Mon, 29 Sep 2014
Town Council recently approved a heritage designation for the former Metro Marine building located at 2508 Lakeshore Road West in Bronte, in recognition of the significant role the building has played in the harbour’s rich marine history.
“The former Metro Marine building will be maintained as an important heritage structure in Bronte Harbour,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. “Staff will be working with the community to determine the preferred future use of the building and the renovations required to realize that vision.”
Emergency repairs were required after the building’s roof was damaged by a severe summer storm. Additional refurbishment work to address health and safety standards and bring the building to a state of good repair is also required at a cost of $600,000. Because the building must be vacant for the additional work to be completed safely, current tenants have been notified that their leases will expire on June 30, 2015.
“We recognize that the current tenants need a reasonable amount of time to wind up operations and relocate,” said Gord Lalonde, commissioner of corporate services for the Town of Oakville. “We’ll continue to work with them to ensure as smooth a transition as possible.”
In early 2015, town staff will be engaging with the Bronte community — boating associations, local residents, businesses and interested individuals — to determine the preferred use of the building. The impact on the Harbours Business Plan will also be reviewed and discussed as part of the public consultation.
Town staff will report to Council later in 2015 on the recommended use for the building, the needed renovations and the associated cost.