoted to the growth of the festivals and events industry in Ontario. For more information, including the complete listing of 2013 Top 100 Festivals & Events in Ontario, visit www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca. | |
Apr 12 | Oshawa Celebrates National Youth Week |
Are you between ages 10 – 17? During the week of May 1 – 7, it is National Youth Week and the Oshawa Youth Council has planned a variety of events. There are free events ranging from Zumba class, Movie Night, Discover the Arts. Come out and join us. :/whatsnew/NationalYouthWeeklogo2.jpg | |
Apr 3 | Hotel and Conference Centre coming to downtown Oshawa |
The City of Oshawa and developer Abdul Rehman are pleased to announce that a Holiday Inn Express hotel and conference centre will be coming to downtown Oshawa. The new hotel and conference centre will be located on the corner of Simcoe Street North and Richmond Street East (Queen’s Market Square). The development will replace a municipal parking lot. The $21-million project includes a 6-storey hotel with 125 guest rooms, restaurant with an outdoor patio, indoor pool and fitness facilities, as well as a conference centre that will accommodate approximately 300 persons. The development also includes both surface and underground parking, with the underground parking garage connected to both the hotel and conference centre. “On behalf of my colleagues on Council, City staff and the residents of Oshawa, it is my pleasure to welcome Abdul Rehman and his family to Oshawa. This project represents yet another investment in our downtown recognizing Oshawa is definitely open for business and the place to be,” said Mayor John Henry. “My family and I are very thankful for this wonderful opportunity and are proud to be contributing to the economic growth in the great City of Oshawa. A special thank you goes out to the City of Oshawa and those who have welcomed us into the community and we look forward to many years of continued success together,” said Mr. Abdul Rehman, President, Chayell Hospitality Group. Preliminary concept designs for the project have been approved by Council and geotechnical and soil investigations for the site have been completed. Mr. Rehman will be completing his construction drawings over the summer and intends to start construction as early as fall 2013. The new hotel and conference centre is expected to be completed by December 2014. “These are exciting times for Oshawa and especially downtown Oshawa. We welcome Holiday Inn Express to our downtown,” said Councillor John Aker, Chair of the Development Services Committee. “Development Services will have future positive announcements concerning our downtown.” Over the past several years, ongoing investments and developments have transformed downtown Oshawa into a vibrant business and entertainment/cultural centre. Since the opening of the General Motors Centre in 2006, downtown Oshawa has welcomed many new restaurants as well as businesses, including Costco and the Durham Consolidated Courthouse. The downtown is also home to street-level television studios, five university buildings (including the historic Regent Theatre), trendy cafés and shops, and over 50 restaurants. The new development is in keeping with the City’s new Oshawa Strategic Plan, Creating Our Sustainable Tomorrow. The hotel and conference centre will support business, education and healthcare, as well as the City’s numerous cultural, sporting and entertainment facilities and events, by providing high quality accommodations and meeting facilities. The timing of the new hotel and conference is ideal. Over 25,000 spectators are expected to watch TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games boxing events during eight days of competition in July 2015 at Oshawa’s General Motors Centre. | |
Apr 3 | Media Release: Ontario's Big City Mayors Call for Action to End Gridlock |
Durham LUMCO Mayors - Oshawa, Whitby and Ajax - agree it’s time to talk new revenue tools The Mayors of the large urban cities in Ontario do support new revenue tools that are fair and reasonable to help end Gridlock in Ontario. It is likely a number of revenue tools will be needed to address gridlock, sharing the burden with all those with a stake in the solution. However, Ontario’s Big City Mayors do not support adding a “transit tax” to the already overburdened property tax bill. The Large Urban Mayors’ Caucus of Ontario represents 67% of Ontario’s population. Currently there are 26 Big City Mayors, including Oshawa, Whitby and Ajax, with populations of over 100,000 residents. Mayor Hazel McCallion is Chair of the Large Urban Mayors’ Caucus of Ontario. | |
March 2013 | |
Mar 28 | Hot off the press! Inside Oshawa spring newsletter |
What’s new and exciting in the City of Oshawa? Find out in the current issue of the Inside Oshawa quarterly newsletter. The spring edition includes information on the Oshawa Strategic Plan, new programs for businesses, volunteer opportunities and upcoming events. This new issue is now available at City facilities and in an e-newsletter format. For assistance, or to request a large-print version, please call Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311. | |
Mar 27 | Mayor and Green Party Leader discuss planned ethanol refinery at the Oshawa Harbour |
Oshawa Mayor John Henry met with Leader of the Green Party Elizabeth May in Ottawa today to discuss City Council’s position of not supporting the construction and operation of an ethanol refinery at the Oshawa Harbour. | |
Mar 26 | Oshawa Council approves 2013 City Budget |
On March 25, Oshawa Council approved the 2013 City Budget that included a 2.13 per cent tax levy increase on the City of Oshawa portion of the property tax bill, the lowest in Durham Region. | |
Mar 23 | Take part in spring-time community projects and events |
Spring is here and we are calling on volunteers to help clean-up Oshawa’s local parks and green spaces. Community Clean-up Week, formerly known as PITCH-IN Week, takes place April 21-27. Thank you to the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee (OEAC) for hosting an Earth Day Creek Walk and Ravine Clean-up on April 21. The event was part of Community Clean-up Week and celebrated the end of OEAC’s 30-Day Carbon Reduction Challenge. On May 4, the City’s Parks Department and 11 Scout troops from Oshawa will “dig in” and plant a variety of trees at various parks and open spaces throughout the city. Locations include the Oshawa Trail, Harmony Trail, Prestwick Park, Bennett Court, Martindale / Willowdale Park, Warne Park, McLaughlin Park, Harmony Valley Park and Pumphouse Marsh. Thank you to our scouts who will be planting over 330 trees on May 4, which will add to the natural beauty of our community. | |
Mar 8 | Leading economist to address local business leaders |
Business leaders have the opportunity to learn from one of Canada’s leading economists at the City of Oshawa’s 8th annual Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Jubilee Pavilion (55 Lakeview Park, Oshawa). Craig Alexander, Senior Vice President & Chief Economist for the TD Bank Group, will be in Oshawa on Tuesday, Apr. 23 to present an economic outlook to the business community. “I applaud our Economic Development Services Team and the TD Bank Group for again hosting this Economic Outlook Breakfast,” said Councillor John Aker, Chair of Development Services Committee. “Mr. Alexander always provides an update relevant to our community and I encourage our business leaders to attend.” Mr. Alexander’s wealth of knowledge comes from nearly 15 years of experience as an economic and financial forecaster. He is a regular commentator on public policy, a trustee of two pension plans and is on the editorial board for the quarterly journal Canadian Public Policy. Prior to joining the private sector, Mr. Alexander spent four years as an economist at Statistics Canada. Mr. Alexander is also the former two-term President of the Canadian Association for Business Economics. Tickets to the Economic Outlook Breakfast are $28 +HST per person in advance and $35 at the door; seating is limited. Registrations are accepted until Tuesday, Apr. 16 or while spaces are available. Registration and breakfast begins at 7:30 am followed by Mr. Alexander’s presentation at 8:00 am. The event is presented by TD Bank Group and supported by the Durham Region Association of Realtors and the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. To register for this event, please complete the online registration form or contact the City by phone at 905-436-5617 or by email at business@oshawa.ca.
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Mar 4 | City of Oshawa launches programs for local businesses |
The City of Oshawa’s Economic Development Services Team has announced the launch of two communications initiatives for business owners/operators and residents of the community. | |
February 2013 | |
Feb 26 | Pan Am Mural Activation |
The City of Oshawa will proudly host the Pan Am boxing event in 2015! To start the celebrations, on Saturday, March 2nd the Pan Am Community Tour will be at Legends Centre from 10 am to 1 pm with various activities for the public to enjoy. The event will feature Oshawa’s Pan Am Mural Activation as David Arrigo, renowned sports artist will be onsite painting the mural on canvas. Everyone is invited to attend! | |
Feb 21 | Mayor Henry's 'State of the City Address' |
Oshawa Mayor John Henry delivered his “State of the City Address” on Feb. 21, 2013 to the local business community at the Quality Hotel and Conference Centre. The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce event was presented in conjunction with BMO Bank of Montreal. Q1 2013 Report:/whatsnew/GoodNewsReport2013Q1.pdf | |
January 2013 | |
Jan 30 | NEW Residential Waste Collection Lookup Tool |
The City has a new web Lookup Tool for residents to check out their waste collection schedule. This will allow for immediate and detailed information on green bin, recycling, yard waste and garbage collection simply by entering an Oshawa address. | |
Jan 15 | 407 Highway Public Information Session - Tues. Jan. 29 |
The 407 East Development Group (407EDG) has been selected by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) to design, build, finance and maintain Highway 407 East from the Brock Road Interchange Eastern Limit in Pickering to the Harmony Road Interchange Eastern Limit in Oshawa (approximately 20.3 km), as well as the West Durham Link (WDL), east of Lake Ridge Road, serving as a north-south freeway connector to Highway 401 (approximately 10 km), and including a realignment of Highway 401 (approximately 5 km). A Public Information Centre has been scheduled to present information on these proposals for public review and comment. 407EDG and MTO representatives will be available to answer questions and receive your input. The Public Information Session will be held as follows: Location: Brooklin United Church, 19 Cassels Road East, Whitby Date & Time: Tuesday, January 29, 2013; 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose of this Public Information Centre is to obtain comments on selected construction activities scheduled to start in 2013, which include the following: strategic construction of road and watercourse structures and stream realignments in Segments A1, A3, A4, A5 and B.1 The 407 East Development Group are interested in hearing your comments regarding the project.2. Visit our website: www.407eastphase1.ca; call toll-free: 1-855-463-3109; write to us at: 407EDG, 400 Dundas Street East, Unit 2, Whitby, ON L1N 0K1; or fax: 416-586-1480. | |
Jan 15 | Metrolinx Big Move Public Meeting - Thurs. Feb. 7 |
Metrolinx is transforming the region’s transportation system through The Big Move. This plan will change how you get around your community. Interested in learning more? Attend the Public Roundtable meeting to discuss current and future transportation projects that will get our region moving. The meeting will be held on Thursday February 7, 2013 at the Jubilee Pavilion located at 55 Lakeview Park Avenue from 6pm – 8pm. Deadline to submit comments on the transportation plan is February 1. Visit www. bigmove.ca to learn more. | |
Jan 8 | Charting a new course at the Oshawa Harbour |
Mayor Henry has released a YouTube video reaffirming the City Council position of not supporting the construction and operation of an ethanol refinery at the Oshawa Harbour. The video outlines potential implications of having an ethanol refinery on the Oshawa waterfront, including impacts to our community and potential safety risks such as ethanol-related train fires. Located near the planned ethanol refinery is Lakeview Park, a substantial residential area including lands planned for several hundred homes, two schools, corporate offices for Minacs Worldwide and General Motors Canada, and several hundred acres of sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitats. This geographic area is comparable in size in relation to recorded ethanol incidents. “The City acknowledges and supports the continued development of the Port of Oshawa as an economic engine for Oshawa, Durham Region and the province of Ontario; however, an ethanol refinery is not an appropriate use of our waterfront,” said Oshawa Mayor John Henry. “The City’s objective is to continue the redevelopment of our waterfront as a mixed use, vibrant, people friendly place,” added Mayor Henry. The proposed ethanol project would be the only refinery located along the Canadian shoreline of Lake Ontario. In contrast, the federal and provincial governments have announced funding for waterfront revitalization projects in neighbouring municipalities, including the City of Pickering and the Township of Scugog’s Port Perry Waterfront Project. “The City is only asking for equal treatment. We are asking to have the most amazing waterfront that we can possibly have – as is the case with Pickering, Whitby, Cobourg, Port Perry, Port Hope, Ajax, Clarington and Newcastle – and that does not include an ethanol refinery being built on our waterfront,” stated Mayor Henry. Furthermore, Brock Township is interested in bringing an ethanol refinery to the municipality, as it would be a complementary agricultural related use and an area where corn is grown. The video is available on the “OshawaCity” YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/OshawaCity or on the City’s website at www.oshawa.ca/harbour. Video:http://ow.ly/gRCH3 Oshawa Harbour website:www.oshawa.ca/harbour | |
