Oshawa investment growth is receiving national attention after the city was highlighted among Canada’s leading locations for business investment and economic development in Site Selection magazine’s 2026 Canada’s Best Locations report.
The annual report evaluates Canadian provinces, municipalities and economic development organizations based on corporate investment, job creation and major facility projects. Projects considered in the latest rankings were at various stages of development between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026.
Oshawa Economic Development was included among the Ontario organizations recognized in this year’s report, alongside major centres such as Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Vaughan and Toronto.
According to Site Selection, Oshawa has recorded more than $1 billion in industrial, commercial and institutional development during the past five years.
The report points to several major companies and organizations contributing to the city’s economic momentum, including Lactalis Canada, Martin Brower, Ontario Power Generation, General Motors Canada, Amazon and GEODIS.
Major employers support Oshawa’s expansion
One of the largest developments highlighted is Ontario Power Generation’s new corporate headquarters, which is expected to bring more than 2,000 employees to Oshawa.
The move strengthens the city’s position within Ontario’s energy sector while adding another major employment centre to the local economy.
Manufacturing and logistics also continue to play an important role. General Motors remains closely connected to Oshawa’s industrial identity, while companies involved in distribution, food production and logistics have expanded the city’s employment and investment base.
Site Selection also highlighted Oshawa’s efforts to turn its existing economic assets into opportunities in emerging industries.
The city’s National Defence Innovation Corridor brings together advanced manufacturing, logistics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, skilled workers and research capabilities. The initiative is designed to position Oshawa for new opportunities in defence technology and related sectors.
Ontario Tech University is another important part of that ecosystem. Its ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel supports research and testing, including work connected to Project Arrow, Canada’s all-Canadian zero-emission vehicle initiative.
Oshawa’s DRIVE initiative has also been designated as an Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network Regional Technology Development Site, creating opportunities for mobility companies to test and commercialize technology.
Transportation infrastructure adds to investment appeal
The Oshawa investment growth story is also tied closely to transportation and infrastructure.
Recent improvements involving the Port of Oshawa, Oshawa Executive Airport and expanded GO Transit connections strengthen the city’s links to the rest of the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
These transportation assets can help manufacturers, logistics companies and other employers move people and goods while improving Oshawa’s attractiveness to companies considering new facilities.
The report also points to Clarington as an important part of Durham Region’s broader economic outlook. The Darlington nuclear site is expected to host a new small modular reactor, adding another major energy-sector project to the region.
Oshawa’s recognition comes as Ontario ranked first in Site Selection’s Canadian competitiveness rankings. The magazine’s database identified approximately $4.1 billion in qualifying Ontario projects that were associated with more than 5,900 jobs during the period studied.
The results suggest Oshawa investment growth is increasingly being recognized beyond Durham Region, with major infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, research and technology projects helping reshape the city’s economic profile.
For Durham residents, the recognition provides another indication that Oshawa and neighbouring Clarington are playing an increasingly important role in Ontario’s investment and employment landscape.
