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9 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,June 13,2019 insidehalton.com LETTER TO THE EDITOR There was a time when Bronte Village had a rather rough and tumble image with its fisherman- feel and cottage-like ap-feel and cottage-like ap-f peal. If you recently visit- ed the Bronte area, you will have noticed it has changed. There are so many op- portunities to explore, whether it is shopping in the thriving businesses, grabbing a bite to eat at a nationally recognized restaurant or enjoying a coffee in a quaint little shop. Thousands of ice cream cones have been part of a stroll along the waterfront pier. Whether you are a local resident, a family from north Oak-family from north Oak-f ville or a tourist, Bronte is a popular place to be, and it continues to grow. In July 2018, Bronte ex- perienced one of the un- fortunate responses of itsfortunate responses of itsf own popularity. Private property owners decided that the best means to protect parking for their own customers was to tow any car where the oc- cupants of the vehicle went off the property, re- gardless of whether the persons had shopped or eaten at the establish- ments before or after they left the property, even when the businesses were closed. Thus, began a year of predatory towing and its many negative repercus- sions for Oakville resi- dents and tourists and businesses. In spite of nu- merous appeals and op- tions presented, private property owners are free to use this solution under provincial laws. The town will once again try to li- cense the towing indus- try to control these pred- atory practices, and we urge residents to come and tell us their stories to council in June. The real issue is that there needs to be more parking accessible for Bronte visitors so they do not have to use these pri- vate lots. As well, local residents have been using on-street parking rather than their own private parking facilities, and employers and employees use spots for the duration of their shifts, leaving no on-street parking for shoppers. The safety and convenience of visitors to Bronte requires turnover of parking spots so that they are not forced to seek parking in a private lot where they fear being towed. This prompted coun- cillors O'Meara and Rob- ertson to ask town staff to consider a proactive ini- tiative to create more on- street parking options. A pilot paid-parking pro- gram will be instituted along the major commer- cial areas in Bronte Vil- lage this month. The town has added more than 280 additional parking spots in the Bronte Village area with- in the past year. While some of these spots may be a few blocks away from the main shopping dis- trict, they provide safe and secure parking. However, in order to provide suitable long- term parking infrastruc- ture in Bronte, we must pay into the town parking reserves. All parking-re- lated costs are borne out of this reserve, as op- posed to coming from the general tax fund. Both the Kerr Street and down- town shopping districts have paid parking which has provided funding for municipal lots and an up- coming parking garage for downtown. To securefor downtown. To securef funding for our neces-funding for our neces-f sary parking needs, Bronte must also pay into it. The trajectory for Bronte continues to be upwards. It is vital we not only plan for today, but for tomorrow.for tomorrow.f Predatory towing is a business-killer. Paid parking is a solution for viable and vibrant busi- ness growth and security for Bronte's visitors.for Bronte's visitors.f SEAN O'MEARA OAKVILLE WARD 1 COUNCILLOR PAID PARKING A NECESSITY FOR BRONTE, SAYS COUNCILLOR oakville.ca Stormwater Master Plan Stormwater Master Plan Study- Public Open House #2 Tuesday, June 25, 2019 Drop-in from 6 to 8 p.m. Town Hall, South Atrium 1225 Trafalgar Road The town manages stormwater to make sure there are a range of measures in place to decrease the risk of flooding and to reduce pollution. Stormwater management ensures that our stormwater system protects Oakville residents while preserving our natural environment. As part of the town's long-term vision for stormwater management, we are developing a StormwaterMaster Plan to assess what has been done--what still needs to be done--and priorities for the future. Be part of developing the plan and enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Oakville! Get involved so we're all rain ready! Phase 2 of our plan is currently underway which aims to assess the town's existing stormwater management network and document its ability to respond to continued land use changes (e.g. infill development, land redevelopment) and climate change (e.g. increased rainfall frequency and intensity). We anticipate to complete our Phase 2 work this year. Our Environmental Assessment Study (EA) will identify stormwater management system vulnerabilities that may require improvements as well as the adoption of new/revised policies, bylaws, and/or standards to ensure that the town's system continues to operate effectively for the protection of persons, property and the environment. This will be the second Open House for the Phase 2 Stormwater Master Plan. The town will be presenting informationon the results of themodelling, assessment process, flood management alternatives as well as the prefered management plan for future mitigation. Drop in and share your thoughts Good planning involves the community. The town is interested in hearing from local residents, businesses, landowners and more on how we can all be rain ready in Oakville. Background Our EA study will be completed in keeping with Section A.2.7 Master Plans, as defined in the Municipal Engineers Association "Municipal Class Environmental Assessment," (October 2000 updated in 2007, 2011 & 2015), which will address Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class EA Process. A key component of this study will be consultation with the public including two open houses. Accessibility requirements If you have any accessibility needs, please let us know one week before the meeting by contacting Kristina Parker at 905-845-6601, ext. 3889 (TTY 905-338-4200), kristina.parker@oakville.ca or by filling out the accessible online feedback form on oakville.ca. Questions or comments, please contact: Kristina Parker, P. Eng., Water Resources Engineer Town of Oakville, 905-845-6601, ext. 3889 kristina.parker@oakville.ca.