Environment

Oshawa's Official Plan takes an active role towards the environment with several policies that encourage and promote energy conservation as a key design element of (re)development and maintaining infrastructure to:

• encourage new technologies in construction and energy conservation
• promote tree planting and tree preservation for the purposes of improving air quality, health and reducing energy use through shading and sheltering
• encourage sustainable building design by identifying opportunities for clean energy generation (e.g. geothermal, photovoltaic panels).

The City is also recognized internationally for our green spaces and gardens. From the Lake Ontario shoreline to the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine, Oshawa is a network of community parks, wildlife corridors, creeks and marshes.

OEAC Tree Giveaway Update: Due to overwhelming interest, this program has reached capacity and is no longer be accepting registrations. Those who will be receiving trees will be contacted by the City. We thank you for your interest.

Corporate Energy Management Plan

As outlined in the Government of Ontario’s Regulation 25/23 Electricity Act, 1998, the City of Oshawa has created an energy conservation and demand management plan, available to community members.

Oshawa’s Corporate Energy Management Plan (C.E.M.P.) aims to guide energy management strategies, improve  municipal resource distribution and promote cost-beneficial energy initiatives. In addition, the C.E.M.P. aligns with Oshawa’s Strategic Plan (O.S.P.) and Durham Community Energy Plan (D.C.E.P.). 

Oshawa’s 2023 Energy Reporting submission to the Ministry of Energy summarizes 2021 consumption data for the prescribed facilities, as described in the C.E.M.P. 

Accomplishments

Recent impactful energy consumption reduction projects include

• installation of public electric vehicle charging stations
• mechanical optimizations
• L.E.D. lighting conversions

The Plan also supports the City’s relationship with key industry leaders such as the Independent Electricity System Operator (I.E.S.O.), garnering incentives and support for successful energy efforts.

Next Steps

The 2024-2028 Plan was endorsed by Council in May 2023. The development of the Oshawa Corporate Facilities Green Building Standard and the Net-Zero emissions strategy for corporate facilities will begin this year.