Facade Improvements
The Canadian Automotive Museum will commemorate Canada's 150th anniversary in 2017 with much needed improvements to its facility and exhibitions. Several projects are planned that will improve the visitor experience and the museum's ability to care for its priceless collection of Canadian automobiles.
The Canadian Automotive Museum with its original facade.
Exterior Facade Improvements (2017-2018)
Project Overview
The Canadian Automotive Museum's historic building was originally built as a Chevrolet-Oakland car dealership in the early 1920s. The museum property is a vital asset to the City of Oshawa, being the first impression for visitors when they reach the downtown core from Highway 401. Throughout the summer classic car enthusiasts bring their vehicles and an annual Show and Shine attracts local collectors the week leading up to Kars on King and Autofest. The museum exterior has been worn down by weather and vandalism for decades, giving it an unwelcoming appearance. New metal cladding will enclose the museum, adding much needed insulation while preserving the brick structure. To ensure a vibrant space, graphics and murals will be added to the facade to bring new life to the building. While the facade improvements will be visually appealing, they will also reduce energy costs and improve the security of the museum's collection.
The south side of the Canadian Automotive Museum in 2017 with boarded-up windows and no insulation.
Construction on the south side of the Canadian Automotive Museum in February 2018 with new insulation and cladding added.
New doors will improve the safety and security of the museum's collection.
Metal Cladding
The current facade on the front of the building will be continued around the rest of the museum. The current state of the brickwork is too costly for the museum to restore so metal cladding with a layer of insulation will encase the museum preserving the original structure.
Project Update: Completed May 2018.
EXTERIOR DOORS
New emergency exit and loading dock doors will be installed at the rear of the museum. This is will increase the safety and security of the collection and reduce energy use. New loading doors will easily allow for loans to come and go from the museum, improving the quality and scope of exhibitions which can be developed.
Project Update: Completed March 2018
A new front sign for the Canadian Automotive Museum will attract more visitors.
MUSEUM SIGNAGE
Improved street presence will attract both local residents and tourists to the museum. With two new hotels recently opened just north of the museum in downtown Oshawa, the Canadian Automotive Museum will serve as a landmark for those arriving from Highway 401. A new illuminated front sign will advertise the museum to the 5,000+ vehicles that pass by on Simcoe Street daily raising awareness for those who live in north Oshawa. The sign will be attached to the southwest corner of the building, making it visible from as far away as the intersection of John and Simcoe Streets.
Project Update: Completed August 2017
A tree on the museum property will be removed to prevent damage to the museum's foundation and roof.
TREE REMOVAL
Two trees growing in the corner of the museum will be removed as part of the facade improvement project. These trees were damaged during a strong storm in 2016 and several limbs have already fallen on the roof. Leaves from the tree clog the drain pipes and the roots are affecting the foundation. Once the facade improvements are completed, new greenery will be added to the property to reduce heat and beautify the property.
Project Update: Completed April 2017
New exterior lighting will improve the safety of the museum parking lot and downtown Oshawa.
SAFETY LIGHTING
Improved lighting will be installed along the exterior of the building to provide safety and security to the Canadian Automotive Museum's parking lot. This will increase the museum's ability to host evening events and reduce vandalism in downtown Oshawa. The Canadian Automotive Museum actively works with the City of Oshawa and Downtown Oshawa BIA to enhance the south side of the downtown to make it a clean and safe place to visit.
Project Update: Completed May 2018
Explore other Canada 150 initiatives at the Canadian Automotive Museum
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Upgrades
Canada's Car Stories Exhibition
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. Ce projet est financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada.
How You Can Help
The Canadian Automotive Museum currently raising funds to match a grant from the Canada 150 Infrastructure Fund. Please contact Alex Gates, Manager/Curator at 905-576-1222 or submit the contact form below for more information on how you can support this and other initiatives.