Oakville Town Council named the town’s network of waterfront parks, open spaces and trails as the 'Harry Barrett Waterfront Parks System' last fall in recognition of the former mayor’s visionary leadership in preserving Oakville's waterfront.
Barrett’s influence and enthusiasm for Oakville’s waterfront began early when, as a member of Oakville’s Planning Board, he discovered a clause in the Planning Act that paved the way to securing much of Oakville’s waterfront for public access. During his 13-year tenure as Mayor of Oakville, Barrett continued to champion the preservation of the town’s beautiful waterfront for the enjoyment of its residents and visitors. His passion for heritage preservation continues today as the current chair of Heritage Oakville.
“It is with great honour that Council announces the naming of our waterfront park system after Mr. Harry Barrett as a tribute to his exceptional contribution to our town.” - Mayor Rob Burton
“As one of the town’s key landmarks and greatest assets, our waterfront park system is something Oakville residents and visitors take enormous pride in,” said Mayor Burton. “It is with great honour that Council announces the naming of our waterfront park system after Mr. Harry Barrett as a tribute to his exceptional contribution to our town.”
Signage marking the new Harry Barrett Waterfront Parks System and providing a brief historical background and explanation of the waterfront trail has been installed at select locations along Oakville’s entire waterfront, Oakville’s waterfront parks and trails already named after other individuals or families that have made a significant contribution to the town from a cultural, economic or historical perspective, will remain unchanged.
Oakville has over 30 waterfront properties, covering over 50 hectares, and has over 150 kilometres of trails connecting all sections of the town and its parks. The town continues to acquire and offer publicly accessible waterfront lands where possible.