In 2025, the City of Oshawa said it 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, said a city statement.
The city 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.
Record construction values
In 2025, Oshawa claimed to have achieved exceptional building construction values, driving job creation and economic development and supporting economic stability.
“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, the statement said.
The statement did not provide any values.
Infrastructure investments
The city said it invested in current and new infrastructure including roads, parks, watercourses, bridges and other critical assets in 2025.
It completed construction of Veterans Square, a new urban space aimed to become a 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 Road East from Harmony Road North to Kurelo Drive.
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 recreation
The new Rose Valley Community Park features one of Canada’s largest BMX pump tracks alongside an extensive playground, pickleball courts, formal gardens and scenic walking paths. The city 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 Drive to Conlin Road.
Making it easier to do business
The city said it continued to streamline processes for developers and investors. In addition to extending the building permit fee freeze into 2025, it also introduced a new Application Portal for 24/7 online submissions and payments, and 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.
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, it announced 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
The city launched the development of Oshawa’s first-ever Forestry Master Plan, a 20-year strategy to protect and grow its urban forest. Partnerships and funding opportunities expanded Oshawa’s tree canopy with more than 4,200 plantings at city parks and greenspaces, including 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 partnership with Oshawa Tourism, the city supported several of Oshawa Tourism’s downtown events including Convergence, Halloween Boo Bash and Holiday Village.
New cultural initiatives
In fall 2025, Oshawa city launched the development of the city’s new Culture Plan. It 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. It also worked with partners to offer free cultural events, including Nollywood, Stronger Together and Winter Solstice Social.
“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,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter.
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