Oshawa

Located at the far end of the Golden Horseshoe region, Oshawa is known as the eastern anchor of the region. Until recently, Oshawa was also one of the most productive and largest urban centres in the Golden Horseshoe region. Today census numbers indicate that Oshawa is still amongst the fastest growing cities in the country (it has a population of over 140,000) but those numbers could be misleading. In fact, Oshawa census numbers may be so high because the catchment area includes significant parts of Whitby real estate; Whitby itself is experiencing growth much higher than Oshawa proper.

Oshawa has been able to retain its individual identity and economy in large part due to the operations of General Motors Canada within the city. In fact, GM Canada has been so big in Oshawa for so long, the city could really be considered a one business town. The presence of GM has defined the centre throughout its existence. It has and still continues to be the major employer in the town and has informed much of its history as well. While there are the usual retail outlets supplying the residents of Oshawa with aquarium heaters, computers, appliances, and other day to day needs, all residual employment and spending dollars can be traced back to GM.

The recent downturn in the fortunes of the automobile company is, of course, of great concern to those living in the city of Oshawa. Should the company go under, the city will lose its major employer and citizens continue to be concerned about this eventuality. However, it is worth noting that real estate prices in Oshawa continue to go higher even as pessimism over the future of GM keep pace.

The reason why Oshawa real estate continues to sell is the presence of some major transportation developments linking the city to others within the Golden Horseshoe area, Toronto in particular. Highway construction and the existence of the GO train, as well as Via Rail, have meant that those looking for alternatives to the high prices associated with Toronto condos and other residential real estate within the big city.

In fact, some areas of the city are beginning to look like Toronto; such is the impact of the metropolis on the population. North Oshawa has the largest concentration of tall buildings in the city; those familiar with Toronto townhouses would feel right at home in the similar offerings this neighbourhood has for sale. In fact, there is a movement afoot to differentiate the northern parts of the city from the southern to embrace the new, Toronto defined culture commuters have brought to the area.

For now, Oshawa continues to be an independent community. It is a great place to hold an Ontario hockey tournament or to make a home. The growth and continued development within the city indicates that this will not change, although the fortunes of GM may define just how unique Oshawa can be in the future.