Fri, 29 Jul 2016
The concept of an innovative Health, Science and Technology District (HSTD) near the new Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) will continue to move forward following Council’s endorsement of land use parameters. The approved parameters will assist Oakville Green Developments Inc. in further redefining their development proposal for the district. The application will require further studies and a statutory public meeting later this fall before going to Council for final approval.
Conceptually, a HSTD would be a unique work-live area that would attract and accommodate health science industries as well as research and technology firms in a compact urban hub. It would support the town’s economic development strategy and would build on significant public investment made to the hospital. Located on a 15.32 hectare piece of land at the northeast corner of Third Line and Dundas Street West just east of the OTMH, the proposed district would result in 4.5 million square feet of leasable area with building heights ranging from eight to 32 storeys and potentially feature close to 9,000 jobs and over 2,000 residents.
“This Health Sciences and Technology District would be a world-class community, generating thousands of knowledge-based jobs in Oakville,” said Mayor Burton. “Staff will continue to work with the developer on their application in accordance with the principles Council has endorsed. I also urge residents to share their thoughts on this project once public meetings are scheduled.”
Next steps in the application process include technical studies, including traffic and financial impact studies that will define the infrastructure needs (scope and cost) necessary to support the proposed HSTD. Other plans will also need to be developed including urban design, architectural, tree canopy, waste management, pedestrian circulation, and use of open space. Once complete, a comprehensive resubmission of the application would be made by the Oakville Green Developments Inc. which would follow a typical review process, including public meetings.
The Health Sciences and Technology District is just one component of a Health-Oriented, Mixed-Use Node (HOMUN) called for in the town’s North Oakville West Secondary Plan. Other components include the hospital and ErinoakKids Oakville.
For more information, review the full staff report under Discussion Items in the July 25, 2016 Planning and Development Council agenda.