Bloor-Simcoe Intensification Study

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Consultation has concluded

The City of Oshawa invites community members to provide their feedback on the Bloor-Simcoe Intensification Study. The purpose of the Study is to develop an intensification policy framework to guide future development in suitable locations and at appropriate densities within the Study Area.

The Study will include, but is not limited to, a review of the existing land use policy framework and current conditions of the Study Area, and to identify opportunities to accommodate future growth.

The Study Area consists of:

  • The Bloor St. corridor - generally bounded by Hwy. 401 to the north, the Canadian National Railway corridor to the south, Farewell St. to the east and Park Rd. S. to the west; and,

  • The Simcoe St. S. corridor - generally bounded by Hwy. 401 to the north, Wentworth St. W. to the south, certain commercial/institutional/residential zoned lands to the east, and the Oshawa Creek Valley to the west.

Have Your Say

Community members will have an opportunity to provide their feedback in the following ways:

  • Attend a Public Open House on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in the C-Wing Committee Room at City Hall (50 Centre St. S., enter from the main south entrance and immediately turn right).
    • Two identical 30-minute presentations will be made – at 6:45 p.m. and at 7:45 p.m., each followed by 30 minutes for discussion and questions on the presentation.
    • The presentation and display boards are posted here on Connect Oshawa.
  • Click this link or scroll down and select "COMPLETE FORM" to complete an online feedback form here on Connect Oshawa. Paper copies of the feedback form are also available at Service Oshawa, located at City Hall (50 Centre St. S.).
  • Complete a mapping exercise for the area and also submit questions through Connect Oshawa.

Feedback will be received until 12 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2023 and will be considered in a future staff report to be presented to the Economic and Development Services Committee.

The City of Oshawa invites community members to provide their feedback on the Bloor-Simcoe Intensification Study. The purpose of the Study is to develop an intensification policy framework to guide future development in suitable locations and at appropriate densities within the Study Area.

The Study will include, but is not limited to, a review of the existing land use policy framework and current conditions of the Study Area, and to identify opportunities to accommodate future growth.

The Study Area consists of:

  • The Bloor St. corridor - generally bounded by Hwy. 401 to the north, the Canadian National Railway corridor to the south, Farewell St. to the east and Park Rd. S. to the west; and,

  • The Simcoe St. S. corridor - generally bounded by Hwy. 401 to the north, Wentworth St. W. to the south, certain commercial/institutional/residential zoned lands to the east, and the Oshawa Creek Valley to the west.

Have Your Say

Community members will have an opportunity to provide their feedback in the following ways:

  • Attend a Public Open House on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in the C-Wing Committee Room at City Hall (50 Centre St. S., enter from the main south entrance and immediately turn right).
    • Two identical 30-minute presentations will be made – at 6:45 p.m. and at 7:45 p.m., each followed by 30 minutes for discussion and questions on the presentation.
    • The presentation and display boards are posted here on Connect Oshawa.
  • Click this link or scroll down and select "COMPLETE FORM" to complete an online feedback form here on Connect Oshawa. Paper copies of the feedback form are also available at Service Oshawa, located at City Hall (50 Centre St. S.).
  • Complete a mapping exercise for the area and also submit questions through Connect Oshawa.

Feedback will be received until 12 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2023 and will be considered in a future staff report to be presented to the Economic and Development Services Committee.

Consultation has concluded

Ask your questions about the Bloor-Simcoe Intensification Study here! We'll do our best to get back to you in two business days.

  • Share Are the Churches and Cedardale School going to be protected? I hope so. on Facebook Share Are the Churches and Cedardale School going to be protected? I hope so. on Twitter Share Are the Churches and Cedardale School going to be protected? I hope so. on Linkedin Email Are the Churches and Cedardale School going to be protected? I hope so. link

    Are the Churches and Cedardale School going to be protected? I hope so.

    Marika Hurst asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your question! In 2023, City Council passed By-law 126-2023, which designated the former Cedardale public school located at 827 Gordon Street under Section 29 Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter O.18 (the “Heritage Act”). Properties designated under the Heritage Act are recognized as having cultural heritage value and are protected from demolition or certain alterations so that the identified heritage attributes can be preserved. 

    There are two (2) places of worship located within the Study Area, including the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church (35 Bloor Street East) and the Cedardale United Church (824 Simcoe Street South). Both of these sites are identified as “Class A” on the Heritage Oshawa Inventory of City of Oshawa Heritage Properties. Class "A" properties have been evaluated by Heritage Oshawa and are determined to have the highest potential for designation

  • Share Do they plan to expropriate current properties in the study area? What time frame are we looking at? I have major work to be done on my home (e.g. new windows and doors, new driveway). Is this going to be a waste of money to go ahead with this? on Facebook Share Do they plan to expropriate current properties in the study area? What time frame are we looking at? I have major work to be done on my home (e.g. new windows and doors, new driveway). Is this going to be a waste of money to go ahead with this? on Twitter Share Do they plan to expropriate current properties in the study area? What time frame are we looking at? I have major work to be done on my home (e.g. new windows and doors, new driveway). Is this going to be a waste of money to go ahead with this? on Linkedin Email Do they plan to expropriate current properties in the study area? What time frame are we looking at? I have major work to be done on my home (e.g. new windows and doors, new driveway). Is this going to be a waste of money to go ahead with this? link

    Do they plan to expropriate current properties in the study area? What time frame are we looking at? I have major work to be done on my home (e.g. new windows and doors, new driveway). Is this going to be a waste of money to go ahead with this?

    meisey3 asked 3 months ago

    Thanks for your question. The expropriation of land is not within the scope of the Bloor-Simcoe Intensification Study. Accordingly, the City is not investigating expropriation as a means of increasing residential density within the Study Area.

  • Share Hi there. We are interested in a possible apartment intensification project in the future at 319 College Ave. Oshawa. We are on the boundary of the intensification area. Can we qualify for intensification zoning of a low or high rise? Thank you. on Facebook Share Hi there. We are interested in a possible apartment intensification project in the future at 319 College Ave. Oshawa. We are on the boundary of the intensification area. Can we qualify for intensification zoning of a low or high rise? Thank you. on Twitter Share Hi there. We are interested in a possible apartment intensification project in the future at 319 College Ave. Oshawa. We are on the boundary of the intensification area. Can we qualify for intensification zoning of a low or high rise? Thank you. on Linkedin Email Hi there. We are interested in a possible apartment intensification project in the future at 319 College Ave. Oshawa. We are on the boundary of the intensification area. Can we qualify for intensification zoning of a low or high rise? Thank you. link

    Hi there. We are interested in a possible apartment intensification project in the future at 319 College Ave. Oshawa. We are on the boundary of the intensification area. Can we qualify for intensification zoning of a low or high rise? Thank you.

    MJ asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The Study Area boundary for the Bloor-Simcoe Intensification Study was approved by City Council on October 30, 2023. Properties outside of the Study Area are not subject to Interim Control By-law 133-2023 and are therefore outside the scope of the Bloor-Simcoe Intensification Study. Land use planning questions concerning properties outside of the Study Area may be submitted to Planning Services at planning@oshawa.ca.

  • Share Hello I have two questions: 1- would the development intensification proposals along bloor street between Park Rd and Ritson Rd include total redevelopment including removal of older houses that are also retail buildings on the north side of bloor ? They set on deep lots and are frankly a waste of space and do not give a nice appeal to the area. I feel this stretch of land would be better served as mixed retail and low rise apartments (retail on bottom and 5 to 10 stories high for residential) Additionally there should be a tree canopy along the north and south side walks to enhance the curve appeal of Bloor street so it doesn't just continue looking like a small highway. 2- the vacant lands on Simcoe st South and Wentworth flank the Oshawa valley. Given that intersection has a mix of detached homes, industrial building and low rise apartments can it be prioritized this land be developed into a mix of similar style residential buildings (townhomes, small detached homes and a city park? Tree canopy along Simcoe there is poor and it should be incorporated. This area should be also considered as a future transit stop as part of a previous rapid transit study of it is picked as part of a transit corridor (LRT, subway etc) on Facebook Share Hello I have two questions: 1- would the development intensification proposals along bloor street between Park Rd and Ritson Rd include total redevelopment including removal of older houses that are also retail buildings on the north side of bloor ? They set on deep lots and are frankly a waste of space and do not give a nice appeal to the area. I feel this stretch of land would be better served as mixed retail and low rise apartments (retail on bottom and 5 to 10 stories high for residential) Additionally there should be a tree canopy along the north and south side walks to enhance the curve appeal of Bloor street so it doesn't just continue looking like a small highway. 2- the vacant lands on Simcoe st South and Wentworth flank the Oshawa valley. Given that intersection has a mix of detached homes, industrial building and low rise apartments can it be prioritized this land be developed into a mix of similar style residential buildings (townhomes, small detached homes and a city park? Tree canopy along Simcoe there is poor and it should be incorporated. This area should be also considered as a future transit stop as part of a previous rapid transit study of it is picked as part of a transit corridor (LRT, subway etc) on Twitter Share Hello I have two questions: 1- would the development intensification proposals along bloor street between Park Rd and Ritson Rd include total redevelopment including removal of older houses that are also retail buildings on the north side of bloor ? They set on deep lots and are frankly a waste of space and do not give a nice appeal to the area. I feel this stretch of land would be better served as mixed retail and low rise apartments (retail on bottom and 5 to 10 stories high for residential) Additionally there should be a tree canopy along the north and south side walks to enhance the curve appeal of Bloor street so it doesn't just continue looking like a small highway. 2- the vacant lands on Simcoe st South and Wentworth flank the Oshawa valley. Given that intersection has a mix of detached homes, industrial building and low rise apartments can it be prioritized this land be developed into a mix of similar style residential buildings (townhomes, small detached homes and a city park? Tree canopy along Simcoe there is poor and it should be incorporated. This area should be also considered as a future transit stop as part of a previous rapid transit study of it is picked as part of a transit corridor (LRT, subway etc) on Linkedin Email Hello I have two questions: 1- would the development intensification proposals along bloor street between Park Rd and Ritson Rd include total redevelopment including removal of older houses that are also retail buildings on the north side of bloor ? They set on deep lots and are frankly a waste of space and do not give a nice appeal to the area. I feel this stretch of land would be better served as mixed retail and low rise apartments (retail on bottom and 5 to 10 stories high for residential) Additionally there should be a tree canopy along the north and south side walks to enhance the curve appeal of Bloor street so it doesn't just continue looking like a small highway. 2- the vacant lands on Simcoe st South and Wentworth flank the Oshawa valley. Given that intersection has a mix of detached homes, industrial building and low rise apartments can it be prioritized this land be developed into a mix of similar style residential buildings (townhomes, small detached homes and a city park? Tree canopy along Simcoe there is poor and it should be incorporated. This area should be also considered as a future transit stop as part of a previous rapid transit study of it is picked as part of a transit corridor (LRT, subway etc) link

    Hello I have two questions: 1- would the development intensification proposals along bloor street between Park Rd and Ritson Rd include total redevelopment including removal of older houses that are also retail buildings on the north side of bloor ? They set on deep lots and are frankly a waste of space and do not give a nice appeal to the area. I feel this stretch of land would be better served as mixed retail and low rise apartments (retail on bottom and 5 to 10 stories high for residential) Additionally there should be a tree canopy along the north and south side walks to enhance the curve appeal of Bloor street so it doesn't just continue looking like a small highway. 2- the vacant lands on Simcoe st South and Wentworth flank the Oshawa valley. Given that intersection has a mix of detached homes, industrial building and low rise apartments can it be prioritized this land be developed into a mix of similar style residential buildings (townhomes, small detached homes and a city park? Tree canopy along Simcoe there is poor and it should be incorporated. This area should be also considered as a future transit stop as part of a previous rapid transit study of it is picked as part of a transit corridor (LRT, subway etc)

    Jmartino asked 3 months ago

    Thanks for your questions! 

    The purpose of the Bloor-Simcoe Intensification Study is to update the City’s land use policies (i.e. the O.O.P. and Zoning By-law) to help accommodate future growth over the long-term, in a way that is appropriate with the existing community. Any proposed amendments to the City’s land use policies resulting from the Study may encourage the redevelopment of lands in such a way that promotes a mix of uses to optimize the developable land area of a site. Proposed amendments may also address streetscape improvements (e.g. tree canopy) and urban design guidelines. Staff note that the Study, including any proposed amendments resulting from the Study, neither initiates, nor requires land owners to initiate the development process for lands within the Study Area. 

    All comments received from the public and stakeholders will be considered in the Study. Accordingly, members of the public are encouraged to complete the online feedback form and mapping exercise to provide their input on the Study.

  • Share Hi, My question is if an area gets identified as an area which has high potential for intensification then what would be approach or next steps. As the houses/areas are already occupied by residents living/owning them, how is new construction possible where will these residents or owners go or what will happen to their property. Thanks on Facebook Share Hi, My question is if an area gets identified as an area which has high potential for intensification then what would be approach or next steps. As the houses/areas are already occupied by residents living/owning them, how is new construction possible where will these residents or owners go or what will happen to their property. Thanks on Twitter Share Hi, My question is if an area gets identified as an area which has high potential for intensification then what would be approach or next steps. As the houses/areas are already occupied by residents living/owning them, how is new construction possible where will these residents or owners go or what will happen to their property. Thanks on Linkedin Email Hi, My question is if an area gets identified as an area which has high potential for intensification then what would be approach or next steps. As the houses/areas are already occupied by residents living/owning them, how is new construction possible where will these residents or owners go or what will happen to their property. Thanks link

    Hi, My question is if an area gets identified as an area which has high potential for intensification then what would be approach or next steps. As the houses/areas are already occupied by residents living/owning them, how is new construction possible where will these residents or owners go or what will happen to their property. Thanks

    Kshitij Shukla asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your question. Residential intensification within the Study Area may include an appropriate mix of various housing types, such as accessory apartments, townhouses and apartments. Once the Bloor-Simcoe Intensification Study has been endorsed by City Council, a Planning Act Public Meeting will be held for any proposed amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan (“O.O.P.”) or Zoning By-law 60-94 (“Zoning By-law”). 

    The purpose of updating the City’s land use policies (i.e. the O.O.P. and Zoning By-law) is to help accommodate future growth over the long-term, in a way that is appropriate with the existing community.  The Canadian Urban Institute and the Ontario Government published “Visualizing Density” in 2017, which states that “intensification can take many forms and can happen in a subtle, incremental way through buildings that fit into the existing community. Good design and appropriate zoning can introduce density that is not intrusive [to the existing uses]”.

    For further clarification, the purpose of the Study is to establish an appropriate plan for future growth within the Study Area. The Study, including any proposed amendments resulting from the Study, neither initiates, nor requires land owners to initiate the development process for lands within the Study Area. 

    Members of the public are encouraged to complete the online feedback form and mapping exercise to provide their input on the Study.