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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, June 13, 2012 · 10 Continued from page 1 Decision will be made in late 2012 or 2013 them to deal with whenever they want to alter their property or expand. Decreasing property values and the uncertainty of how area businesses will be affected by a heritage designation were other potential problems Bright discussed. "Some chamber members are concerned their costs will rise when, and if, a heritage designation is implemented. If costs do indeed go up, one could reasonably ask if these same retailers will stay downtown when rent in other areas of Oakville or elsewhere are more attractive," said Bright. "`Why now?' many are asking. Why now, when many retailers are still struggling to find their feet in uncertain economic times? Will retailers in the downtown core face additional costs in time and money that retailers in other parts of Oakville do not face? If that is the case, what is the incentive for small retailers to set up shop downtown?" While there have been multiple open houses and focus groups concerning this potential heritage district, Bright argued the voice of the business community is not being heard as its suggestions and wishes are not appearing in some Town staff reports. Scott Hannah, Town of Oakville senior manager of Current Planning and Heritage, said the information staff has gathered shows property values are not negatively affected by a heritage district designation. hope you will do that as well." Landry did say the area being examined for possible designation in the Downtown Oakville Heritage Conservation District Study is not large enough and called for the inclusion of numerous nearby streets and buildings. This study is focused on a section bounded somewhat erratically by Robinson Street to the south, Dunn Street to the east, slightly west of Navy Street and slightly north of Randall Street. This area contains 60 inventoried properties or parcels of land featuring 82 buildings with street addresses. Of these 60 properties, 24 are designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act; 12 are listed in the Town of Oakville's Register of Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest as non-designated property; 11 are considered to have cultural heritage value; and 13 are listed as contemporary buildings. While the creation of a heritage district is intended to preserve the buildings, streetscapes and character of the area, the Downtown Oakville study has raised concerns among some residents and businesses. In his delegation to council, Steve Bright, of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, talked about how many of the small businesses in the zone are concerned about the potential red tape a Downtown Oakville heritage district may force OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO A MATTER OF HERITAGE: Town council continues to study whether to designate downtown Oakville a heritage district. Town staff also said much of the uncertainty will be dealt with as the plan and guidelines for the proposed heritage area are developed. David Faye of Melrose Investments also called on council not to create a heritage district where the businesses present would be so hampered by red tape they would not be com- petitive. Such a district will see the decline of businesses in the downtown core, he said. Not all those who spoke had issues with the idea of a heritage designation. Town staff said the boundaries were chosen not only because of the heritage value within them, but because they are more likely to survive an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board. Area resident Terry Smith spoke before council. He said while he supports the creation of a Downtown Oakville heritage district he believes the uncertainty surrounding the project is causing a real problem. To remedy the situation, Smith said council should push the designation through quickly or forget it. Council voted to move onto the next phase of the study. In an effort to ease the concerns of downtown businesses, council also approved an amendment stating it would continue to consult with the public, including the business community, in developing a plan and guidelines for a heritage district. There has been no decision by council to create a Downtown Oakville Heritage Conservation District, with this study only examining the possibility of creating one. A Town staff recommendation regarding the issue is not expected to come before council until the end of this year or early 2013. Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar Antique Show June 22-24, 2012 Fri. 4-11 pm, Sat. 10 am-11 pm, Sun. Noon-7 pm Sheridan College Trafalgar Road Campus FREE ADMISSION Ribs, Chicken & more Musical Acts Kid's PlayZone Crafters & Vendors Lots of Parking FREE Shuttle www.oakvillefamilyribfest.com JUNE 14th - 17th Antiques, collectibles, furniture, vintage clothing, accessories and jewellery, home decor and more. Presented by PLATINUM SPONSOR HOST SPONSOR MEDIA SPONSORS GOLD SPONSOR SILVER SPONSORS your community mall Epoch Times Home Digest Toronto Star PROUDLY MANAGED BY 2225 Erin Mills Parkway, Mississauga, just north of the QEW www.sheridancentre.ca