Culture of change and innovation will guide Oshawa into prosperity
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Signalling a bright future ahead for Oshawa, Mayor Dan Carter delivered his 2023 State of the City Address with much optimism to a sold-out audience of business and community leaders at the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Luncheon.
Mayor Carter began his annual State of the City Address by reflecting on a successful 2022 that continues to guide Oshawa’s incredible transformation. He touched on:
- a record year of nearly $1 billion in building permit value;
- the addition of light-duty pick-up production and a third shift at GM Canada’s Truck Assembly Plant, which has created more than 3,200 new jobs;
- HOPA’s announcement of a $32 million capital infrastructure project at the Oshawa Port; and,
- much-anticipated news that the Lakeshore East GO Train extension through Oshawa to Bowmanville is fully committed, funded and will be constructed.
Mayor Carter delivered welcome news that 2023 has already brought with it exciting opportunities, including OPG’s recent announcement that it will establish a new corporate headquarters in Oshawa, bringing more than 2,000 highly skilled corporate staff to the city along with prosperity and opportunity across Durham Region. He also shared news from GM Canada that credits a new diverse workforce at Oshawa’s Truck Assembly Plant, roughly half of which is made up of women, as helping drive record success for the automaker. As the only GM plant building light and heavy-trucks in North America, Oshawa is giving GM additional flexibility to meet demand, which is foundational in their transition to electric vehicles.
He talked of Oshawa’s 2.2% GDP growth as projected by the Conference Board of Canada, as well as news of a 4.1% unemployment rate that falls well below the provincial and national rate.
Mayor Carter emphasized that Oshawa continues to chart a path of strong economic growth, welcoming many new companies – small, medium and large businesses – that are bringing with them thousands of new employment opportunities to the community.
He highlighted the unique opportunities of Northwood Business Park as the City’s new prime employment development opportunity with 202 hectares (500 acres) of developable land designated for employment and commercial uses.
Mayor Carter’s speech focused on Oshawa’s sustained momentum as an economic hub and destination of choice to live, work, learn and invest. He spoke of the Columbus and Kedron part II plans, which together will have the capacity to welcome up to 50,000 new residents to the city.
He noted that as one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, Oshawa and the needs of its community members are becoming more diverse. He stressed that local government must embrace change and innovation to ensure it provides a foundation of customer-centric service.
Mayor Carter said that in today’s competitive environment, nurturing consumer confidence and trust has never been more vital to both businesses and government. He spoke of the strategic reorganization of City services that has created a shift in culture with a sharpened focus on the customer experience.
In speaking to the many improvements to doing business with the City of Oshawa, Mayor Carter proudly reported several significant investments from global leaders bringing new quality jobs to Oshawa and the pipeline of talent that our post-secondary partners offer.
He also spoke of the 2023 capital budget of nearly $80 million that will support this growth and investment in vital infrastructure. He talked of looking forward to seeing the changes to Rotary Park that will feature an outdoor pool, destination playground and splash pad, as well as to the future new recreation centre on Thornton Road North.
Mayor Carter thanked local business and community leaders for being ambassadors and for continuing to choose Oshawa.
“I love this city, love our spirit and accomplishments, and love the diversity of our economy and population. I love that you, as business leaders, have become ambassadors of Oshawa as you travel across Canada and the world and talk about our city,” said Mayor Carter.
“Our great city has so much to look forward to. Let us continue to work together as we embrace this culture of diversity, change and innovation,” concluded Mayor Carter.
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Photo caption:
Mayor Dan Carter with Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce executive members (l to r) Steve Conaby, Vice-President; Carrie-Anne Atkins, Second Vice-President and Peter Bocking, President.
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