City of Oshawa celebrates top highlights of the year

As we wrap up 2025, the City of Oshawa is proud to celebrate a year of progress, partnerships and strategic investments. Here are the top highlights that shaped our city this year:

Invested in major infrastructure

The City invested in current and new infrastructure including roads, parks, watercourses, bridges and other critical assets. We completed construction of Veterans Square, a new urban space set to become a vibrant hub for community celebrations and events in the heart of our downtown. Significant work is underway on the Civic Outdoor Track Project (a $2.3 million investment), the South Oshawa Community Centre Pool reconstruction project, and the redevelopment of Easton Park, which will feature a new splash pad. Work also began on the reconstruction of first phase of Conlin Rd. E. from Harmony Rd. N. to Kurelo Dr. Construction for the replacement of the Baker Park pedestrian bridge and the Bloor Street pedestrian bridge began late fall 2025 and will both be completed in early 2026. 

Expanded access to recreation

At a grand opening event, the community celebrated the new Rose Valley Community Park, featuring one of Canada’s largest BMX pump tracks alongside an extensive playground, pickleball courts, formal gardens and scenic walking paths. We also celebrated the redevelopment of Conant Park and Greenbriar Park. Oshawa’s active transportation network expanded with the addition of bike lanes and bike routes in various new subdivisions, while work continued on the Harmony Creek Trail extension and pedestrian bridge along Arborwood Dr. to Conlin Rd.

Advanced the Airport Action Plan

We advanced several key capital investments to strengthen the Oshawa Executive Airport’s role as a vital economic gateway for the region. A noise wall and sound barrier were constructed, and Runway 12/30 was reconfigured to optimize departure and landing corridors. We also reached a new agreement with Durham Flight Centre, featuring two major commitments aimed at reducing noise and enhancing safety. In November,  the City hosted the GrO | City Building Summit in an airport hangar – this summit positioned Oshawa with industry leaders and developers to showcase the city’s value proposition to facilitate and accelerate new job-creating investments.

Achieved exceptional construction values 

In 2025, Oshawa achieved exceptional building construction values, driving job creation and economic development and supporting economic stability in the city. Year-to-date construction value has already surpassed our seventh all-time record set in 2014, and Industrial and Institutional construction values achieved near all-time record highs with new projects proceeding in the City’s prestige employment land area, Northwood Business Park.  

Made it easier to do business

The City continued to streamline processes for developers and investors. In addition to extending the building permit fee freeze into 2025, we introduced a new Application Portal for 24/7 online submissions and payments. We launched a new investment attraction website, oshawaecdev.ca, along with an AI-powered search engine that helps Oshawa-based businesses find financial support programs and funding opportunities.

Secured long-term partnerships

The City secured a five-year partnership with Oshawa FireWolves of the National Lacrosse League as the team’s first Founding Partner. In April, we announced landmark 30-year agreements with the Oshawa Generals and Oak View Group, including a commitment to invest $50 million to modernize the Tribute Communities Centre – strengthening Oshawa’s reputation as a premier destination for sporting events, concerts and live performances.

Advanced urban forestry

We launched the development of Oshawa’s first-ever Forestry Master Plan, a 20-year strategy to protect and grow our urban forest. This plan is being shaped by extensive community input, including nearly 300 submissions and over 1,100 staff interactions at pop-up events during the year. Through partnerships and funding opportunities, we expanded Oshawa’s tree canopy with more than 4,200 plantings at numerous City parks and greenspaces, including significant plantings at Gold Point Wildlife Reserve and Lakeview Park.

Celebrated signature events

The City hosted award-winning annual celebrations including Canada Day, Indigenous Cultural Celebration, Kars on King and the Peony Festival as well as new events such as Public Works at Work and Community Fire Safety Day. Through our partnership with Oshawa Tourism, the City was proud to support several of Oshawa Tourism’s downtown events including Convergence, Halloween Boo Bash and Holiday Village.

Introduced new cultural initiatives

In fall 2025, we launched the development of the City’s new Culture Plan, being shaped by culture sector specific focus groups, interviews, 200+ feedback forms, and engagement with over 1200+ community members. We partnered on initiatives such as the community artwork How Many Hearts? that was installed at Delpark Homes Centre, as well as TeachingCity projects including new artwork in recreation facilities and the installation of wayfinding signage at Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park. We also worked with our partners to offer free cultural events, including Nollywood, Stronger Together and Winter Solstice Social.

Quote:

“2025 was a year of strategic investments and collaborative partnerships that will shape Oshawa for decades to come. Every investment and achievement reflects our vision for a thriving, innovative and caring community. As we move into 2026, we are excited to build on this momentum and embrace the opportunities ahead.”
– Mayor Dan Carter