Housing Dashboard

In 2022, the Ontario Government set a goal to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031 and gave housing targets to the 50 largest cities in Ontario. Oshawa’s goal is to build 23,000 new homes by 2031.

Our role

The City’s role is to review plans for new homes to make sure they meet the rules set by the Province and the City. If the plans follow these rules, the City will approve them. After approval, the developer or homeowner can apply for building permits to start construction.

Building Permits

Housing starts

A housing start means the beginning of construction on a home. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation defines it as when the building’s foundation is started, usually when the concrete is poured around the building. If there is no basement, it’s the stage where the foundation work is done.

Removing barriers to housing

The City of Oshawa is committed to building a sustainable and vibrant community. Below are some actions the City has taken to support growth and development while meeting housing targets set by the Ontario Government:

City Development Charge and Parkland dedication exemptions in Downtown Oshawa

New residential development in parts of the Downtown Oshawa Urban Growth Centre (U.G.C.) are not required to pay City Development Charges (D.C.s) and parkland dedication fees. Visit out Development Charges webpage to view the Parkland Dedication By-law 63-2022 for details.

Increased height and density permitted in Downtown Oshawa

In September 2024, City Council approved changes to the zoning rules and the Oshawa Official Plan to allow taller buildings and more homes in the Downtown Oshawa Area. This means the area can now have up to 1,000 homes per hectare, compared to 555 before. These changes can help encourage growth and lower housing costs by reducing the need for rezoning applications and minor variances. Read Report ED-24-91 to learn more.

Improving the development and building permit application process

In December 2024, the City of Oshawa launched a new online Application Portal that streamlines the approvals process and makes it easier for applicants to submit, manage and track the status of their development and building permit applications. Learn more about Oshawa’s development process evolution.

Increased height and density permissions in the Central Oshawa GO Protected Major Transit Station Area (P.M.T.S.A.)

The City is finishing a study for Central Oshawa to plan for land use and transportation around the future Central Oshawa GO Station. The study focuses on creating complete communities with different types of housing that support public transit and active transportation (cycling, walking, etc.).

As part of the study, the maximum building heights and residential densities will be increased, to allow for more people and jobs surrounding the future GO Station, and to better connect the GO Station with Downtown Oshawa.

Learn more about the Integrated Major Transit Station Area Study.

Expanded permissions for accessory apartments

Accessory apartments, also known as additional dwelling units (A.D.U.s), are self-contained dwelling units that are accessory to a main or principal dwelling unit. Accessory apartments help increase the inventory of rental housing in Oshawa.

In May 2023, City Council adopted new regulations to expand permissions for accessory apartments.

For more information about the new regulations, check out our Accessory Apartments webpage.

Keeping the Oshawa Official Plan and zoning by-law current and user-friendly

Each year, City Council approves changes to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 to make policies and regulations easier to understand, keep them up to date with new trends, address problems, and speed up the development process by reducing the need for extra planning applications.

Planning Services regularly looks for ways to improve the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law, so there may be one or more changes each year.

Progress toward the 2031 target

The Province of Ontario tracks progress toward the 2031 housing target and shares the information on the Ontario Housing Tracker. Oshawa’s progress is measured using data on new homes being built, permits for accessory dwelling units, and updates on long-term care beds from the Ontario Ministry of Health.

Oshawa’s 2031 target in perspective

To reach the goal of 23,000 new homes in Oshawa by 2031, Oshawa will need to see more homes built between 2022 and 2031 than were built in the previous 30 years.

The City does not build housing and cannot force developers to move forward with their applications, get building permits, or start construction. As of November 2024, more than 12,000 homes were in development applications where the City has finished its part, and it is now up to the developer or applicant to continue the process.

Reports

Are municipalities across Ontario achieving their housing targets?

As of October 2024, the most recent reporting period, only 22% of Ontario municipalities had met or were on track to meet the annual target set for them by the Province.

Municipalities that do not meet their target but reach at least 80% are still eligible for funding from Ontario’s Building Faster Fund. This program provides $400 million over three years to help pay for infrastructure and other costs needed to support community growth. Municipalities that reach less than 80% will not receive any funding.

Resources