Doors Open Oshawa 2024 Program

Cover Image: Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury. On March 8, 1924, Oshawa was granted official city status by the Ontario Railway and Municipal Board. The day was celebrated with a grand procession, speeches, music, and dancing at the Armoury.

ABOUT DOORS OPEN

Doors Open Ontario is a province-wide celebration that provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy sometimes hidden and always interesting places and spaces in our cities, towns, and villages – all free of charge!

Doors Open Oshawa gives the public a chance to explore the historic architecture and fascinating sites found throughout Oshawa. Spend the day discovering local history first hand and celebrate our community heritage.

Land Acknowledgement

The City of Oshawa is situated on lands and waters within the Williams Treaties Territory, home to seven First Nation communities of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Anishinaabeg, who have cared for and maintained these lands from time immemorial and continue to do so to present day.

WELCOME LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

2024 marks Oshawa’s centennial year and with it comes a yearlong celebration of the city’s 100+ years, its influence across our country and around the world. I am so proud to be the Mayor of this great city at such a monumental time in its history.

This year marks the 21st time the City of Oshawa has participated in Doors Open, a province-wide celebration of places and spaces in the province. This year’s theme is Adaptive Reuse, and is showcasing heritage sites that have been repurposed to best serve their communities, while retaining their heritage attributes.

Doors Open Oshawa features 24 sites this year, eight of which are participating for the first time, including the Bond|St. Event Centre, 420 Wing and 70 King, and a few that have recently been designated as City of Oshawa heritage sites, including Union Cemetery, Robert McLaughlin Gallery and Memorial Park.

Please look at the site map and plan your day! This year in celebration of the City’s milestone year, Doors Open Oshawa has added free hop-on hop-off shuttle bus transportation for the day! See the program map on Page 14 for shuttle details. Team Oshawa has also put together some themed tours if you’re looking for suggestions. Check out the City’s Instagram account @cityofoshawa for some inspiration!

I look forward to this day every year and am excited to see all of you out and about, taking in our history – I want to thank as well all the sites, volunteers, community partners, sponsors and staff that put this wonderful event together.

See you out there!

Dan Carter, Mayor

2024 DOORS OPEN OSHAWA – BUILDINGS, LOCATIONS, & SITES

Oshawa Museum - Henry House and Guy House

1446 Simcoe St. S.

Site hours: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Year built: c. 1840

Guided tours

Two sites in one! Learn about life in the late 19th century at the Oshawa Museum. Henry House was the family home of Thomas Henry, a local minister, farmer, and harbourmaster. Built circa 1840, Henry House exhibits as a traditional Victorian-era home. Museum staff will be on hand to talk about the family & answer questions.

City of Oshawa Parks Greenhouse

919 Farewell St.

Year built: 1964

The City of Oshawa’s Glass Parks Horticulture greenhouse is one of the few remaining City-run glass greenhouses in Ontario. This greenhouse is used to host the city’s tropical plant collections and produce the majority of the annual bedding plants used in the city’s flower beds, hanging baskets, and planters. From seedlings to beautiful arrangements, come see where City Gardeners and seasonal staff grow ideas that adorn City streets, gardens, and parks.

Kid Approved

*Site hours may vary, see site descriptions for details.

Ontario Regiment Museum

1000 Stevenson Rd. N.

Guided and self-guided tours

The Ontario Regiment (RCAC) Museum is the official military history museum of Durham Region’s own local Canadian Army unit, the Ontario Regiment (RCAC), and home to Canada’s largest collection of operational historic military vehicles. Rides in the museum’s M548 “Battle Bus” and M113 armoured personnel carriers will be available at an additional cost.

Oshawa Fire Station 6 *New*

2339 Simcoe St. N.

Architect: Thomas Brown Architects Inc. Year built: 2016

Guided tours: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Oshawa’s newest fire station is a 992-square-metre (10,675-squarefoot) single-storey building, designed to complement the historical legacy of Windfields Farm. Built on the former Windfields Farm land (the birthplace of champion racehorse Northern Dancer), the building also reflects the area’s agricultural history. Tour this unique space, explore a collection of Windfields Farm memorabilia and view fire safety information.

The Museum started as a humble volunteer effort, is internationally recognized, and attracts thousands of visitors annually.

420

1000 Stevenson Rd. N.

Year built: 1943

Guided tours

The 420 Wing has been in operation since 1948 when returning Air Force Veterans formed a “Wing” as did many Cities and towns across Canada. It remains a fully accessible vital organization, open to all citizens. Light refreshments are available, while supplies last.

Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury

53 Simcoe St. N.

On-street

Situated in downtown Oshawa, the Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury occupies a compact site including a large structure, constructed of brick on a stone foundation, which contains a large drill hall. The square towers that flank the drill hall façade emphasize its fortress motif. The Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury is a recognized federal heritage building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values. View the array of military equipment, and visit the main floor of the Armoury as well as the officers’ Mess.

This Canadair Mark V Sabre Jet, painted in the colours of the 416 “City of Oshawa” SQN., is dedicated, by grateful citizens of Oshawa and district, to all allied Airmen who served their country in the case of freedom.

Wing Oshawa Inc. *New*

Windfields Farm *New*

285 Britannia Ave W.

Self-guided map available Shuttle bus from Campus Ice Centre, last bus to site at 3:30 p.m.

Campus Ice Centre – Founders parking Lot 5

The historical Windfields Farm — the birthplace of the celebrated horse Northern Dancer — has been transformed into a sustainable agricultural research centre for Ontario Tech University. This open-air laboratory pioneers innovative farming methods, conserves biodiversity, and integrates renewable energy. In celebration of the City of Oshawa’s centennial, a shuttle bus will take you from Ontario Tech’s Campus Ice Centre to the site.

*Access to this site, is by Shuttle Bus only.

In 1927, Colonel R.S. McLaughlin founded Parkwood Stables, which gained fame for its show horses and racehorses during the 1930s. From the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, the stables were the most successful thoroughbred operation in North America.

Charles Hall - Ontario Tech University

61 Charles St.

The former Alger Press Building was renovated and refurbished by Ontario Tech in 2010 and is one of the university’s key academic hubs. Charles Hall’s features include classes, research labs, and the Faculties of Education and Social Science & Humanities.

In the early days of library service in Oshawa, the loan period for each book checked out depended on its length. You got one week for every 100 pages.

Oshawa Second Marsh and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve *New*

1908 Colonel Sam Dr.

An outdoor area owned by the City of Oshawa, Friends of Second Marsh is a charitable organization committed to ‘Connecting People with Nature’ through interpretative, educational, and stewardship services. Visitors will be greeted at the entrance to the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve and will be introduced to this incredible natural area that is a mystery to most citizens of Oshawa. *Weather dependent. 09

Oshawa Public Library

– McLaughlin Branch

65 Bagot St.

Live concert at 1 p.m.

Site hours: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Architect: Arthur Eadie

Year built: 1954

Guided tours at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Forming part of Oshawa’s Civic Centre, the Library was a gift of Col. R.S. McLaughlin in 1954.

Architect Arthur Eadie was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright in his design of the McLaughlin Public Library, now our central branch. Enjoy a display of materials in the Local History Room or attend a guided tour showcasing the evolution of the McLaughlin Library as it has adapted to serve the community over the past 70 years.

‘Oshawa’ stems from an Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) word meaning “a crossing place” and has further translation as “the point at the crossing of the stream where the canoe was exchanged for the trail”.

BOND|ST Event Centre *New*

44 Bond St. E.

Live concert at 2 p.m.

On-street

Originally constructed for the General Motors United Auto Workers Union Local 222. A taste of the “big city” at home, BOND|ST Event Centre. The venue provides a unique event space with multiple spaces, which include the Mainstage music venue, TwoTwoTwo, the Local Lounge, Cafe, and Snack Bar. BOND|ST will be open for self-guided tours. 11

Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA)

1681 Simcoe St. S.

Guided bus tours, load at end of Simcoe St. S.: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Lot A

The Port of Oshawa is Durham Region’s gateway to the world, handling more than 500 vessels carrying over 3 million metric tons of cargo over the past decade. The Port is one of the few cities that can boast an airport, rail lines, a deep-sea port, and 400-series highway all within proximity, offering importers and exporters a competitive edge.

*Limited spaces available

Samuel McLaughlin a Canadian automotive industry pioneer and President of General Motors of Canada arrived at the grand opening on September 23, 1963, in a horse-drawn carriage, driven by Lieutenant Governor William Rowe.

Camp X / Intrepid Park

2008 Boundary Rd.

Architect: Lynn Philip Hodgson

Year built: 1941

Guided tour at 1:30 p.m.

On-street

13

Walking tour of the famous top-secret spy camp; Camp-X. The tour lasts one and a half hours in length. Only one tour is available. Uneven terrain may be challenging for people with accessibility needs. Parking is across the street from the monument.

Canadian Automotive Museum

99 Simcoe St. S.

Year built: c. 1920

First floor only On-street

The Canadian Automotive Museum was established in 1962 to promote the history of the automotive industry and tourism in the area. Currently, the Canadian Automotive Museum is home to the world’s most significant collection of Canadian vehicles. Located in a former 1920s auto dealership building across from Memorial Park. More than 70 vehicles are on display including Lighting McQueen from Disney/Pixar’s Cars.

Opened on May 11, 1924, by Rt. Rev. James Sweeney, Bishop of Toronto, the church served both spiritual and social needs in the 1920s. It formed sports teams such as football, hockey, softball, and cricket and produced drama presentations and show.

Regent Theatre

50 King St. E.

Site hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Year Built: 1919

Guided tours

On-street

15

St. George’s Memorial Church

51 Centre St. S.

Architect: Eden Smith

Year built: 1924

Guided tours On-street

St. George’s Memorial Church has been a distinctive landmark in Oshawa for 100 years. It continues to have an integral place in the city’s history.

View the Church’s interior, showcasing its architectural artistry, beauty, and serenity.

The Regent Theatre’s façade, built in 1919 for Famous Players theatres, has Georgian architectural lines. One of the town’s few remaining examples of this classically inspired style, the building reopened in 2010 as a lecture theatre for Ontario Tech University.

2024 DOORS OPEN

– Building, Location, or Site

– North Route Shuttle Bus Stop

– South Route Shuttle Bus Stop

– North Route

– South Route – Shuttle Bus from Campus Ice Centre to Windfields Farm, Site 07

– Municipal Parking

Shuttle Buses

3:30 p.m., last shuttle hop off, per site.

North Route

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Route Length 38 minutes (24.3 km)

1 Shuttle Starts at:

Colonel R. S. McLaughlin Armoury

53 Simcoe St. N.

2 Ontario Regiment Museum/420 Wing 1000 Stevenson Rd. N.

3 Campus Ice Centre 2200 Simcoe St. N. North on Simcoe St. to Winchester Rd. East on Winchester Rd. to Ritson Rd.

Shuttle Bus from Campus Ice Centre to Windfields Farm, Site 07

4 City of Oshawa Fire Station 6 2339 Simcoe St. N.

Loop back to:

Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury

53 Simcoe St. N.

South Route

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Route Length 35 minutes (18.8 km)

1 Shuttle Starts at:

Colonel R. S. McLaughlin Armoury 53 Simcoe St. N.

2 Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) 100 Whiting Ave.

3 Oshawa Museum: Henry House and Guy House / Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority 1446 Simcoe St. S.

4 City of Oshawa Parks Greenhouse 919 Farewell St.

5 Oshawa Second Marsh and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve 1908 Colonel Sam Dr.

Loop back to:

Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury

53 Simcoe St. N.

Durham College – Oshawa Campus

2000 Simcoe St. N.

Pre-Registered tours at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Durham College opened in 1967, with 14 staff, 205 students, and 16 portable classrooms. Today, the college boasts a vibrant campus culture and is a leader in teaching and learning. It serves more than 13,700 full-time students and 14,600 professional and part-time. Through guided campus tours, guests will see the highlights of the campus and its state-of-the-art learning spaces. Several tour times will be offered, spaces are limited, register now. https://forms.office.com/r/j66RWCxp8D

Biltmore Theatre

39 King St. E.

Site hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Architect: Webb, Blythe & Sproule Year built: 1939/1940

Guided tours

On-street

Established in 1940, Biltmore Theatre was built by the Okun Bros. of Toronto. Under different names, it has operated as a movie theatre, nightclub, and music venue. The Biltmore Theatre is currently a hall for touring concerts, special events, and community rentals.

Durham College officially opened for studies on September 18, 1967. The first academic calendar offered courses in applied arts, business, and technology.

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery

72 Queen St.

Architect: Hugh Allward of Allward & Gouinlock, Arthur Erikson Year built: 1969

Guided tour at 2 p.m.

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) was founded in 1967 and expanded to add 36,000 square feet in 1987. The RMG is the largest public art gallery in Durham Region with a collection of over 4,700 works, focusing on the continuing story of Canadian Abstraction. Try hands-on artmaking from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In 2024, City of Oshawa Council officially designated this property as a Heritage Site, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

70 King *New*

70 King St. E.

Architect: J.W. Butler & Co. (1925), Joel Gerber Architecture Year built: 1925

Guided tours, running every 30 minutes On-street

The building was constructed in 1925 by J.W. Butler & Co. and has been officially recognized as a designated cultural heritage property under the Ontario Heritage Act. During World War II, Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, was a frequent visitor to this location, which was previously known as the ‘Genosha Hotel’. It also hosted several future CIA directors, including J. Edgar Hoover, before they were secretly sent overseas. Additionally, the Canadian rock band Rush performed at this venue multiple times before the property renovations.

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (former Robson Tannery) (CLOCA) *New*

100 Whiting Ave

Year built: 1920

The CLOCA building was erected in 1920 as the Robson Leather office. The site was originally the Cedar Dale Works making farm implements in the late 1800’s. From 1898 to 1977 the site was home to Robson Leather turning out 2000 hides a day for shoe and boot leather. Drop in during Doors Open to view historical information including pictures and artifacts or talk with CLOCA staff on-site.

Established in 1958, CLOCA’s jurisdiction is based on the watershed boundaries of 4 major watercourses and 18 minor watercourses draining an area of over 639 square km.

110 Simcoe St. S.

Public Concert: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The art deco-inspired bandshell was a gift from R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors Canada, in 1942 to the City of Oshawa. During Doors Open Oshawa, enjoy a performance by the Oshawa Civic Band at 11:30 a.m. The War Memorial and Cenotaph set in Memorial Park, unveiled in 1924 celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024. In 2024, City of Oshawa Council officially designated this property as a Heritage Site, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

McLaughlin Bandshell

Islamic Centre of Oshawa

23 Lloyd St.

Architect: Array Architects

Year built: 2012

Guided tours

The Islamic Centre of Oshawa is the first purpose built mosque in the City of Oshawa. The new mosque was opened for service in June 2012. Located in the heart of downtown, the Islamic Centre of Oshawa was established in the late 1970’s as one of the first mosques in Ontario. Shoes must be removed to enter.

Union Cemetery - Oshawa

Museum Walking Tour *New*

760 King St. W.

Year built: 1883

Walking tour at 2 p.m.

Experience a walking tour of 1920s Oshawa available at 2 p.m., courtesy of the Oshawa Museum, starting at the King Street Gates. The Oshawa Union Cemetery, formerly Thornton’s Burying Ground, is the final resting place of many famous individuals from Oshawa and Canada. The site spans 12 hectares and includes private mausoleums and a Gothic-revival chapel. In 2024, City of Oshawa Council officially designated this property as a Heritage Site, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

CONNECT WITH US

Oshawa.ca/DoorsOpen

905–436–3311

/OshawaCity

@OshawaCity

@CityofOshawa

#DoorsOpenOsh

Centennial Sponsors

Sites are free to enter and may offer sales or activations at an additional charge.

Disclaimer: Unforeseen circumstances may change site hours and/or activities without notice. Information is subject to change. Reference the site for exact event timing. Some sites are available for tours and the times have been listed accordingly.

Notice of Filming and Photography

If attending this event, you will enter an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur on behalf of the City of Oshawa. By participating and attending this event, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction in any form by the City of Oshawa without further notification to you.

Events Vehicle Sponsor

If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311 or email service@oshawa.ca.

Oshawa.ca/DoorsOpen 905–436–3311

/OshawaCity

@OshawaCity

@CityofOshawa

#DoorsOpenOsh