The Premier of Ontario has declared a province-wide state of emergency and issued a stay-at-home order in response to rising COVID-19 variant infection rates.
After two phases of reconstruction, the transformation of Lakeshore Road East is complete and the road has re-opened to vehicles, cyclists and shoppers. The Lakeshore Road Reconstruction and Streetscape Project launched in 2019 and was completed over a two-year period.
What's underground has been overhauled, with new storm sewers, sanitary sewers and utility improvements that include internet upgrades, new hydro lines, water pipes and other renewal work. New and enhanced tree-lined boulevards designed for vehicular, cyclist and pedestrian traffic, balance the needs of all modes of transportation.
The flexible design on George Street will facilitate access for special events and festivals, allowing residents and visitors to experience the many activities it hosts each year. A two metre marketing zone in front of each storefront will enable restaurants and retailers to use street space as part of their downtown presence.
The smart city technology includes public Wi-Fi, traffic counters and electric vehicle charging stations. The new street layout provides shoppers with an increased number of parking spaces and businesses with new commercial loading zones.
Thanks for joining us to virtually celebrate the grand reopening of Lakeshore Road! Although we couldn't gather in person to celebrate, we're glad the community joined in on a digital celebration in order to mark this occasion safely.
A guidebook to our Revitalized Downtown
The reconstruction and streetscape project couldn't have been completed without the residents, businesses and visitors who have worked through the construction process, participated in programming and whose patience and cooperation have assisted in bringing this project to an on-time, on budget, conclusion.
The coronavirus pandemic is impacting business operations, and employers are seeking information to address new challenges and make informed decisions. For an overview of the resources and information currently available to the business community, please visit Invest Oakville.
Halton Region Small Business Centre consultants are available to help you navigate business relief programs, including rent support, access to funding, and tax breaks. Contact the Small Business Centre to set up a call or one-on-one virtual meeting to ensure sure you’re tapping into all available business supports.
Oakville has partnered with Digital Main Street to help businesses start and grow their presence online. Visit Invest Oakville to access grants, one-on-one support, free web building tools, and online training. For more information, contact Mary Vallee.
Need further assistance? Reach out to the Economic Task Force partners, visit their websites for up-to-date resources and programs for business, or call 311 to connect to Halton Region services and Public Health information.
There have been numerous updates included in the reconstruction project. The commercial loading zones were planned to be spatial throughout the entire downtown, providing access for all businesses. The detailed spaces were determined to align with the downtown transportation study, then refined when the parking and accessible parking spaces locations were determined.
The Downtown Transportation Study includes the planned locations of the new commercial loading zones (CLZ).
Twenty-four trees have been planted along Lakeshore Road between Navy and Dunn. An additional 24 will be planted in the second phase. The species include:
We understand many of you want to see larger tees planted. Forestry experts have advised us the size (and species) being planted are the right choices and will outgrow larger tree stock. The following information was provided by the landscape architect:
Regarding the size of the trees, arboricultural research has proven that planting smaller trees leads to better outcomes over time as smaller trees establish their root systems more quickly after transplanting. Over a 10-year period, small trees will actually outgrow larger trees (when comparing the size at the time of planting). This is why we specified 50mm caliper trees. Each tree is inspected before they arrived at the site to ensure that the trees are uniform and healthy.
With Lakeshore Road East coming to the end of its lifespan and needing a major reconstruction, the town undertook extensive research and public consultation to identify broader opportunities to improve traffic, beautify streets and improve pedestrian/cycle ways in the downtown.
In April 2018, Council approved the final design for the Lakeshore Road Reconstruction and Streetscape Project. Reconstruction will be done in two phases: Phase 1 in 2019 (spring to fall) between Navy and Dunn streets, and phase 2 in 2020 (spring to fall) between Dunn and Allan streets.
The Downtown Transportation and Streetscape Study (DTS) was approved by Council in April 2015 which includes the Lakeshore Bridge Rehabilitation, the Two-Way Street Conversion, and the Lakeshore Road Reconstruction and Streetscape Project. The DTS is part of the overall Downtown Plan.
Town Council endorses the Downtown Mitigation Strategy and gives direction for free parking on Saturdays, running from April 2019 to November 2020. Town staff are directed to implement the mitigation initiatives, subject to budget approval. Review the September 20, 2018, Planning and Development Council staff report.
Town Council approves final streetscape plan for Lakeshore Road Streetscape and Reconstruction Project. Council also receives information about the mitigation initiatives that are planned at the present time, wayfinding initiatives planned for downtown during and after construction.