By 1840 Oshawa's harbour was known as Port Sydenham, named after Lord Sydenham, who was Governor General of Upper Canada between 1839 and 1841. Port Sydenham was located only five kilometres from the centre of town and provided a means of importing and exporting goods to and from Oshawa. However, the railway's arrival in Oshawa in 1856 greatly affected business at Port Sydenham as coal and other supplies were brought in by rail, rather than ship.

In the mid to late 1800s, Oshawa's industry continued to grow, especially with the development of the Grand Trunk Railway from Toronto to Montreal. In 1876, Robert McLaughlin moved to Oshawa and his company, the McLaughlin Carriage Company, quickly developed into the largest carriage works in the British Empire.

1900's - 2000's

With the automobile gaining popularity in the early 1900s, the McLaughlin family decided to enter the business by contracting with the Buick Motor Car Company of Michigan for use of the Buick engine in the McLaughlin car. Automobile production began in Oshawa in 1907 when 198 McLaughlin automobiles were built.

In 1915, the McLaughlin's acquired the rights to build Chevrolets, creating the Chevrolet Motor Car Company of Canada. Three years later, the McLaughlin Motor Car Company and Chevrolet Motor Car Company of Canada were merged to create General Motors of Canada Limited, a unit of the General Motors Corporation. At the same time, Pedlar People Limited, a metal roofing company grew to be the largest of its kind in the British Empire and by 1920, the number of people employed with industrial jobs in Oshawa grew to over 3,000.

Oshawa continued to grow in size and people. A public water system was created, a public library was built, the Oshawa General Hospital was built and two large parks were created (Alexandra Park and Lakeview Park). On March 8, 1924, with a population of 15,545, Oshawa received "City" status and throughout the late 1900s population and employment continued to grow.

Today, with a population of over 170,000, Oshawa is the largest municipality in Durham Region. It is home to three post-secondary institutions and is rich in arts and cultural assets, with over 500 cultural businesses, events and festivals.

About Downtown Oshawa

Downtown Oshawa is a cultural epicenter unlike anything in the Durham Region. Home to an array of worldly cuisine, visitors can try everything from Korean Barbeque to the classic Canadian Poutine.

While you're here, stop in at one of Downtown Oshawa's many entertainment venues. Enjoy a heart pounding Generals hockey game at the Tribute Communities Centre, sing your heart out at a concert in The Music Hall or sit back and catch some laughs at Yuk Yuk's comedy club. Other notable historic attractions include the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, the Regent Theatre and just steps outside the downtown core is the Parkwood National Historic Site.

Downtown Oshawa is also host to a variety of special and annual events.

Guests can walk through the beautiful gardens at the annual Peony Festival in June, view classic cars at Kars on King and watch as the streets get transformed at Christmas for the Bright and Merry Market. Book a night in the brand-new Holiday Inn Express and Suites, located right downtown and come explore everything that Downtown Oshawa has to offer!