Oshawa Power moving out of downtown and into new digs at Thornton Business Park

Ninety-five years after the then-named Oshawa Public Utilities Commission moved into their brand-new building on the south side of downtown, Oshawa Power is bugging out.

The utility announced plans Tuesday to consolidate all operational, administrative and storage needs into one 6.5-acre site at 2072 Thornton Rd. N., located just north of Conlin Road in the Thornton Business Park.

Construction is scheduled to begin no later than 2026, with completion and relocation from the current site at Metcalfe Street and Simcoe St. S. anticipated in early 2027.

“We are thrilled to begin the process of moving to a new facility that will better accommodate our fleet, consolidate operations, and allow us to continue providing Oshawa with safe and reliable electricity for decades to come,” enthused Oshawa Power CEO Daniel Arbour. “We look forward to enhancing our service capabilities, fostering innovation, and supporting our community from our accessible, state-of-the-art facility.”

Oshawa Power has been supplying the city’s electrical needs complex since 1887, when a group of businessmen and entrepreneurs got together to form the Oshawa Electric Company, with 15 light posts to bring power to a few local businesses for the first time.

The company’s headquarters at 100 Simcoe St. S has been home base since 1931.

Oshawa Electric Company, 1887

With operational, administrative, and storage needs into one complex, the utility is better equipped to overcome the logistical challenges of having departments spread across multiple buildings and storage yards. The new complex will feature a 30,000 sq. ft. office building, along with an equipment storage yard, warehouse, and vehicle garage.

Oshawa Power welcomed Mayor Dan Carter, Economic & Development Services Chair Tito-Dante Marimpietri and provincial (Associate) Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries Sam Oosterhoff for the announcement.

“This investment will enhance Oshawa Power’s logistical efficiency, allowing for better management and delivery of electricity as the city grows and energy demands increase,” said Oosterhoff.

Oshawa Power is collaborating with a local architectural firm to ensure the building design meets accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability goals. Preliminary renders have been developed, with final designs subject to further refinement during the design and construction phases.

“Our community has benefited greatly from a dedicated local electric utility over the past 130 years. As our economy and city continue to grow, Oshawa Power will play a critical role in supporting the development of the necessary infrastructure and capacity required for increased electrification,” said Carter. “This new building is an exciting step forward.”

Oshawa Power is wholly owned by the City of Oshawa.

Oshawa Power HQ at 100 Simcoe St. S