​Feb 15, 1965, Canada’s red & white maple leaf flag was raised for the very 1st time on Parliament Hill. The next year, Feb 15. 1996, National Flag of Canada Day was declared.
This Saturday, Feb 15th, 2025 celebrate 60 years of our Canadian flag. See website here for an Activity Kit — Ages 5 to 12 with links to story of our country's flag history, a scavenger hunt https://www.canada.ca/.../national-flag-canada-day.html and a link to a youth crossword puzzle https://www.canada.ca/.../FlagDay-CrossWord-5-12-eng.pdf
Also note below where you can pick up a Free Canadian Flag from our MP Jamil Jivani

My summary list of agenda items on tomorrow's 1st Standing Committee meetings of 2025 is below-

To be sure, there are a number of items that some Oshawan's will find of interest. 

But the ONE REPORT that involves strong public opinion is ED-25-14 concerning the SHARED E-SCOOTER PROGRAM.

Several have written council members with their point of view and concerns.

In the past 24 hours I received 11 emails sent to [email protected]. Of these, 8 request the program be terminated and 3 agree with the proposed continuance and staff recommendation to continue the program for another 5 years.

Please note that to ensure your input is actually reported with Committee and Council meeting minutes, please email [email protected] in addition to just [email protected]

(note the Clerk will remove your email address and personal data for confidentiality under the municipal privacy rules before including your email on the agenda.) 

Here is the link to the 24 page E-scooter Report ED-25-14 E-mobility Pilot Program  
Some pertinent data contained in the Report

•  trips ranged from less than 1 km to about 5 km, the average E-mobility trip length was 2.0 km and the average trip duration was 12.2 minutes in 2023. Similarly, the average E-mobility trip length was 1.9 km, the average trip duration was 11.4 minutes in 2024.
• Durham Regional Police Service reported 6 collisions involving an E mobility device in 2023. Two were identified to involve a motor vehicle, one of which included a fatality.
• There were 21 collisions reported to vendors in 2023 and 19 collisions reported in 2024. 
• The City generated $70,627.20 in 2023, &  $51,024.20 up to end of Q3 2024, (Q4 figures not yet available). Fees collected 2023/2024 allowed for service cost recovery such as a subscription to a data monitoring platform...

See Link to the 1:30 p.m. Monday Jan 13, 2025 Economic and Development Committee Agenda with 15 items here: Economic and Development Services Committee and Planning Act Meeting - January 13, 2025

See Link to the 9:30 a.m. Monday Jan 13, 2025 Corporate and Finance Committee Agenda with 4 items here: Corporate and Finance Services Committee Meeting - January 13, 2025

My comments:
Imo, the parking utilization study should consider the number of downtown business vacancies before the consultant makes its final  assessment, as it seems to be indicating in Section 4.4.6,  that the current and 10 year forecast parking space utilization of the City’s parking system needs will meet the projected demand to 2034.
 
Also, I question the statement made in the report that "anticipated parking demand from new residential developments in the D.O.U.G.C. over the next decade is expected to be primarily accommodated on-site through developer-provided parking facilities". Almost without exception I believe development applications and approved applications lately include significantly fewer parking spaces than the Zoning By-law requires. 

Note Report CO-24-61 specifically refers to the Union Cemetery By-law 76-2012 Imo it may be time to consider requirements for any proposed new Cemetery operations, that is, what guidelines and policy provisions could be set down for new Oshawa Cemetery applications and site locations. 

Also, concerning Report SF-24-49:  I am, and I know many others who also will be pleased to see Report SF-24-49 approved. This permits the City putting in place tiered and escalating penalties to ensure enforcement of the Heavy Vehicle Prohibition on certain Oshawa Roads with penalties ranging from $250 to $450!!

Registration for Oshawa winter swimming programs began yesterday, Tuesday Nov. 19, 2024, and for general winter recreation programs, including arts and crafts, dance, music, fitness, sports and March Break Camps opens at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 21,  2024
​Here is the link to the 'flip page' Guide" :
​activeOshawa Fall 2024 Winter 2025 Guide by City of Oshawa - Issuu
ALSO here is the link to the  ACCESSIBLE PDF version of the 120 page Guide: Fall 2024 Winter 2025 Oshawa Recreation Program Guide

Although the above links show all 120 pages of the courses, camps and programs,
for a quick view of some Adult courses offered see the link here  Courses - activeOshawa Online

​Note the City of Oshawa recently adjusted the senior age requirement, lowering the minimum senior age from 65 to 55 years old.

• A 35 per cent discount on activeOshawa registered programs (some exclusions may apply)
• Discounted rates on fitness memberships
• Discounted admission fees on City fitness centres, leisure swimming, leisure skating and drop-in sports

Here are  more details  on the discount for Oshawa residents 55+ https://www.oshawa.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/oshawa-residents-55-plus.aspx
​

• for a quick at a glance registration for Kids activity courses see here :     https://register.oshawa.ca/OSHAWA/public/category/browse/PRCHILD

​

• and there are still a few openings for Family and Children swimming lessons January to March as well as the holiday day camps December 23rd, 27th and  January 2nd, 3rd  holiday ..for an at a glance see here https://register.oshawa.ca/OSHAWA/public/Category/Courses?CategoryGUID=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000  (note this link shows what is available Nov 20 morning - not showing  already filled courses)

​​

Reminder tonight is the City of Oshawa’s wonderful Bright & Merry Market from 5 to 9 pm with the Tree Lighting at 8 pm in Memorial Park Lots of fun events including Visits with Santa and his Elves in his Igloo 5 to 6:30 pm & 6:45 to 8:30 pm.
Memorial Park Stage Line Up

• 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. - O'Neill Choir
• 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Durham Shores Chorus
• 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Tyler Boyle
• 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. - Interactive Entertainment
• 8 p.m. - Tree Lighting in Memorial Park
• 8:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. - Fire Guy Show

Go ice skating on the artificial rink in Civic Square at City Hall! Catch the Oshawa Skating Club performing at 6 pm & 7:30 pm Free helmet and skate rentals are available and subject to availability.

There will be Busking entertainment down Centre St. to Memorial Park with lots of Food and Merchandise Vendors

Community partners joining the festivities for this year's seasonal event are the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa Public Library, OSCC55+, and St. George's Memorial Church—their doors will be opening to provide additional entertainment for the event. Make sure you check out each of their spaces!

There will be a Free Festive Hop On/Hop Off TROLLEY (sponsored by Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) from 5 to 9 pm with stops at John St & Centre St.; King St. & Nassau St; King St. & Queen St.; King St. & Centre St.
Here is a link to the road closure map ​Bright and Merry Market Road Closures - City of Oshawa

My summary of Monday Nov 4, 2024 morning Corporate & Finance Committee Meeting Agenda below and link here: https://pub-oshawa.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...
and summary of the afternoon Economic Development Committee Meeting and evening Planning Act Meeting Agenda below and link here https://pub-oshawa.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...

​with 4 development site plan applications also below, for  827 Gordon St.; 374 Farewell St.; 1251 Taunton Rd. E. and 1709 Harmony St. N. (immediately north of the Delpark Homes Centre).

The Agendas for the two City Standing Committee meetings tomorrow have a total of 7 items. Imo perhaps of most interest to Oshawans are:

at the morning C&O meeting, the UPDATE TO THE OSHAWA SPORT FIELD AND & OUTDOOR FACILITIES ALLOCATION POLICY Here is the link to check it out: https://pub-oshawa.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx... (ex: Outdoor facility seasonal opening / closing dates copied below)

​and at the afternoon meeting, the new accreditation and BENEFITS Oshawa Fire Services has received with its new tandem axle, 13,600-litre water tanker shuttle allows fire service to deliver & maintain a minimum water flow rate of 1,900 litres per minute within just 5 minutes of arriving on scene

The Staff Report ED-24-112 "Mural Evaluation Plan" is 141 pages total (15 pages explaining the plan and 126 pages of pictures and deaccession policies and other data, is linked here: https://pub-oshawa.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=17600 

The Report was presented at the October 7, 2024 Economic & Development Services Standing Committee meeting, where 4  voted in support and 1 voted against. Now it goes to full Council to be voted on at the Monday October 28th Council meeting. 

Anyone wishing to make a delegation and share their opinion in person, or virtually over the phone at the meeting, and have their email included on the agenda will need to email  [email protected] before 4:00 p.m. this coming Tuesday, Oct 21st requesting that their email and delegation request be added to the meeting agenda.
​
Fyi, attached below is my 3 page summary of Report ED-24-112 with pictures, and some comments/questions

​Durham Region public notices fyi:
1) Waste Management Facility @ 1640 Ritson Rd N in Oshawa to be closed Oct 19 to 24 reopening Oct 25 -replacing scales
2) Ritson Rd. north of Conlin Rd. E. between Maine St & Britannia Ave E to be closed to install sewer Nov 2 & Nov 3.

VOLT Hockey is coming to Oshawa this fall! The specialized equipment was delivered by Variety Village to Oshawa's Children's Arena @ 155 Arena St. on Thursday Sept 12th.

"Volt hockey is a 3v3 team sport designed for people with limited upper and lower body mobility, such as those with muscular dystrophy. Combining elements of go-karting and hockey, volt hockey allows players to navigate a sturdy wiffle ball around a court using specialized wooden chairs equipped with paddles."

Pictured below are Oshawa staff facilitators for the new FREE program for ages 6+ of all abilities. Senior staff Jan, Andrea and Amy, together with other staff were training to be ready to teach the game. They say no hockey training is needed, With them were Variety Village Director Archie Allison, Oshawa resident Kathryn Porter Bremner who is receiving the Durham Accessibility Award for Oshawa this coming Tuesday, and her husband Ron.

The City’s 8-week VOLT Hockey program will run from October 3 to November 21. Learn more about the sport here https://varietyontario.ca/volthockeycanada/ 

Try it out for Free Thursday, September 19, and September 26, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Children's Arena located at 155 Arena St,, It is a
♥Great chance for participants and their families to test out the electric chairs,
♥Play in 3-on-3 games, or practice shooting!
♥For ages 6+. No hockey experience required and all equipment is provided.
♥Personal support workers and assistive devices are welcome. Caregivers are required to stay on site.

​Register here for the Sept 19 free training session https://register.oshawa.ca/OSHAWA/public/booking/CourseDetails/46965
Register here for the Sept 26 free training session
https://register.oshawa.ca/OSHAWA/public/booking/CourseDetails/46964
Stay tuned for registration details for the Oct 3 to Nov 21 program.

Below is a link to the Region of Durham's Agenda for its 9:30 a.m. Special Meeting of Committee of the Whole today!

It concerns GUIDELINES FOR THE REGION'S 2025 BUDGET. Good that it is not a 10% increase like they proposed last year, but they are looking at 4.9% increase.

"The combined impact of the three guidelines is an overall Regional property tax guideline impact of 4.9 per cent. This translates to an annual budgetary increase of approximately $163 for an average residential home in Durham Region with an estimated 2025 current value assessment of $483,100. "

The sticky point is that the $163 average increase is just the Region's portion of your taxes, For the whole picture you need to add the local municipality's increase and the school board's, which generally means double the $163 increase...

and then realize that the 'average residential home assessed value raises questions...obviously $483,100 is low, considering there are no residential units available for sale under $500K in Durham Region...

your own property's posted assessment value is still based on MPAC's 2016 assessed value. It is approaching a decade now since this assessed value has changed. But the Region and municipalities receive 'weighted assessed values' from MPAC annually and as stated in section 3.3 at the bottom of page 3. This is another sticky point:

"The current 2024 net weighted assessment growth estimate for 2025 taxation is only a preliminary estimate and should be used with caution as the actual assessment growth could vary either higher or lower than this estimate."

Ha! that they included the word 'lower' there.

You can watch the live meeting to hear the discussion on the durham.ca website, or check out Report 2024-COW-39 here: ​https://pub-durhamregion.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=4972

Below are two pages to give you some highlights.

Oshawa Power (OPUC) Announced its new facility to be build at 2072 Thornton Rd N https://www.oshawapower.ca/facilityannouncement/
The 6.5-acre site (immediately north of the Conlin/Thornton roundabout on the west side, with the large Amazon building in Whitby just behind). It will "feature a modern 2 storey office complex of approximately 30,000 square feet, along with an equipment storage yard, warehouse, and vehicle garage." Construction is to begin "no later than 2026, with completion and relocation from the current site at Metcalfe St. and Simcoe St. S anticipated in early 2027".
"Oshawa Power is collaborating with a local architectural firm to ensure the building design meets accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability goals. Preliminary renders have been developed, with final designs subject to further refinement during the design and construction phases."

Note about the Friday Sept 13, Columbus Park, 3265 Simcoe St. N. (Dusk to 8:30 p.m.) Movie Night featuring "Turning Red". Unfortunately some of the City of Oshawa announcements for this movie contained no summary indicating what the film is about. Although it is part of Oshawa's 2024 "Events in the Park" entertainment series and the notices do remind the public to bring a blanket, lawn chair and snacks, imo, it would be helpful to know a bit more about the film.

A Google search indicates it is a Pixar produced film released by Disney in 2022 which got some very divided reviews. Many thought the animated film a warm, humourous and culturally topical 'coming-of-age' fantasy-comedy-drama.
​
However, other reviewers warn this movie has some scenes that could scare or disturb children under 5 years. It also has adult topics like puberty and menstruation and scenes where the main character a 13 year old girl lies to and disobeys her parents in various ways

Lots to report from yesterday's 3 City meetings, but, first, I learned something new and imo interesting when City staff emailed Council members yesterday afternoon about an application they approved to designate an event as Municipally Significant", relating to a BTC 25-Legacy event taking place at Children's Arena, 155 Arena St., Oshawa, this Saturday, Sept 14, 2024.

Not knowing what the BTC 25-Legacy event is about, after a Google search, here is some info and pictures. BTC Fight Promotions is based out of Burlington, Ont and this is their 1st event in Oshawa, 25 because it is their 25th MMA fight promotion around Canada. since 2017.

MMA -mixed martial arts "is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills from a mixture of other combat sports to be used in competition. The rules allow usage of both striking and grappling techniques while standing and on the ground."

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario requires a Public Event Permit/Special Occasion Permit which allows for the sale and service of alcohol for larger scale events that are open to the public. Municipalities must designate the event to be municipally significant in order for the AGCO to issue a permit.
​
There is more info on the btcfight.ca web site and btcfight.ca/live for pay per view

►the Canadian government has introduced legislation limiting single use plastics to reduce the amounts of macro plastics and microplastics that end up in the environment; and

►Oshawa Sign By-law 72-96 lists PROHIBITED SIGNS,

►with so many single use bag signs on display at busy intersections and community mail boxes this summer, I am advocating for the City to clamp down and do more frequent clearing to decelerate the explosive spread.
​
Being proactive on this issue can help keep the plastic/metal mess from ending up in city water retention ponds or storm sewers and being trip hazards for pedestrians and postal workers.
Note the pictures below, taken August 28, 2024, show the plastic bag signs are in front of schools, show residents' attempt to collect them in blue bins beside community mail boxes, and around stop signs (really a distracting eye-sore and not a safe place to advertise!)

Fall Program Registration
Registration for fall swimming lessons begins 9 am Tuesday, August 20. Registration for general fall recreation programs, including arts, dance, music, sports, fitness & learn to skate lessons begins at 9 am Thursday, August 22.
 
Winter Holiday Camps
Registration for Winter Holiday Camps opens at 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 22. These camps offer a range of activities for children aged 4 to 13, including options like Sport & Swim Camp and Legendary Day Camp. Camps are scheduled for December 23, 27, 30, and January 2 and 3. To learn more about our camps and the required registration forms, visit Oshawa.ca/Camps.
 
How to Register:

• Online registration is available at Register.Oshawa.ca.
• In-person registration is available at the following locations:
• Civic Recreation Complex
• Delpark Homes Centre
• Donevan Recreation Complex
• South Oshawa Community Centre
• For faster service, please bring your completed Course Registration Form when registering in person.

Financial Assistance ProgramsThe City of Oshawa provides several financial assistance programs designed to help community members access recreation programs, services and facilities, even if financial circumstances may be a barrier. Additionally, recreation discounts are available for Oshawa residents aged 55 and older. For more information, visit Oshawa.ca/Subsidy.

See link to complete Active Oshawa Recreation Guide below and See here for tips on how to Register: activeOshawa Registered Programs - City of Oshawa

ALSO NOTE: new in 2024 - Oshawa residents 55 years old or + save big on recreation as they now qualify for discounted rates on fitness programs and recreation facilities memberships SEE: Oshawa residents 55+ - City of Oshawa

​issuu.com/cityofoshawa/docs/fall_2024_winter_2025_recreation_program_guide_fin

Have your say concerning the upcoming REDEVELOPMENT OF EVERGLADES PARK Consultation is happening now until noon Mon, Sept 9, 2024 Provide your feedback on preferred selections for the park's playground equipment & accessibility components to help make this park just north of Taunton, east of Ritson Rd in the Hydro One corridor an improved City asset and place for great family times and friendly neighbourhood connections ​

https://connectoshawa.ca/evergladespark

Check out the exciting 2024/2025 Oshawa Generals schedule!
Home Opener game is Sunday Sept 29 and
Oct 20 the Gens will be hosting the second annual ‘Badge vs Shield Showdown’ between the Durham Regional Police Department and Oshawa Fire Services when both face off in support of their respective chosen charities.

Then the GAME THEME NIGHTS begin Oct, 27 with a Halloween themed night where costumes, tricks & treats await fans. Nov. 1st is Country Night, Nov 11th Remembrance Night to pay tribute to Oshawa men and women who gave service. Nov. 22 is 2nd annual Skills Competition to see the which player has hardest shot/most accuracy/fastest speed? See all theme-nights line up here: Oshawa Generals announce 2024/25 theme nights! - Oshawa Generals (chl.ca)


​
Also note the Oshawa Gens sent out a Media Advisory yesterday, Aug 8, 2024 how you can register now for the Oshawa Generals Future Generals Camp Aug 19-23 and "Train Like an Oshawa General" Cost: $443.75 including tax

"The 2024 Future Generals Camp is coming up this August and we want YOU to join in on this fun opportunity! Players announced have included Owen Griffin, Noah Bender, Jonathon Pylypuik, Luca Marrelli, Luca D’Amato, Matthew Buckley, and Luke Torrance, with MORE to come!
Each day of camp consists of 2 on-ice sessions ran by Oshawa Generals coaches & players, as well as an off-ice session that is different each day (obstacle course, player autograph session, dressing room tour, etc.). Each day is unique and filled with awesome opportunities for campers to work on, learn, and develop new skills alongside some of OHL’s top players and staff."
​
REGISTER HERE https://media.chl.ca/.../0415.../FutureGeneralsForm_2024.pdf
Send completed registration forms to [email protected].