Heritage Oshawa

Who We Are

Heritage Oshawa is the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee for the City of Oshawa. The City Council appointed committee is comprised of one Council member, twelve volunteers from the community and a city staff liaison person.

Any resident with knowledge of architecture, engineering, planning, construction, law, local history and/or heritage buildings should consider applying to serve on the committee.

What We Do

Working within the guidelines of the Ontario Heritage Act and the Oshawa Official Plan, Heritage Oshawa advises and assists Council on all matters relating to the preservation of Oshawa's heritage properties.

Heritage properties include structures, streetscapes, landscapes, natural areas, cemeteries and burial places as well as archaeological sites.

Heritage is the common ground that sustains our communities in times of change.

Oshawa's heritage resources make a significant contribution to the unique character of the city, reflecting its history and the cultural diversity of its residents

Key Activities

Heritage Oshawa is active in several key areas:

• The preparation of designation reports for city council's consideration;
• The compilation and updating of a Heritage Inventory of architecturally and/or historically significant resources;
• Ongoing research on Oshawa's heritage properties;
• The documentation of threatened sites;
• Reviewing and commenting on demolition and development applications;
• Assisting heritage property owners with information about renovations and current conservation programs; and
• Raising awareness of heritage conservation issues through displays, workshops/seminars and participation in special events.

Heritage Oshawa fosters an appreciation and encourages responsible stewardship of Oshawa's architectural and historical assets.

Members of the Heritage Oshawa committee are concerned about the disappearance of Oshawa's tangible past. We hope to raise awareness of the broad architectural, cultural, social, political, economic and military patterns of our history by retaining or reusing Oshawa's heritage resources. We wish to work towards a harmonious blend of old and new that speaks of the pride our community has in its past.

There are many misconceptions about the designation of a heritage resource. No financial obligations are placed upon the owner if a building is designated. Heritage Oshawa is given the opportunity to comment upon the application if a designated property owner wishes to drastically alter or demolish the building. Designation is the official recognition of the site's important place in history.

Please Contact Us If:

• You are concerned about a heritage resource;
• You wish to suggest a property for designation consideration;
• You would like a guest speaker for your group;
• You wish to share heritage information about Oshawa; and/or
• You have questions or comments about Heritage Oshawa.

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