The City of Oshawa says a series of strategic investments made in 2025 have strengthened the Oshawa Executive Airport as a key economic gateway for the region, while also supporting broader growth, infrastructure, and community development across the city.
According to a city statement, significant upgrades were completed at the airport, including the construction of a noise wall and sound barrier, as well as the reconfiguration of Runway 12/30 to improve departure and landing corridors. The city also finalized a new agreement with the Durham Flight Centre, which includes commitments focused on reducing noise impacts and enhancing overall safety.
In November, the airport served as the venue for the GrO | City Building Summit, hosted inside an aircraft hangar. The event brought together industry leaders and developers and was used to showcase Oshawa’s economic value proposition and its readiness to attract job-creating investment.
Record Construction Activity
Oshawa reported record-setting construction activity in 2025, with year-to-date building values surpassing the city’s previous all-time high set in 2014. Industrial and institutional construction values also reached near-record levels, driven by projects in the Northwood Business Park, Oshawa’s prestige employment land area. Specific dollar values were not disclosed.
Infrastructure and Community Investments
The city invested heavily in infrastructure throughout 2025, including roads, parks, watercourses, and bridges. Major projects completed or underway include:
- The opening of Veterans Square, a new downtown public gathering space
- A $2.3 million Civic Outdoor Track Project
- Reconstruction of the South Oshawa Community Centre Pool
- Redevelopment of Easton Park, including a new splash pad
- Phase one reconstruction of Conlin Road East from Harmony Road North to Kurelo Drive
- Replacement of the Baker Park and Bloor Street pedestrian bridges, expected to be completed in early 2026
Expanded Recreation and Active Transportation
Oshawa opened Rose Valley Community Park, featuring one of Canada’s largest BMX pump tracks, along with pickleball courts, playgrounds, gardens, and walking trails. The city also completed upgrades at Conant Park and Greenbriar Park.
Active transportation improvements continued with new bike lanes and routes in developing subdivisions, along with progress on the Harmony Creek Trail extension and a new pedestrian bridge along Arborwood Drive.
Business-Friendly Initiatives
To make it easier to do business, Oshawa extended its building permit fee freeze into 2025 and launched a new 24/7 online Application Portal for submissions and payments. The city also introduced a new economic development website, oshawaecdev.ca, featuring an AI-powered search tool to help businesses find funding and financial support programs.
Long-Term Partnerships and Culture
The city secured a five-year partnership with the Oshawa FireWolves of the National Lacrosse League and announced 30-year agreements with the Oshawa Generals and Oak View Group, including a $50 million investment to modernize the Tribute Communities Centre.
Oshawa also launched the development of its first-ever Urban Forestry Master Plan, a 20-year strategy aimed at expanding and protecting the city’s tree canopy. More than 4,200 trees were planted across parks and green spaces in 2025.
Cultural growth continued with the launch of a new Culture Plan, new public art installations, expanded wayfinding signage at the waterfront, and free cultural events throughout the year.
“2025 was a year of strategic investments and collaborative partnerships that will shape Oshawa for decades to come,” said Mayor Dan Carter. “As we move into 2026, we’re excited to build on this momentum and embrace the opportunities ahead.”
Photo Credits : Durham Post
