Mayor Rob Burton has been talking about extending downtown parking in both the short and long-term, but will more free parking be coming to Downtown Oakville or is this just a pipe dream?
While the report won’t come out until later on this month, there will probably be a summer trial period this year. Ward 4 TR Councillor Allan Algar is looking into removing the middle lane of Lakeshore Road, putting down temporary curbs and let businesses make use of sidewalks, if they like.
Lakeshore Road Reconstruction Creating Dire Need for Parking
Many local businesses are worried that their custom will suffer, in light of the Lakeshore Road reconstruction and other projects that are ongoing downtown to restore Downtown
Oakville to its historic splendor.
And while that’s great for Oakville and will draw more businesses here in the future, in the short term shoppers and those that work downtown and in the historic business district could end up on the short end of the stick when it comes to parking.
Mayor Rob Burton Ordering a Report
While many Oakvillians were hoping that the parking issue would come before council last week, it was delayed, again. Mayor Rob Burton ordered a report on special measures, including a free parking program; but top priority rested on helping and strengthening the downtown area after the long and difficult winter.
The report on the parking in Oakville’s “Historic Business Areas” is expected to come before the council as soon as possible; most are expecting that it will be completed by the end of this month.
Once the parking plan has been made, other new reports will be forthcoming, including a revitalization plan to bring new business to the downtown Oakville historic business district. But the parking situation has to be sorted first, before they can move on to new things.
Parking Relief for Downtown, Business Districts Delayed
With Oakville’s eye turned toward sustainability, extensive research has to be done before more parking is allowed downtown. From figuring out how it will impact pedestrians, storefronts and everything in between, there are a lot of factors that have to be considered before the Town Council can open up more parking downtown.
Either way, it’s all part of a plan that will run from the short term (now to ’15) and beyond 2020. Many Oakvillians would rather that the Town Council takes its time making the right decisions for parking so we don’t have to replace everything in a few years because of a hasty error.
While our fingers are crossed for free parking, there’s still a lot to love about Oakville! From the vibrant downtown to being one of the safest and most walkable cities in the GTA and Ontario, it’s the perfect place to call home.
Thinking about buying an Oakville luxury home? Give us, the Goodale Miller Team, a call today and find out what Oakville holds in store for you!