At the December 13th council meeting, Oshawa councillors voted unanimously to maintain its current policies in regards to building parks in new developments.

The issue first came up in November of 2019, when Councillor McConkey brought forward two motions, DS-19-200 and DS-21-134.

DS-19-200 Notice of Motion – Construction of New City Parks

“That the Commissioner, Development Services Department draft a policy for Council to review and determine implementing that will ensure new city parks are constructed at the same time new subdivision roads are constructed in order that new residents are best served in a timely way with park amenities.”

DS-21-134 Notice of Motion – Policy regarding the Completion of Area Parks and Trails

“Whereas the most effective time to complete parks and trails is early in a development project; 

Now therefore staff develop the wording of a clear policy that ensures builder/developers are responsible for the timely completion of area parks and trails in new residential development so that any growing dissatisfaction from delays is avoided.”

DRHBA responded through letters and meetings with staff.  As a result, the recommendations made to the Development Services Committee and later to Council from staff were:

1. That, pursuant to Report DS-21-226 dated November 24, 2021, the City maintain its current policies that relate to the timing of development of new neighbourhood parks in new subdivisions and that enables developers to request that Council authorize the developer to finish the park including any playground facilities and appropriate park furniture.
2. That, pursuant to Report DS-21-226 dated November 24, 2021, the City maintain its current policy that requires developers to construct trails in new subdivisions in a timely manner, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, Development Services Department and the Commissioner, Community Services Department.

Councillor Nicholson made a motion to refer the report back to staff, as he felt this was rushed, the public wasn't consulted, and he wanted to be able to force developers to build parks.  That motion lost.

Councillor Hurst made an amendment that passed.  While the minutes are not yet available, and Oshawa does not show amendments or read them out during the live meeting, the gist of the amendment was to formally require staff to regularly update council on the status of park and trail development.  

The amended staff recommendation then passed unanimously.