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4- The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday May 20, 2006 OMB leaves door open on former Shell House By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF In a decision to be finalized in three months -- the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) has set the stage for further negotiations between Palm Place Developments and the Town of Oakville on the former Shell House property's future. On the heels of a seven-week hearing, the 62-page, May 18 OMB decision sets strict parameters for further negotiations over the west Oakville Lake Ontario shoreline land. In the next three months, the OMB would allow the Town to buy or expropriate the property or Palm Place to build 300 units in three buildings on the west and hand over the east as a park -- or if neither side does either, dismiss the entire case. Palm Place first applied to build 1,000 units in four, 25-storey buildings on the entire property. It went to the OMB asking for 370 units on the west in three buildings tiered from seven storeys by Lakeshore Road to 12 by the lake -- for giving the Town the east half. Testimony at the OMB heard contamination still exists on the east half in barrels that are buried in a well. According to the OMB ruling, Palm Place could build 300 units in three buildings that are eight storeys on Lakeshore Road to five storeys. "The east side must be conveyed to a public body -- the Conservation Authority or the Town at no costs, as mitigation for the loss in habitat," reads the ruling, adding, the east must be clean of environmental debris. The OMB noted Oakville's planning director Peter Cheatley -- called to testify by the OMB rather than either side -- did his best to achieve what David Crombie's Royal Commission on waterfront regeneration had recommended -- the Shell House property as a public park. With no money from the Town, Region of Halton, Ontario or Canada to buy the land and what he testified was an unrealistic asking price even if it was for sale, he proposed 300 units on the west in exchange for the east as a park. That achieved parkland through planning, instead of funding. "The Board also wishes to be reflective of the views of most of the planning witnesses and the public that the best use of this site is as a public park," states the decision. It continues, "In the time available before the Board's final order is issued, now that numbers of units and the perimeters of the develop- ment are better known, the Board directs the Town of Oakville to consider whether the Town will make a final offer to purchase or to expropriate all of the Palm Place property." "Should (Palm Place) not proceed with the downsized development set out in this decision within the threemonth period, the board order is to issue dismissing all appeals." Mayor Ann Mulvale reacted saying the Town wasn't "delighted" at the prospect of 300 units, but "staff would have to reflect very carefully on the opportunity being created." Mulvale said the OMB recognition of residents' input was appropriate. A Student's Perspective Rachel Balon Co-operative education and field placements are programs that combine the knowledge students have learned in the classroom with practical experience in the workplace. The program, in partnership with Georgian College and local businesses, allows students to participate as active members in the everyday operations; in this case, at The Oakville Beaver newspaper. Field placement student Rachel Balon has been at the Oakville Beaver for three weeks now learning everything from production and design to sales. "There's so much I can take away from this experience," Rachel says, "Co-ops and field placements are essential for students to get the hands on practice employers are looking for. The things I've learned while being here are those I can take with me and put toward my future success." Rachel has completed the Georgian College two-year Advertising program and will be graduating in June. She is passionate about advertising and wants to pursue it after her education. She extends her gratitude and many thanks to everyone at the Oakville Beaver that gave her a chance and supported her during her stay at the newspaper. Also to the businesses that contributed to this section and her experience here. Special thanks to the businesses that are proud to support co-operative education and the students involved.