Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Oshawa

in-person event information

Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year's event will feature our classic heritage sites, a performance by the Oshawa Civic Band and a few new sites — including the City of Oshawa's greenhouse! We are excited for you to explore our city!

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Contact information

16 In-person Doors Open sites

Alexandra's Bounty Community GardenDoors Open Oshawa

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Alexandra's Bounty Community Garden

Created in 2016, this garden is now run by the Oshawa and Durham Region Métis Council, providing fresh herbs and vegetables to the community. The design is unique and expands on the celebration of Métis history, values, culture and languages that form their proud heritage. During Doors Open, Three Sisters Soup will be on hand to showcase Métis culinary culture.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 2016

Architect: We Grow

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Biltmore Theatre, TheDoors Open Oshawa

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Biltmore Theatre, The

The Biltmore Theatre chain was owned by the affluent Okun Brothers of Toronto; this was the first Biltmore Theatre constructed in Ontario. The street-facing façade of this classic building features smooth cut stone. Within the upper façade are recessed narrow windows with linear horizontal decorations. Today, The Biltmore is a live-music and entertainment venue with a unique 1940s-era upstairs lounge.

  • Guided tours available
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

39 King Street East
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: diana@biltmoretheatre.com
https://www.biltmoretheatre.com

Architecture

Year built: 1930-40
Building type: Theatre
Architect: Wilbur Ralph Webb, Alex Blythe and Wallace C. Sproule

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Canadian Automotive MuseumDoors Open Oshawa

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Canadian Automotive Museum

Established in 1962 as a community project of the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce to promote the history of the automotive industry, this museum is home to the world's most significant collection of Canadian cars. It is located in a former 1920s auto dealership. More than 70 vehicles are on display, including Lightning McQueen from Disney/Pixar's Cars 3.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

99 Simcoe Street South
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: agates@canadianautomotivemuseum.com
https://www.canadianautomotivemuseum.com

Architecture

Year built: 1920
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Charles HallDoors Open Oshawa

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Charles Hall

Charles Hall was opened by the Ontario Tech University in 2010 as one of their key academic hubs. This historical building dates back to 1903 when it first served as a textile factory for Eaton’s. Over the years, it has been owned by many companies, including General Motors and Alger Press, who produced Oshawa’s first newspaper.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 1903
Building type: Educational facility

Dates/hours open

Mar 06 - Mar 06

City of Oshawa GreenhouseDoors Open Oshawa

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City of Oshawa Greenhouse

A source of civic pride and recognition in Oshawa, the Greenhouse has received provincial, national and international honours from Communities in Bloom. With four fulltime gardeners and 12 seasonal staff, the Greenhouse takes pride in designing, growing and maintaining the city’s extraordinary gardens. During Doors Open, discover the process from seed to bloom for the spring planting.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

919 Farewell Street
Oshawa, Ontario
https://www.oshawa.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/gardens.aspx

Architecture

Year built: 1964

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Colonel R.S. McLaughlin ArmouryDoors Open Oshawa

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Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury

This landmark brick armoury was built between 1912 and 1914. It is home to the Ontario Regiment Royal Canadian Armoured Corps, established in 1866. When the First World War broke out, the armoury was used as a training and recruitment centre. The only Canadian army presence in Durham Region, this armoury remains a functioning military establishment. (No photography allowed in the officers' mess.)

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

53 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ontario
https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_fhbro_eng.aspx?id=3789

Architecture

Year built: 1914
Building type: Military

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

HOPA Ports Oshawa OfficeDoors Open Oshawa

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HOPA Ports Oshawa Office

Come and explore the Oshawa office of HOPA Ports — the federal marine ports servicing Ontario. Oshawa is one of the few cities that can boast an airport, rail lines a deep-sea port and a 400-series highway all within close proximity, offering importers and exporters a competitive edge. HOPA Ports supports local initiatives that benefit the cities where they operate.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

1621 Simcoe Street South
Oshawa, Ontario
https://www.hopaports.ca

Architecture


Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Intrepid Park, Camp XDoors Open Oshawa

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Intrepid Park, Camp X

This memorial is dedicated to the men and women employed at the British spy training school located here during the Second World War. Over 500 agents trained here to go behind enemy lines and “set Europe ablaze,” as dramatized in CBC Television’s X Company. During Doors Open, join expert Lynn Philip Hodgson for a guided tour (terrain can be difficult).

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

2008 Boundary Road
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: lphodgson@camp-x.com
http://www.camp-x.com

Architecture

Year built: 1941
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Military
Architect: Canadian Corps of Engineers

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Islamic Centre of OshawaDoors Open Oshawa

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Islamic Centre of Oshawa

The first mosque built in Oshawa is reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire. Ornamental crescent moons enhance both the main prayer hall dome and the dome atop the minaret. Over the years Muslims and non-Muslims have used the premises for meetings, lectures, studies and community and educational purposes. Shoes are to be removed before entering the prayer hall.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms

Contact info

23 Lloyd Street
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: info@oshawamosque.com
https://oshawamosque.com

Architecture

Year built: 2012
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Array International Architects

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Ontario Regiment MuseumDoors Open Oshawa

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Ontario Regiment Museum

The Ontario Regiment (RCAC) Museum commemorates the history of Durham Region's Canadian Army unit, the Ontario Regiment (RCAC), and is home to Canada's largest collection of operational, historical military vehicles. Come and view artifacts from the regiment from 1866 to present day. And explore the Military Vehicle Conservation Centre. Check out the Tank Arena and — maybe — book a ride!

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

1000 Stevenson Road North (Airport South Field)
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: sam@ontrmuseum.ca
https://www.ontrmuseum.ca/tankmuseum

Architecture

Building type: Attraction Military Museum

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Oshawa MuseumDoors Open Oshawa

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Oshawa Museum

The Oshawa Museum has celebrated the city’s history for over 60 years. Henry House, built c. 1840, was the family home of Thomas Henry, a local minister, farmer and harbourmaster. Henry House is portrayed as a period home, typical for the late 1800s. During Doors Open, visit the home and see a Victorian kitchen, with demos throughout the day.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

1450 Simcoe Street South, Lakeview Park
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: membership@oshawamuseum.org
http://www.oshawamuseum.org

Architecture

Year built: c. 1840
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Oshawa Public Libraries – McLaughlin BranchDoors Open Oshawa

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Oshawa Public Libraries – McLaughlin Branch

Forming part of Oshawa's Civic Centre, this library was a gift of Col. R.S. McLaughlin in 1954. Architect Arthur Eadie was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright in his design of the McLaughlin Public Library, now Oshawa’s central branch. The library regularly hosts programs on many topics, from local history to 3D printing. There’s something here for all ages to enjoy!

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Virtual tours
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

65 Bagot Street
Oshawa, Ontario
https://oshlib.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1954
Building type: Library
Architect: Arthur H. Eadie

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Purple Woods Heritage HallDoors Open Oshawa

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Purple Woods Heritage Hall

Purple Woods Heritage Hall is a post-and-beam structure designed to create a natural meeting place to embrace the environment in a location accessible to the surrounding community. It hosts the Maple Syrup Festival each spring and is used for year-round environmental education and events. It is both esthetically and environmentally suited to its location on the Oak Ridges Moraine.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

38 Coates Road East (Purple Woods Visitors Centre)
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: psisson@cloca.com
https://www.cloca.com/purple-woods

Architecture

Year built: 2011

Architect: Awde Architecture & Planning

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Regent Theatre Ontario Tech UniversityDoors Open Oshawa

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Regent Theatre Ontario Tech University

The Regent Theatre, built in 1919, has a Georgian façade. One of Oshawa’s few remaining examples of this classically inspired style, the building was designated in 2001 and reopened in 2010 for the Ontario Tech University, as well as for community and cultural events. During Doors Open, they will be handing out popcorn and free tickets to the movies!

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

50 King Street East
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: gm@regenttheatre.ca
http://regenttheatre.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1919; designated in 2001
Building type: Theatre
Architect: John McNee Jeffrey

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Robert McLaughlin Gallery, TheDoors Open Oshawa

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Robert McLaughlin Gallery, The

The original gallery (1969) was a square, stone, modernist structure. In 1987, architect Arthur Erickson designed an expansion that added an additional 3,345 square metres (36,000 square feet) to meet the growing needs of the gallery and the community. Erickson built his newly designed space around the existing structure, incorporating the original stone façade into the dramatic lobby design.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Virtual tours
  • Activities and games
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

72 Queen Street
Oshawa, Ontario
https://rmg.on.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1969; Erickson addition 1987
Building type: Museum Gallery
Architect: Arthur Erickson

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06

Simcoe Street United ChurchDoors Open Oshawa

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Simcoe Street United Church

Built in 1867 in the Gothic revival style, Simcoe Street United Church is Oshawa's oldest church. Lancet-arched openings and a polygonal spire with pinnacles and dormers embellish the exterior. A pressed-tin ceiling, 11-metre (36-foot) high ornamental timber arches and a Casavant organ dominate the interior. For Doors Open, explore some displays and even ring the bell.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours

Contact info

66 Simcoe Street South
Oshawa, Ontario
https://www.ssuc.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1867
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Gundry & Langley

Dates/hours open

May 06 - May 06