Town Council endorses streetscape studies for Bronte and Kerr Villages

At last night's Planning and Development Council meeting, Town Council endorsed the Bronte Village and Kerr Village streetscape studies, marking a significant step forward in enhancing placemaking, the streetscape, community spaces, and active transportation in two of Oakville’s key main street areas. These studies align with the Town’s Official Plan and support the Town’s vision to create a vibrant and liveable community for all. 

Following extensive public consultation, the two studies provide a comprehensive vision for future streetscape improvements, including pedestrian-focused design, enhanced cycling infrastructure and improved accessibility. 

The Budget Committee will consider the financial implications of the recommended streetscape improvements in the upcoming 2026 budget process with priorities identified over the next decade as outlined in the 10-year capital forecast. 

For Bronte Village, a few key highlights include: 

• Implementing significant improvements to the Lakeshore Road West and Bronte Road intersection by prioritizing pedestrians with direct and shorter crossing distances, wider sidewalk areas and removal of the vehicle slip lanes.
• Creating defined spaces for walking, cycling and commercial activities, including protected bikeways between parked cars and sidewalks.
• Removing the centre lane on Lakeshore Road West to widen sidewalks and create opportunities for additional on-street parking spaces.
• Creating more space for more trees and landscaping within the widened boulevard and using soil cell technology that supports the growth and healthy development of trees.

The Bronte Village Streetscape Study (BVSS) was also developed in collaboration with the Bronte Road One-Way Traffic Assessment Between Lakeshore Road West and Marine Drive which examined the viability of converting a segment of Bronte Road into a one-way southbound street and was approved by Council at the August 11, 2025 meeting.

For Kerr Village, a few key highlights include:

• Continuing the Downtown Oakville streetscape character along Lakeshore Road West by adding similar decorative pavement, streetlights, furniture, and more greenery.
• Widening sidewalk areas at street corners for easier and shorter crossing distances.
• Protecting the existing bike lanes on both sides of Lakeshore Road West from Forsythe Street to Dorval Drive.
• Identifying underutilized spaces located within and near the village that can be enhanced and contribute to the public realm and vitality of the district.

Any new development and infrastructure work in Bronte Village and Kerr Village will follow the design and improvement recommendations as outlined in the studies.

Background

• The Bronte Village Streetscape Study (BVSS) and the Kerr Village Streetscape Study (KVSS) were initiated in early 2024 to address the need for a cohesive streetscape plans that align with existing policies and enhance community aesthetics and functionality. 
• Throughout the Bronte Village and Kerr Village streetscape studies, Town staff engaged with residents, property owners, associations, businesses, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), and the broader community. Their input helped guide the design and recommendations at key stages.

For more information read the September 22, 2025 Bronte Village and Kerr Village Streetscape Studies staff report and check out the final studies in Appendix A – Bronte Village Public Realm and Streetscape Design Study and Appendix B – Kerr Village Public Realm and Streetscape Design Study.

Quote 

“Council’s approval of the Kerr and Bronte Village streetscape studies will transform these main streets, just as Downtown Oakville was revitalized. Future streetscape improvements will include safer crossings, better cycling connections, improved accessibility, and more trees. These changes will create vibrant, welcoming streets that enhance the economic vitality of both areas.”

– Mayor Burton