A significant redevelopment project in Oshawa will see a historic former school preserved while making way for new housing, as plans move forward for a 67-unit townhouse development on the city’s south side. The historic Oshawa school townhouse project aims to balance heritage conservation with the growing demand for residential housing in the region.
The development site is located at the former Cedardale School on Gordon Street, just south of Simcoe Street and Bloor Street. The building, which is more than a century old and predates Oshawa’s official incorporation as a city, has long been a recognizable landmark in the community. Currently, the space is used informally by local musicians as a rehearsal venue, adding to its cultural significance.
The proposal, submitted by Weston Consulting on behalf of 2835731 Ontario Inc., was recently reviewed again by the city’s Economic and Development Services Committee. While the overall plan remains largely unchanged since it was first introduced nearly two years ago, several minor revisions have been made to improve site design and functionality.
The historic Oshawa school townhouse project will preserve the original Beaux Arts-style school building, which will be repurposed for community, institutional, or commercial uses. This decision ensures that a key piece of Oshawa’s architectural history remains intact while still allowing for modern development on the surrounding land.
Among the updates to the plan, the setback for a two-storey block of townhouses has been increased to provide better spacing between neighbouring properties. Visitor parking has also been redistributed across the site to improve accessibility for residents and guests. Additionally, the number of parking spaces for the preserved heritage building has been increased from 25 to 30, reflecting anticipated future use.
Another notable change includes adjustments to the rooftop design of one of the townhouse blocks. A two-metre-high noise barrier will be added around the rooftop terrace to reduce sound impact from the nearby AGS Automotive Systems plant, ensuring a more comfortable living environment for future residents.
The zoning amendment has also been refined, with developers removing the option for a medical office use within the heritage building. Furthermore, the basement of the preserved structure will now be restricted to staff areas and storage, rather than leasable space, slightly reducing parking requirements.
City staff have indicated that these changes are not substantial enough to require another public consultation, allowing the project to move forward more efficiently. Once final approval is granted by council, work on preserving the historic building and preparing the site for construction is expected to begin.
While the historic Oshawa school townhouse project has been generally well received for its effort to preserve local heritage, questions remain about the future of the current users of the building, particularly local musicians who rely on the space for rehearsals.
As Oshawa continues to grow, projects like this highlight the challenge of balancing urban development with heritage preservation. By maintaining the historic structure while introducing new housing, the city aims to meet modern needs without losing its connection to the past.
