Seven candidates running for mayor have presented different Oshawa downtown plans covering public safety, cleanliness, housing, addiction treatment, policing and the design of streets and public spaces.
Oshawa This Week asked all nine mayoral candidates to provide 100-word responses about the downtown core. Seven responded; Jim Lee and Joseph Tomlins did not, according to the newspaper’s October 13 report.
Treatment, policing and enforcement proposals
Sherland Chhangur said he opposes supervised consumption sites downtown and would seek a treatment and rehabilitation facility with support from all levels of government. His response also called for a substantially larger police budget.
Michael Coons proposed reviewing fines imposed on businesses for nuisance activity outside their control, increasing visible policing in repeat-incident areas and establishing a dedicated place for people experiencing homelessness or addiction.
Henry Onwuachu described an approach built around compassion and accountability. His proposals included expanded transitional housing and treatment, enforcement in response to public disorder, and reviews of funding for programs that do not produce measurable outcomes.
Street design, housing and public spaces
Derek Giberson focused on the physical design of downtown. He proposed converting one-way streets back to slower two-way roads and improving conditions for pedestrians.
Jeremy Large proposed both a rehabilitation facility for people experiencing homelessness and hotel-style social safety-net housing. His plan also set a public-option housing goal intended to support 10,000 people living downtown.
Tito-Dante Marimpietri emphasized well-maintained public spaces, lighting, visible responses to crime and outreach related to homelessness, mental health and addiction. He also described four priorities involving housing, a post-secondary presence, entertainment and employment.
Emergency declaration and task force
Dave Westlake cited a national safety ranking and said he would consider declaring a state of emergency. He also proposed a task force charged with delivering a comprehensive downtown plan within 60 days.
The responses are campaign proposals, not adopted municipal policy. Oshawa voters will choose a mayor in the October 26 municipal election.
Sources
- Oshawa This Week candidate questionnaire report, published October 13, 2026.
- Daily Durham summary, published October 13, 2026.
