Development Studies
The Economic and Development Services Department undertakes development studies to help guide future growth in the City.
Current studies
The City of Oshawa has retained Parsons Inc. to complete the Integrated Major Transit Station Area Study for Central Oshawa (Integrated M.T.S.A Study). The City of Oshawa is growing, and the Province of Ontario is guiding growth to places that can support it. One of these places are Major Transit Station Areas. These areas are typically within a 500-800m radius from a transit stop or station and are generally located along existing or planned transit corridors.
The Central Oshawa M.T.S.A was identified by the Region of Durham through their Municipal Comprehensive Review of the Durham Regional Official Plan. The Integrated M.T.S.A. Study is in response to the announced Lakeshore East GO Rail Corridor extension to Bowmanville and the planned Central Oshawa GO Station, at 500 Howard St., located in the core of the M.T.S.A., along the Canadian Pacific Belleville Mainline.
The overall Study area is generally bound by John St. and Eulalie Ave. to the north, Ritson Rd. S. to the east, Highway 401 to the south, and the Oshawa Creek Valley to the west (see map at right).
The purpose of the Integrated M.T.S.A. Study is to undertake:
- A Master Land Use and Urban Design Plan to advance appropriate development and intensification within the M.T.S.A.;
- An area-specific Transportation Master Plan (T.M.P.) to identify and recommend a preferred transportation option that accommodates future development; and,
- A Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, Schedule C, for First Ave./McNaughton Ave., and any other major roads or improvements identified in the T.M.P.
Integrated M.T.S.A. Study Area Map
The Master Land Use and Urban Design Plan will be completed in accordance with the Ontario Planning Act. The T.M.P. and Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, Schedule C, will be undertaken as outlined in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015) process, which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.
| Study Timeline |
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Parsons is currently advancing the background review and analysis within Stage 1. Notice of Study Commencement will be issued on November 24, 2022. |
| Public Consultation |
| Public participation and feedback are key components of the Integrated M.T.S.A. Study. There will be a series of Public Information Centres (P.I.C.) planned throughout the Study, with the first P.I.C. scheduled to take place in early 2023. Stay tuned to this Study webpage for updates on consultation opportunities. |
| Contact Us |
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You can submit your comments or questions to the Study's key contacts at any time:
Connor Leherbauer Senior Planner, City of Oshawa E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 905-436-3311 ext. 2402
John Grieve, MCIP, RPP Deputy Project Manager, Parsons Email: [email protected] Phone: 289-404-5363 |
| Protection of Privacy and Accessibility |
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Information is collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments become part of the public record. The City of Oshawa is committed to providing services as set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. If you have accessibility needs and require alternate formats or other accommodations, please contact the City contact listed under "Contact Us" above. |
Oshawa Creek Sites 6 & 8 – Preliminary Design
The City has retained Palmer Environmental Consulting Group to prepare a Preliminary Design to address the erosion concerns along Oshawa Creek, just upstream of Thomas Street in the City of Oshawa. The location of the study area has been shown in the image below.
This rehabilitation of the creek implements and further advances the preferred conceptual option recommended in Palmer’s “Fluvial Geomorphological Assessment of Oshawa Creek and Evaluation of Erosion Mitigation Strategies at Prioritized Sites Study” (2021). The Project Team invites public input and comments on the preliminary designs for erosion mitigation measures to protect at risk infrastructure within the study area. Public feedback will be considered in the planning and design of this project.
The City wishes to ensure that anyone with an interest in this project has the opportunity to provide input on the preliminary design exercise. With the exception of personal information, all comments will becomes part of the public record. To provide your comments, request additional information concerning this project or to join the project mailing list, please contact either of the Project Team members listed below.
Community members are invited to submit their feedback directly to the contacts listed below. Feedback will be received until noon on Friday, July 8, 2022.
Resources
- Oshawa Creek Sites 6 & 8 - Study area
- Fluvial Geomorphological Assessment of Oshawa Creek and Evaluation of Erosion Mitigation Strategies at Prioritized Sites Study prepared by Palmer, dated 2021
- Preliminary Designs for Oshawa Sites 6 & 8
Contact
Harshad Patel, Water Resources Engineer,
City of Oshawa,
Email
Mr. Robin McKillop, Vice President, Principal Geomorphologist
Palmer Environmental Consulting Group
74 Berkeley Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2W7
Email
Integrated Columbus Part II Planning Act and Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Act Study
The City has initiated an Integrated Columbus Part II Planning Act and Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (E.A.) Act Study (the Study). The Study Area is generally bounded by Howden Rd. to the north, the Oshawa-Whitby boundary to the west, Winchester Rd. to the south and the east branch of the Oshawa Creek to the east. The Study Area map shows the extent of the lands subject to the Study.
The Columbus Part II Planning Area, as identified in Schedule “E” of the Oshawa Official Plan, forms part of and is located within the Study Area.
Specific objectives of the study are to:
- Advance the Planning Act Component and Municipal Class E.A. Component to facilitate the future development of the Columbus Planning Area
- Advance development that is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and the Provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, including the minimum population and job density targets
- Advance development that is compliant with the requirements of the Municipal Class E.A. process
- Emphasize sustainable development and the protection and enhancement of environmental and natural features
- Protection of Highway 407 East corridor for employment uses
- Advance development of the Columbus Planning Area in conformity with the Durham Regional Official Plan and the Oshawa Official Plan
- Advance development that is sensitive to the historic community of Columbus
Resources
- Development Services Committee Report DS-17-125
- Development Services Committee Report DS-19-04
- Info Report INFO-19-148
- Development Services Committee Report DS-19-165
- Development Services Committee Report DS-21-155
Background Reports |
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The following is a list of the background reports for the Study:
*The Phase 1 Transportation Report Appendices are available upon request. |
Alternative Land Use and Road Plans and Associated Land Budgets |
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Three alternative land use and road plans and associated land budgets have been prepared for the Columbus Part II Planning Area. These land use and road plans also show alternative development concepts for the South Columbus Industrial Area and the Columbus Whitebelt Area, which interface with the Columbus Part II Planning Area. The three land use and road alternatives have been prepared based on the findings and analyses of the background studies and comments received to date from all stakeholders, including members of the public, internal staff and other external agencies. The associated land budgets provide detailed information about the proposed land uses, density of development, population and jobs for each alternative.
Supporting analyses to the three alternative land use and road plans have been prepared**:
** Please note that these documents are the current versions to date and may be subject to change. Please note that Scenario 2 contained in the Subwatershed Study – Alternatives Review Memorandum reflects standards for vegetative buffers that do not reflect the minimum standards for such buffers required under the Oshawa Official Plan and reflected in the relevant watershed plans of the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority. This Scenario may be subject to change. Feedback on the three alternative land use and road plans and associated land budgets will be used to inform the development of a preferred alternative land use and road plan, and ultimately a Part II Plan for Columbus. |
Draft Preferred Land Use and Road Plan, Land Budget and Supporting Documents |
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The draft preferred land use and road plan, land budget and plans related to the proposed Columbus Expansion Area outside of the Major Urban Area Boundary, transportation matters and environmental management matters have been prepared for the Columbus Study Area. The draft preferred land use and road plan, land budget and plans related to the proposed Columbus Expansion Area outside of the Major Urban Area Boundary, transportation matters and environmental management matters have been prepared based on the findings and analyses of the background studies, supporting documents (including the ones identified below) and comments received to date from all stakeholders, including members of the public, internal staff and other external agencies. The land budget provides detailed information about the proposed land uses, density of development, population and jobs.
Supporting documents to the draft preferred land use and road plan, land budget and plans related to the proposed Columbus Expansion Area outside of the Major Urban Area Boundary, transportation matters and environmental management matters have also been prepared*:
*Please note that these documents are still considered draft and are subject to change. **Please note that the Draft Columbus Transportation Master Plan Final Report is in draft form and the appendices are still being updated. Accordingly, the appendices have not been included. However, they are available upon request if necessary for your review. Feedback on the above noted materials will be used to inform the development of a recommended land use and road plan and ultimately, the final Part II Plan for the Columbus Part II Planning Area. |
Public Information Centres |
Public Information Centre #1 (Visioning Session) - December 5, 2018The first Public Information Centre (P.I.C.) was held on December 5, 2018. View the P.I.C. materials:
Public Information Centre #2 - June 20, 2019The second Public Information Centre (P.I.C.) was held on June 20, 2019. View the P.I.C. materials:
Public Information Centre #3 - November 20, 2019The third Public Information Centre (P.I.C.) was held on November 20, 2019. View the P.I.C. materials:
Public Information Centre #4 - October 28, 2021The fourth Public Information Centre (P.I.C.) was held virtually on October 28, 2021. View the P.I.C. materials: |
Columbus Community Advisory Committee |
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The Columbus Community Advisory Committee (the Committee) provides a forum for the positive and open exchange of information and feedback on the Study, including a forum to discuss key opportunities, concerns and potential solutions. The Committee is not a decision-making body and will not have the authority to vote or commit City resources or direct the work of employees or the consultants. The Committee will provide input throughout the Study process to assist the Project Team (City staff and the Consultant Team) in understanding community opinions, on such matters as:
The Columbus Community Advisory Committee has a Terms of Reference, which explains the Columbus Community Advisory Committee membership, role, responsibilities and authority of members and the expected level of commitment. If you would like to contact the Committee, please send correspondence to Planning Services and they will pass along any correspondence from the public to the Committee through the Chair. Members
Meeting Minutes |
Land Use Study of General Industrial Zoned Lands in the Northwood Business Park
View the Northwood Business park webpage
Interim Control By-law 25-2020
On February 24, 2020, Oshawa City Council considered Report DS-20-43 dated February 19, 2020, and adopted the following recommendation:
“1. That, pursuant to Report DS-20-43 dated February 19, 2020, staff be directed to undertake a land use study to review the appropriateness of the current General Industrial (G.I.) zoning within portions of the Northwood Business Park.
2. That, pursuant to Report DS-20-43 dated February 19, 2020, an appropriate Interim Control By-law be passed pursuant to Section 38 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13 to prohibit development in the current G.I. zoning within portions of the Northwood Business Park for one year, in a form and content generally reflecting the By-law comprising Attachment 3 to said Report.”
The Interim Control By-law (I.C.B.) 25-2020 applies to all lands in the Northwood Business Park zoned G.I., including Special Conditions. These consist of the following two sites:
- The northern portion of 918 Taunton Rd. W.
- A portion of 1455, 1515 and 1517 Thornton Rd. N.
Relevant Documents
The following is a list of documents that relate to the I.C.B.:
- DS-12-299, dated November 13, 2012, concerning the City-initiated Amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan to Facilitate Future Development in a Portion of the Northwood Industrial Park South of Conlin Rd. W. between the Oshawa/Whitby Boundary and the Oshawa Creek
- DS-16-117, dated June 16, 2016, concerning the Master Stormwater Management Plan Study for the Northwood Business Park
- DS-18-151, dated September 20, 2018, concerning the Proposed City-initiated Amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94
- DS-20-43, dated February 19, 2020, concerning the Proposed Land Use Study and Interim Control By-law Concerning General Industrial Zones in the Northwood Business Park
- Interim Control By-law 25-2020
- Notice of Passing Interim Control By-law 25-2020
Terms of Reference |
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The purpose of the Land Use Study is to review the appropriateness of the General Industrial (G.I.) zones within the Northwood Business Park. The key tasks of the Land Use Study include:
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Virtual Public Open House and Community Input |
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The consultation has concluded. Thank you to community members who provided feedback on the Land Use Study for Northwood Business Park. The feedback will be considered in the report to the Development Services Committee and Council with a recommendation concerning the Land Use Study. |
Important dates |
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The following are important dates related to the Land Use Study:
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Frequently asked questions |
An I.C.B. is a tool available to Ontario municipalities under Section 38 of the Planning Act. An I.C.B. places a temporary hold on the development of certain lands while a municipality is studying or reviewing its land use policies. The temporary hold can only be imposed for a period of one (1) year, with a maximum extension of one (1) additional year. Once an I.C.B. is no long in effect, a subsequent I.C.B. may not be imposed on the same effected lands for a period of three (3) years. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Provincial suspension of certain legislative timelines, the I.C.B. period has been extended to August 24, 2021.
The Land Use Study is being completed by City staff with input from the public and key stakeholders.
If you wish to be added to the Notification List for this matter, please contact Planning Services at 905-436-3853 or by email to [email protected]. |
Simcoe Street Rapid Transit Visioning Study
The Region of Durham’s 2017 Transportation Master Plan and Metrolinx’s 2041 Regional Transportation Plan both identify the need for a rapid transit corridor along Simcoe Street between Highway 407 and the proposed Ritson GO Station in the City of Oshawa.
In order to identify the most suitable form of rapid transit for the Simcoe Street corridor, the Region of Durham is initiating the Simcoe Street Rapid Transit Visioning Study. The Simcoe Street Rapid Transit Visioning Study is an opportunity to learn how to improve mobility and quality of life for existing residents while preparing the corridor to attract and support future growth.
This Study will investigate opportunities to realistically assess rapid transit investments based on evolving best practices in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion including the equity economic benefits of rapid transit and Transit-Oriented Communities concepts.
The primary objective of the Study is to develop a concept plan, including preferred stations and connections, and a supportive rapid transit service strategy for Simcoe Street. The Study will also consider future transit planning initiatives by Metrolinx, transit agencies and regional and municipal authorities.
Study Area
The Study Area will be focused primarily along Simcoe Street between Highway 407 and Olive Avenue in the City of Oshawa.
Join the conversation
Visit the project webpage at www.SimcoeStreetRapidTransit.ca to:
- Learn more about the study
- Sign up for the mailing list
- Leave a comment on the interactive map
- Stay up to date on key milestones and opportunities to get involved
Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 905-668-7711 x 2198
Parking Study
The City of Oshawa has initiated a citywide Parking Study (the Study). Results of the Study will inform the development of a parking strategy that anticipates and accommodates parking demand through environmentally, socially and economically sustainable policies.
The Study is considering:
- parking requirements in the City of Oshawa Zoning By-law 60-94 for all residential uses throughout the entire city (e.g. required number of spaces, size, location of spaces);
- parking requirements in the City of Oshawa Zoning By-law 60-94 for all uses in the downtown (e.g. required number of spaces, size, location of spaces);
- the downtown municipal parking system, including future demand and future policies;
- the relationship between parking supply and specific goals for the City’s Urban Growth Centre, Transportation Hubs, Part II Planning Areas, as well as Corridors and Intensification Areas;
- recommend sources of funding or alternative financing measures available to the City to implement the recommendations;
- best practices from comparable municipalities;
- feedback from the community; as well as,
- businesses and other stakeholders to ensure concerns are identified and heard.
Resources
- Final Study and Appendices
- CNCL-21-110 City of Oshawa Parking Study
- CNCL-22-76 City of Oshawa Parking Study
Columbus Heritage Conservation District Investigation
In 2019 A.S.I., a heritage consulting firm, completed a Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment for the Integrated Columbus Part II Planning Act and Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Act Study (“Columbus Part II Plan Study”).
ASI found 62 recognized and potential cultural heritage resources in the Study Area for the Columbus Part II Plan Study. In addition, A.S.I. noted that many of the properties formed a contiguous stretch of heritage resources. On this basis, ASI recommended the City consider designating an Heritage Conservation District (H.C.D.) in Columbus.
In February 2022, Council directed staff to investigate a potential for the former hamlet of Columbus. This investigation looked at the timing, cost and scope of an H.C.D. in Columbus, and concluded in May 2022. Council directed staff to gather input from the following groups:
- Heritage Oshawa
- The Columbus Community Advisory Committee
- Property owners in the Columbus Special Policy Area
Thank you to all that provided feedback. The input collected informed and was included within staff's report, Report DS-22-127 dated June 1, 2022, back to the Development Services Committee and Council with respect to the potential initiation of a H.C.D. Study in the community of Columbus.
Oshawa City Council considered Report DS-22-127 at its meeting of June 20, 2022 and adopted the following recommendation of the Development Services Committee:
“That, pursuant to Report DS-22-127 dated June 1, 2022, funding to retain a consultant to prepare a Heritage Conservation District Study for the community of Columbus, in order to advance the potential designation under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act, be referred to the 2023 Operating Budget.”
Presentation
As part of the H.C.D. investigation, a presentation was created, which was shared with Heritage Oshawa and the Columbus Community Advisory Committee. The presentation included the following:
- What an H.C.D. is.
- The significance of an H.C.D.
- The impact and/or benefit of an H.C.D.
- How to determine the boundaries of an H.C.D.
View the Heritage Conservation District Investigation Presentation for Columbus.
Alternatively, you can listen to a recording of the Heritage Conservation District Presentation for Columbus.