www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, April 18, 2014 | 4 Damoff concerned about cost and consultation continued from p.1 sue over the years, discussions ramped up more recently at the Downtown Oakville BIA general meetings after businesses were hit hard this winter as the weather kept many shoppers at home. "We needed to do something to assist businesses to kickstart recovery from the worst winter in living memory," Burton told the Oakville Beaver Wednesday, adding he also did some research into other communities' experience that is assisting him in formulating the plan to stimulate the economy. Burton sent a letter to Downtown Oakville BIA members last week seeking feedback on the plan for which he's hoping to get fellow councillors' backing. To date, the mayor said more than 120 responses are in support of his plans while three responses don't believe it will do any good. He noted the proposal isn't just about offering free parking, but also asks to inform the downtown BIA members of the Town's existing discounted programs for employees who park away from the shops. He's hoping the Town could Downtown Oakville BIA Executive Director Sharlene Plewman said members are feeling "overwhelmingly positive" about the potential to have some parking relief in the downtown area. "We want to ensure that when customers do come down (to downtown Oakville), their experience here is an enjoyable one," she said. In the minds of many of the BIA's nearly 400 members, offering some free parking will provide a better experience for consumers, she said. They're also supportive of coming up with a system that would ensure there's adequate parking for customers and appropriate places where merchants and their employees can park their own vehicles, Plewman added. Ward 2 Town Councillor Pam Damoff said she feels the broader community should be engaged in the discussion. Noting she only became aware of the initiative when Burton's letter was forwarded to her, Damoff said she has concerns about how much this will cost the Town and, Councillor Pam Damoff ultimately, the taxpayers. "This is a serious issue that deserves consultation with all stakeholders," she said, adding although it's definitely worth consideration, it should be within the context of a wider strategy. "We need to have a conversation about how to promote business in all three BIAs to ensure their success." Damoff plans to bring her concerns to council. Mayor Rob Burton is hoping to win council backing to make parking free in Downtown Oakville, pictured above, as well as in Kerr Village. Bronte Village already has free parking. | Oakville Beaver file photo also start developing a community improvement plan and business plan for the downtown area similar to the ones created for Kerr Village and Bronte. In an effort to be fair to all BIAs in town, Burton said he will also be requesting there be free parking in Kerr Village, too. Bronte, he said, already has free parking. This pr programmable ogrammable thermostat is yours FREE for joining ® peaksaver PLUS. It gives you online access, so you can temperature in your home anytime, from anywhere. change the temperature The touchscreen control makes it easy to adjust, and the thermostat is installed and pr ogrammed at no cost to you. programmed Plus r receive eceive this FREE In-Home Ener gy Display Energy Energy Display image is for illustration only, may not be exactly as shown. Subject to additional terms and conditions found at saveonenergy.ca. Funded by the Ontario Power Authority and offered by Oakville Hydro Electricity Distribution Inc. OM Official Mark of the Ontario Power Authority. Used under licence. peaksaver PLUS® is a registered trade-mark of Toronto Hydro Corporation. Used under sublicence. Must have central air conditioning in good working order to participate. Limited time offer. It's FREE and it's easy! Just call 1-877-727-1306 or visit oakvillehydro.com/peaksaverPLUS