The City of Oshawa is reviewing two significant development applications that could bring more than 700 new residential units to the community, including a major commitment to affordable housing and a new long-term care (LTC) facility. The Oshawa Housing Expansion 2026 initiative targets key areas at Malaga Road and Bloor Street East, aiming to address the region’s critical need for diverse housing options ranging from rent-geared-to-income units to mixed-use commercial and residential spaces.
The first project, located at 416 to 448 Malaga Road, is a high-density proposal submitted by the Regional Municipality of Durham. The Oshawa Housing Expansion 2026 plan for this site features a 12-storey apartment building, two 6-storey buildings, and two 3-storey stacked townhouse blocks, totaling 417 units. Most notably, the applicant intends for approximately 50% of these units to be designated as affordable or rent-geared-to-income. To move forward, the city must approve an amendment to the Official Plan to permit a density of 254 units per net hectare, reflecting a shift toward more intensive land use in established residential corridors.
The second major component of the Oshawa Housing Expansion 2026 is a mixed-use and healthcare-focused development at 487-517 Bloor Street East. Proposed by Arcavia Bloor Holdings LP, the site is slated for a 9-storey long-term care facility providing 256 beds across 208 units. Additionally, an 8-storey mixed-use building will provide 76 apartment units and over 660 square metres of ground-floor commercial space. This project aims to integrate senior care with residential living, creating a “live-work-care” hub that supports Oshawa’s aging population while providing new retail and personal service opportunities for the surrounding neighborhood.
Both applications have been deemed complete by the city and will now move to the public consultation phase of the Oshawa Housing Expansion 2026 process. Residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback at a Planning Act public meeting scheduled for June 1 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at Oshawa City Hall. These meetings will be crucial for discussing site-specific regulations, including proposed increases in building height and adjustments to parking and yard depth requirements.
The Oshawa Housing Expansion 2026 represents a strategic effort to balance market-rate development with social infrastructure. By combining LTC beds with affordable housing and commercial space, these projects align with the broader regional goal of creating “complete communities” that reduce car dependence and increase service accessibility. As Oshawa continues to grow, these developments will play a vital role in ensuring that the city’s housing inventory remains inclusive for residents of all income levels and life stages.
Interested community members are encouraged to attend the June meetings or submit written comments to the Economic and Development Services Committee. With these 700+ units, the Oshawa Housing Expansion 2026 could significantly alter the local skyline and provide much-needed relief for both the local housing registry and the long-term care waitlist.
