Oakville's Town Council took significant steps forward at Monday night's Planning and Development meeting with three major road construction projects in the downtown area: the Lakeshore Road East reconstruction and streetscape project from Allan Street to Navy Street; the rehabilitation of Lakeshore Bridge at Sixteen Mile Creek; and the conversion of a two-way street system in the downtown area.
These projects as well as funding for market testing for the Downtown Culture Hub project and interim improvements to the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts have been referred to the 2016 Budget Committee for consideration in the 10-year Capital Forecast
"We listened to the feedback from residents, business owners and stakeholders, including the Downtown BIA about these important road reconstruction projects," said Mayor Rob Burton. "As we move forward, we will continue to work with everyone to ensure the success of these projects for the downtown."
The proposed timing of the road projects are as follows:
- The two-year Lakeshore Road East reconstruction and streetscape project from Allan Street to Navy Street to commence in 2019.
- The Lakeshore Bridge at Sixteen Mile Creek rehabilitation project to take place in advance of the road project as recent inspections of the bridge's interior components have revealed its condition warrants attention sooner. Staff have been directed to report back to Council in early 2016 with details on the roll-out of the bridge work.
- The conversion of a two-way street system in the downtown area to begin sometime in 2016 or 2017
The timing of these road projects reflects the results from a survey conducted by the Downtown Oakville BIA of its members which indicated a strong preference for the road reconstruction to begin in 2019.
The interim improvements to the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts will ensure it remains in a state of good repair and will include modifications to improve the functionality and accessibility of the lobby. The market testing for the Downtown Culture Hub project aims to understand the potential for public-private sector partnerships.
The final deliberations on the 2016 Capital Budget and 10-year forecast will be take place at the Budget Committee Meeting on December 7, 2015.
Those wishing to appear before the Budget Committee as a delegate on either the operating or capital budgets can do so at the November 30 or December 2 meetings by registering with the Town Clerk by email at [email protected] or by phone at 905-815-6015. If you would like to attend the meeting and have any accessibility needs, please contact Kathy Patrick at 905-845-6601, ext. 4235 or fill out the accessible online feedback form. Visit the 2016 Budget page for details.
The staff reports are available online at oakville.ca. Residents are encouraged to learn more about the Downtown Plan by visiting the town's website or by emailing [email protected] with any questions or opportunities to meet with your community organization.