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Oakville Place prepares for $30M makeover by Michael Gregory Oakville Beaver Staff 7 | Friday, September 19, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A $30-million re-development at Oakville's largest shopping mall is set to break ground next summer with the addition of a Pusateri's Fine Foods, and upwards of 30 new stores over the coming years. The renovation at RioCan Oakville Place, at the corner of Trafalgar Road and the Queen Elizabeth Way, is set to commence in June 2015. The new two-level, 18,000 sq.-ft. Pusateri's, to be located in the current Shoppers Drug Mart, could open later that year, in time for the holiday season. "We are pleased to see that our recent investments in a thriving centre, with a strong, loyal following of shoppers and tenants, has drawn the attention of a high-quality retailer such as Pusateri's," said RioCan's CEO Edward Sonshine. The opening of the new food store, family-owned and operated for more than 45 years, will be the fourth and only location outside of Oakville Place | Oakville Beaver file photo building itself, RioCan plans to transform Oakville Place into a "concierge fashion experience. "Our plan is to remerchandise the centre in walk-step with this interior renovation," Stevenson said. "We want to angle it a bit more fashion on the upper level; expand the women's fashion, footwear and accessory offering." The new Pusateri's is at the heart of the re-development and RioCan has been in talks with upwards of 30 stores, including several U.S. retailers. "It's going to take us probably 24 to 36 months to execute the plan," Stevenson said. "You'll start to see new stores and boarding pop up probably for spring 2015 and then we'll be pushing to get more open for holiday 2015, around Pusateri's." The Oakville Place renovation follows on the heels of similar undertakings across the Greater Toronto Area, including major upgrades at Mississauga's Square One Shopping Centre and Toronto's Sherway Gardens. "Most malls are under the knife improving their offering and modernizing," Stevenson said, adding that European and American retailers have forced landlords to modernize. Once completed, RioCan's plans for Oakville Place could look similar to Toronto's Bayview Village Shopping Centre -- home to more than 100 one-of-a kind retailers. Part of that will involve subdividing larger format stores in the mall to redeploy the space more effectively, as well as upgrades to the exterior. "We want to refine it," Stevenson said. "We're not really aiming at an ultra-lux demographic. but we want to elevate what we have." Toronto. It's also expected to create approximately 150 jobs. "This location will be the first Pusateri's in Oakville and in the west Greater Toronto Area," said Frank Luchetta, president of the Canadianowned company. RioCan purchased Oakville Place approximately 18 months ago. Vice-president of leasing at RioCan Jeffery Stevenson said Pusateri's was approached to help lead a "re-merchandizing strategy" that will roll out in the coming years. "We want to bring in some more brands or names that would be first to market, that may, or may not, be available in Oakville today," he said. Without expanding the Every quote comes with a handshake. Real local people. Real local service. With State Farm® every policy comes with your own personal agent. We pride ourselves on being part of the local community so we can truly understand and best serve the needs of our customers. Get to a better State.® Get State Farm.® CONTACT A STATE FARM AGENT TODAY. Grand OpeninG CelebratiOn Please join V.G.R. Investments Ltd., and Tenants Darryl R Demille Ins Agcy Ltd Darryl Demille CFP 905-842-1020 www.darryldemille.ca Andrew J Heideman 905-829-0018 www.andrewheideman.ca Angelo Gualtieri 905-257-7773 www.angelogualtieri.com Bartucci Ins and Fin Svcs Inc Deborah Bartucci CFP 905-337-3276 www.autoinsuranceoakville.ca Stephen Ostapchuk 905-238-5643 www.stephenostapchuk.ca Stacey Sutherland 905-339-3276 www.insuranceinoakville.com September 26th Starting 12:00 pm 2525 Old Bronte Road, Oakville Ribbon cutting ceremony @ 1:00 pm by Mayor Rob Burton. Lunch provided and free draws. Come tour the building and meet the Tenants. Hope to see you there. Grant Leslie 905-469-4499 www.grantleslie.ca Michelle Cooper Ins and Fin Sv Michelle Cooper CFP 905-826-4900 www.michellecooper.ca Daniel Durst Ins and Fin Svcs Daniel Durst 905-847-1898 www.danieldurst.com 1410008CN State Farm, Canadian Head Office, Aurora, Ontario