Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park officially opens

Long-time former Oshawa MP and NDP national leader Mr. Ed Broadbent was in Oshawa to celebrate the opening of Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park.

Dignitaries, members of Oshawa City Council, family and friends of Mr. Broadbent and community leaders were on hand for the official opening and ribbon-cutting on June 1.

Located at Simcoe Street and Harbour Road, Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park is the City of Oshawa’s newest addition to the waterfront parks system. The Waterfront Trail runs through the site and expands upon Larry Ladd Harbour Trail, and a pedestrian bridge over the Oshawa Creek links the parkland on both sides of the watercourse. The park also provides connections to the Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path and Lakeview Park, and offers an excellent vantage point of the vibrant Port of Oshawa.

The design of Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park encourages gathering with an amphitheatre, stage and seating; a network of concrete and asphalt pathways; green spaces; and a Garden of Human Rights. An asphalt parking lot is available on the south side of the park, off Simcoe Street South.

The Garden of Human Rights is a prominent feature at Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park. The Garden features 13 garden beds representing the 13 prohibited grounds of discrimination within the Canadian Human Rights Act. A variety of seating in the garden makes this a unique place for quiet reflection and contemplation.

The amphitheatre area with a stage and benches and grass areas for lawn chairs and blankets offers a unique outdoor experience for live music and performances. As part of the City’s popular Events in the Park summer series, residents and visitors are invited to attend Driftwood Theatre Group’s live theatre presentation of Living with Shakespeare by D. Jeremy Smith on Tuesday, August 15 or Wednesday, August 16 at 7:30 p.m. and an outdoor concert on Saturday, August 26. For more information, visit Oshawa.ca/EventsInThePark.

The naming of the park recognizes the many contributions Mr. Broadbent has made to public service and to Canadians and in particular to his commitment and service to the residents, workers and businesses of Oshawa. The Garden of Human Rights honours Mr. Broadbent’s dedication and extensive work as a champion and advocate for human rights. During his time in Ottawa, Mr. Broadbent’s focus was on Indigenous rights, women’s equality, child poverty, ethics in government, and tax equality. He has been invested as a Member of the Privy Council (1982), Officer of the Order of Canada (1993), and Companion of the Order of Canada (2002).

For more information on Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park, visit the City’s Parks and Facilities Directory or visit Oshawa.ca/Parks.

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About Ed Broadbent

Mr. Broadbent was born and raised in Oshawa. After graduating first in his class in philosophy from the University of Toronto in 1959, he did postgraduate studies at the London School of Economics and obtained his doctorate in political science from the University of Toronto in 1966.

Mr. Broadbent was elected to Parliament as the NDP Member for Oshawa in 1968 and served as the MP until 1989. From 1975 to 1989, he was also Leader of the New Democratic Party.

Between 1979 and 1990, he was a Vice-President of the Socialist International. From 1990 to 1996, he was the founding President of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development in Montreal.

Mr. Broadbent was made a member of the Privy Council in 1982, an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1993 and a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2002.

Quotes

“The opening of Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park marks an extraordinary moment in the City of Oshawa’s history. We recognize Mr. Broadbent not only as one who played a significant role in Oshawa but who also played a significant role on the Canadian and world stages,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “With the Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park and its human rights garden, we are honouring the work Mr. Broadbent has done while adding to the rich history of our waterfront for all to visit and enjoy.”

“I was so happy and pleased to emcee the official ceremony to open the Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park. This new park honours the long legacy of Oshawa’s favourite son and recognizes his commitment to the City of Oshawa and the protection of Human Rights in Canada and across our planet. I urge everyone to visit the park and enjoy this new addition to our waterfront,” said Councillor Brian Nicholson, Chair of the Safety and Facilities Services Committee and Ward 5 Regional & City Councillor.

“This additional Park will improve the vista of our waterfront and provide a passive space with floral displays, parking and a new amphitheatre. We all look forward to thrilling events at the amphitheatre and walking through the gardens,” said Councillor John Gray, Ward 5 City Councillor.

“I greatly appreciate having a waterfront park with a human rights component named after me in Oshawa,” said Mr. Ed Broadbent. “I was born and raised in Oshawa and now feel deeply honoured by this action of my hometown.”