Oshawa’s Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park to go to tender in January

Oshawa Council got one more look at the concept plan for the proposed Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park, as well as some of the public comments on the park named in honour of the iconic MP and long-time New Democratic Party leader.

The Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park will be located at the south-east corner of Simcoe Street South and Harbour Road (near the entrance to the Port of Oshawa), with Oshawa Council approving the naming of the park in late 2019 to recognize the “many contributions” Broadbent has made to public service as well as the residents, workers and businesses of Oshawa.

“The development and naming of this park commemorates Mr. Broadbent’s legacy and service to Canada and our city and we are excited to see our vision take shape,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter in July. “The Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park will be a place where community members can come to reflect, feel inspired and find peace while enjoying the natural beauty of Oshawa’s waterfront.”

Plans for the park include a Human Rights Garden in recognition of Broadbent’s role as a champion and advocate for human rights, as well as passive recreational areas.

Detailed designs of the park will be revealed in January and construction tenders are expected in February. In the meantime, Carter said staff will continue with the public process.

There was “strong support” for the re-location of the ‘Garden of Human Rights and Peace’ from its home at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens and there were also a couple of items on the public wish list that likely won’t make the final design, such as a boat launch and an off-leash dog park.

There were calls for an outdoor performance area and that idea will probably see fruition, as a ‘Shade Pavilion’ for outdoor performances and events is currently on the table.

Broadbent was born in Oshawa and first elected to Parliament as the NDP Member for Oshawa in 1968, serving in that role until 1989. From 1975 to 1989, he was also leader of the party.

The founding President of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development in Montreal in 1990, Broadbent was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1993 and a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2002.

“Seeing this project continue to advance by pairing the Human Rights Garden with Mr. Broadbent’s long legacy of fighting for greater social equity in Canada and globally is truly exciting. They are perfect companions for this waterfront park,” said Derek Giberson, Vice-Chair of the Community Services Committee.

Photo Matt Jiggins, Flickr