Camaro drivers say thanks to Oshawa plant workers

JIL MCINTOSH FOR THE TORONTO STAR

New-generation Camaros line up at Oshawa’s Lakeview Park.

A group of 2010 Camaro enthusiasts, all members of the online forum Camaro5.com, braved downpours last Friday and visited Oshawa to personally thank the men and women who built their cars.

Organized by Hylton Jorssen of Ottawa, the event drew 37 cars, from as far away as Quebec, Missouri, Illinois, New York, Michigan and Ohio.

They were met at the city's waterfront by Oshawa Mayor John Gray, himself a Camaro owner; CAW Local 222 president Chris Buckley; and 25 workers who signed memorabilia and even the cars themselves.

"The workers never talk to the owners, and the owners never talk to those who build the cars," Jorssen says. "This was a chance for the workers to see what people are doing with these cars.

"Our (club) members were asking how to write letters to thank the workers for building their cars, and this just grew. These aren't just cars that get us from A to B. They'll be with us the rest of our lives. There are lots of 1969 Camaros still out there. When you build a good car, it'll last forever."

On Saturday, the group visited the Martinrea assembly plant in Ajax, which builds the Camaro's suspension modules.

–Jil McIntosh

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