Operating a Business Downtown

Incentives

The city supports the growth, development and beautification of Downtown and offers a number of incentive programs to support private investment and development:

• The City's portion of Development Charges have been eliminated for Downtown development projects
• The Urban Growth Centre Community Improvement Plan assists property owners with building façade and accessibility improvements, building and fire code upgrades, converting non-residential units to residential units and supports the creation of high-value jobs and economic development.
• The Simcoe Street South Community Improvement Plan assists property owners with building façade improvements in this designated area.

Licensing

Some businesses require a licence from the City of Oshawa, Region of Durham or even provincial or federal requirements in order to operate. BizPaL is an online source of information on permits and licences to start or grow your business. Before you open your business downtown, contact Economic Development Services so that we can assist you through the licensing and permitting process.

Parking Downtown

There is plenty of parking in Downtown. Tokens can be purchased for use at parking meters, surface lots and municipal parkades from Service Oshawa located in City Hall and at the Mary St. Parkade, 1 Mary St. N., Oshawa.

More information about Downtown Parking. 

Patios

Outdoor cafes and patios add vibrancy and life to Downtown Oshawa's sidewalks. The Downtown Oshawa Sidewalk Café Program offers opportunity to bring your business into the public realm, and waives all licensing and parking lost-revenue fees for the first three years of patio operation. If you are interested in opening a café downtown, contact Economic Development Services for assistance.