SHAWA, ONT. — The City of Oshawa is actively engaging the public in a consultation process regarding the potential redevelopment of the site at 47 Bond St. W., located at the southeast corner of Bond St. W. and Centre St. N. The city is eager to hear from community members and stakeholders about how this prime piece of land and its existing structures can be transformed to better serve Oshawa’s growing needs and contribute to the revitalization of its downtown area.
Historically, this location was home to the downtown bus terminal, serving as a hub for public transportation. Now, with its close proximity to the city’s heart, the city is envisioning a transformation of the entire space into a dynamic, mixed-use development that will elevate the surrounding area and align with Oshawa’s broader urban development goals. The vision is to revitalize the site in a way that not only meets the transportation and parking needs of the community but also adds new spaces for business, culture, and recreation, thus creating a more vibrant, walkable downtown.
The site is currently composed of several key structures and areas:
1. The Terminal Building:
The former bus terminal, which has long been an integral part of downtown Oshawa, consists of several distinct areas. The terminal features a public hall, restrooms, a ticketing office that is no longer in use, and a second-floor lounge area that has traditionally served as a space for waiting passengers. While the bus terminal is no longer operational in the way it once was, the space still holds potential to be repurposed. The city envisions transforming it into a versatile space that could serve a wide range of public and community-focused needs, such as a gathering place, cultural venue, or office space, contributing to the social and economic fabric of Oshawa.
2. The Bus Platform Area:
The bus platform, which once served as the area where buses picked up and dropped off passengers, is located on the ground floor beneath the parking garage. This area was designed to accommodate bus traffic and is now underutilized. As part of the redevelopment plan, the city is considering ways to repurpose the platform area for alternative uses. This could involve converting it into retail spaces, a pedestrian walkway, or an outdoor public gathering area that could tie into the larger vision of revitalizing downtown Oshawa. The flexible nature of this space presents exciting possibilities for future development.
3. The Parking Garage:
Situated just south of the bus platform area, the parking garage is a three-level structure that currently provides 396 parking spaces. The garage includes two additional upper levels, extending above the ground floor and bus platform area. This multi-level parking structure plays a key role in the site’s functionality by providing ample parking for downtown visitors, commuters, and businesses. However, as Oshawa continues to evolve, the city is exploring how the parking garage could be integrated into a larger, more vibrant development plan. Potential ideas include adding mixed-use buildings above the garage, incorporating green space, or reimagining the garage as part of a multi-use complex that could house offices, residential units, or commercial spaces.
Community Consultation:
The City of Oshawa is seeking input from residents and stakeholders about the future of this site. The city recognizes that the transformation of the Bond Street bus terminal area is an important step in the revitalization of downtown Oshawa, and public feedback is essential to ensure that the redevelopment plan reflects the needs and desires of the community. Whether it’s about how the terminal space should be repurposed, what types of amenities or businesses should be incorporated, or how the parking garage could be best utilized, the city values diverse input.
Through this consultation, the City of Oshawa aims to create a development that not only meets the transportation and parking needs of the community but also contributes to the economic and cultural vibrancy of downtown Oshawa. The city’s long-term vision is to create a mixed-use space that supports growth, offers new opportunities for businesses, and provides a more inviting, walkable environment for residents and visitors alike.
By engaging with the public and gathering feedback, Oshawa hopes to ensure that the redevelopment of the Bond Street site is a step forward in the city’s ongoing transformation and will benefit the community for years to come. The city encourages everyone to participate in the consultation process and share their ideas for a revitalized, dynamic downtown Oshawa.