Full Breakdown
Oshawa’s Canadian Automotive Museum Faces Nearly $3,000 in Nuisance Fines Amid Downtown Homelessness Concerns
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Canadian Automotive Museum in downtown Oshawa has been issued seven municipal bylaw fines since a June 2025 order cited “unhoused people” loitering, fighting, yelling, littering and other disorderly conduct on its property. The fines total $2,750. City officials warned the museum that it is violating bylaw 65-2009, Sec. 3.1, which addresses loitering and nuisance activity.
Background & Context
The museum, a charitable organization that showcases historic vehicles, operates a parking lot that generates revenue for its operations. Over the past 18 months, the museum has experienced repeated incidents of open drug use, graffiti, vandalism of security cameras, and theft of copper from its HVAC system. These problems have coincided with a broader homelessness crisis in Oshawa, where nearby social-service hubs such as the Back Door Mission see large numbers of unsheltered individuals.
Data & Statistics
- Fines: Seven notices, $2,750 total.
- Property damage: Three broken windows and a destroyed HVAC system, estimated repair cost $15,000.
- Security upgrades: Installation of additional exterior lighting, upgraded cameras, and increased staff monitoring.
- Financial impact: Parking-lot revenue down roughly 34 %; one tenant cancelled a lease citing safety concerns.
- Visitor feedback: Recent reviews indicate discomfort with the downtown environment.
Official Statements & Responses
Museum executive director and curator Alexandra Miller-Gerrard said the institution has taken “practical improvements” such as better lighting, signage and security cameras, but cannot afford full-time security or a new perimeter fence.
Kerr added that forward plans exist but he could not comment further.
The City of Oshawa has not provided an official comment, though a meeting between museum staff and city representatives is scheduled for the upcoming Friday to discuss next steps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are large groups of unsheltered individuals that frequent the subject property, who have been regularly causing nuisance-related concerns within direct public view,” — Alexandra Miller-Gerrard, according to executive
- “That’s what’s causing the ongoing issues with homeless people on the property,” — Rick Kerr, oshawa regional councillor
- “Just in the last couple months, we’ve seen an uptake in visitor feedback regarding these concerns,” — Miller-Gerard
- “We rent parking spaces to local businesses and others that work in the downtown core,” — Miller-Gerard
- “The museum is a small charitable organization which cannot reasonably address these challenges on its own,” — Miller-Gerard
- “There are some forward plans, but I cannot comment on that and make a definitive statement,” — Rick Kerr, oshawa regional councillor
What’s Next
The museum will meet city staff on Friday to explore options for additional security support, anti-graffiti measures and coordinated bylaw enforcement. Both the museum and city officials indicated that further discussions are needed to develop a sustainable solution for downtown Oshawa’s safety and vitality.