The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

The Town of Oakville launched the Downtown Plan last night to an expected 500 people at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said the Town wants residents and business owners taking a prominent role in the Downtown Plan. He said registered attendance and feedback showed the community interest in the reimagining of the downtown core -- and exciting opportunities that lay ahead. "We have big decisions ahead of us; decisions that will shape our future towards becoming Canada's most livable town," said the mayor. "These are decisions we will take seriously and carefully; they are decisions we will make together." Last night's audience, to include local residents, downtown merchants, real estate agents, and those from the arts community, heard directly from the two con- Downtown Plan offers exciting opportunities sultants leading the studies, Joe Berridge, partner at Urban Strategies Inc., and Anne McIlroy, principal at BrookMcIlroy, as well as local arts contributor Don Pangman, business leader John Bowker, and Oakville's Commissioner of Community Development Jane Clohecy. The expert guest panelists shared their experiences on similar projects across the country and the world. "Culture, art, events, music -- that's what adds the magic to the place," said Berridge, lead consultant on the Downtown Cultural Hub Study, according to a release from the Town. "Creating a pleasant walking environment is key to a successful main street -- it's as much fun outside as inside." The Downtown Cultural Hub Study will explore ways to create a downtown cultural and performing arts space including: a performing arts centre, art gallery, library, street and the buildings that line them together to form a vital place," stated McIlroy in the release. The Downtown Transportation and Streetscape Study aims to improve downtown streets, pedestrian and cycle ways, and the Towne Square by introducing a cohesive look and feel, while increasing connectivity, mobility and accessibility. Looking to inspiration and vision, the mayor and guest panelists wanted residents and business owners to think about how best to transform the downtown core into "something extraordinary." Residents and business owners who were not able to attend the launch will have several opportunities over the next six months to contribute to the Downtown Plan through online surveys, joining idea forum discussions on the town's website, and attend the next community open house and workshop scheduled for Jan. 30, 2014. Information on the plan and public engagement opportunities is available at www.oakville.ca. To be added to the mailing list, email downtownplan@oakville.ca. 5 | Friday, December 6, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The Electric Fireplace Shop 6 Hurontario St. Miss. 905-278-7337 Rob Burton outdoor program space, and digital space that will become the cultural, social, and economic heart of the community. McIlroy, lead consultant on the Downtown Transportation and Streetscape Study, discussed how building streets are all about building communities. "Great streets build communities by bringing the · We Carry Inserts & Mantel Packages · Wall Mount & Recess · Custom Mantels Starting from $499.00 Over 60 models on display. Largest in GTA Visit our website theelectricfireplaceshop.com Hwy 10 lakeshore Rd. SALE Just in time for Christmas *Plus FREE light bulbs for life INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca CONCEPT LIGHTING OAKVILLE 243 Speers Road 905.849.LITE(5483) www.conceptlighting.ca *See store for details MISSISSAUGA 5980 McLaughlin Rd. #3 near Britannia 905.712.4548 BURLINGTON 1515 N. Service Road 905.331.7444 Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law