As you know, I filed a motion (below) for reconsideration last week to be included on the agenda for last evenings meeting of council.
Given the huge show of support received from our community for this motion, and in an effort to bring closure to the process, I requested that rules of procedure be waived so that it could be tabled at council last evening.
In a recorded vote, my council colleagues unanimously supported the motion.
Thanks to all who attended last evenings meeting and the hundreds that shared their thoughts with members of council.
Lakeshore Road Streetscape
Moved by Councillor Gittings, Seconded by Councillor Hutchins
WHEREAS, the Downtown Transportation and Streetscape Study, as detailed in the staff report from the Community Development Commission, dated February 17, 2015, was approved by Council in April 2015; and
WHEREAS, the Study included a streetscape master plan that addressed several transportation and streetscape items, including flexible (curbless) streets, street trees, street designs and boulevard materials as well as street furnishings and fixtures; and
WHEREAS, staff was given approval to undertake further public consultation of the recommended option of contemporary street furnishings, fixtures and street design as part of the engineering design work for the Lakeshore Road East Reconstruction and Streetscape Project; and
WHEREAS, during this additional public consultation, significant concerns have been raised regarding the recommended contemporary theme of furnishings and fixtures and a desire to maximize a flexible (curbless)design of the Lakeshore Road East configuration; and
WHEREAS, these concerns raise the need to reconsider the contemporary theme of furnishings and fixtures as well as the curbed configuration of Lakeshore Road East.
THEREFORE, be it resolved that:
1. Council reconsider the streetscape furniture and fixtures recommendations, including those that relate to streetlights, benches, bike rings and bollards.
2. Staff be directed to undertake a refreshed town-wide public engagement process to assess preferences for streetscape furniture and fixtures. Such process to include choices that reflect traditional and classical as well as contemporary.
3. Staff be directed to develop a configuration option for Lakeshore Road East that would provide, in whole or in part, a flexible-street (curbless) ability.
4. Staff be directed to present a report to Council in January 2017 outlining a) results of the engagement process on street furnishings and fixtures and, b) flexible-street (curbless) options for Lakeshore Road East along with recommendations.
Originally Posted: July 21, 2016
At the next Oakville Town Council meeting on July 25, 2016, I will be asking that procedure be waived to allow for a motion for reconsideration of the decision concerning the streetscape furnishings selected for downtown Oakville.
If successful (I will require support from 2/3 of my council colleagues), my motion will direct Town Staff to initiate a new public consultation process starting in early September to consider more traditional options for the Downtown Streetscape (lighting, furniture, etc.). As it is important that this project is not delayed, the objective will be for Staff to come forward with a recommendation for Heritage Oakville and Town Council by the end of 2016.
I would appreciate your support in letting all members of council know that you support this request for reconsideration. Please show your support by e-mailing [email protected]
Background
Public consultation on the different options for Lakeshore Road, the streetscape master plan as well as the theme for the site furnishings and finishes took place in 2014-2015. Staff presented the preferred options to Council in March 2015. Council approved the recommendations from the Downtown Transportation and Streetscape study in April 2015.
Staff reported back to Council in November 2015 on the Lakeshore Road construction phasing alternatives, as well a business review study to determine the ability of a new parking structure to attract both short term and long term patrons, recommendations on how the town may ensure its success, and funding for a new parking garage.
Council approved the timing for the Lakeshore Road Reconstruction project to commence in 2019 and be completed over a two year period. In addition, the Lakeshore Road bridge over Sixteen Mile Creek will be rehabilitated in 2017.
There has been significant feedback received from the public over the past two months regarding the contemporary street furnishings that were recommended and approved (streetlight poles, benches, bike rings & bollards) through the consultation process.
It is for this reason that I ask for your support so that we may hear from residents, and make sure that we ‘get it right’. Please email your support for reconsideration to [email protected]
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