A Video by the AODA Alliance published just 2 days ago already has 11,000 views.
 
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act alliance Chair David Lepofsky is the narrator.

Please share the video link to help raise awareness  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr67d5bJMLk

The video reveals a serious accessibility bungle for public transit passengers with mobility disabilities on Toronto’s new Finch West transit line. It focuses on the newly renovated Finch West subway station.














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Rotary Pool’s leisure swim schedule which takes effect July 23 is now available at oshawa.ca/Swim.

However, the City of Oshawa is inviting residents to kick-off the completion of the outdoor pool at Rotary Park on Wednesday, July 22 with two free community swims.July 22 kick-off
Join us on July 22 and enjoy one of two complimentary leisure swim sessions:

• 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Admission is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and capacity limits will be followed.
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"To help ensure a safe swimming environment, children must be actively supervised in the water by a guardian. A maximum of two children may be supervised by one guardian. Before you visit the pool, review leisure swim rules and pool admission requirements at oshawa.ca/Swim. In the event of severe weather, swim cancellations will be posted to the City’s website under Service Disruptions.

While the facility is ready to welcome visitors, some minor finishing touches by the contractor are still underway. The City appreciates the community’s patience as the final project details are completed.
The Park has a history dating back nearly 100 years with families and visitors enjoying the park and outdoor pool for decades. The redevelopment of Rotary Park was selected as the Legacy Project for the City of Oshawa’s centennial celebrations.
The Rotary Pool project was funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Season Pass
Oshawa residents can enjoy free leisure swims all summer long with a FREE Rotary Park Pool Season Pass. Get yours and make the most of summer!
With a valid Rotary Pool Season Pass, residents can:

• Attend free drop-in leisure swims during scheduled times by checking in and scanning your pass card; subject to capacity limits
• Register for free swimming lessons through activeOshawa Online or in person at a City recreation facility.
  • Registration began on June 23.
  • A limited number of spaces are still available.
  • Lessons are capped at one week per person.

Visit oshawa.ca/RotaryPool to register for your pass today!
Parking
Parking at the site is limited. Alternate parking is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at:

• Durham Alternative Secondary School, 240 Simcoe St. S. until September 1
• Village Union Public School, 155 Gibb St. until August 23

Visitors are encouraged to use the crosswalk at Centre St. S. and Gibb St. and follow designated pedestrian routes to access the pool facility safely.
Secure your belongings
Lockers are available on the pool deck. Bring a lock to secure your belongings."

 The Government of Canada Air Quality Health Index for Oshawa is at 10 which is High Risk.
Recreation program cancellations/modifications are noted below for Thursday, July 16, and will be posted on the Corporate Website:

• Summer playground program is cancelled
• Camp Samac Pool is closed
  • Morning swimming lessons for Camp Samac Pool will be rescheduled to the Oshawa Community Credit Union Pool located at Delpark Homes Centre
  • Evening swimming lessons at Camp Samac Pool are cancelled
  • All leisure programs, including drop-in aquafit at Camp Samac Pool are cancelled
• Lakeview Park Beach East will not be supervised
• Summer camp programs will continue with indoor activities.

​The above  is being posted on the City of Oshawa website today

Reminder Today is TIM HORTON'S CAMP DAY & the public meeting tonight 7-9 at Delpark Home Centre concerning widening of Conlin Rd. west of Harmony to 4 lanes, installing proper traffic signals at Vern Bowen & Riverton Streets and 2 roundabouts, one at Wilson Rd. N & the other at the new street Laurelview just east of Ritson Rd. N. Please invite your neighbours to attend and show City Hall Oshawans expect this long overdue project to be completed efficiently and expeditiously!!​

The national "From the Ground" movement which is a mayor-driven campaign led by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to identify public land for 'non-market housing' (residential units owned or operated by governments, non-profits, or co-ops) does not list the City of Oshawa on its current participant roster.

However, the Oshawa discussion on this may happen in the coming months.

An inventory of City owned land that might serve the "From the Ground" campaign, as well as an analysis of the positive and negative implications on the push for 'non-market housing' should be made public to Oshawa ratepayers for transparency and accountability.
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(But honestly, it often seems the time of giving the public the information to be well-informed is something seeming to have gone out of fashion. In my opinion, public access to information is an important topic for discussion, which I intend to expand on when I launch my platform for my 3rd and last Ward 1 City Councillor election campaign in the coming days...just wanting to raise some awareness of this 'From the Ground' 'non-market housing initiative at this time. See the Mayor of Newmarket, John Taylor's announcement here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1678532386721978

I received a great email (copied below) from a constituent which relates to my Notice of Motion on today's Oshawa Council Meeting Agenda - CNCL-26-34 proposing recycling containers with lids to address litter and wind-blown waste caused by open bins, particularly.

"Over the past year, I have observed recycling bins being thrown onto front lawns and driveways after collection. As a result, bins have been cracked, broken, and otherwise damaged. This not only creates an unnecessary expense for residents, but also presents a significant safety concern. When bins crack or shatter, plastic shards are often left scattered across driveways and walkways. These sharp pieces can pose a risk of injury to young children, pets, wildlife, and residents.

In my case, two of my blue recycling bins have recently been damaged during collection activities in 2026. I am requesting that these bins be replaced at the expense of the City of Oshawa, Miller Waste, and/or Circular Materials, as appropriate, given that the damage occurred as a result of collection practices and not normal wear and tear.

I would appreciate feedback from the City of Oshawa, Miller Waste, and Circular Materials regarding the following:
1. Reducing Damage to Existing Blue Bins
What measures are being taken to ensure collection staff handle blue recycling bins appropriately and reduce damage caused during collection?
2. Availability of Blue Bins with Lids  
Many residents would benefit from blue recycling bins with secure lids. Is there a process to obtain lidded recycling bins, and if not, is one being considered for Oshawa residents?
3. Replacement of Damaged Bins
What is the process for residents to obtain replacement bins when they have been damaged by collection staff? I am specifically requesting replacement of my two damaged blue recycling bins at no cost to me.
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As a resident and taxpayer, I believe these concerns warrant immediate attention. I would appreciate a written response outlining any current policies, planned improvements, and the steps that will be taken regarding the replacement of my damaged bins."

There is a meeting tonight for public feedback on updating these plans
It is taking place at the Civic Rec Centre 99 Thornton Rd. South. 6-8 p.m. -rooms 1 and 2
See some of the options being presented.
You can also lot at the City's website for more information: 
​Integrated Transportation Master Plan | Connect Oshawa https://connectoshawa.ca/ITMP​ 

Come on people, what were you thinking, that we wouldn't notice?
Dumping these tires (7!) this week, just north of Hwy 407 off Ritson? Making a hot mess in front of an old piece of furniture dumped on the weekend, all in front of a City of Oshawa No Dumping sign! Clearly the no dumping maximum $1000 fine sign is not working. PLEASE KNOW there is NO CHARGE TO DUMP UP TO 10 tires per vehicle off at the Oshawa Waste Management Facility at 1640 Ritson Rd N. Geesh! (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

UPDATING THIS POST - "The Region of Durham suspended the acceptance of used tires at all regional Waste Management Facilities (Oshawa, Scugog, and Brock) starting June 29, 2026. This temporary ban is due to severe overstocking and backlogs caused by third-party processors failing to haul and recycle tires quickly enough."

Someone asked about wait times in the Emergency Dept at Lakeridge Health on a Facebook page, but the comments are now closed.
FYI you can hear on the recent May 25, 2026 Oshawa Council meeting video City Council Meeting - May 25, 2026 the Lakeridge Health President & CEO Cynthia Davis's presentation. Below are a few of her slides showing some recent service improvements, example the Ambulance offload time was cut in half since March 2025

​Long Awaited Good News! Free leisure swimming and swimming lessons at Rotary Pool once the pool opens soon this summer. Below is the link to today's announcement.
Register for free swimming lessons at the new outdoor pool. Registration opens Tuesday, June 23 at 9 a.m. Register through activeOshawa Online or in person at a City recreation facility.
NOTE: Lessons are capped at one week per person. A limited number of spaces are available and will be filled on a first-registered basis.
https://www.oshawa.ca/.../rotary-park-reopens-this.../
Residents can register for a Rotary Pool Membership:
Online through the registration form Online through the registration form https://forms.oshawa.ca/.../Rotary-Park-Pool-2026-Season...
Once you have been notified that your membership has been processed, visit any City recreation facility to sign the membership waiver, have your photo taken and receive your membership card.
In person at:
Civic Recreation Complex
Delpark Homes Centre
Donevan Recreation Complex
South Oshawa Community Centre

​Sunday May 31st is Durham Region Police's 1st Oshawa Community Safety Day at Lakeview Park starting at 10 am to 2pm

I will be attending to ask questions and have conversations with our police officers, especially on road safety and excessive vehicle noise.

A constituent recently passed along what the No More Noise organization is doing to try reduce the public harm from noisy muffler add-ons nomorenoise.ca. I mentioned it to Region Chair John Henry when he made an update to Council last week, and asked if the Region would be looking into it like the City of Toronto is.

Central East Division Constable Maves highlighted that the Road Watch page on the DRPS website -see link here- What is Road Watch? | Durham Regional Police Service - where residents can report   dangerous and aggressive driving 24/7 throughout Durham Region.
​

The Ontario Land Tribunal 50 page Decision following the 14 Hearing days  Sept 15 2026 - October 3, 2026  and 1 day of closing submissions October 8, 2025,  concerning the former residence of Robert McLaughlin, 195 Simcoe St. N.
The owner's appeal  to demolish the  heritage structure was dismissed. 
The NANTUCKET INVESTMENTS INC. vs. THE CITY OF OSHAWA full Decision is available for the public to read here: https://www.canlii.org/.../2026canlii.../2026canlii30961.pdf 

Adjudicator N. EISAZADEH delivered the final ORDER OF THE TRIBUNAL "THAT the Appeal is dismissed and the City of Oshawa’s
refusal of the application to demolish the structure at 195 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa remains in force and effect."

Below are picture exhibits provided by the City and identified in the decision: "[14] To frame the discussion that follows with appropriate context, visuals of the Robert McLaughlin House are helpful. (Copied below) are the four images that depict the exterior of the Robert McLaughlin House during the following four time periods:

(i) the earliest photo in evidence of the original structure;
(ii) the structure pre-fire;
(iii) the structure immediately post-fire; and
(iv) the structure approximately five (5)years post-fire

BUT what still remains is the BIG QUESTION many Oshawans have been asking since 2019 - how soon WILL THE ROOF BE REPAIRED TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR?

Below are some of what, in my opinion, are pertinent sections of the Decision:

Framework the Ontario Land Tribunal adjudicator set out in the Decision , first -

"WHAT THIS CASE IS NOT ABOUT

[8] As is evident from the overview on the scope of evidence tendered, a substantial amount of evidence was called, and time spent, on a wide range of matters going well beyond the bounds of a typical heritage demolition permit application. A key reason for this is the Parties’ opposing views on a legal threshold issue regarding the applicable legislative and analytical framework on the present Appeal. The Tribunal, having allowed the Hearing to have been carried out to its fullest, and having since had the opportunity to consider the full extent of all of the evidence and legal submissions that the Parties deemed relevant and necessary, is now in a position to scope this Decision to the
appropriate elements. Briefly, it shall first set out what this case is not about.

[9] This case is not about an alleged narrative suggesting the City has been “targeting” the Applicant; nor is it about the credibility of the Principals of the Applicant corporation nor the interim measures it did, did not, or ought to have taken to better secure or preserve the property. To this end, evidence related to the history of the uses of the property, past Planning Act applications, prior unsafe building orders or orders to comply under the Building Code Act, past investigation of the property by the City in relation to alleged property standards by-law violations or the outcome of those investigations including related charges or proceedings, are not relevant to the ultimate issues which this Tribunal must decide. Equally, evidence regarding whether there was a property issues claim issue post-fire, the financial state of the Applicant, alleged delays in permitting site visits or other procedural steps, and the costs associated with the retention, preservation and restoration of the property, are also not relevant. This case is also not about whether the City ought to have exercised its rights under the OHA to expropriate the property, nor its power under s. 15.4 of the Building Code Act to take demolition or restoration actions respecting the state of the property and to pursue compensation in the form of a lien against the property after the fact.

[10] Additionally, it bears mentioning that issues previously struck from the issues list at a February 3, 2025 Case Management Conference (“CMC Decision”) is not a predetermination of the ultimate issues that the Tribunal must decide on the present de novo Hearing. For clarity, the CMC Decision states specifically that issues were removed to streamline the draft issues list in order to remove duplicative items and those not relevant to a hearing de novo. The CMC Decision does not make any ruling as to the legal and analytical framework that is applicable on this Appeal.

As the Adjudicator continued to write in the Decision:

"WHAT THIS CASE IS ABOUT

[11] This case must be grounded in the core dispute and the legislative framework under which it is brought before this Tribunal. Simply put, this Appeal is about the Robert McLaughlin House, a protected heritage structure under the OHA, and the Applicant’s desire for a full demolition permit so that it may redevelop its property in the most economically viable manner that optimizes its permitted uses and best suits its present-day surroundings. As the balance of this Decision lays out, the position of the Parties brings to the forefront the following issues which govern the organization of this Decision:

I. The applicable legislative and policy framework and the Tribunal’s jurisdiction in relation to the consideration of the present condition of the property and the costs associated with its retention and restoration. To this end, three sub-issues emerge:
​
A. Are the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (“PPS”) and the City’s Official Plan (“OP”) applicable to the required analysis?
B. Are the federal government’s Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada (“S&G”) and Ontario’s Heritage Toolkit, including its eight guiding principles for heritage conservation (“EGP”), applicable to the required analysis?
C. Are the condition of a heritage property and the costs associated with its restoration appropriate factors of consideration on a section 34.1 application under the OHA?

II. Do the established exceptions allowing consideration of the condition of the Robert McLaughlin House apply in this case?

III. To what extent will the heritage attributes of the Robert McLaughlin House be impacted by the proposed demolition? This issue raises the following three sub-issues:

A. Does the Robert McLaughlin House retain its cultural heritage value and interest (“CHVI”) and does the designation continue to remain supportable?
B. If so, is a full demolition of the Robert McLaughlin House consistent with the policies of the PPS?
C. If so, does a full demolition of the Robert McLaughlin House conform to the policies of the City’s OP?

[12] Prior to engaging in the discussion of these core issues, the Tribunal will first provide a brief overview of the Robert McLaughlin House, the heritage attributes set out in the Designation By-law (as defined below), and the Applicant’s proposed redevelopment."

We all want Oshawa to be a city we can be proud of. But do you notice how often, garbage, old furniture, and other debris items are left in boulevards and ditches, harming the look and feel of our community, even now in the winter!

Although the City offers services like free large-item pick-up, and there is a Regional waste transfer station on Ritson Rd N., plus there are many donation facilities around the city that take used items... still complaints about illegal dumping continue to rise!

Residents deserve to know when they report complaints to Service Oshawa (email [email protected] or phone 905-436-3311 Ext 0) about junk, debris, litter and graffiti, that property standards violations are being handled quickly and effectively.

Leaving old mattresses, sofas and toilets at the curb for extended periods of time, and over filling City garbage bins in our parks and trails with large black plastic bags of household garbage can lead to a 'normalizing' of this kind of inconsiderate and deviant behaviour.
Time for focused action, and ask the City to:

• Strengthen the “See it, Report It” campaign to improve compliance.
• Share clear, easy-to-read statistics on complaints and enforcement actions.
• Target education in areas with high by-law violations.
• Request enforcement patrols in neighbourhood dumping hot spots.
• Recommend the City help incentivize community groups and various associations to organize regular monthly neighbourhood clean-up initiatives.
​
By working together, Oshawans can support new approaches that will keep Oshawa clean, safe, and welcoming.

This is unacceptable. Here's a link to the news posted on the City website about the Conlin/Grandview construction delays. 
www.oshawa.ca/news/posts/conlin-road-east-road-reconstruction-widening-and-grandview-street-north-roundabout-construction/

Weather interferes with construction projects all the time — but the Conlin/Grandview Roundabout project was supposed to be finished by December. Now, just two weeks before year‑end,  residents being told it won’t be completed until summer 2026 is beyond frustration.

This project — the full closure of Conlin Road East from Harmony Road North to Kurelo Drive, including access to Grandview Street North and the construction of the Grandview/Conlin Roundabout — began in August.

​These delays are not just inconvenient; they prolong serious traffic and pedestrian safety risks.

New home residents in Oshawa’s mega-sized new residential developments continue to feel  endangered by the areas’ major road infrastructure deficits -missing sidewalks and traffic signals, missing road lighting  and proper turn lanes.

The constrained process of getting the necessary improvements advanced has been a regrettable, real source of stress for many of my constituents and me.

What makes the situation worse, from my perspective, are the biased approvals for costly, lower‑priority capital projects being fast-tracked, while the urgent safer road needs in Ward 1 have ended up being slow walked or ignored.

Families moving into new developments off Conlin Road East, Harmony Road North, and Ritson Road North are being put at risk,  as they drive on roads with no shoulders and heavy dump truck activities and walk along unsafe routes from their homes to bus stops, schools and shopping.
​
To sideline their safety in favour of less critical projects is not only short‑sighted — it is appalling.

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:

• 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.

Community Impact: This prominent corner property, near Oshawa’s downtown and adjacent to Lakeridge Health Hospital and Cancer Centre, has become a conspicuous eyesore. Residents have endured years of visible non‑compliance with property standards, while the City appears unable to enforce timely corrective action.

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.