Oshawa extends freeze on building permit fees

The City of Oshawa has announced a raft of measures to boost growth including extending the freeze on building permit fees as well as offering conditional same day inspection service.

Oshawa says it is anticipating significant economic growth, driven by thousands of new employment opportunities and the arrival of major businesses and blue-chip companies.

“Economic forecasts indicate a strong year ahead, with high levels of building activity and record-breaking construction projects. To support this growth, the city has implemented several enhancements to its services aimed at streamlining development and making it easier to do business in Oshawa,” said a city statement.

Enhancements inlcude:

  • Building Permit Fee Freeze: The city is extending its 2024 building permit fee freeze into 2025 to continue supporting the development community.
  • Same-Day Inspection Service: Requests submitted before 9 am will receive same-day inspection service to help keep projects on schedule.
  • Concurrent Permit Reviews: The city now reviews building permit applications alongside site plan applications, streamlining approvals and saving developers time.
  • Concierge Customer Service: The Business and Economic Development Services branch collaborates across multiple departments—including planning, engineering, and building—to provide seamless support for developers and investors at every stage of their projects.
  • Increased Staffing for Faster Turnarounds: The city is expanding its team to meet growing demand and ensure faster processing times for applications.
  • New Online Application Portal: The Application Portal is Oshawa’s new 24/7 application and online payment tool, designed to make building permit applications more convenient.
  • Continuous Website Updates: The city’s website is regularly updated with information on the permitting process. Developers can visit the Developer Permits page for detailed instructions on applying for large construction projects and residential developments.

The city said it remains committed to ensuring an efficient process for the development community.

Oshawa’s Economic Growth by the Numbers

  • In 2024, Oshawa issued building permits worth over $649 million in total construction value—its second-highest building year on record.
  • This includes a record-breaking $191 million in institutional construction.
  • The Oshawa Economic Dashboard provides real-time economic indicators, socio-economic data, and business insights for investors and decision-makers.

You May Also Wish To Read

Clarington explores three land use options for Farewell Heights

Gun and drugs worth $100,000 seized from 22-year old

Police safely neutralize firebombs thrown into a home

Christmas trees get new purpose in conservation initiative

New Ajax development charges bylaw up for approval

Leave a Reply