The City of Oshawa has just completed phase one of public consultation for the Oshawa Ward Boundary Review. Led by the independent consultant team of Watson and Associates Economists Ltd. and Dr. Robert Williams, the Review will establish new recommended boundaries for the 2018 Municipal Elections.

The City of Oshawa is looking for qualified individuals to develop and operate a signature marina at the Oshawa harbour. Oshawa's quest for a new marina is showcased in the City's Chart a New Course YouTube video.

Preventable false alarms cost everyone

Oshawa – 2016 went out like a lion for building records.

Be Ready: Emergency Preparedness

It is estimated that over 75 per cent of child deaths and injuries due to motor vehicle collisions could be prevented with the proper installation and use of car seats. Oshawa Fire Services is inviting parents and guardians who use car seats to attend one of the free Car Seat Safety Clinics in 2017 to ensure your precious cargo is safely secured.

Have your say in the Oshawa Ward Boundary Review: Rescheduled Community Information Session – Thursday, January 12, 2017

Toys for Tickets wraps up in Oshawa

Celebrate the arrival of 2017 at the City of Oshawa’s free family event

The City of Oshawa thanks the community for taking part in the initial survey for the 2017 City budget and encourages all community members to continue to take part in the budget process.

The first step asked the community for their feedback on spending priorities as it relates to the 2017 City of Oshawa budget.

Residents, local businesses, organizations and community groups were encouraged to complete a short survey and share their feedback. More than 1,700 community members participated from October 11 to November 14:

• 1,430 residents participated in the automated phone survey
• 290 completed the online survey on Connect Oshawa (with 48% of respondents providing additional feedback at the end of the survey)
• 5 completed the paper survey in person at Service Oshawa
• 7 community members submitted questions online on Connect Oshawa

Thank you, Oshawa for your participation! Your feedback will be shared with Council when City staff present the proposed budget to Council in December.

Continue to share your feedback

Opportunities to take part in the budget process continue in December and early January, such as participating in a live Q & A, submitting feedback after the proposed budgets are presented to Council, attending the open house, and presenting as a delegation to Council.

“The cost of living is impacting every family”, said Councillor Nancy Diamond, Chair, Finance Committee. “City Council and staff are working to balance priorities, meet needs across the city – from recreation to road repairs – and control costs. We need your involvement and input in order to accurately understand the community’s needs. Please participate.”

“The city budget identifies future needs and sets the objectives for the coming year(s). As stewards of the financial resources of the city, we encourage you to take an active role in our budget by participating online or in person. We value your comments and take your suggestions seriously. We look forward to your participation,” said Mayor Henry.

Key dates and opportunities:

· Monday, December 12, beginning at 9:30 a.m. – presentation of the proposed 2017 Capital Budget (City Hall, Council Chamber). Attend the meeting in person or watch via webstreaming.

· Friday, December 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m. – presentation of the proposed 2017 Operating Budget (City Hall, Council Chamber). Attend the meeting in person or watch via webstreaming.

· December 16 to January 10 – share your feedback on the proposed 2017 Budget on Connect Oshawa (www.connectoshawa.ca/budget) or complete a feedback form in person at City Hall during Service Oshawa’s regular business hours).

· Thursday, January 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – live online Q & A on Connect Oshawa. Submit your question(s) in advance or post your question(s) during the one-hour live Q & A.

· Tuesday, January 10, beginning at 6:30 p.m. – meeting to receive public input on the 2017 budget and open house (City Hall, Council Chamber). Organizations and members of the public are welcome to present as a delegation (email clerks@oshawa.ca or call 905-436-3311 to register or for more information).

Visit Connect Oshawa (www.connectoshawa.ca/budget) to continue to share your feedback on the 2017 City budget.

For additional information, visit our budget webpage: www.oshawa.ca/budget and for the latest Budget news, follow #OshBudget on Twitter.