Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter said the city faces a bright future with gross domestic product (GDP) growth projected at 2.2 per cent and below average unemplymnt rate.
He talked of Oshawa’s 2.2% GDP growth as projected by the Conference Board of Canada has projected Oshawa’s GDP growth at 2.2 per cent, Mayor Carter said in his 2023 State of the City Address at the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Luncheon.
He also pointed out that the city’s 4.1 per cent unemployment rate falls well below the provincial and national rate.
He said 2022:
- Was a record year of nearly $1 billion in building permit value;
- Saw the addition of light-duty pick-up production and a third shift at GM Canada’s Truck Assembly Plant, which has created more than 3,200 new jobs;
- Witnessed HOPA’s announcement of a $32 million capital infrastructure project at the Oshawa Port; and,
- Celebrated the much-anticipated news that the Lakeshore East GO Train extension through Oshawa to Bowmanville is fully committed, funded and will be constructed.
Mayor Carter said 2023 has already brought exciting opportunities, including Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announcement that it will establish a new corporate headquarters in Oshawa, bringing more than 2,000 highly skilled corporate staff to the city. He also shared news from GM Canada that credits a new diverse workforce at Oshawa’s Truck Assembly Plant, roughly half of which is made up of women.
Mayor Carter emphasized that Oshawa continues to chart a path of strong economic growth, welcoming many new companies – small, medium and large businesses – that are bringing with them thousands of new employment opportunities to the community.
He highlighted the unique opportunities of Northwood Business Park as the city’s new prime employment development opportunity with 202 hectares (500 acres) of developable land designated for employment and commercial uses.
Kedron Part II Pans
Mayor Carter’s speech focused on Oshawa’s sustained momentum as an economic hub and destination of choice to live, work, learn and invest. He spoke of the Columbus and Kedron part II plans, which together will have the capacity to welcome up to 50,000 new residents to the city.
He also spoke of the 2023 capital budget of nearly $80 million that will support this growth and investment in vital infrastructure. He talked of looking forward to seeing the changes to Rotary Park that will feature an outdoor pool, destination playground and splash pad, as well as to the future new recreation centre on Thornton Road North.
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