My Notice of Motion on the Oshawa Council meeting Agenda, Monday, December 15, 2025, is a request for a status update by next month, on the condition and future of 195 Simcoe Street North, the former Oshawa home of Robert McLaughlin.
There have been no public City updates that make clear to Oshawans what is happening with this property, which has been left in an ‘eyesore condition’ for too long.
A Procedural Order and Issues List concerning a proposed Pre Hearing on Sept 15, 2025 copied below are public documents published on both on the Canlii and Ontario Land Tribunal websites;
Under the unfortunate present and past circumstances, it seems reasonable to request Staff provide an update report to Council that highlights the Land Tribunal proceedings, decisions, together with the City efforts to mitigate non-compliance of Oshawa property standards as well as future actions taken or planned by the City and the property owner.
Council and the public have waited far too long for clarity on this matter. Mayor Carter ruled out-of-order a previous motion I attempted to submit in 2020 concerning 195 Simcoe St. N. and the ongoing non‑compliance with City Property Standards Orders issued since September 2019, with a request for a staff report outlining steps taken and measures planned to ensure timely enforcement. But FIVE years later, the situation remains unresolved.
Historical Significance:
Demolition by Neglect: In February 2021, the owner formally requested demolition. Since then, the drawn‑out process has left the public with no clear answers. What has unfolded is, in my opinion, unfortunately like a textbook case of demolition by neglect — a heritage property allowed to deteriorate until demolition seems inevitable.
It is time for Council to demand transparency. The public deserves to know:
There have been no public City updates that make clear to Oshawans what is happening with this property, which has been left in an ‘eyesore condition’ for too long.
A Procedural Order and Issues List concerning a proposed Pre Hearing on Sept 15, 2025 copied below are public documents published on both on the Canlii and Ontario Land Tribunal websites;
Under the unfortunate present and past circumstances, it seems reasonable to request Staff provide an update report to Council that highlights the Land Tribunal proceedings, decisions, together with the City efforts to mitigate non-compliance of Oshawa property standards as well as future actions taken or planned by the City and the property owner.
Council and the public have waited far too long for clarity on this matter. Mayor Carter ruled out-of-order a previous motion I attempted to submit in 2020 concerning 195 Simcoe St. N. and the ongoing non‑compliance with City Property Standards Orders issued since September 2019, with a request for a staff report outlining steps taken and measures planned to ensure timely enforcement. But FIVE years later, the situation remains unresolved.
Historical Significance:
- Built in 1887, 195 Simcoe St. N. was the home of Robert McLaughlin, founder of the McLaughlin Carriage Company, and father of Colonel R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors Canada.
- The property has been left vacant since 2017, when the owner proposed demolition and dismissed its importance.
- In 2018, the City received a Heritage Report confirming its significance.
- In 2019, the vacant building suffered a fire, followed by criminal charges of arson and assault.
- In 2021 the City applied for the Property to be designated under s. 29, Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, as the structure has cultural heritage value and interest.
- In 2022 the owner filed an objection to the City’s Heritage designation
- In 2023 the City designated 195 Simcoe St. N. under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Whereas the owner of 195 Simcoe St N. filed an Application for Demolition to facilitate the owner’s plans to remove a portion of the dwelling and construct an addition to the rear of the Robert McLaughlin House to accommodate commercial uses and six residential units.
- The Parties participated in Mediation negotiations, however, no resolution of the owner's Appeal was found.
- Since 2019 the property has visibly deteriorated, with a roof left inadequately covered, exposing the structure to snow, ice, and water damage.
Demolition by Neglect: In February 2021, the owner formally requested demolition. Since then, the drawn‑out process has left the public with no clear answers. What has unfolded is, in my opinion, unfortunately like a textbook case of demolition by neglect — a heritage property allowed to deteriorate until demolition seems inevitable.
It is time for Council to demand transparency. The public deserves to know:
- What steps have been taken to enforce property standards?
- What actions are planned to address ongoing non‑compliance?
- What is the current status of the Ontario Land Tribunal file?
- This motion is not only about one property. It is about accountability, transparency, and the City’s responsibility to prevent demolition by neglect from becoming an accepted practice in Oshawa.
