Change has to start somewhere. Responsible neighbours stay aware, informed, and involved. Let’s lead the change together.
Find Your Ward | City of Oshawa
Ward 1 is North Oshawa: from Taunton Road E. up through the Hwy407E to Coates Road, and from Ritson Road N. east to Townline Road N.
Ward 1 is North Oshawa: from Taunton Road E. up through the Hwy407E to Coates Road, and from Ritson Road N. east to Townline Road N.
My 2026 Election Platform
Thank you for electing me twice to represent Oshawa Ward 1.
This October 2026 I'm asking for your vote! I am running for re-election for my 3rd and final term as your Oshawa City Councillor Ward 1.
With proven leadership, I look forward to continuing to serve you and to work hard toward many successful outcomes!
Vote for transparency, safer streets, and minimizing property tax rate increases
My commitment to you is to finish work on issues already on the floor such as
• a tax policy that does not shift onerous growth costs onto homeowners,
• infrastructure funds to complete roads and sidewalks for traffic and public safety
• removing barriers for Oshawa to be a City more accessible, trusted and caring
I believe in standing up for our community, asking the tough questions and firmly meeting the continued challenges to help resolve City of Oshawa issues.
This October 2026 I'm asking for your vote! I am running for re-election for my 3rd and final term as your Oshawa City Councillor Ward 1.
With proven leadership, I look forward to continuing to serve you and to work hard toward many successful outcomes!
Vote for transparency, safer streets, and minimizing property tax rate increases
My commitment to you is to finish work on issues already on the floor such as
• a tax policy that does not shift onerous growth costs onto homeowners,
• infrastructure funds to complete roads and sidewalks for traffic and public safety
• removing barriers for Oshawa to be a City more accessible, trusted and caring
I believe in standing up for our community, asking the tough questions and firmly meeting the continued challenges to help resolve City of Oshawa issues.
Taxpayers expect accountability. Vote to restore it at City Hall
I do not accept campaign donations. I did not in 2018 or 2022. This way nobody has to question if I work for anyone else other than you, my constituents!
If you would like to show your support with one of my lawn signs, that would be wonderful!
Text or email me 905-718-0900 [email protected] and
I'll install one Oct 2 and pick it up Oct 27
What I'm Fighting For:
- Infrastructure funds for safety first
- Lower residential property tax rate increases
- Focus on core city services affordability
- Restore trust and transparency at City Hall
- Stronger financial planning for Capital Projects
- Reclaim public spaces sidewalk/parks to end open-air illegal drug use
- Push for 2% of new homes built to be accessible for wheelchair entry
- Address parking enforcement problems and policies
Note the eight planks come from my work as Ward 1 City Councillor: current Oshawa issues, constituent concerns, and what I see on the streets
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2026 Platform On this page
Infrastructure first · Lower tax increases · Core services Trust and transparency · Capital projects · Public spaces · Accessible homes · Parking · Safer streets · How to vote · Contact
Infrastructure first · Lower tax increases · Core services Trust and transparency · Capital projects · Public spaces · Accessible homes · Parking · Safer streets · How to vote · Contact
1. Infrastructure funds must be allocated for safety first
Ward 1 new residents should not have to spend years navigating their way through debris, unsafe construction conditions, missing sidewalks, delayed streetlights and a serious lack of safe bus stops while new homes fill in around them.
Conlin Rd. E. is the exhibit. A key road and sidewalk section has been closed more than a year. Homes to the north have been occupied for three and four years, yet school buses and city buses still lack a safe route. Only a short stretch of Conlin road Phase 1 is nearing completion. At least three more Phases remain -each with year-long closures, plus potential weather and other delays.
In 2022 I wrote and met in a virtual meeting with Region Chair Henry, senior Region and City staff and Mayor Carter after my comments at Oshawa Committee and Council, including during Budget, produced no follow-through. Only part funding was approved in the 2025 Budget, with nothing in 2026 Budget. Road widenings and sidewalks will take years unless Oshawa's Ward 1 projects are treated as urgent and are funded now.
The same urgency applies to Harmony and Ritson Regional roads. Having to wait with no assurance the roadwork will be included in budgets, while the new home subdivision construction rapidly steams ahead is not good planning..
Harmony Rd. N / Britannia Rd. E. intersection is still waiting on 'temporary traffic lights'. Turn lanes are promised before year-end, but there is still no word on the needed widening and sidewalks on Harmony Rd. N. to Nancy Diamond Blvd.
The City and the Region have been aware of the Kedron Part II and the Columbus plans for well over a decade, with growth planned for a built-out population of 46,000. Our residents should not be left in such unsafe situations while subdivisions race ahead of the roads..
With this summer's federal-provincial $8.8 Billion Development Charges Reduction Program (DCRP), it would be terribly remiss of the City if it has not made a strong case that DCRP money must first go to Ward 1's infrastructure deficit for road/sidewalk safety.
Conlin Rd. E. is the exhibit. A key road and sidewalk section has been closed more than a year. Homes to the north have been occupied for three and four years, yet school buses and city buses still lack a safe route. Only a short stretch of Conlin road Phase 1 is nearing completion. At least three more Phases remain -each with year-long closures, plus potential weather and other delays.
In 2022 I wrote and met in a virtual meeting with Region Chair Henry, senior Region and City staff and Mayor Carter after my comments at Oshawa Committee and Council, including during Budget, produced no follow-through. Only part funding was approved in the 2025 Budget, with nothing in 2026 Budget. Road widenings and sidewalks will take years unless Oshawa's Ward 1 projects are treated as urgent and are funded now.
The same urgency applies to Harmony and Ritson Regional roads. Having to wait with no assurance the roadwork will be included in budgets, while the new home subdivision construction rapidly steams ahead is not good planning..
Harmony Rd. N / Britannia Rd. E. intersection is still waiting on 'temporary traffic lights'. Turn lanes are promised before year-end, but there is still no word on the needed widening and sidewalks on Harmony Rd. N. to Nancy Diamond Blvd.
The City and the Region have been aware of the Kedron Part II and the Columbus plans for well over a decade, with growth planned for a built-out population of 46,000. Our residents should not be left in such unsafe situations while subdivisions race ahead of the roads..
With this summer's federal-provincial $8.8 Billion Development Charges Reduction Program (DCRP), it would be terribly remiss of the City if it has not made a strong case that DCRP money must first go to Ward 1's infrastructure deficit for road/sidewalk safety.
Conlin Rd E, July 2026.
City of Oshawa Conlin Rd E proposed construction phasing map, July 15, 2026 public open house.
2. Lower residential property tax rate increases
Growth was supposed to pay for growth.
When Council discounts development charges (DCs) or exempts industrial DCs, as it has for over a decade and voted in 2024 to keep doing it, the shortfall does not disappear. It lands on the residential tax bill.
At the 2024 Special Council meeting on the DC Policy Review, another Councillor and I moved to phase out the industrial exemption over three years. That vote failed 7–2. Council then voted 5–4 to keep the exemption. The facts on the City of Oshawa's foregone revenue are in report CNCL-24-34.Here is a key section, highlighting the amounts of $15.5 million and $20.8 million- being $36.3 million calculated DCs not collected, i.e. 'foregone' money, which staff identified as funding shortfalls that need to be raised from other sources. Below is a telling excerpt from page 8 of the Report:
Homeowners should not backfill breaks given to profitable firms. Council must stabilize the residential rate, stop shifting growth costs onto existing homes, and put real money into infrastructure reserves.
When Council discounts development charges (DCs) or exempts industrial DCs, as it has for over a decade and voted in 2024 to keep doing it, the shortfall does not disappear. It lands on the residential tax bill.
At the 2024 Special Council meeting on the DC Policy Review, another Councillor and I moved to phase out the industrial exemption over three years. That vote failed 7–2. Council then voted 5–4 to keep the exemption. The facts on the City of Oshawa's foregone revenue are in report CNCL-24-34.Here is a key section, highlighting the amounts of $15.5 million and $20.8 million- being $36.3 million calculated DCs not collected, i.e. 'foregone' money, which staff identified as funding shortfalls that need to be raised from other sources. Below is a telling excerpt from page 8 of the Report:
- Foregone D.C.’s have an impact on the City’s ability to undertake the capital projects necessary to service new growth-related development.
- They need to be accounted for in future D.C. calculations and need to be raised from other sources including tax levies and possibly debt as the City’s existing infrastructure reserve funds are not adequate to address these funding shortfalls.
- Staff reviewed the area municipalities D.C. by-laws and found that they collect Industrial D.C.’s or have a limited exemption by specific building type.
- For the 10-year period ending December 31, 2023, Building Services issued 33 industrial building permits, exempted from D.C.’s, costing the City an estimated $15.5 million.
- Should the City continue to exempt Industrial D.C.’s, the future foregone revenue is estimated at $20.8 million based on current known industrial projects.
Homeowners should not backfill breaks given to profitable firms. Council must stabilize the residential rate, stop shifting growth costs onto existing homes, and put real money into infrastructure reserves.
3. Focus on core city services affordability
Paying the property tax bill should not squeeze seniors and fixed-income homeowners out of their homes.
Before Council asks for more from Oshawa taxpayers, the City should show that core services are run efficiently, with results that can be measured.
Residents should see, in plain language:
Before Council asks for more from Oshawa taxpayers, the City should show that core services are run efficiently, with results that can be measured.
Residents should see, in plain language:
- what each core service costs per household
- what we get for that money
- what we would cut or keep if the increase were one point lower
- why do annual budget overtime and temporary-wage estimates increase and remain high annually after a substantial increase in the City's full time employee compliment
4. Restore trust and transparency at City Hall
Nobody likes being the last to know about a decision that hits their neighbourhood or their tax bill. Too many decisions are made in closed session, or by staff under delegated authority, and are announced after the fact.
I have voted no when the public process failed. A medical-science partnership in a vacant downtown building and a Tribute Community Centre modernization are both worth considering but deserve an open public discussion.
Too much authority has been delegated away from the people you elect. I regularly move to go into Committee of the Whole so an item gets a full debate, not a rushed vote. That is common at the Region and in other Durham municipalities. Getting it passed at Oshawa Council has been a struggle. I will keep making that motion, especially when an item carries taxpayer risk.
I will also push for:
I have voted no when the public process failed. A medical-science partnership in a vacant downtown building and a Tribute Community Centre modernization are both worth considering but deserve an open public discussion.
Too much authority has been delegated away from the people you elect. I regularly move to go into Committee of the Whole so an item gets a full debate, not a rushed vote. That is common at the Region and in other Durham municipalities. Getting it passed at Oshawa Council has been a struggle. I will keep making that motion, especially when an item carries taxpayer risk.
I will also push for:
- public reporting on Service Oshawa complaints and enforcement follow-up
- earlier special-meeting notices and time for public input before decisions
- searchable transcripts of Council meeting videos
- posting meetings on YouTube, like Durham Region, Ajax, and Pickering already do, making it easier to open on a smart TV, and cheaper than a custom portal
5. Provide stronger financial planning for Capital Projects
Big capital projects need a complete plan before the money goes out the door.
Council members and the public should know what are priority projects and why; funding sources, total cost; asset life before renewal; what it delivers; projected annual maintenance; the timeline when the RFP or tender goes out; contract is awarded; and expected completion.
Too often park, trail, and road designs are approved and then sit for years. Neighbours are surprised when construction suddenly begins and the estimated cost has nearly doubled. Ward 1’s trail east from the DelPark Home Centre behind homes on Irvine Scott St is one prime example, also the trail behind Arborwood Parkette, home owners a decade earlier were told it was going to be on the other side of the creek and no update until the design was a done deal; Raglan and Everglades parks are other examples: designs approved, construction delayed for years.
Council members and the public should know what are priority projects and why; funding sources, total cost; asset life before renewal; what it delivers; projected annual maintenance; the timeline when the RFP or tender goes out; contract is awarded; and expected completion.
Too often park, trail, and road designs are approved and then sit for years. Neighbours are surprised when construction suddenly begins and the estimated cost has nearly doubled. Ward 1’s trail east from the DelPark Home Centre behind homes on Irvine Scott St is one prime example, also the trail behind Arborwood Parkette, home owners a decade earlier were told it was going to be on the other side of the creek and no update until the design was a done deal; Raglan and Everglades parks are other examples: designs approved, construction delayed for years.
6. Reclaim public spaces, parks/ sidewalks from illegal drug users
The City’s basic job is to keep sidewalks, parks, and trails clean, safe, and usable. Open-air illegal drug use should meet enforcement and treatment and not just be shrugged off.
On September 29, 2025, Council approved my motion CNCL-25-63 concerning controlled substances in parks, on sidewalks, and on adjacent city property. Votes were 10-1.
CNCL-25-63 was Oshawa Council formally requesting the federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General to take action against open-air drug use considering that it endangers children in public spaces, undermines individuals recovering from addiction, attracts drug dealers associated with greater crimes to areas where users purchase illegal drugs, and is currently not being actively prosecuted despite its severity. It was sent to the federal Justice Minister, Ontario’s Attorney General and copied to the Region of Durham, it’s member municipalities, all Region of Durham area MPs and MPPs, the Durham Regional Police Service and AMO.Durham Regional Police.
Approval is not the end of the job. Follow-through is. New City leaders this coming 2026–2030 term of office must reclaim our public spaces so families can be encouragaed to return downtown, to the beautiful McLaughlin Library, the RMG, Parkwood Estate, restaurants, music at the Biltmore and 44 Bond, and films at the Regent.
There is a real opening now. The Safer Municipalities Act, 2025 and more than $500 million for community safety and addiction recovery included for 29 HART Hubs across Ontario — one in Oshawa and one in Whitby. Oshawa’s new HART Hub on Bloor St. E. will have 45 overnight rooms with wraparound services. Durham Police’s Project Atlantis, started in 2025 and expanded in 2026, posted some promising results in August 2026
On September 29, 2025, Council approved my motion CNCL-25-63 concerning controlled substances in parks, on sidewalks, and on adjacent city property. Votes were 10-1.
CNCL-25-63 was Oshawa Council formally requesting the federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General to take action against open-air drug use considering that it endangers children in public spaces, undermines individuals recovering from addiction, attracts drug dealers associated with greater crimes to areas where users purchase illegal drugs, and is currently not being actively prosecuted despite its severity. It was sent to the federal Justice Minister, Ontario’s Attorney General and copied to the Region of Durham, it’s member municipalities, all Region of Durham area MPs and MPPs, the Durham Regional Police Service and AMO.Durham Regional Police.
Approval is not the end of the job. Follow-through is. New City leaders this coming 2026–2030 term of office must reclaim our public spaces so families can be encouragaed to return downtown, to the beautiful McLaughlin Library, the RMG, Parkwood Estate, restaurants, music at the Biltmore and 44 Bond, and films at the Regent.
There is a real opening now. The Safer Municipalities Act, 2025 and more than $500 million for community safety and addiction recovery included for 29 HART Hubs across Ontario — one in Oshawa and one in Whitby. Oshawa’s new HART Hub on Bloor St. E. will have 45 overnight rooms with wraparound services. Durham Police’s Project Atlantis, started in 2025 and expanded in 2026, posted some promising results in August 2026
John St. E. boulevard, across from Memorial Park.
7. Push for 2% of new homes to have wheelchair-level or ramp entry
The Ontario Building Code requires accessibility in 15% of new apartment units and none of that for ordinary houses.Ward 1 is building a huge number of new homes with no requirement for even a basic level or ramp entrance.
Two features change lives: a level or built-in ramp entrance, and a washroom door and turn radius that actually fit a mobility device.
As Council’s member on the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee (OAAC), I have pushed for inclusive housing. On October 27, 2025 I brought forward a Notice of Motion CNCL-25-75 for the City to invite builders to meet with staff and the OAAC — because the Province mandates that all new home development site plans include Accessible Parking, but missing is amatching requirement for accessible ground-oriented homes. Unfortunately, the Mayor ruled the motion out of order.
I will keep asking Queen’s Park to amend the Building Code so at least 2% of new subdivision homes (developments of 20+ dwellings) include those two features. I'll continue to strongly encouragae Durham builders/developers to put level or ramp entries in more Oshawa homes as standard construction — not charity, not a custom upgrade.
Promoting this because:
Two features change lives: a level or built-in ramp entrance, and a washroom door and turn radius that actually fit a mobility device.
As Council’s member on the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee (OAAC), I have pushed for inclusive housing. On October 27, 2025 I brought forward a Notice of Motion CNCL-25-75 for the City to invite builders to meet with staff and the OAAC — because the Province mandates that all new home development site plans include Accessible Parking, but missing is amatching requirement for accessible ground-oriented homes. Unfortunately, the Mayor ruled the motion out of order.
I will keep asking Queen’s Park to amend the Building Code so at least 2% of new subdivision homes (developments of 20+ dwellings) include those two features. I'll continue to strongly encouragae Durham builders/developers to put level or ramp entries in more Oshawa homes as standard construction — not charity, not a custom upgrade.
Promoting this because:
- Inclusive design supports aging in place and strengthens community ties.
- Accessible homes reduce the need for costly renovations later|
REMOVING BARRIERS - AN ACCESSIBILE CITY IS A CITY THAT CARES!
I've been involved in promoting the Volt hockey pilot, the installation of StopGap ramps around the City, and a pilot program for accessible pickleball. Council approved all three. Volt hockey stuck. The other two could still proceed with support from the next Council.
The point is the same as the above 2% accessible housing ask: people should be able to get in the door and join the game.
The point is the same as the above 2% accessible housing ask: people should be able to get in the door and join the game.
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The City of Oshawa has offered official Volt Hockey programs operated under the city's Inclusion Services in partnership with Volt Hockey Canada/Variety Ontario. This adaptive sport allows participants of all abilities to experience team hockey using specially designed, joystick-controlled motorized chairs. |
Building Accessibility Into Oshawa's Future.
8. Clear, consistent parking enforcement policies
Parking rules should be clear, fair, and actually explained to the people living with them and not learned from a ticket on the windshield.
The same street should not be enforced two different ways. Residents should be able to get a straight answer before the fine. Consistent rules. Clearer feedback. Less of a maze of reactive or proactive interpretations.
When the rules are not well understood, or when time has passed and certain expected practices have not adapted to changing times and changing streets, call volumes tell Council it's time to review Traffic/Parking and Zoning By-law amendments.
Parking enforcement policies need to be reviewed so residents have both consistent rules and clearer answers, and less of a maze of tickets and silence.
The same street should not be enforced two different ways. Residents should be able to get a straight answer before the fine. Consistent rules. Clearer feedback. Less of a maze of reactive or proactive interpretations.
When the rules are not well understood, or when time has passed and certain expected practices have not adapted to changing times and changing streets, call volumes tell Council it's time to review Traffic/Parking and Zoning By-law amendments.
Parking enforcement policies need to be reviewed so residents have both consistent rules and clearer answers, and less of a maze of tickets and silence.
On the record
Recent motions
My Seize the Drugs to Save Our City (CNCL-25-63) motion September 2025, passed 10–1. Tied to the Safer Municipalities Act (Bill 6). A formal call for stronger enforcement and seizure of illicit drugs in public spaces, following approaches used in Edmonton and Peterborough. Sent to the federal Justice Minister, Ontario’s Attorney General, and Durham Regional Police. A motion giving the new Council the opportunity to work with Lakeridge, the Region of Durham and Durham Police for more follow-through measures to increase awareness that outdoor drug use and drug dealers in our city impede public safety and are prohibited.
Thornton Rd N. / Hwy407 E. partial interchange June 2026, While Council dealt with (CNCL-26-43) concerning heavy trucks from the Northwood Business Park cutting through residential streets, I added an amendment 5) asking Durham Region to undertake discussons with the Province to expedite the long-planned Thornton / 407 partial interchange. It carried 11–0. With the tolls on Hwy 407 E. in Durham removed. this would route truck traffic off residential streets and support employment land deveklopment along the 407 corridor. I first heard this partial interchange was in the MTO plan in 2009, when I as a community activist I was pushing to keep Phase 1 of Hwy 407 E. from stopping at Simcoe St.
The drawing below is the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's rendering of the planned Hwy407E / Thornton Rd N. partial interchange.
Cricket in Oshawa
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Oshawa's cricket players deserve a proper place to play in North Oshawa. I helped initiate the South Oshawa pitch in early 2022. That first field is in good use. This summer I was invited to present player awards. North Oshawa still has site options. I've asked the City to look at what Toronto has successfully done: lease land in the Hydro One corridor. Oshawa already leases Hydro land for a couple parks. The corridor is here. The players are here. This could be in place sooner, rather than later. |
Transparency work that took years and is finally landing
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BACK STORY: Long before I was elected to Oshawa Council, I made delegations starting in 2010 and 2011 asking the City and Region of Durham to webstream and archive their meetings. Webstreaming was new around that time and only one municipality in Ontario was doing it. My effort brought successful results.
Oshawa started webstreaming January 2012. Incidently in 2015 I continued to press the City, this time to have ALL meetings webstreamed because the City was not webstreaming Special Council meetings. I was successful again. (see newspaper clipping) |
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March 2019, early in my first term I moved two motions, for
- public on-line municipal election voting
I am pleased that my original motion requesting on-line voting, after cybersecurity review and public feedback, was approved by Council June 2025, after 7 years, with both at-home online voting and paper ballots on election day Oct 26, 2026.
- electronic voting in the chamber to track Council member city meeting votes I made this motion so residents can see how in real time each member voted without a slow roll call and can be easily tracked. Funds for this were approved years ago. After I checked with the Clerk while drafting this platform, I learned the equipment will be installed after Council’s last meeting on September 28 and ready for the new Council in November 2026. Calgary turned this method on in 2020. Oshawa is late. Next term it is good this is how Council will vote,
Note the point here is not so much about technology. It's that more transparency and accountability is coming to the public record, with an at-a-glance indication of how each Councillor has voted. The City of Calgary put those benefits in plain language when they turned on e-voting in their chamber in 2020. Oshawa is late to the same process, but finally it's how Oshawa Council will vote.
Streets safer in Ward 1
Traffic calming makes neighbourhoods healthier and more livable. On my watch, Community Safety Zones were added around schools and rural communities on Greenhill Ave., Coldstream Dr., Woodstream Ave., Raglan Rd., and Columbus Rd.
Flexible bollards went in on Coldstream Dr., Grandview St. N., and Arborwood Dr., with more requested by Elsie MacGill school on Greenhill Ave. and on Blackwood Blvd. near Skyview St. which staff indicate they will report back on this fall.
My motion CO-25-47 for traffic lights at Wilson Rd. N. and Greenhill Ave. was approved by Council in September 2025 for consideration in the 2026 budget, then left out by the Mayor. I will raise it again, and other sites, like Woodstream and Townline for a streetlight, and improved pavement on Townline around Coldstream in 2027.
Flexible bollards went in on Coldstream Dr., Grandview St. N., and Arborwood Dr., with more requested by Elsie MacGill school on Greenhill Ave. and on Blackwood Blvd. near Skyview St. which staff indicate they will report back on this fall.
My motion CO-25-47 for traffic lights at Wilson Rd. N. and Greenhill Ave. was approved by Council in September 2025 for consideration in the 2026 budget, then left out by the Mayor. I will raise it again, and other sites, like Woodstream and Townline for a streetlight, and improved pavement on Townline around Coldstream in 2027.
How to vote in the 2026 municipal election
- Internet voting: October 13 to 26, 2026 (10 a.m. October 13 to 8 p.m. October 26)
- Watch for the City's letter with your security code
- Advance polls: Staff are there to help anyone who needs assistance with online voting. You can go to any location.
- City Hall, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: October 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23
- Also 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.: October 14, South Oshawa Community Centre; October 15, Northview Community Centre; October 16, Civic Recreation Complex; October 17, Donevan Recreation Complex; October 19, Delpark Homes Centre
- Paper ballots: available only on Voting Day, Monday, October 26
The City has an online portal for checking or updating your information
Contact me, Rosemary, any time with questions or to share concerns and/or suggestions.
Sharing ideas strengthens them!
Campaign email: [email protected] | City Hall (constituent casework): [email protected]
Phone or text: 905-718-0900
Website: oshawarosemary.com
Please let me know if you would like a lawn sign, walk a street with me, or pass this page to a neighbour in Ward 1. Please text or email to let me know.
Happy Voting on-line starting Oct 13th or with a hard copy ballot at the polling station October 26.
Thanking you in advance for your support!