O'Neill Rentals

Before Oshawa became the municipality it is today, it was a mere exchange point for those early 17th Century native Indian fur traders. By the mid 17th Century, the harbour was proving to be a key transportation point by the Indians and it was not long before the French decided to build a trading post within easy reach of the harbour. This French trading post is significantly important to how Oshawa became settled (the French abandoned the trading post after a few years and the ruins of it were settled by the people that would come to stay permanently). The 18th Century launched a new export from what was to become today’s Oshawa and salmon began to be a major player to the exporting to the United States. The increase in exporting from the harbour drew the attention of others and the area began to populate at a high rate of speed. As roads were built and shops opened up for business, it was 1850 when Oshawa was officially incorporated as a proper village. The potential for successful business that was apparent through the harbour’s exporting success drew even more people to reside and work in the area through factories (like General Motors Canada) and other industrial businesses. The employment rate was high and this got the attention of many cultures that possessed skilled trades (Russian, Hungarian, Polish, German, Ukrainian, Maritimers from the east coast of Canada, Slovaks, and Croatians).Housing developments have and continue to skyrocketed in and around Oshawa, with subdivisions growing and consisting of townhouses, detached and semi-detached houses and gorgeous condos. Situated just 60 km’s east of Toronto’s downtown core, the attractive real estate market in Oshawa has always been present. Oshawa boasts some of the most beautifully built homes with large lots and spacious interiors, with plenty of consideration to maintaining greenspace and nature. Sitting right on the shoreline of Lake Ontario and closely nestled by the Golden Horseshoe, Oshawa is the most substantial municipality of the Durham Region. Real Estate for sale in the Oshawa area is a homebuyer’s dream, quality, fantastic pricing and selection to meet higher standards is common place here.Oshawa, being the health sciences and educational hub (University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Lakeridge Health Oshawa, Durham College and Trent University Durham) is just the beginning when it comes to what Oshawa can offer. Downtown Oshawa is also a culmination of sports-related events and largely focusing on entertainment & cultural venues such as galleries and museums. Restaurants and cafes are abundant in downtown Oshawa, which lends to convenience and urban-styled living. Public transit in and out of Oshawa is excellently set up to make connections seamless and problematic-free. Durham Region Transit services all Durham communities, which also connects to GO transit train and bus services to easily access the city and downtown core of Toronto and neighbouring regions. Highway 407 East to Highway 401 (Highway 412) and Clarington’s Highways 35 & 115 are also a good means of getting in or out of Oshawa by private vehicle.There are 28 elementary schools & 6 secondary schools within Oshawa and 12 Catholic schools (2 secondary and 10 elementary) and 4 private schools. Healthcare services are provided by Lakeridge Health Oshawa.Sports are a big way of life for Oshawa residents, proud of contributions to hockey, Basketball, Lacrosse, Rugby, Soccer and in the past, thoroughbred horse breeding. Throughout Oshawa, there are numerous outdoor recreational outlets, from over 130 parks (3 skateboard parks and Lakeview Park with a beach) to walking/biking trails (Waterfront Trail, Michael Starr Trail, Harmony Creek Trail & Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path) to wildlife reserves & protected marshlands to over 110 playgrounds.Oshawa is filled to the brim with exciting festivals, events, and attractions. The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (a public art museum), the Canadian Automotive Museum (dedicated to preserving Canada’s history in the industry of automotive), the Oshawa Regiment Museum (largest collection of military-related equipment), the Oshawa Community Museum (covering the heritage of Oshawa), the General Motors Centre, the Treetop Eco-Adventure Park, the Pumpkinhouse Marsh, the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, Second Marsh, the Regent Theatre, the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, the Oshawa Little Theatre and the Ontario Philharmonic are highlights of must see attractions. Festivals around Oshawa are plenty and many run throughout the year. The Peony festival, Fiesta Week festival, AutoFest, Tank Saturdays, Bikes on Bond, Show & Shine, Canada Day, Maple Syrup festival, Doors Open Oshawa, Oshawa Firefit Challenge and Kars on King are just some of the festivals and events in Oshawa. The Durham Craft Beer Festival, Cultured Squared and Hot Roots are fantastically fun and tasty!The downtown core of Oshawa hosts many live entertainment venues, nightlife bars & clubs and great spots to sit, sip a drink and make new friends. The Moustache Club, the Junction and Wasted Space are excellent live music venues.