Construction has begun on Phase 1 of the King Street East Streetscape, according to city officials.
The project will see the sidewalk widened on the north side of King Street East between Ontario Street and Mary Street North. The design was developed based on support for a more pedestrian friendly streetscape in the area from the community, following public consultation in 2018.
Once completed, the wider sidewalk will provide additional space for public amenities, such as sitting areas, bicycle racks, waste receptacles and landscaping, and for private businesses as space for outdoor patios and cafes. The enhanced area will attract people to restaurants and retail uses located downtown.
Phase 1 of the King Street East Streetscape complements ongoing redevelopment at the former Genosha Hotel building at 70 King Street East by TT7 Inc. The streetscape improvements will also include the west side of Mary Street North in front of the Genosha building. The combined efforts of the City and TT7 Inc. will result in increased accessibility for the historic building and will provide outdoor patio space for a future restaurant in the building.
Completion date
Work is expected to be completed by October 31.
Phase 1 of the King Street East Streetscape is only one component of downtown Oshawa’s ongoing revitalization. Council has approved over 2,050 new residential units in Oshawa’s downtown, which over the next few years will provide homes for over 4150 new residents and create approximately 350 jobs.
The King Street East Streetscape addresses goals set out in the Downtown Plan20Twenty, which includes action items to create a distinct downtown that is recognizable and welcoming to residents, visitors and businesses. The Plan also included updating the downtown streetscape including light standards, benches, trash receptacles and greenery and investigating opportunities such as sidewalk widening.