A museum in Oshawa is facing nearly $3,000 in fines from the city for allowing “nuisance activity” on its grounds, but it’s asking for support instead of penalties to ensure the museum remains safe.
Alexandra Miller-Gerrard, the executive director and curator of the Canadian Automotive Museum, mentioned that a city order issued in June 2025 claimed that unhoused individuals were loitering, fighting, yelling, and littering on museum property, which prompted a requirement to address this “disorderly” conduct. The order indicated that the museum was breaking a city bylaw.
Since September 15, the museum has been fined seven times by the city, accumulating a total of $2,750. An expert noted that fining a charitable organization like the museum does not effectively tackle homelessness issues.
As per the order, the city suggested that compliance could be achieved through “providing consistent preventative security measures.”
In response to this advice, the museum has improved its exterior lighting, added more and better-quality security cameras outside, and increased staff presence for monitoring parking lots and reviewing security footage.
However, Miller-Gerrard pointed out that they can’t afford these fines or cover full-time security costs along with installing a new fence around their premises; hence they’re requesting more assistance from the city.
“We are asking for partnership and practical solutions-not just for us but also for keeping downtown Oshawa lively,” she stated in an Instagram post earlier this week.
Museum Urges Community Action for Downtown Improvement
During an interview on Wednesday, Miller-Gerrard expressed that the museum board hopes for a review of these fines and their removal. They also seek funding for additional security cameras, anti-graffiti protection for their building, and initiatives aimed at making their parking area more inviting.
Miller-Gerrard emphasized wanting to see community collaboration focused on enhancing downtown Oshawa.
“What we’re asking for is cooperation among all stakeholders-whether it’s city officials, Region of Durham representatives, social services organizations or local businesses-to work together toward finding meaningful solutions because we believe Oshawa residents deserve a vibrant downtown,” she remarked.
She noted that over two years ago there have been three instances of broken windows at the museum. The HVAC system was also non-operational for almost a month after someone stripped copper from its exterior while vandalism occurred on its security cameras as well.
Staff members have witnessed open drug use and petty crimes occurring on site frequently; she mentioned new graffiti appears almost daily.
“We knew there were challenges happening and we were trying our best to manage them,” she explained.
Upcoming Meeting with City Officials
Miller-Gerrard shared that before receiving fines or orders in 2024 they had reached out to both city officials and Durham Regional Police seeking assistance regarding activities happening downtown.
She believes their parking lot isn’t necessarily where unhoused people want to be; rather they understand “they would prefer to be somewhere else,” but limited options exist due to ongoing homelessness issues within the city. Conversations sometimes help staff guide people away when needed.
While there’s been no comment yet from City Hall regarding this matter, Miller-Gerrard mentioned they have scheduled a meeting with city staff on Friday to discuss possible next steps.
Tyler Frederick , an associate professor in criminology at Ontario Tech University , stated cities face pressure managing visible homelessness often relying on bylaws rather than addressing core causes. ( Michael Cole / CBC )
Tyler Frederick , who serves as an associate professor specializing in criminology at Ontario Tech University , pointed out cities encounter pressure concerning visible homelessness leading them towards enforcement rather than tackling root problems. He also holds board membership with Back Door Mission-a social service hub located downtown Oshawa.
“There’s sort of this challenge if you tighten security around one location ; it’s just going shift it elsewhere.” He added “Then you’re basically just chasing people around without really solving why they’re out there.”
Frederick recommended collaborative discussions about improving safety throughout Oshawa’s core areas.
According to Miller-Gerrard visitors have expressed feeling unsafe around their facility.
“That’s definitely not what we want,” she concluded. “We hope everyone can come enjoy what we offer; making sure our establishment contributes positively towards revitalizing downtown Oshawa.”
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