Welcome
Please take a moment to browse this site and learn about the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, Canada's newest botanical gardens now in development.
Located just 50 km east of downtown Toronto, Oshawa is home to approximately 1,100 acres of parkland, 10 km of bicycle and walking trails and has a reputation for outstanding success in gardening.
In recent years, the residents and officials of the City of Oshawa have developed a tremendous sense of civic pride, dedicating funds and hours of work toward beautifying the city.
A Community in Bloom
Renowned for Parkwood Estate, Windfields Farm and the Second Marsh, the City of Oshawa is an active participant in the National Communities in Bloom programme. Remarkably, Oshawa has been awarded provincial, national and international honours for Communities in Bloom. Civic beautification through horticultural displays is an important part of life in Oshawa and is evident on residential, commercial, and municipal property throughout the City.
The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens Plan
The newest project undertaken by the City is the development of the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens. Encouraged by a proposal submitted by the Oshawa Garden Club, City Council funded and adopted a Master Plan and dedicated municipal parklands and trailways to this ambitious project. This is a multi-year project that will grow Oshawa's greatness by creating a unique botanical garden attraction in the heart of Durham Region.
The OVBG Master Plan incorporates a series of modern feature gardens linked by the parklands and natural terrain of the Oshawa Creek Trail system. Incorporating the stunning heritage gardens of Parkwood, The R.S. McLaughlin Estate with up to a dozen gardens and pathways, the completed project will unite different areas of the city and will result in a unique garden attraction that will be enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.
The diagram below shows the expansive scope of the planned gardens and demonstates how the project will unite various regions of the city.
Community Benefits
Over time, the benefits of the OVBG to the city and its residents will be numerous, including:
- Increased recreational and leisure opportunities
- Accessible trails and walking paths
- An Education Centre for horticultural learning programmes
- Enhancement and protection of the natural environment
- A staging area for outdoor concerts and public events
- Volunteer opportunities for residents and corporations
- New outdoor areas for wedding ceremonies and photography
- A tourist draw for the city
The Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden is an exciting and ambitious project that is just beginning. We invite you to learn more about Oshawa's growing asset. Browse this site to get a sense of the wonderful things that are developing, or to find out how you can get involved.
