Located at the northeast corner of Simcoe Street North and Bond Street East, adjacent to the Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury, the new public square has been created as both a place of remembrance and a vibrant gathering space for the community. The name, Veterans Square, recognizes Oshawa’s longstanding connection to Canada’s military history while honouring the service and sacrifice of local veterans, past and present.
The project transforms what was once an underutilized downtown space into a welcoming destination designed for ceremonies, performances, festivals and everyday public use. Visitors will find landscaped gardens, accessible seating, a covered performance area, new trees and improved streetscaping, creating an inviting environment in the heart of the city.
Construction began in the spring of 2025 and included extensive site preparation, new sidewalks, lighting, public seating, planting beds and community-focused design features. Additional public art, including the sculpture Kaleidoscope by Nicholas Crombach, is expected to further enhance the space.
The grand opening ceremony brought together veterans’ organizations, city officials and members of the public, highlighting the importance of preserving the legacy of those who served while investing in Oshawa’s downtown revitalization.
Veterans Square is expected to become a focal point for annual Remembrance Day activities, military commemorations and civic celebrations, while also serving as an everyday meeting place for residents and visitors.
The opening also represents another significant investment in downtown Oshawa as the city continues to improve public spaces and encourage more community events throughout the core.
AllAboutDurham.com was on site to capture the ceremony and speak with attendees about what the new space means to them and to the future of downtown Oshawa.
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