Oshawa Councillor Derek Giberson believes the topic “isn’t finished,” even though his proposal to maintain Memorial Park as an “open community event space” didn’t receive the necessary two-thirds majority to be discussed in council on Monday.
The city has implemented new rules that would prevent many community events from using Memorial Park – without any guidance from council, according to Giberson – with some organizations receiving emails stating that the criteria for hosting events there had changed.
One affected group is the Durham Region Labour Council, which organizes an annual Labour Day picnic in the downtown park. Giberson thinks this event is “exactly the kind of occasion that brings our downtown to life.”
“People come out for the celebration – and they stay. They grab a meal on King Street, visit the Canadian Automotive Museum, check out local shops. Every community gathering in that park boosts downtown Oshawa and supports the businesses and organizations that make it worth visiting.”
The email:
To honor heritage, dignity, and align with the park’s commemorative and cultural importance, these event criteria have been established to guide all future permits:
Heritage and memorial ceremonies focusing on or involving the War Memorial/Cenotaph
Cultural celebrations and activities related to performing arts, such as dance, music, and theatre at the Mc Laughlin Bandshell
Permits won’t be granted for general use of open park space. Event organizers must clearly show how their event fits one of the approved criteria mentioned above.
The matter sparked considerable discussion on social media platforms as well as national news outlets, with supporters of Giberson questioning why changes were made to this policy.
Once again, this council takes a hostile approach to its own community and ignores the voice of the people entirely – Paul The nerve of them. The space belongs to the community – Ashley I see this as unnecessary bureaucracy being put in place by the city to exclude certain groups from using/benefiting from our downtown facilities- Kristen
Others thought that perhaps these changes aimed to stop groups from distributing free food to those experiencing homelessness.
No one who lives in this neighborhood wants a line up of homeless in the park every day – Jen
Regional Councillor Rick Kerr, who represents downtown along with Giberson, noted that with municipal elections approaching this fall, political implications can’t be overlooked.
The traditional Labour Day picnic has been a staple at Memorial Park for generations in a city rich with labor history. It’s also hosted speeches by strong NDP representatives from council-a no-go on city property during an election campaign period-he explained.
“You can’t use municipal property for campaign purposes,” Kerr stated. “The politics surrounding this are very real.”
Kerr suggested relocating the picnic to Ed Broadbent Park along waterfront-named after a former federal NDP leader known for championing labor rights-and he considers him “the best man never to be Prime Minister.”
“I hope we can make arrangements effectively so we can hold it at Ed Broadbent Park. It would add more significance to this occasion.”
Kerr pointed out staff received authority last year to evaluate all park usage and modify facility booking protocols “to maximize both indoor and outdoor facilities,” informing several event planners about upcoming changes.
Mary Fowler, vice-president of Durham Labour Council, mentioned she attended every meeting with staff but “we weren’t told that last year would be our last.”
And while she “deeply admires” Ed Broadbent; “the park named after him isn’t a more suitable venue than Memorial.”
The Durham Region Labour Council expressed through their Facebook page that their concern isn’t just about finding another location.
“The issue revolves around access changes at Memorial Park itself and sets a broader precedent. Memorial Park has long served as an accessible public gathering spot in Oshawa with significant historical value for labor-related events.”
Giberson urges residents not to give up fighting for Memorial Park’s status as a public area accessible for everyone.
“The response from our community over past week has been impressive. Residents, workers, families and local groups united together saying that Memorial Park belongs to Oshawa’s citizens -and that sentiment doesn’t fade away because of one procedural vote,” said Giberson. “We’ll keep pushing forward on this front; continuing advocacy toward council while showing how much our community cares until we achieve permanent protection for Memorial Park as a gathering space.”
Remembrance Day ceremony at Memorial Park in Oshawa. Photo Glenn Hendry
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Heritage and memorial ceremonies focusing on or involving the War Memorial/Cenotaph
Cultural celebrations and activities related to performing arts, such as dance, music, and theatre at the Mc Laughlin Bandshell
Permits won’t be granted for general use of open park space. Event organizers must clearly show how their event fits one of the approved criteria mentioned above.
The matter sparked considerable discussion on social media platforms as well as national news outlets, with supporters of Giberson questioning why changes were made to this policy.
Once again, this council takes a hostile approach to its own community and ignores the voice of the people entirely – Paul The nerve of them. The space belongs to the community – Ashley I see this as unnecessary bureaucracy being put in place by the city to exclude certain groups from using/benefiting from our downtown facilities- Kristen
Others thought that perhaps these changes aimed to stop groups from distributing free food to those experiencing homelessness.
No one who lives in this neighborhood wants a line up of homeless in the park every day – Jen
Regional Councillor Rick Kerr, who represents downtown along with Giberson, noted that with municipal elections approaching this fall, political implications can’t be overlooked.
The traditional Labour Day picnic has been a staple at Memorial Park for generations in a city rich with labor history. It’s also hosted speeches by strong NDP representatives from council-a no-go on city property during an election campaign period-he explained.
“You can’t use municipal property for campaign purposes,” Kerr stated. “The politics surrounding this are very real.”
Kerr suggested relocating the picnic to Ed Broadbent Park along waterfront-named after a former federal NDP leader known for championing labor rights-and he considers him “the best man never to be Prime Minister.”
“I hope we can make arrangements effectively so we can hold it at Ed Broadbent Park. It would add more significance to this occasion.”
Kerr pointed out staff received authority last year to evaluate all park usage and modify facility booking protocols “to maximize both indoor and outdoor facilities,” informing several event planners about upcoming changes.
Mary Fowler, vice-president of Durham Labour Council, mentioned she attended every meeting with staff but “we weren’t told that last year would be our last.”
And while she “deeply admires” Ed Broadbent; “the park named after him isn’t a more suitable venue than Memorial.”
The Durham Region Labour Council expressed through their Facebook page that their concern isn’t just about finding another location.
“The issue revolves around access changes at Memorial Park itself and sets a broader precedent. Memorial Park has long served as an accessible public gathering spot in Oshawa with significant historical value for labor-related events.”
Giberson urges residents not to give up fighting for Memorial Park’s status as a public area accessible for everyone.
“The response from our community over past week has been impressive. Residents, workers, families and local groups united together saying that Memorial Park belongs to Oshawa’s citizens -and that sentiment doesn’t fade away because of one procedural vote,” said Giberson. “We’ll keep pushing forward on this front; continuing advocacy toward council while showing how much our community cares until we achieve permanent protection for Memorial Park as a gathering space.”
Remembrance Day ceremony at Memorial Park in Oshawa. Photo Glenn Hendry
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