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Town wants more public input on vision for downtown by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Friday, October 16, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com After hearing from multiple residents' associations, Town council decided to seek more public input on its plans for Downtown Oakville. On Monday, Oct. 5, the Town's Planning and Development council examined four staff reports outlining the proposed future vision for the downtown. Representatives from the Joshua Creek, Chartwell Maple Grove, Trafalgar Chartwell, and Oakville Lakeside residents' associations noted they had carried out surveys, which they said showed a considerable lack of knowledge about the projects within the community and the need for more public consultation before moving forward with the downtown plans. Council voted to defer action on the Downtown Oakville Transportation and Streetscape Plan until November and action on the Downtown Cultural Hub Plan until March 2016. "We launched our Downtown Plan studies in December 2013 with a goal to bring together residents, business and cultural groups to help define our vision for a new downtown streetscape and upgraded cultural facilities," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. "The Oakville community stepped up to the challenge over the last two years, and worked with council and staff to create a shared vision for a downtown that will inspire and connect the community while protecting the heritage features of our historic downtown," said Burton. The staff reports outlined the Downtown Cultural Hub (DHC) Master Plan, the Downtown Parking Strategy, the Downtown Retail Action Plan and the overall strategy for implementation of the Downtown Plan. At its Nov. 2 Planning and Development meeting, council will continue discussions on the projects to be considered in the Town's 10-year capital forecast -- in particular, the timing of Lakeshore Road reconstruction. In March, council will further consider the key elements that define the Downtown Cultural Hub Master Plan, as well as: · Public opinion from across the town on the DCH Master Plan; · Initial feedback from the public consultation on the official plan review for the downtown area; · A program to understand the potential for private sector partnerships, with the first step being the testing of the market. "The decisions council makes will not only affect downtown businesses and residents, but all Oakville residents," said Burton. "We want to ensure that everyone in all six wards has an opportunity to share their views on the next steps for this project." For the Downtown Parking Strategy report, council requested staff bring back options, in the spring of 2016, to provide interim parking to accommodate parking displaced by the Lakeshore Road reconstruction. Council also received the Retail Action Plan report containing recommendations for economic actions to be implemented by the Downtown BIA, with support from the Town's Economic Development Department. "This is an exciting long-term plan for the renewal of our downtown streetscape, retail sector and cultural facilities, but the town can't do it all by itself," said the mayor. "Our next priority is to address the significant funding requirements through alternatives including the private sector and other levels of government." The staff reports are available online at www.oakville.ca. Residents are encouraged to learn more about the Downtown Plan by visiting the Town's website or by emailing downtownplan@oakville.ca with any questions. A STEP BEYOND IN CARE Do you have: Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? Call for an appointment 905-632-1414 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com InstallatIon Sale Thank you Oakville! For voting us Best Financial Planner Best Investment Company DIAMOND & Plus free light bulbs for life & take 24 Months to pay interest free concept lighting Oakville 243 Speers Rd. · 905.849.5483 220 Randall Street Downtown Oakville 905-842-2100 Winner of 12 Reader's Selection Awards for Best Financial Planner. Helping you make smart decisions about your money since 1991. www.conceptlighting.ca