Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter said the city has attracted some $5 billion in investments since 2018 – despite facing significant challenges early into his tenure.
In his final State of the City address, Mayor Carter said the challenges began with the 2018 announced closure of the General Motors Oshawa Assembly Plant, just days before he was sworn in as mayor, the global Covid‑19 pandemic and intensifying social challenges, including the national opioid crisis and rising homelessness.
He also referenced the pressures of global inflation, the downloading of provincial services to municipalities, and the unprecedented impacts of U.S. tariffs, in an address on April 9 at the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Mayor’s Luncheon.
$5 Billion in Total Development
Mayor Carter talked of the city’s progress over the years, including more than $5 billion in total development since 2018 and strategic investments in the Northwood Business Park, the Oshawa Executive Airport and the 407 East Innovation Corridor – investments that are ushering the next wave of economic growth.
He also referred to the $50‑million commitment to modernize the Tribute Communities Centre and expressed pride in new partnerships with the Oshawa Generals, Oak View Group and Oshawa FireWolves.
He said the city’s strategic investments and partnership-based approach have helped attract major employers and significant new developments to Oshawa, including:
- GM Canada – new and upgraded assembly operations and parts manufacturing investment and the GM Test Track for Autonomous and Advanced Technology Vehicles (approximately $1.5 billion since 2020)
- Trent University – Durham GTA campus expansion
- Panattoni and Broccolini – major industrial developments
- Aosom Canada, Geodis, Martin Brower and Lactalis – logistics and warehousing
- HOPA Port of Oshawa – $30 million infrastructure expansion and upgrades to the grain terminal
- Metrolinx – investments to extend the Lakeshore East GO Train service from Oshawa to Bowmanville
- Ontario Power Generation – new corporate headquarters
- Oshawa Power – new consolidated headquarters and operations facility (currently under construction)
Stronger, More Diverse and Better Positioned
Mayor Carter said the City of Oshawa is stronger, more diverse and better positioned for the future.
The city will continue strengthening partnerships, he said – with the private sector, post‑secondary institutions and healthcare – to attract new opportunities. He underscored the importance of collaboration in creating affordable housing opportunities, advancing healthcare solutions and attracting new investment and international companies to the city.
Blueprint for an integrated National Defence Innovation Corridor
He also highlighted Oshawa’s growing role as an advanced manufacturing and technology hub – building on its automotive legacy while expanding into high growth sectors. This includes Oshawa’s Blueprint for an integrated National Defence Innovation Corridor that enables companies to leverage federal funding in cybersecurity, AI, defence tech and dual use technologies. This is supported by Oshawa’s post-secondary excellence in R&D and an integrated transportation network, including an executive airport, deep-sea port, 400-series highways, rail lines and GO transit.
As he reflected on his two terms as mayor and his most challenging and most rewarding days, Mayor Carter’s message was clear: Oshawa is not defined by how it has been challenged but by its resiliency and what it has built, learned and is well positioned to become.
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