ACE is a world-class research and development facility with experienced engineers and technicians to deliver solutions to any product development or testing problem. ACE can re-create any weather conditions a test object will experience anywhere in the world, from the blistering heat in Death Valley to the frigid conditions in the Arctic. They can test vehicles operating under full load with crosswinds and wind speeds up to 280 km/h. ACE is designated as an approved test centre the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
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.
Uniquely connected 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.
Power
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.
ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel
AI/Hub
Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation
GM CTC McLaughlin Advanced Technology Track
GM Oshawa Elevation Centre
Notable innovation assets:
The Al/Hub is a cutting-edge technology studio and applied research centre, helping Canadian companies put artificial intelligence to work in real-world, high-impact environments. The Al/Hub works across sectors, from advanced manufacturing and energy to safety-critical and high-risk applications and specializes in turning complex data into practical and Al solutions. With deep expertise spanning advanced data pipelines and inter-operability, machine learning deployment at scale, large language models and intelligent agent workflows, multimodal Al and computer vision, and enterprise-grade Al validation and governance, the Al Hub supports organizations building systems where performance, accuracy, and trust matter.
CTC McLaughlin Advanced Technology Track
Situated on 55-acres just south of GM's Oshawa Operations, the track allows CTC engineers and software developers to put their "code to the road" in Oshawa. Named after GM Canada's founder and visionary, Colonel Sam McLaughlin, the track supports the development and integration of software and hardware for advanced vehicle systems and further positions Durham Region on the cutting-edge of automotive technology development in Ontario.
Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence
The City of Oshawa is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in securing Canada from the future of cyberthreats with an ecosystem of assets, talent and dedicated infrastructure, including but not limited to:
Cutting-edge research and development, innovation, and engineering are taking place at GM's Elevation Centre in Oshawa. Using state-of-the-art test labs equipped with the latest technology, connectivity and tools, GM CTC engineers and software developers are transforming the future of mobility, right here in Oshawa.
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
Asset map
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 news
The City of Oshawa wants to be a leader in Canada’s defence sector. Here's its pitch. [Source: CBC News]
As the federal government expands Canada’s defence sector, the City of Oshawa says it wants to be included.
Mar 29, 2026
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.
Subscribe to our quarterly e-newsletter
Stay up-to-date on Oshawa's business news