BVRA bylaws       
2009 AGM minutes   

BVRAonwaldie@cogeco.ca

New Issues - Updated as of April 14/10.

Here are some of the developments in the Bronte area:

Want to know where these places are? Please click here to view map.

To view a map of all developments (approved and proposed) click here

Navigation:


2177 Lakeshore Road

A developer is planning to construct 9 townhouses on the property east of the Bronte Athletic field on the North side of Lakeshore Road . Local residents and the BVRA are opposed to this development as it will be very close to the existing houses. Council denied this application, the land owner has appealed the matter to the OMB. The OMB session is scheduled to begin on Dec 10/07 at the Town Hall.

Just prior to the OMB hearing the Town and the developer came to an agreement to build 4 single family homes on this property. This decision was satisfactory to all participants including local neighbours.

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2355 – 2379 Lakeshore W. Moldenhauer Developments

Moldenhauer Developments has recently applied to build an 8 storey building on the north side of Lakeshore Road (between Jones and Nelson) on the property which is presently occupied by the abandon Spa/hot-tub building and the strip mall just east of it. The building would contain 1643 square meters of open retail on the bottom floor with 143 Retirement residences on the upper floors. The BVRA does not support this development as it not compatible with the area.

The BVRA membership voted on its position on this development at the 2008 AGM. The BVRA membership does not agree with this development due to its height and massing.

The Town does not have an electronic copy of the developer's submission on this property. For more details you must visit the Planning Office at the Town Hall.

A Statutory Public Meeting was scheduled for Sept 28/09 but it was cancelled by the Town. The Town reports that need further direction from their legal department before proceeding.

For more info see: www.oakville.ca/pn-09aug26_2.htm

 

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3047 Lakeshore Road

A developer has just submitted (June 07) a proposal to the Town to build 24 townhouses on the land on the north side of Lakeshore Road just west of Triller Court across from the Veterinarian office. The current zoning allows for up to 12. Initial discussions between the developer and the BVRA did not result in a proposal that was acceptable for both sides. The BVRA does not want any more than 12 units as outlined in the Town's Official Plan. The developer was made aware of concerns regarding traffic, tree loss and, loss of the creek that presently flows through the property and the lack of compatibility the development has with the existing neighbourhood. In order for this number of buildings to be constructed on this property the developer plans to fill in the valley and remove all of the trees in the valley.

For further information see www.oakville.ca/1213 8.htm

The Town Planner assigned to this development is Leigh Musson, 905-845-6601, ext.3371 email - lmusson@oakville.ca

The application was rejected by the Town and the matter appealed to the OMB Nov. 4 2008. The Town and the developer came to an agreement prior to the OMB having to decide the fate of this property. The decision was to have 15 town homes to be built on this property. For further info see:

http://www.omb.gov.on.ca/e-decisions/pl081357-Nov-25-2009.pdf

 

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Adopt-a-trail

The BVRA has applied to the town to adopt the trail that runs from Rebecca to Lakeshore Road on the West side of Bronte Creek. We are still waiting to hear back from the Town. Anyone interested in volunteering some time to help keeping the trail clean, please contact BVRAonwaldie@cogeco.ca .

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Amica Retirement Residences on Bronte Road

A developer is proposing to build a 143 Unit, 8 storey retirement Residence on Bronte Road just north of Lakeshore Road on the West side. The Town Council has endorsed this development in April 2008 but the plan is going to the OMB over numerous issues with the Ministry Zoning Order, Developer and neighbours concerns. The OMB hearing begins on Nov 16/09.

For more information see: www.oakville.ca/12057.htm

for further information on the OMB hearing see: www.omb.gov.on.ca/english/eStatus/eStatus.html and search for OMB file number PL090104. The OMB contact is; Tome Kondinski, Planner (416) 326-6799

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Bronte Athletic Park

The Town is presently making improvements to this park. They include improving the drainage of the football/soccer field and upgrading the turf to an “Astroturf” type of surface. The cost of this project is just above $1 million.

A second stage of this project has been proposed, but not officially brought forward to the public yet. It includes removing the baseball field and replacing it with additional parking for the football/soccer field. The BVRA is not in favour of this second stage and has made our councillors and the Town aware of this. The Town has promised that a Public Information Meeting will occur prior to this second stage being approved.

For more information on this issue see: http://www.oakville.ca/22494.htm

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Bronte Butterfly Park

Initially envisioned as a millennium project, the Bronte Butterfly has been raising money toward the construction of a 210-metre winter skate way - essentially a skating pathway that could accommodate three people across and which follows the shape of a butterfly - along with an interactive butterfly park.

The hope is that the project, to be located at the foot of Bronte Road along Ontario Street , will attract more than 60 types of butterflies, as well as tourists and local residents, to the Bronte area.

The Bronte Butterfly Foundation has been given until Dec. 1/07 to come up with all the money it needs to finally make the dream of the Butterfly Park and winter skate way a reality.

A memorandum of agreement signed with the Town last year had called on the foundation to raise 75 per cent of the $3.61 million needed for the project by the beginning of 2007, and all of the money required by April 1, 2007. This deadline has since been extended until Dec 1/07. If the above goals are met the Town will contribute $500,000 from its cash-in-lieu-of-parkland reserve fund toward the project.

The Bronte Butterfly Park project was officially ended in 2008. The group was not successful in raising the required funds for the Park and have turned over to the Town any funds that were donated for paving bricks, benches etc. The Town has confirmed that all bricks and benches will be installed somewhere in the area of the Park.

For further information see the Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park item below.

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Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park

A report was presented to the Community Services Committee on Sept 19, 2008 to update them on details of this proposed Park now that the Bronte Butterfly Park was not going to proceed. Three different design plans were presented. It is hoped that design funds will be included in the 2010 budgets so that Bronte can have the park it deserves in the future.

For further information see:

www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/agendas-csc-2008/101508csca-item02.pdf

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Bronte MAG (Mayors Advisory Group)

The mayor has created a Bronte MAG to help determine what should be included as part of the revision of the Official Plan for the Bronte area. The committee consists of the BVRA, BIA, BDAC, Historical Society, developers, town planners and some members of the public. It is chaired by Ralph Robinson and Allan Johnson. The BVRA has been very disappointed so far with the lack of direction of this committee.

The final report was produced in early 2008 and has been presented to the mayor. The BVRA has not been privy to or be able to view this report even though they were part of the committee. The entire report was accepted by council and no discussion occurred. The BVRA is very disappointed with the outcome of this report as it was essentially “shelved” by the council.

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Bronte Mall Application

On March 31, 2009 an application was presented to the Town. In summary the proposal includes: no tall buildings on Lakeshore (less than 3 stories); taller buildings will be on Sovereign St.; there are plans for a skating rink, a park, a town square, office buildings, retail shopping, two to three stories on Lakeshore, a 21 storey tower on the northwest corner as well as townhomes. The western half of the mall will be demolished, with plans to begin the construction on Sovereign St. with the condo tower and move on to office/retail buildings. The Firehall Restaurant is a welcome and essential tenant but they will have to relocate temporarily; there will be an attractive atrium, buildings are stepped back, green roofed buildings, space for the arts. Sobeys will be moved to the Southeast corner on the property and be located on the second storey. It may take many years to have the entire area built. Underground parking (1200 spaces) in addition to approximately 130 parking spaces on the surface is planned. The total number of dwelling units is 451.

For further info on this development see: http://www.oakville.ca/ca-bronte-bvmall.htm

the best spot to look for details and drawings is the Urban Design Brief tab.

The BVRA made a presentation to the Town on the Nov 9/09 Public Information Meeting. See the “BVRA presentations” tab for details of the presentation.

The BVRA has requested an Information Meeting with the Applicant to answer the questions listed below. The date of this meeting should be early in 2010.

  1. How will the redevelopment of the Bronte Village Mall support the fishing village heritage and character of Bronte?
  2. Rush-hour traffic in Bronte is significant – how will you ensure that traffic problems will not be any worse because of the redevelopment?
  3. The Previous Official Plan, the Interim Growth Management Policies and the new Livable Oakville (New Official Plan) all have regard for compatibility of proposed development in terms of scale, massing and heights – to surrounding lands – how can you rationalize the varying heights of buildings in this project to meet these criteria?
  4. The community of Bronte supports a wide demographic of populations including youth, seniors, tourists and working families. What amenities are you bringing to Bronte that do not exist now that will benefit these groups?
  5. The BVRA mandate includes promoting community spirit? How could your development proposal be used (particularly the Town Square area) to support this mandate?
  6. The Mixed Use general Policies of Livable Oakville indicate that all development shall be “ of high quality design considering integration of existing buildings and façade treatments” . Explain your efforts to meet this requirement.
  7. What percentage of the site deemed developable and within the building envelope has been left as open space and where you required to do this by the Town?
  8. What is the total expected cost of the development and what components do you need as a minimum to recoup an appropriate ROI?
  9. What is your track record as an ownership with respect to developments of this scope? Will you need to partner with additional partners in order to fully develop this property?
  10. What action plan do you have in place in order to secure appropriate tenants so that development does not sit empty as do so many others in Bronte?
  11. This is a very large development. Please explain how the construction will be phased in over the life of the project.
Below is graphic of the proposed development (taken from page 19 of the Urban Design Brief)

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Bronte Village Revitalization Study

The Bronte Village Revitalization Study (BVRS) is taking place. The purpose of the BVRS is to seek input and feedback on draft revitalization options being considered by the Town of Oakville for Bronte Village . This study is being conducted by the Town Planning staff that is responsible to create the new Oakville Official Plan. Members of the BVRA and public are invited to attend any of the meetings. Public meetings have been held in May, June and July of 2008.

For more information on the BVRS see:

www.oakville.ca/livable-bronte.htm or contact lgillwoods@oakville.ca

The Livable Oakville sub-committee received the staff's recommendations for urban design guidelines and heritage guidelines for incorporation as policies in the new O.P. on March 9, 2009. The timelines for completion of the O.P are as follows: the first draft of Livable Oakville is due to go to P&D May 11, with statutory public meetings planned for possibly May 21 and June 2.  The final O.P. then goes to P&D June 9, to be ratified by Council June 22. 

For further info see: www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/agendas-advisorycomm-2008/_fianl_agenda_packet.pdf

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Bronte Harbour Yacht Club

The Bronte Harbour Yacht Club (BHYC) is renegotiating its lease with the Town. The Town would like to develop this area instead of renewing the lease to the BHYC. If the Town does renew its lease it will be asking for significantly more money than the Club can afford. It is the opinion of the BVRA executive that the BHYC and its building maintain the character of the Bronte village and therefore we support the renewing of the lease by the Town with a reasonable lease rate.

The BVRA has written the Town expressing our concern over this issue and highlighting to the Town that the BHYC is an important part of our community. Everything should be done to ensure that the Club remains where it is.

For more information see: www.bhyc.on.ca

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Bronte Rd/QEW interchange

As you may have noticed work has begun on the interchange of Bronte Road and QEW. The changes include a new overpass for Bronte Road as well as 4 new high-rises up to 14 stories on the NE corner of the intersection. The development has not received Town approval yet as the Town has concerns with the number of residential units in this development.

For more information see: http://www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/Planning_Justification_Report_5Jun07.pdf

Pages 5 and 6 of this report have some good diagrams to explain what is occurring in this area.

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Bronte Quadrangle

The first phase (heritage issues) of the OMB hearing for the Bronte Quadrangle is completed. On February 7/07 the OMB has approved that both Glendella house and the Post office can be moved to different locations on the property to allow this development to proceed. The decision also requires that the developer (Birchgrove Estates) restores these buildings. The Town of Oakville is appealing the fact that the Provincial government failed to appoint a Conversation Review Board (heritage expert) member to the joint hearing OMB panel and therefore the importance of these heritage buildings were not properly assessed.

The second phase of the OMB hearing was scheduled to begin in Sept 07 (which was to focus on the developments design and its height). The developer wants a 6 storey building on Bronte Road and a 12 storey building on the Jones Street side.

On June 25/07 the town of Oakville and Birchgrove Estates signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the Quadrangle site (agreeing to 10 storeys and 275 units). This agreement ended the requirement for the second phase of the OMB hearing. The town council voted to approve this MOU on July 3 rd .

On Oct 1/07 the Towns planning committee agreed to accept the MOU and will allow the Quadrangle to proceed. Demolition of the existing Bill Hill's grocery store will begin in a few weeks.

Below is the Town's planning staff report on the Quadrangle. It provides a history of what has happened from a planning point of view. Of note see pages 32 to 38 for the site plan to see what this building is going to look like.

Here is a summary of the building: 10 stories high, tiered from 6 stories (plus an additional 2 stories for the mechanical equipment and a swimming pool), nine 3 storey townhouses, 10 live/work units and 9000 sq feet of retail space. No addition parking will be added for the retail units.

Bronte Quad Staff Report Sept 28 07.pdf

For more information see:

http://www.oakville.ca/brontequadrangle.htm

Bronte Quad - MOU - June 07

The construction of the building is set to begin in 2009 but has been delayed due to, what we can only think is, slower than expected sales.

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Bronte Youth Centre 

This proposed space is intended to be a welcoming environment for youth to take part in a diverse range of specialized programs, services and positive recreational activities. The goal is to offer youth an opportunity to socialize in a designated and supervised “youth only” setting that also provides such integrated services as education and career counseling.

The Centre is now open at 2296 Lakeshore Road West beside Domino's pizza, across from Tim Horton's ( Bronte Plaza ). Youth are invited to drop in during operating hours Tuesdays through Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 3 to 11 p.m. For more information about the Bronte Youth Centre and volunteer opportunities, please contact Kim Lavecchia, at 905-582-3592 or klavecchia@oakville.ca.

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Burloak/Great Lakes Blvd/Rebecca parcel of land

The triangular piece of land north of Rebecca and west of Great Lakes Boulevard behind the Shell gas station is also involved in a development request.

For the present application for the northeast corner of Burloak and Rebecca see: http://www.oakville.ca/ca-burloak-bousfield.htm , the concept for this development can be found at www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/planning08/Bousfield_concept(1).pdf

The proposed development, comprising nine buildings in total, will contain a total of approximately 12,315 square meters (132,550 square feet) of retail and service commercial uses, and is anticipated to include a food store of 4,210 square meters (45,300 square feet), a drug store of 1,585 square meters (17,035 square feet) and ancillary retail and service commercial uses sited primarily along the Rebecca Street and Burloak Drive frontages. It is anticipated that the centre will be anchored by a supermarket and a drug store, with a variety of ancillary stores and services. Other items of note (from the Town):

  • The proposal includes 5 blocks. 3 of the blocks are described above, 1 block is the woodlot and 1 block is the for storm water management (just north of the woodlot). The last two blocked will be owned by the Town.

The proposed buildings are single storey commercial buildings (Commercial buildings are generally higher than single storey residential). In terms of a height measurement, the urban design brief shows building heights of between 20 ft and 25 ft.

The BVRA has numerous concerns regarding this development and has sent a summary of these to the concerns to the Town Planners. See the “BVRA presentations” tab for the actual letter.

It is expected that this plan will go to council for approval in Nov 2009.

Another application for the area (just north of the above application and the area east of Great Lakes Blvd ) can be found at http://www.oakville.ca/ca-burloak-glakes.htm , the concept for the property can be found at www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/planning08/GLBP_MasterConceptPlan.pdf

This application is for numerous buildings. See the above link for more details. Other notes from the Town. Application was submitted on November 26, 2008 and was deemed complete on December 15, 2008.

The BVRA sent a letter to the Town regarding this application in October of 2009. See the BVRA presentation section to view the letter.

The BVRA also made a presentation to the Town on Feb 22, 2010 outlining its concerns with this development. See the BVRA presentation section to view the letter.

The Town has denied this application. It is expected that the developer will appeal the application to the OMB.

 

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Burloak Water Purification Plant

The advisory committee on which the BVRA was represented has completed its work, and the Burloak Water Purification Plant is expected to be on stream by May 2008, with the tunnel work being completed by November 2007.

Update as of September 2007- The design-build contract for the Burloak Water Purification Plant Intake Tunnel is proceeding as scheduled. The on-land portion of the intake tunnel is complete. The marine work is currently at 90% and is scheduled to be completed in November 2007.

For further information see the following website - www.halton.ca/BurloakWaterPlant

Feb 2009 – The plant is now in full operation.

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Duskywing Way Development

The Duskywing Way proposed application for development of 100 units of rental apartments or 100 units of stacked townhouses in the Lakeshore Woods Subdivision - was presented by Daniels Corp on March 3rd, 2007 to a packed crowd of concerned neighbours at Walton United Church .  The BVRA was represented at the gathering by Vice President, Laurie McGinn.  Daniels indicated that both proposals adhere to the current zoning on the property.  Daniels was seeking opinion on the preference of the community and their reaction to the proposals.  Many present at the meeting were shocked to learn that the proposals meet current zoning and requested Daniels to change their plans.  They expressed concern about proliferation of traffic problems in the area and felt deceived when they purchased their homes - in that they were given the impression through signage that only 2 estate homes were planned for that location.  There also was strong opinion expressed that the plans were not in character with the existing community. 

Laurie McGinn addressed Daniels to advise that the BVRA position was that of adherence to the zoning provisions of the property and that we support the smallest 'footprint' for development thereby reducing impact on existing trees.  Ms. McGinn expressed interest to Daniels that we would be happy to discuss their plans further.  

Laurie McGinn also commented to the assembly that given our experience at the OMB, that the argument that the development would not be in character with the community was not in keeping with the current professional planning interpretations and would not be a strong argument against the development proposal proceeding.  

Many members of the community expressed desire for Daniels to down-grade the density of their plans and sought the lowest level of the range of medium density units allowable - 65 units, not 100 units as planned. The BVRA supports this concept; however, believes it extremely unlikely that Daniels would opt for less development than allowable. Daniels representatives did not respond favorably to this suggestion.

The BVRA continues to support its mandate to adhere to the Official Plan and existing zoning provisions.

In 2008 all the area trees were removed. Daniels has since changed their application for this site to 64 townhouse units. The townhouses will be small in size, l600 to l700 sq. feet and they hope to sell them for $350,000.00. Below are the latest notes from the Town:

  • Application submitted on January 16, 2009 and deemed complete on February 13, 2009;
  • Technical review is nearing completion with a few outstanding comments from external agencies;
  • A Public Information Meeting was held on February 25, 2009.
  • Planning and Development Council approved the development in April 2009
  • All approvals are now in place and construction should begin in the fall of 2009.
  • The Town has been contacted (Sept 2/09) with regard to the water building up in the area south of this development and they have promised to investigate this issue and make corrections if needed
  • For further information see: www.oakville.ca/20376.htm

 

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Interim growth management policy (OPA 275)

The Town of Oakville is proposing to implement an “Interim Growth Management Policy” while the Town Planning department conducts studies to allow it to properly prepare a revised Official Plan for areas of Oakville . This plan calls for development limitations to be put on the Bronte area for up to 3 years during this process. The proposal can be found at www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/pda041107item7.pdf.

At a public meeting held on May 2/07 the BVRA delivered its comments on this proposal to the Town's Planning department. See the link for “BVRA presentations” for the full report.

The Town council accepted this policy on June 12/07. Some of the changes that the BVRA requested where included. The Bronte area is now defined as South of Sovereign to the Lake and between Bronte Creek and East Street.

A group of developers have appealed this interim growth management polices (also called Official Plan Amendment 275 or OPA 275) to the OMB. Very little is known at this time about the hearing. We will keep you updated. BVRA members may have received notice of this hearing from the OMB in the mail. This letter was very cryptic and hard to understand. The BVRA has written a letter to the head of the OMB regarding the clarity of these notices.

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Lakeshore Road Improvements

The section of Lakeshore Road West from Mississaga St to Burloak Rd. needs to be upgraded. Some meetings have been held to invite public input. The BVRA has been attending these meetings and providing our comments. Here are the presentations from the first two meetings:

Presentations from June 20/07 Public Information Night:

www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/General/LakeshoreRdEA_PIC1_PresMaterial.pdf

Stakeholders Group meeting #1 – August 29/07

www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/engconst/LakeshoreEA-StakeMeet1-Pres-07aug29.pdf

For further information contact: Dave Johnson at the Town of Oakville DJohnson@Oakville.ca

A Public Information Centre (#2) was held on Oct 11/07 at the Sir John Colborne Center to discuss issues related to this project.

For the most up to date information see – www.town.oakville.on.ca/12305.htm

For the full report see - www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/agendas-csc-2008/01-29-08csc-item_3.pdf

Construction is now completed in the Burloak to Great Lakes Blvd section (and the Sheldon Creek bridge). Phase 2 is still in the detailed design phase and will be put out to tender in the summer of 2009.

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Oakville 's Transportation Master Plan:

www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/Final_Report_TMP_revised.pdf  for the Transportation Master Plan  itself and

www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/pda042307item6.pdf  for the staff report 

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Official Plan

The final version of the Official Plan has been released. see: www.oakville.ca/officialplanreview.htm

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Other

The BVRA will continue to keep its members updated on progress of these projects. If we miss an issue that concerns you and your family send us an e-mail:  BVRAonwaldie@cogeco.ca

Palm Place MAG (Mayors Advisory Group)

At the 2007 BVRA annual general meeting the Mayor announced that he would like to create a Palm Place Advisory group (set up by the BVRA) to:

  1. determine factors that contributed to the outcome being contrary to the Official Plan, general consensus of public desire and Council recommendations; and
  2. To provide the Mayor with recommendations for future development application process which may prevent similar outcomes for the community.

The Mayor has promised his full support of this group.

The cover letter

Palm Place MAG Report Final to Mayor.pdf

This MAG has effectively been `shelved` by our present council, with no action being taken on any of its recommendations. The BVRA will continue to press the Mayor and council to fulfill their commitment to act on these recommendations to ensure that a situation like Palm Place does not occur again.

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Other developments

Land has been acquired on the West side of East Street wrapping around to the west on the south side of Sovereign. The developer is looking at building 4 storey Town Houses.

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Palm Place MAG (Mayors Advisory Group)

At the 2007 BVRA annual general meeting the mayor announced that he would like to create a Palm Place Advisory group (set up by the BVRA) to:

  1. determine factors that contributed to the outcome being contrary to the Official Plan, general consensus of public desire and Council recommendations; and
  2. To provide the Mayor with recommendations for future development application process which may prevent similar outcomes for the community.

The mayor has promised his full support of this group.

The scope of work, methodology and timelines will be produced by the end of October 2007.

The cover letter

Palm Place MAG Report Final To Mayor.pdf

As of early April 2008 the two deer are still on the property. They have not been seen in 2009

This MAG has effectively been `shelved` by our present council, with no action being taken on any of its recommendations. The BVRA will continue to press the Mayor and council to fulfill their commitment to act on these recommendations to ensure that a situation like Palm Place does not occur again.

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Petro Canada

The Petro Canada Refinery is now only a fuel handling facility. All refining operations have ceased. We are happy to report that 2006 marked the last year of “land farming” at the facility, which was a main cause of odours from the facility.

In the spring of 2009 the remaining two stacks were dismantled. All the remaining equipment has been purchased from Petro Canada and they are waiting for the purchaser to remove the remaining refining equipment.

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Petro Canada /Shell Park Trail

In late 2008 the Town began to proceed with paving this pathway which runs north/south between Rebecca and Lakeshore Road along the Petro Canada pipeline. This was done without soliciting any public input. As a result many neighbours, the BVRA, Oakvillegreen and Lakeshore Woods Residence Association opposed this change.

On Feb 17/09 the Council decided to return this path to its natural state in the Spring of 2009.

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QEP School – Bronte Community Centre

QE Park Centre will close for Renovations on September 8, 2009 and is expected to reopen in the fall of 2011. The Town is spending $23 million renovating the building. During the renovation many activities have been relocated to other town facilities. Please see the 2009 - 2010 Fall/Winter Parks, Recreation and Culture Brochure for details. Glen Abbey Pool, located at 1415 Third Line, will become the warm pool in September.

For further info see: www.oakville.ca/qepark.htm

An article in the Feb 5/10 Beaver has pictures of what the new facility will look like: http://www.insidehalton.com/community/oakvillebeaver/article/605573

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Reichmann Seniors Housing Complex

A four story senior residence is proposed on the property directly west of Coronation Park . This development is outside the Bronte boundary but has been included for information purposes. The local residents association (Coronation Park Residents Association) opposes this development.

This application has been appealed to the OMB. The outcome is not known.

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Shell House Lands Development (a.k.a. Palm Place)

In November 2003, the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) received a re-zoning application and Official Plan amendment appeal to allow the construction of 1,000 units of high rise condos on the 10 acre Waterfront property located south of Lakeshore between Great Lakes Blvd and Burloak Drive in Oakville .

The BVRA is strongly opposed to this outrageous proposal and worked closely with government officials to represent the community opposition.

After a 7 week fight at the OMB, the hearing officer elected to allow 3 eight storey buildings on the West end of the property for of total of 300 units and create a park on the East end of the property. Even though the BVRA was very disappointed with the OMB's decision we continue to be involved with the issues surrounding this development. Meetings continue with respect to layout, traffic control, truck/construction access etc. These issues will impact our area greatly so the BVRA remains engaged in all discussions.

One major item that caused the OMB to allow the development to occur was a last minute addition to the agreement between the Town and the developer of the Lakeshore Woods subdivision which said the Town would entertain an application from the developer for up to 300 units on the Shell House land. The BVRA wants to know how this item was allowed to be included in the agreement, with no attempt to inform residents as to the potential future consequences, and who was responsible. We are presently involved with the new Mayor and Councilors to ensure that this issue is addressed.

Even though the “Shell house lands” will be developed our involvement is not over. Meetings continue with respect to layout, traffic control, truck/construction access etc. These issues will impact our area greatly so the BVRA remains engaged in all discussions.

On May 22 a staff report was presented and accepted by Council attempting to answer the questions that were asked by the BVRA as to what went wrong with the OMB hearing and how can we prevent this from happening again. This report was accepted with no questions or discussion by the council. The BVRA executive was not notified of this meeting and therefore was not able to attend and ask questions about the report. We are very disappointed with this report as it did not directly answer the questions we had asked. To this end the executive has met with the Mayor and he will be creating an “ad hoc” committee to further address the issue. The committee will be headed by Brian Miller of the BVRA. Below is a link to the report:

www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/agendas-asc-2007/052207asca-item5.pdf

As of Feb 2010 – The developer (Pemberton) has returned all the deposits of investors of the condo and they plan on re-launching the development in the spring of 2010. See the BVRA presentations section for a letter to the mayor regarding the latest changes to the Palm Place Development.

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South Shell Park

The new park that will be just east of the Palm Place development is going to be called South Shell Park . This park will end up being approx. 7 acres in size. A public washroom and children's playground are part to the plan.

For further information see:

www.oakville.ca/southshellpark.htm

Work is to begin on the park in the fall of 2008.

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School lands in Lakeshore Woods subdivision

School lands in Lakeshore Woods subdivision

August 2009 update:

The parcel of land was divided into two sections; the West section was for a Catholic school and the East section for a public school. The Catholic board has decided not to build a school in the area. The Public board has decided to exercise it option its portion of the property in February 2010. The subdivision plan has been approved for both parcels of land but only the West parcel is being developed. The East section development is on hold until the Public board decides whether to exercise its option.

For further information see: www.oakville.ca/ca-bronte-province.htm

For more information on the Public School section see: http://www.insidehalton.com/news/article/605379--board-opts-for-purchase-of-lakeshore-woods-school-site

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Speers Road upgrades

The town is beginning to study the benefits of upgrading Speer's Road between Bronte and Kerr Street . They had two public information meetings in 2008.

For more information see:

www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/engconst/PIC2SpeersBoards.pdf

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