Convergence is coming to Downtown Oshawa 🎤

As a major urban destination in the eastern GTA, Oshawa’s downtown core is the heart of our community; a vibrant and growing entertainment, arts, culture, education, shopping and dining district within Durham Region. Enjoy some of the latest developments in our #DTOshawa September newsletter!

Durham Rock & Blues Festival - September 12-15th, 2024

The Durham Rock & Blues Festival will take place over four nights/three days from Thursday, September 12 through Sunday September 15, 2024.

The daytime part of the event is FREE to the public, and will take place outdoors on the Victoria St Parkette, adjacent to the Regent Theatre in Oshawa. Multiple bands will be performing along with food vendors and a licensed concession (cash only). Entertainers and guests will be comfortably hosted under a large tent, so the event is guaranteed to proceed rain or shine.

The festival will also feature headlining concerts taking place each evening in the Regent Theatre. Start times and ticket prices will be on a per event basis.

Convergence Music & Art Festival 2024

• Saturday, September 21, 2024
• Downtown Oshawa

Convergence will feature live music programming on three stages, promising something for everyone with a diverse array of genres. Other event highlights include the ARTBLOCK public art exhibition, live professional wrestling matches, a punk rock vendors market, a skateboarding demonstration and more.

Learn more at www.convergenceoshawa.com

Looking to make the most of your concert experience? Check out our Visiting Downtown webpage. Whether you consider the heart of the city your home, or you're here for a visit, there are many unique opportunities to explore your surroundings at Convergence and discover the bold, entertaining and energetic feel of #DTOshawa. 

Convergence Music and Arts Festival was recently featured in Exclaim! Be sure to mark your calendars for an incredible three-day event in Downtown Oshawa featuring @iamtalk and @dizzyy!

"We are thrilled to bring the Convergence Music and Art Festival back to downtown Oshawa for year two," Director of Oshawa Tourism Krist Licsi said in a statement. "This event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and creativity within our community and to bring people together for a weekend of music, art and fun."

When the sun's scorch fades into nightfall, Convergence attendees can also enjoy a variety of ticketed afterparties at local venues like the Biltmore Theatre and the Bond|St Event Centre.

Convergence Festival - Information for Businesses

Road closures will be in effect on September 21st from 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. inclusive.

Parking meters will be bagged “No Parking”. Vehicles should vacate the area before the road closure to avoid ticketing or towing. Vehicles parked on the street will be tagged and towed at the owner’s expense. There will be no in-out access once the road closure begins.

During the road closure, pick-up and delivery services, including third-party services, will not have parking access to the establishments within the closed area. Businesses should inform their customers and delivery services that delays are likely. Businesses can advise the services to park in the gravel lot at the northeast corner of Bond St. E. and Simcoe St. N., or other parking areas outside the closure zone (see map).

Road closures are as follows:

• Centre St. S. from Bond St. to King St. (traffic from King diverted to Centre St. S.)
• King St. from Centre St. to Mary St.
• Simcoe St. from Athol St. to Bond St.
• Celina St. from Athol St. to King St.
• Albert St. from Athol St. to King St.
• Prince St. from King St. to Bond St

Business owners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to reach out to the guests attending this event. If your business is opening your doors at this and other downtown events and looking for support, email business@oshawa.ca.

Retail businesses not selling food or drinks of any kind are welcome to place an outdoor table against their building during the event without needing a permit. Restaurants may also have an outdoor table against their building during the event, but will be required to apply for a short-term food shop license, which will be free of charge for downtown signature events.

Outdoor cooking of any kind would be subject to further approval from City of Oshawa Fire Services. To ensure a timely approval, we strongly encourage all businesses to submit permit applications as soon as possible. For questions, please contact Licensing Services at (905) 436-3311 ext. 2428 or email licensing@oshawa.ca

Oshawa Orientation Experience + Homecoming

September 7th @6pm

Homecoming Schedule

OOE+H '24 Scavenger Hunt is back!

The #OshawaOrientation24 scavenger hunt is on! It's happening from September 7th to 22nd in Downtown Oshawa Want a chance to win some incredible prizes?

Be sure to participate in the scavenger hunt on September 7th from 11 am - 7 pm and attend the Oshawa Orientation Experience + Homecoming Dance Party at 6:00 pm because the top scorer of the day will win $1000 cash - but you have to be on-site and in person at the Party to claim the prize!

Dance Party 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm in Orientation Alley - the outdoor space behind 70 King, in the heart of Downtown Oshawa! Party Under The Stars with MC Najjah Calibur (award-winning International FIFA Host) as DJ Storm and DJ Domn8t keep the electrifying beats going all night long! Please note that Mary Street between Bond and King will be closed to street traffic that day for the event. 

Market at 70 King opens in Downtown Oshawa 🍽️

Drawing in food enthusiasts from across Durham region with globally-inspired artisanal dishes handcrafted by renowned chefs, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar, pop-up vendors, and exciting community events – all under one roof; 70 King is the perfect destination for your next dinner date, family brunch, group outing, or solo taste adventure.

Top 10 things to do in Oshawa

It's still an ideal season to get out and experience Downtown Oshawa! ☀️ Whether you’re into live entertainment, nature, fashion or food, our community has something for everyone to enjoy:

Explore the outdoors 🌳

Visit our feature gardens in Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, home to the City’s award-winning annual Peony Festival

Catch a live show. 🎸

Dive into Downtown Oshawa’s vibrant night life, where you’ll discover a wide range of live entertainment and performance venues, from music halls to concert stadiums.

Learn about the past 📜

Celebrate our 100th anniversary as a City by visiting one of Oshawa’s museums and heritage sites. The Canadian Automotive Museum takes a spin through automotive history featuring many unique vehicles. You won’t want to miss Parkwood National Historic Site, the impressive mansion and gardens of the late R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors of Canada.

Immerse yourself in art and imagination 🎨

Spend some time getting to know Oshawa’s art scene by exploring the modern and contemporary exhibits at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery. Or create your own downtown art crawl by searching out the City’s murals and works of public art that highlight our City’s history and culture.

Shop eclectic downtown spots 🛍️

Discover unique shopping in Downtown Oshawa, from record stores to collectable shops and everything in between! Our Local Business Guide offers a wide range of shopping options and many hidden gems in Downtown Oshawa and across the city.

Patios ⛱️

Whether you’re craving lazy afternoons with refreshing sips or are eager to indulge in mouth-watering bites under the sun, Oshawa is home to some of the best summer patios in Durham Region.

Matt Andersen Live

Thursday Sept. 12th, 8pm

Regent Theatre

Matt Andersen returns to the Regent Theatre by popular demand in a new solo show to kick off our Second Annual Rock & Blues Festival. His last performance at the Regent was a huge success, so get your tickets now!



Matthew Good and his Band

Wed, Sept. 18, 2024, 7pm

Biltmore Theatre

Matthew Good and his Band W/ special guests

• September 18 2024
• Doors: 7pm
• Show: 8pm
• Age restrictions: 19+
• General admission standing capacity



Zepology

Saturday Sept. 7th, 7pm

BOND|ST Event Centre

Get ready to experience the timeless magic of Led Zeppelin as Zepology, the ultimate tribute band, takes the stage! Join us on August 10th at 44 Bond St E, Oshawa for a night filled with classic rock anthems and electrifying performances.

Patio Season! ☀️

The Downtown Oshawa patio season runs until October 31st. Looking forward to seeing you downtown as the Summer season rolls in.

Interested in setting up a sidewalk patio?:

• Submit applications for a Temporary Sidewalk Patio to business@oshawa.ca
• For more information and to apply, visit our Temporary Sidewalk Patio Program webpage.

Did you know that any development in Downtown Oshawa is exempt from the city's development charges? Reach out to us to learn more about how can help make your development project part of our revitalization.

Through the 2024 Mayor's Budget, a one-time fund of $100,000 has been established to support the business community in addressing the remediation of graffiti and vandalism acts to properties. This grant provides businesses with funds for eligible commercial or industrial property graffiti and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures.

Ramp Pilot Program

The Government of Ontario reports that there are 2.6 million people in Ontario with a disability; more than 40% of this population is over the age of 65 and this number will grow as the population ages. Providing a warm welcome is a huge attraction for any business so your entryway is a vital first step in making your business accessible for everyone!

The City of Oshawa, Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee (O.A.A.C.) and StopGap Foundation have teamed up to help Oshawa businesses make their entrances more accessible by coordinating a 2024 pilot project to provide free temporary custom portable ramps for up to 10 businesses with a single step entry of 2”-9” high.

Businesses will be required to complete a StopGap application and provide photos of their entrance. When an agreement is reached with StopGap, the City will determine if an encroachment agreement is required (fee waived) and the business will be asked to provide an annual $5 Million Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Oshawa as an additional insured.

Businesses can apply to receive a custom made StopGap ramp through the pilot project while supplies last.

For more information, business owners may visit the City’s website to learn more or call the Accessibility Program Coordinator at 905-436-3311 Extension 2288.  

Bird Canada and Neuron Mobility continue to offer ride-sharing programs for e-bikes and e-scooters in Oshawa as part of a pilot micro-mobility program that runs until the end of this year. Council will determine next steps at that time.

E-bikes and e-scooters are part of the growing micro-mobility sector that increases transportation options for community members and visitors to explore our city.

While they can be used on the City’s multi-use pathways, cycle tracks and bike lanes and on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or lower, they are not permitted on sidewalks. 

The City of Oshawa is one of several municipalities across Ontario participating in the Province’s e-scooter pilot program to help determine if e-scooters will be allowed permanently in Ontario.

Learn more about the micro-mobility pilot program, e-bikes and e-scooters at Oshawa.ca/emobility.

Web Presence 101 - Ensuring Your Foundation is Set

Dates/Times:

• September 17th, 2024, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
• October 29th, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am

Where: Webinar - Online

Your customers are on the web. Having a strategy for your online presence allows you to market your small business online so customers can easily find you. In this workshop hosted by the Toronto Digital Service Squad we’ll discuss the importance of getting your business online and where to start with developing your online presence.

What you will learn:



• What is web presence and what platforms you can use to set up your website
• How to create a professionally-designed, responsive website for your business
• How to optimize website content to improve your search engine ranking (SEO)
• Setting up your Google My Business listing and other online directories
• Getting started with social media
• How email marketing can grow your business and encourage repeat customers
• Developing a cohesive brand voice online
• Engaging with customers virtually and building relationships on the web

Join us to learn how to build the foundation for your business’ web presence.

You will need to ensure you register on Zoom. Visit the link below to register:

City of Oshawa Events team is now accepting spaces for food vendors for several city events.

Apply now for the opportunity to engage with the community and tourists alike at the City’s outdoor events. Please see website for details.

• Bright & Merry Market: Friday, November 15, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Downtown Oshawa (Application closes: September 29)

For questions or concerns, please contact specialevents@oshawa.ca.

Does your business need support? The Business Benefits Finder is an online tool that helps you find the right programs and services for your specific business needs.

Apply For The Grow Your Business Online Grant

As part of the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), the Government of Canada has partnered with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to deliver the Grow Your Business Online grant.

Through this program, small business owners can receive a micro-grant worth up to $2,400 to help get their business online, give their e-commerce presence a boost, or digitalize business operations. The CDAP program is a reimbursement grant. Successfully grant recipients must incur costs upfront after they have received conditional approval. Funds are paid out to the recipient after they are able to provide the OCC with the required proof of payment documentation. Grant recipients must commit to maintaining their digital adoption strategy for at least six months.

In addition, e-commerce advisors will be available to work with grant recipients to help identify their digital needs, provide links to digital resources, help with completing applications, and answering questions on the Grow Your Business Online program.

Downtown Oshawa Accessibility Survey

Help us highlight the accessibility features of your business! By listing accessibility features, you are assisting the community in discovering local, accessible and inclusive options for shopping and dining in Downtown Oshawa. Should you wish to be featured, accessibility features will be highlighted on the City of Oshawa website.

Accessibility rules for businesses and non-profits

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is the law that sets out a process for developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards. Government, businesses, non-profits and public sector organizations must follow the standards.

Accessibility laws and standards help to reduce and remove barriers and make Ontario more inclusive for everyone.

The City of Oshawa has implemented a program to assist downtown businesses with daily cleanup of their street facing entrances. While other priorities or weather may occasionally impact the service level of the program, the goals are as follows: •

• Clean-up will consist of staff going on properties to remove any debris left behind by undesired behaviours observed in the downtown area. This will include the front of properties and some alleyways. Work will be performed manually and/or using motorized equipment.

• Cleanups with occur 7 days a week in the early mornings with shifts starting as early as 6:00 a.m.

• Any circumstances or areas that present a safety issue to staff will be avoided and staff will return at a future time

• Program will run until winter control operations require staff to redirect their resources elsewhere

In order to participate in this program, we ask that the business owner, or representative thereof, read and sign the attached agreement and return it to Service Oshawa.

Should you have any questions, please contact: Service Oshawa 905-436-3311 service@oshawa.ca

Public safety and security are everyone's responsibility. If you see something that does not seem quite right, report it. We can make a safer community by reporting non-criminal and nuisance-related issues to Service Oshawa and criminal activity to Durham Regional Police Service.



Many non-emergency concerns such as soliciting, loitering, camping, garbage, graffiti, discarded needles can be reported to Service Oshawa. Additionally, the Durham Regional Police Service has a non-emergency number at 905-579-1520. Always call 9-1-1 for emergencies and serious crimes in progress.

Office/Medical/Educational Space for Lease - Downtown Oshawa

111-117 King Street East – a prime opportunity to lease an entire office complex or lesser amounts including full-floor and individual suite options, with expansive on-site private parking. Formerly occupied by a reputable medical clinic opened in 1948, the site boasts a strong local presence in Oshawa’s bustling Downtown core. With frontage on King Street East, tenants enjoy excellent street exposure and easy access to amenities including restaurants, shops and DRT bus routes.

For Lease: 51 Simcoe Street South

Great film, TV and music video site available for shoots and short-term projects. Beautiful 2 storey mid-century post office in downtown Oshawa, conveniently located close to major highways - 401 (2 km) and 407 ETR (10 km). The property is comprised of approximately 40,000 square feet above grade over 2 floors - approx. 16 ft. ceiling on the ground floor and approx. 12ft.ceiling on the 2nd floor. Basement with approx. 10 ft. ceiling. Huge windows along the west and north elevations. Abundance of parking on site and dock level shipping and receiving, allowing for easy load in and load out.

Construction Notices

Brennan Paving and Construction Ltd. (BPCL) commenced construction operations on June 26th, 2023 on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) under the contract MTO 2022-2010 located in Oshawa, Ontario. The anticipated completion date of the contract is November of 2024.

The scope of work for this contract includes but is not limited to:

• Replacement of Simcoe Street South and Albert Street bridge structures over Highway 401.
• Construction of Lviv Boulevard cul-de-sac.
• Shoulder widening and resurfacing of Highway 401.
• Installation of new storm sewers and watermains.
• Reconstruction of Lviv Boulevard and Albert Street intersection and Bloor Street West/East and
• Simcoe Street South intersection.
• Re-alignment of Michael Starr Trail multi-use pathway.

If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact:

Cameron Whiteway

Project Manager – Brennan Paving and Construction LTD

Email: cameron.whiteway@millergroup.ca

Reminder: Simcoe Street South Reconstruction

The Regional Municipality of Durham will be replacing the local watermain, sanitary sewer and storm sewer on Simcoe Street South (Regional Road 2), from Olive Avenue (Regional Road 59) to north of John Street, in Downtown Oshawa. The works include road rehabilitation along with sidewalk and traffic signal accessibility improvements at intersections. The project is expected to commence in September 2023 and be completed in Fall 2024.  Updates will be posted on the Durham Region website. 

Future Commercial Real Estate Opportunities in Downtown Oshawa

Richmond and Mary Development

This proposal for two 18-storey residential towers will bring 630 units of living space to Downtown Oshawa. The project will also include 6,000 sq. ft. of commercial space on a two storey podium.

Post Lofts

47 Simcoe Street South

A former Canada Post building is anticipated to be an eleven storey 193-unit mixed-use, mid-rise building that preserves the original building façade and unique architecture that have made 47 Simcoe Street South a significant landmark in Oshawa’s downtown.

135 Bruce Street

A 2,271 unit mixed-use development. The project will include 2,145 apartment units and 96 townhouse units, as well as office and retail ground floor space, in buildings ranging from 3 to 22 storeys in height. Phase I will include 509 apartments in 10 storey and 22 storey towers.

Business Openings in Downtown Oshawa!

Market at 70 King

There's something new in DTO! 🎉 Welcome to Market at 70 King, the newest culinary gem in Downtown Oshawa!

Located at 70 King St. E., this foodie hotspot features globally-inspired artisanal dishes from 7 unique vendors, all under one roof. Come taste the magic!

Website

Follow Market at 70 King on Instagram

W365 Dry Cleaning Plus

Now open at 7 King Street East for all of your downtown dry cleaning needs.

📞 905-723-W365

Clarisse's Hair Salon

Congratulations to Clarisse’s Hair Salon on their Downtown Oshawa Grand Opening! 💇🏽✂️

@clarisseshairoshawa is a unisex hair salon specializing braids, weaves, sewing, cornrows, dreadlocks, fusion extensions, tape-in Extensions, bit extensions and more. Welcome to our community!

You can visit Clarisse’s Hair Salon at 1 Simcoe Street North.

📷 Captured in #DTOshawa 📷

For your chance to be featured, follow along on social media and tag us in your photos @downtownoshawa #DTOshawa

We're throwing it back with a street photo from Convergence Festival 2023! Be sure to join us this year in Downtown Oshawa on September 21st!

Street banners are up for the Oshawa Orientation Experience! There are nearly twice as many participating businesses in this year's scavenger hunt, as well as the best prizes ever offered, including a $1000 scholarship. We're looking forward to welcoming students on September 7th.

Connect with us:

Call Us: 905-436-3311

Email Us: Business@oshawa.ca