The McLaughlin family, who amassed a fortune in the carriage business in the 1800s, began the McLaughlin Motor Car Co. in 1907. Although the business was eventually sold to General Motors, the founder, Col. R.S. McLaughlin, remained its president.
Oshawa's Downtown Murals, a collection of 19 wall murals, depict the city's history and multicultural diversity. Painted by Canadian artists, the murals are in various downtown locations. Guided walking tours are offered June through August by reservation; phone (905) 576-7606.
The floral beautification that led to Oshawa's being recognized during the Communities in Bloom national competitions for several years is evident in both public and private spaces throughout the city.
McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, at the east end of Col. Sam Drive, is a natural wildlife area offering walking trails and picnic areas. Other recreational activities in the area include bicycling, fishing, bird-watching, hiking and cross-country skiing along Oshawa's trails that run along the Oshawa and Harmony Creek valleys and Lake Ontario's waterfront.
The city's artistic offerings include a symphony orchestra and a philharmonic choir. The Oshawa Little Theatre, 62 Russett Ave., presents theatrical performances in a 362-seat theater; phone (905) 723-0282. A farmers market, in the parking lot of the Oshawa Centre shopping mall, is open on Friday, mid-May through October 31. The city also is home to Ontario's first laptop-based university; the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St. N., opened in the fall of 2003.
Visitor Centers
Oshawa Visitor Information Centre 2 Bloor St. E. Oshawa, ON L1H 8S9. Phone:(905)725-4523For information the rest of the year contact the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, 44 Richmond St. W., Suite 100, Oshawa, ON, Canada L1G 1C7; phone (905) 728-1683.
Shopping
Five Points Mall at 285 Taunton Rd. E. offers a variety of shops and services. Oshawa Centre, 419 King Street W. at Stevenson Road, has Hudson's Bay and more than 200 stores and services.
Things to Do
Canadian Automotive MuseumThe Ontario Regiment Museum and Ferret Club