The City of Oshawa has announced a series of scheduled road closures designed to facilitate the safe and efficient operation of the 22nd annual Peony Festival. Taking place during the first weekend of June, this vibrant community event draws thousands of visitors to the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, which features the largest collection of peonies in North America. To accommodate the significant influx of attendees and ensure pedestrian safety throughout the festivities, municipal traffic control measures will be enforced across several downtown-adjacent roadways.
Residents and motorists are advised that significant traffic restrictions will be implemented starting early Saturday morning. The designated closures are scheduled to commence promptly at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, and will remain in effect continuously until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 7. This extended timeframe ensures that the perimeter is secure throughout the setup, active operation, and subsequent dismantling of event infrastructure, allowing for a seamless experience for both vendors and guests.
During this window, specific streets will be designated as “Local Traffic Only,” prohibiting general through-traffic while maintaining access for residents living within the affected zones and emergency services. Among the primary thoroughfares subject to these restrictions are sections of Elgin Street and Colborne Street. Motorists will find Elgin Street closed to general traffic from Park Road to Arena Street. Similarly, the adjacent stretch of Colborne Street, running from Park Road to Arena Street, will be under the same local access limitations.
In addition to the closures on Elgin and Colborne Streets, the comprehensive traffic plan includes restrictions on several connecting residential avenues to create a secure perimeter around the festival grounds. Punshone Avenue will be closed from Park Road to Gladstone Avenue. Further north, Warren Avenue will be inaccessible to through-traffic from Bond Street to Elgin Street. Completing the restricted circuit, Gladstone Avenue will be closed from Bond Street to Arena Street. These specific boundaries are designed to minimize disruption to the broader road network while maximizing safety in the immediate area.
These coordinated measures are intended to redirect non-local vehicle volume away from the immediate vicinity of the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens. The City of Oshawa emphasizes that these temporary infrastructure changes are essential to support the successful execution of the Peony Festival, a staple event in the community’s calendar that showcases the city’s natural beauty. By limiting vehicle access on the specified dates, organizers aim to provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for attendees navigating the area on foot, particularly families with children and seniors.
Drivers who do not reside on the affected streets are encouraged to plan their travel routes accordingly in advance of the weekend to avoid delays. For those seeking further clarification regarding the specific boundaries of the closures or requiring assistance with alternative routing, the city has provided contact channels for public inquiry. Questions regarding the traffic plan can be directed to the special events division via email at specialevents@oshawa.ca.
As the 22nd annual edition of this festival approaches, the cooperation of the driving public is requested to minimize congestion in the surrounding neighbourhoods. The road closures are a standard component of large-scale municipal event management, ensuring that the celebration at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens proceeds without incident. Attendees are encouraged to use active transportation or public transit where possible to access the site. Attendees and residents alike should remain mindful of the posted signage and the designated timeline of the restrictions. The city appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as it hosts this celebration of horticulture and local culture.
