Ontario Tech buys up Bruce Street property in downtown Oshawa to create “academic hub”

Ontario Tech University has purchased a land parcel adjacent to its downtown Oshawa building on Charles Street, with the intent of building a multi-storey structure that connects to the existing building.

Ontario Tech will seek a Request for Proposals to begin exploring the possibilities for developing the property, located at 154 Bruce Street, into a new academic hub with commercial spaces.

Proposals for the new building will consider the university’s academic functions and establish the optimal footprint for future use that is “mutually beneficial” for the community, said Ontario Tech President Dr. Steven Murphy.

“This academic hub is an investment in our future, as we look for more ways to deliver flexible and dynamic learning while meeting the needs of our growing campus community,” Murphy said.

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, with the building being operational by 2030.

The purchase price of the property was not disclosed.

Schematic diagram of potential iteration of future multi-storey building (coloured) at Ontario Tech University’s downtown Oshawa campus location (looking northeast), adjacent to the 61 Charles Street Building (left). Charles Street appears in the lower-left corner; Bruce Street appears in the lower-right corner.

“Our new Bruce Street property is a vital component of Ontario Tech University’s strategic vision to have purpose-built and high-tech facilities in downtown Oshawa,” Murphy added. “Ontario Tech is excited to work with the City of Oshawa and our community partners to further enhance our presence in downtown Oshawa.”

For nearly 15 years, Ontario Tech University has maintained a thriving campus presence at its downtown Oshawa location. The university’s Faculty of Education and Faculty of Social Science and Humanities have long had their homes in downtown Oshawa, and the university’s historic Regent Theatre on King Street East now enters its second century as a lecture theatre by day and thriving community events venue by night.

The purchase of the property on Bruce Street strengthens the university’s long-term commitment to Oshawa’s downtown. There are currently 2,591 undergraduate and graduate Ontario Tech students downtown, along with 190 full-time and part-time faculty and staff.

“The City of Oshawa is thrilled that Ontario Tech University is continuing to invest in downtown Oshawa with the purchase of 154 Bruce Street,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter.” This new space will support the future growth and expansion of Ontario Tech’s vibrant downtown campus location where almost 3,000 students, faculty and staff bring a creative and exciting energy to our downtown.”