National Defence Innovation Corridor
In 2025, the City of Oshawa developed a collaborative, multi-faceted solution to strengthening and protecting Canada’s sovereignty by establishing an integrated corridor that connects:
- defence manufacturing;
- multimodal distribution;
- research and development;
- training programs; and,
- border security.
This represents an unprecedent opportunity Canada hasn’t seen since the Second World War, which would accelerate the development of sectors affected by the current global trade environment. The City of Oshawa is uniquely positioned with the talent, assets, resources and capacity to lead Canada's response.
Major infrastructure
Oshawa Executive Airport
The Oshawa Executive Airport features a modern terminal, capable of facilitating corporate business travel, general aviation and a fully staffed NAV Canada Air Traffic control tower.
Port of Oshawa
The Port of Oshawa is Oshawa's gateway to the world, handling more than 500 vessels that have carried over 3 million metric tons of cargo over the past decade.
Rail access
Oshawa benefits from CN and CP Rail infrastructure linked to the GM Assembly Plant, Port of Oshawa and other key industrial stakeholders offering local, national and international transportation accessibility.
Highway access
Oshawa's 407 Innovation Corridor provides our City with another major point of access across the G.T.A. With tolls now removed from Highways 412 and 418, highway travel around the Region offers more convenience than ever.
Utilities
Oshawa Power is a city owned asset with close proximity of headquarters to the proposed defence corridor, which can provide dedicated uninterrupted backup for power needs and highly secure fibre optic infrastructure.
Northwood Business Park
Comprised of 202 hectares (500 acres) of developable employment land, this area has the advantage of being located in the proximity to the Ontario Tech/Durham College main campus, Highway 407 East, and Oshawa Executive Airport.
Innovation
Oshawa is a city that offers much more than manufacturing labour and capacity. The city has quickly established itself as a flourishing hub of research and innovation. With 35,000 post-secondary students, faculty and 10 Canada Research Chairs across three universities and a college, Oshawa has the talent and research assets to lead Canada's next generation of national defence.
Notable innovation assets:
- ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel
- AI/Hub
- Centre for Cybersecurity
- CTC McLaughlin Advanced Technology Track
- GM Oshawa Elevation Centre
Let's build in Canada - from Oshawa
Oshawa is a city brimming with opportunity. Our diverse and dynamic business landscape offers a welcoming space where everyone can thrive. With all the ingredients for economic success - expanding infrastructure, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and an exceptional quality of life - Oshawa is a place where anything feels possible.
We embrace our rich history while eagerly forging ahead into a future filled with promise. New infrastructure developments, a growing population, and an evolving economy all signal exciting times ahead.
Learn more about our Integrated National Defence Innovation Corridor
Oshawa: a city steeped in Canadian military history
During World War II, Oshawa played an important role in Canada’s war effort by shifting from making civilian goods to producing military vehicles and parts. The Oshawa GM Assembly Plant built trucks, staff cars, ambulances, gun carriages and armoured cars. It also made fuselages for the De Havilland Mosquito bomber.
Robert Samuel “Colonel Sam” McLaughlin, the founder of General Motors of Canada, supported the Ontario Regiment for many years. He served as the longest-serving Honorary Colonel of The Ontario Regiment (RCAC) from 1931 to 1967, and prior to that as an Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel. He was known for his financial contributions and personal involvement earning him the nickname "Colonel Sam".
Today, Oshawa is home to the Ontario Regiment RCAC Tank Museum, which has the largest working collection of military vehicles in North America.
Defence resources
Connect with us
Express your interest to collaborate or request additional support from Oshawa Economic Development, the City of Oshawa, or local stakeholders.
Contact Us
Oshawa Economic Development
Oshawa City Hall,
50 Centre St. S.,
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 3Z7
Phone: 905-436-5617
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Fax: 905-436-5623
Email: business@oshawa.ca
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