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Current Issues

LAKESHORE ROAD WEST:

A Multi-Year Battle to Preserve a Scenic Corridor

A Part of Oakville's History

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The earliest section of Lakeshore Road runs from Great Lakes Boulevard to Fourth Line and was originally part of an Indigenous trail used by the Mississaugas along the shores of Lake Ontario.
The second section from Fourth Line to Winston Churchill Boulevard follows a straight east- west concession road, originally laid out as part of the 1806 Wilmot Survey.

The origins of these two sections of Lakeshore Road still define much of their character and arrangement today. As well, Lakeshore Road was one of the original Kings Highways introduced in 1917.
What's the Big Deal?
Lakeshore Road West is an iconic part of Oakville's beauty. Its history stretches back to days when it was part of an indigenous trail along the shores of Lake Ontario. And, it is identified in Oakville's Official Plan as a Scenic Corridor.

That identification carries important policies that support its conservation.
* 3.14 Scenic Corridors: recognized for their scenic value and for natural and cultural heritage features. Important features that need to be maintained or restored since they add value and contribute to the Town’s character.
* 5.3.11 The scenic character of Lakeshore Road should be conserved.
* 10.1.1 To maintain the existing urban forest; and, to progressively increase the urban forest .

Oakville’s Tree Preservation Policy -Trees on public lands shall be removed only to safeguard public safety.

VISIT FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS FOR MORE DETAILS ON SCENIC CORRIDORS
In 2018, the results of a Class Environmental Assessment on Lakeshore Road West carried a staff recommendation for urbanization of Lakeshore Road West between Mississaga Street in Bronte and Dorval Drive in the east. The urbanization was to include
  • the widening of the road to accommodate a continuous centre turn lane,
  • the addition of a 3-m wide asphalt Multi-Use Path,
  • the cutting down over 300 trees,
  • the expropriation of land from dozens of home owners,
  • the addition of curbs and gutters along the route, bike lanes and adjustments to intersections.
So, we got to work and did our homework. Here's what we found.
  1. The entire Lakeshore Road West corridor was functioning at acceptable levels of service and would continue to do so to 2031 and beyond. Population forecasts included the recently completed condos at Bronte Rd and Lakeshore.
  2. The safety performance of road sections and intersections along Lakeshore between Third Line and Dorval were all functioning at expected safety levels and did not require additional investigation or countermeasures.
  3. There was no need for a continuous centre turning lane! Individual turn lanes could be positioned at specific intersections if required. Further … a continuous centre lane encourages speeding.
  4. The widening process would result in the loss of 300 trees!
  5. Property owners would lose frontage, trees and established elements such as fences, gates, walls, etc.
Then What?
Over the following years, through our ongoing efforts and community involvement …
Stopped the Roundabout
... We defeated a proposed roundabout at the corner of Third Line and Lakeshore, directly adjacent to the Sir John Colborne Seniors Centre and steps away from the Oakville Christian Elementary School.
Eliminated Proposed Centre Turn Lane
... Public sentiment forced the withdrawal of the proposed centre turn lane from the planned road configuration. The consultants' report stated "improvement is considered as nominal. As a result, the traffic operational analysis does not warrant the implementation of a Two-Way-Left-Turn-Lane".
No MU Path From 4th Line to Dorval
... A portion of the multi-use path was removed between 4th Line and Dorval based on the consultants' estimation that too many trees would be lost.
SCENIC CORRIDOR STUDY UNDERTAKEN
... We were successful in having Planning Staff undertake a SCENIC CORRIDOR STUDY. The final report supported Oakville's Official Plan policies including Policy 5.3.10: “The scenic character of Lakeshore Road should be conserved.”
These were all positive steps, BUT ...
… Staff continued to return with plans that included the multi-use path - the killer of dozens of trees - and urbanization of the road with requirements that would sacrifice even more trees. SO, WE CONTINUED OUR OPPOSITION
And Now?
Five years later, we continue to fight for …
The preservation of Lakeshore Road West as a Scenic Corridor - its beauty, historic cultural value and the important role it plays in the character of Oakville.
The preservation of dozens of trees that are still on the chopping block.
Sustainable solutions that show we're serious about fighting climate change - reducing impervious surfaces and grey infrastructure (asphalt, cement, etc.) reducing run-off using green stormwaters methods, capturing rain where it falls.
A Small Sample of Trees at Risk
This is just a small sample of the trees at risk of loss. Every image here features a tree or multiple trees that will be cut down if the proposed multi-use path and/or urbanization of the road is undertaken.

This isn't about losing a few trees. In total, more than 50 trees are on the chopping block. Along one section of Lakeshore Road between Bronte Village and Third Line, a total of 19 trees in a row would be lost. What is now a very pleasant walk shaded by trees would turn into a treeless asphalt path. Summer air temperatures of 31 Celsius /87 Fahrenheit create asphalt temperatures of 62 Celsius/143 Fahrenheit.

In season, every one of these trees casts shade on the paths and sidewalks below them. They soak up rain water, clean the air and help prevent erosion. It doesn't matter if we're talking about 50 trees or 500. Every tree makes a contribution to the beauty of Lakeshore, to Oakville's overall tree canopy and to our fight against climate change.

It's simple. No tree should ever be removed to make way for an asphalt path or grey infrastructure. Both fly in the face of the responsible actions we are committed to taking in the climate crisis we've declared as a town.
6 FAST FACTS ON LAKESHORE
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1. LAKSHORE RD HAS SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE AS A SCENIC CORRIDOR
* Identified in our Official Plan with policies that support its conservation.
* 3.14 Scenic Corridors: recognized for their scenic value and for natural and cultural heritage features. Important features that need to be maintained or restored since they add value and contribute to the Town’s character.
* 5.3.11 The scenic character of Lakeshore Road should be conserved.
* 10.1.1 To maintain the existing urban forest; and, to progressively increase the urban forest .
Oakville’s Tree Preservation Policy -Trees on public lands shall be removed only to safeguard public safety.
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2. RECOGNISE CLIMATE CHANGE
We must assess the entire project through a Climate Emergency Screening Tool. Cutting down trees for the sake of an asphalt path is not acceptable.
The urban profile of Lakeshore Road West allows rainwater to be absorbed by soil, trees, shrubs and roadside ditches. Creating curbs, catch basins and additional grey infrastructure is not only unnecessary, it results in an increase of dirty stormwater runoff being directed into pipes faster, thus increasing runoff and the pollution that enters Lake Ontario.
Let's take this opportunity to make this project one that puts fighting climate change its priority.
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3. PROPOSED MULTI-USE PATH IS THE #1 KILLER OF TREES
The proposed multi-use path is the #1 KILLER OF TREES. A decision to cut down trees to replace them with an asphalt path flies in the face of our commitment to fighting climate change. It simply isn't acceptable.

In this photo, 19 trees between East Street and Third Line would be destroyed, and along the entire route, dozens of other trees would be lost.
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4. THE REALITY OF PATH CONSTRUCTION
This is what construction of a 3-m wide multi-use path actually looks like.
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5. WIDE ENOUGH FOR ALL OUR NEEDS
  • The current width of Lakeshore can provide a wide paved shoulder or cycle lane.
  • Sidewalks already exist on the South side ALONG THE ENTIRE PROJECT ROUTE. The sidewalks are in good condition and are set well back from the road, offering pedestrians a safe, scenic place to walk and enjoy surroundings.
  • The existing paved path on the north side can be extended in some places. Both meet AODA standards and the path is identified on Town maps as being part of the Waterfront Trail.
  • As with Lakeshore Road EAST, we can't expect to have a path on the north side in all areas if we want to preserve trees and character. Walkers, joggers and others can share spaces. It's what we already do!
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6. GREEN RAINWATER SOLUTIONS, NOT GREY
The image above is part of the overland natural drainage system that still exists in many areas near Lakeshore Road. As these overland systems convey water to Lake Ontario, they slow the water, allowing it to soak into the soils around them. Water that is absorbed is also filtered, thereby reducing grit and other pollutants that are present in stormwater runoff from the gutters and underground pipes used in grey infrastructure.

There are already a number of areas along Lakeshore Road West and nearby streets that use grey infrastructure. We don't want to increase it. Instead, we want to enhance/restore the green infrastructure we have in order to lessen the effects and costs of grey infrastructure. We want our systems to be more natural, as they are the systems that create sustainability.

A staff report from 2018 clearly states "Lakeshore West is located close to the Lake Ontario; therefore, storm water quantity controls are not required to reduce flows from the roadway". It is only when the road is "urbanized" that additional drainage infrastructure is needed.

Staff continue to say the grey infrastructure they wish to add below the road is for conveyance. We continue to stress the importance of controlling stormwater "where it falls". This is the approach that is driven by green solutions. If the Lakeshore Road area is threatened by stormwater from areas farther north, stormwater improvements need to happen in those areas first.
It's Time to Get Involved
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Treat Lakeshore with the Care a Scenic Corridor Merits.

  • Climate Change Emergency strategies must take precedence. Apply a context-sensitive, climate lens to assess proposed changes.
  • All modifications should be limited to the present size of the road deck.
  • No removal of trees for any reason other than disease or public safety.
  • Resurface the road including paving of the shoulder or addition of adequate bike lanes.
  • Continue the use of existing sidewalks along Lakeshore as well as the existing multi-use path on the north side (identified on Town maps as being part of the Waterfront Trail system).
  • Repair problem areas in sidewalks and the path, if and where they are required, and extend them where possible. All work must be undertaken in a manner that preserves trees.
  • Preserve the rural cross section of the road with its natural shoulders, greenery, roadside ditches, trees, grass, etc. These all serve to carry, filter and absorb stormwater. We MUST take climate change seriously and preserve our natural green assets.
  • Using a climate change lens, undertake a review of stormwater alternatives for the areas north of Lakeshore that are contributing to the proposed need for a large piece of infrastructure to convey water to Lake Ontario. These alternatives must by undertaken with a view that reflects the practice of catching water where it falls utilizing green infrastructure and/or of the newest approaches that utilize green/blue hybrids.
  • Be fiscally responsible.

Summation in a Nutshell:
Important Points, & Outstanding Questions

Our Climate Crisis Needs Action

We Must Recognize Climate Change
  • We must assess the entire project through a Climate Emergency Screening Tool. Cutting down trees for the sake of an asphalt path is not acceptable. Adding more grey stormwater infrastructure is short-sighted.
  • The urban profile of Lakeshore Road West allows rainwater to be absorbed by soil, trees, shrubs and roadside ditches. Creating curbs, catch basins and additional grey infrastructure results in an increase of dirty stormwater runoff being directed into pipes faster, thus increasing runoff and the pollution that enters Lake Ontario.
  • Let's make this an opportunity to make this project a leader in the marriage of the latest green-blue hybrid stormwater infrastructure. Let's preserve, restore and enhance our natural assets.

$68-MILLION PLUS

The costs for this project continue to escalate.
* In 2018 the estimated capital cost was approximately $31,665,000 exclusive of land and utility relocation costs.
* In 2020, we reported the estimated cost for the overall project would surpass $50-Million.
* In 2022, another $5.08-Million was approved for the coming year and all but $25,000 was for outside services. The 2022 Budget indicated the cost for this project had now grown to $68.2 Million! Add to this the $900,000 spent in 2022 for temporary resurfacing.

No Meaningful Engagement Since 2018

No in-person consultation has been undertaken since 2018, when our Councillors insisted that staff and consultants attend and engage directly with residents.

The result of that meeting was the removal of the centre turning lane from the proposal and a motion from Council that staff return in future with a plan that would include NO TREES REMOVED. Staff never fulfilled that direction. It reported in 2021 it was unable to find a solution.

Due to COVID, input on the 2021 Preferred Option of staff's plan was received online.

**FACT: **There were 194 responses. **More than 50% specifically opposed the plan and removal of trees**. Only 18% supported it.

EA Process Continued When No Longer Required

In July 2021, staff disclosed the following: The removal of the continuous centre lane meant the Class Environmental Assessment was no longer a requirement, but HAD continued SINCE IT PROVIDED A FORUM FOR EXTENSIVE PUBLIC CONSULTATION.

Staff had never notified residents or Council of this fact. The Town of Oakville continued to refer to the Lakeshore Road West project as an CLASS EA project in all its communications, written materials and in directions to residents when outlining continued necessary steps to be undertaken in the process. It also continued to engage the consultant hired for the EA process and provide staff with more funds requested in annual budgets under the umbrella of "additional activities that would be carried out under the EA process".

A Context Sensitive Solution

Deliver A Bespoke Solution
  • We have continually asked for the use of context sensitive design in creating the renewal of Lakeshore Road West.
  • We need to work within the historic context of the road with its mature trees, quaint rural feel and natural drainage features.
  • Lakeshore Road is a Scenic Corridor. Let's respect its significance.

Preserve and Enhance

Work With What We Have and Enhance It.
  • As this photo demonstrates, the road in its current geography can accommodate bike lanes or a paved shoulder.
  • We don't support the introduction of a 3-meter wide asphalt path that will kill dozens of trees.
  • Our present sidewalks and path are set well-back from the road edge and shaded by trees.

Give Lakeshore West Parity with Lakeshore East

In East Oakville, Staff and Residents Planned Their Path Together.

Note the differences!
* The path is 2m wide and set back from the road.
* Only two trees were removed - failing health.
* Arborist on site during work.
* Path would move to the north side in some areas to accommodate restrictions like hydro poles or trees that would be damaged/cut down. Cost and appearance were factors in making decisions.
* Staff advised not all areas along Lakeshore would get a path due to sidewalk by-laws, space restrictions and the fact that tearing up what existed to replace it with a thin strip of asphalt would not be a good use of taxpayers' money.

Why have residents of Lakeshore Road WEST not been granted the same discussions and considerations? The solutions used on Lakeshore Road East directly mirror what residents in the West have been saying for years.

We Can Deliver Active Transportation

We Can Deliver Active Transportation With What Exists

◦ The sidewalks are in good condition and are set well back from the road, offering pedestrians a safe, scenic place to walk and enjoy the surroundings.
◦ The existing paved path on the north side can be extended in some places. Both meet AODA standards and the path is identified on Town maps as being part of the Waterfront Trail.
  • As with Lakeshore Road EAST, we can't expect to have a path on the north side in all areas if we want to preserve trees and character. Walkers, joggers and others can share spaces. It's what we already do!

A No-Loss Solution

Council Asked for a No-Loss Solution

In August of 2018 Town Council unanimously passed a motion that directed staff to complete additional consultation and report back in early 2019 with recommendations that would include:
- at least one option reflecting no continuous centre lane, no loss of trees and no expropriation of property, while maintaining cycle lanes and reflecting sidewalks/multiuse paths on at least one side and minimizing impervious surfaces.

**Three years later, at the July 6, 2021 Special Meeting of Council, when staff presented its Preferred Option for Lakeshore Road West, staff's presentation included the announcement it could not meet that condition.

It attributed it to the need to address safety issues.

Preserve Our Natural Assets

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Lakeshore Road West does not require stormwater quantity controls. It doesn't not NEED urbanization. Our network of green natural drainage systems is capable of conveying stormwater.

If new measures are required to deal with stormwater from areas further north, they must be green solutions, not gray infrastructure.
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  • What Is the Position of Coronation Park RA?
    1. No Multi-Use Path
    The path is the biggest killer of trees. Many are large, old-growth specimens that not only create part of the outstanding rural beauty and character of Lakeshore Road West, but also act as important partners in controlling storm water, giving shade, and cleaning the environment.

    By paving the shoulder or adding cycle lanes to the areas that don't currently have them, we will be addressing the needs of those who either currently ride on Lakeshore Road or those who would like to cycle on-road but don't feel they can without a cycle lane.

    That leaves us with children who want to cycle, pedestrians who wish to walk or jog along route, families out for a walk, dog walkers, those with disabilities who would use a wheelchair or cane who wish to enjoy time outside for a walk. Connectivity for pedestrians and those who wish to use Lakeshore Road for recreation already exists and can be improved.
    ◦ There is an existing sidewalk on the south side of Lakeshore from East St. to Dorval. If any area is identified as one that requires maintenance or repair, let's fix it.
    ◦ There is an existing multi-use path on the north side in every area with these exceptions: Solingate to Third Line, Spring Garden to Westdale, Fourth Line to Whittington Place, Suffolk to Morden.

    Solution: Let’s utilize what we already have. Fill the gaps where possible, enhance the path that exists and encourage sharing of our spaces. Those who walk and those who want to pedal or ride can share safely. Let's remember: In Oakville, children under the age of 11 years old, with wheel diameters that do not exceed 51 centimetres or 20 inches and the parent, guardian or other adult who accompanies them are permitted to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk.

    2. Preserve Our Tree Canopy. Every Tree Matters
    The Town of Oakville's Tree Policy notes the following:
    ◦ The Corporation of the Town of Oakville is committed to preserve and enhance its tree canopy and natural vegetation.
    ◦ The town shall protect trees on both public and private lands pursuant to applicable by-laws, recognizing their importance to the ecology, aesthetics, culture, and heritage of the town.
    ◦ Trees on public lands shall be removed only to safeguard public safety.

    3. Protect our Heritage - Significance of Lakeshore Road
    The earliest section of Lakeshore Road runs from Great Lakes Boulevard to Fourth Line and was originally part of an Indigenous trail used by the Mississaugas that winds along the lakeshore towards Hamilton. The second section from Fourth Line to Winston Churchill Boulevard follows a straight east west concession road, originally laid out as part of the 1806 Wilmot Survey.

    The origins of these two sections of Lakeshore Road still define much of their character and arrangement today. As well, Lakeshore Road was one of the original Kings Highways introduced in 1917.

    Oakville's Official Plan, Livable Oakville - identifies Lakeshore Road as a Scenic Corridor under its Urban Structure. Such scenic corridors are defined as “a thoroughfare containing roads and associated features that are recognized for their scenic value and for their related natural and cultural heritage features.”

    The Livable Oakville Plan has additional policies that relate to Scenic Corridors. It also added policy 3.14: “Scenic Corridors are recognized for their scenic value and for their natural and cultural heritage features. These important features need to be maintained or restored since they add value and contribute to the Town’s character.” [where “Character means the collective qualities and characteristics that distinguish a particular area or neighbourhood”.]

    This policy further supports the existing heritage conservation policies in Livable Oakville Plan (Section 5) and in the case of Lakeshore Road, Policy 5.3.10 states: “The scenic character of Lakeshore Road should be conserved.”

    4. Uphold Our Commitment to Fight Climate Change
    Town Biodiversity Strategy 2018
    ◦ Preventing further loss of existing trees is the best way to increase Oakville’s canopy cover.
    ◦ Protecting street trees will allow canopy cover to increase.
    ◦ Use low impact development for a green streetscape

    Climate Emergency 2019 - Oakville Town Council passed a motion declaring a climate emergency in Oakville. Trees absorb greenhouse gases like carbon from the atmosphere. One mature tree can absorb 48 pounds of carbon every year. Trees can reduce the impact of severe flooding and storms. They absorb the extra water in the soil as it surges on land and release it into the air as vapour.

    If conservation of our heritage and preservation of our tree canopy are indeed of the utmost importance to Oakville, Lakeshore Road should be be preserved.

    5. No Full Urbanization of the Road
    We favour the addition of bike lanes or paved shoulders, however we do not support other urbanization aspects.

    Here’s why
    • The directions of the Scenic Corridor study should be the lens with which we view any proposed improvements or changes to Lakeshore Road. Its preservation as a place of natural and cultural heritage is paramount to retaining its character and importance.
    • Lakeshore Road itself does not require stormwater quantity controls. Due to its proximity to Lake Ontario and the fact it is surrounded by a natural network of open ditches, channels, streams, creeks and swales that have formed the minor stormwater system for decades, if not centuries. To deal with the conveyance of water from areas in the north, green solutions should be sought.
    • Traffic studies undertaken and sited in the EA study reveal Lakeshore Road, in its present state, has no lack of capability to handle volume, no intersections that do not function at an acceptable level and no glaring safety issues. As such, we support looking at each individual location where improvements are sought in order to determine solutions that are best suited to the road, its character and heritage.

    6. Fiscal Responsibility
    The project as currently proposed in 2022 Budget documents carries a projected cost of over $68.2 Million. That total does not include the cost of relocating utilities or the cost of acquiring land.

    The inclusion of needless features such as a multi-use path that would remove over 90 trees and be replaced by an impervious asphalt path is irresponsible spending.
The Past Five Years
This section provides information, details and images related to the entire Lakeshore Road West reconstruction project for the past five years.

Full details and a Timeline detailing earlier activity is available on the FAQ page.

Click on the bars below to view details on each time segment. The last bar provides an overview of the current 2022 Request For Proposal document issued by the Town in late summer as well as other facts or details we feel are pertinent.
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  • 2018
    Since the outset, Coronation Park Residents Association (CPRA) has limited its focus and comments to the area stretching from East Street in the west to Dorval Drive in the east. That's because the Bronte Village area with its retail sector, already urbanized road profile and redevelopment of several buildings makes it very different in terms of needs and uses.

    In 2018, we received word the Town-initiated Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) study for improvements to Lakeshore Road West from Mississaga Street in the west to Dorval Drive in the east had been concluded. The final report recommended the widening of Lakeshore Road to three lanes with a continuous centre turning lane as well as amenities for active transportation.

    Huge Impact on Lakeshore Road and Property Owners
    The original proposal resulted in significant concerns. If undertaken, the widening would have resulted in the loss of 300 mature trees along Lakeshore Road as well as the expropriation of land from some 69 properties. These changes would radically change the character and appearance of Lakeshore Road.

    Coronation Park Residents Association opposed this plan. Here’s why:
    1. Traffic studies reveal the entire Lakeshore corridor is functioning at acceptable levels of service now and that the road can continue to provide those acceptable levels up to 2031 and beyond.
    2. Safety studies show that 54% of the collisions on Lakeshore Road occur within the Bronte Village area .
    3. The safety performance of road sections and intersections along Lakeshore between Third Line and Dorval are all functioning at expected safety levels and do not require additional investigation or countermeasures.
    4. There is no need for a continuous centre turning lane. Individual left turn lanes can be positioned at specific intersections if they are required. A continuous centre turn lane encourages speeding.
    5. The widening process will result in the loss of 300 trees!
    6. Property owners will lose frontage, trees and established elements such as fences, gates, walls, etc.
    7. The overall cost of this project will exceed 40-million dollars. We want to work toward a project that will fulfil needs with a lesser expenditure.

    Our delegation attended the May 22 Community Services Committee and made a presentation on behalf of the community. Read the Oakville Beaver article here.

    The information outlined in our presentation was, in part, drawn from these important reports:
    • The Final Draft of the Consultant's Report,
    • The Transportation and Traffic Study, which reveals Lakeshore Road in its present 2-lane configuration can accommodate vehicular traffic requirements to 2031 and beyond.
    • The Road Safety Performance Study, which shows that 54% of accidents occur in Bronte Village proper and that the Performance Safety Index (PSI) for 20 of the 26 intersections considered were functioning at a level under a "1" rating. Any location that has a PSI of greater than one is a location that is performing worse than expected from a safety perspective, and could benefit from countermeasures.

    In August of 2018 Town Council voted unanimously on the following motion:
    • That staff be directed to complete additional consultation on the Lakeshore Road West Improvements (Mississauga Street to Dorval Drive) Class Environmental Assessment and report back to Council in early 2019 with recommendations that include at least one option reflecting no continuous centre lane, no loss of trees and no expropriation of property, while maintaining cycle lanes and reflecting sidewalks/multiuse paths on at least one side and minimizing impervious surfaces.
  • 2019 - 2020
    In 2019, Council directed that a Scenic Corridor Study be undertaken to include Lakeshore Road West. Lakeshore Road is identified in Livable Oakville's Urban Structure as a Scenic Corridor. Such scenic corridors are defined as “a thoroughfare containing roads and associated features that are recognized for their scenic value and for their related natural and cultural heritage features.”

    The study report included : Policy 3.14 also states “These important features need to be maintained or restored since they add value and contribute to the Town’s character.” [where “Character means the collective qualities and characteristics that distinguish a particular area or neighbourhood”.]

    This policy further supports the existing heritage conservation policies in Livable Oakville Plan (Section 5) and in the case of Lakeshore Road, Policy 5.3.10 states: “The scenic character of Lakeshore Road should be conserved.”

    The study’s report material also provided a description of Lakeshore Road’s historical context in the following way: The earliest section runs from Great Lakes Boulevard to Fourth Line and was originally part of an Indigenous trail used by the Mississaugas that winds along the lakeshore towards Hamilton. The second section from Fourth Line to Winston Churchill Boulevard follows a straight east west concession road, originally laid out as part of the 1806 Wilmot Survey.

    The origins of these two sections of Lakeshore Road still define much of their character and arrangement today.

    In March 2020, the study was presented to the Planning & Development Council in March 2020 - just days before the ongoing pandemic caused a shutdown throughout Ontario.
  • 2021
    In late January 2021, we learned Town Staff was planning to move ahead and provide a Preferred Option for the Lakeshore West Project.

    It came to us after almost a year of inactivity and no communication to residents from the project consultants or Town staff. We were advised there would be an updated "preferred alternative" design submitted by the consultant which was followed weeks later by an invitation to an online telephone conference to receive the information.

    In the meantime, no materials whatsoever were provided. The call took place in late March and once again no detailed materials were made available. We were advised details would be provided through an online portal to be established on April 6. The portal was to serve as the only tool for community engagement and comments would be due in 6 days. The period for submissions was subsequently lengthened to April 20.

    Details of the proposal included the following;
    • Planned removal of 96 trees (in the area extending from Mississaga St. in the west to Dorval Dr. in the west)
    • Full urbanization of the road to include curb/gutter system ( commonly know as gray infrastructure)
    • Cycle Lanes
    • A 3-meter wide multi-use path on the south side of Lakeshore in areas east of East St. extending to Westdale Drive, near Fourth Line
    • Removal of present sidewalks in several areas to accommodate the proposed multi-use path. Other new sidewalks to be added in existing gaps in areas such as those east of Fourth Line.
    • Lengthening of present left-turn lanes in locations such as Third and Fourth Line

    July 2021 Special Meeting of Council
    A Special Meeting of Council was held July 6, 2021. It was an online meeting and along with other concerned residents, CPRA delegated to voice our opposition to the proposed 'Preferred Option' for Lakeshore being recommended by staff. One report from a resident noted: When the Class Environmental Assessment was released on-line, residents were able to provide comments on the proposal. There were 194 responses. More than 50% specifically opposed the plan and removal of trees, whilst only 18% supported it.

    During the meeting, staff reported it was not able to fulfill the request of Council from 2018 when it directed them to find a solution that delivered cycle lanes, path, etc. without the loss of trees.

    Further, staff reported that once the centre turning lane was removed from the project, it was no longer necessary to require an EA Process! Why then, have residents been subjected to continued lack of consultation and forced communications with a consultant - all under the banner of the EA Process?

    A motion was carried which concluded the EA process on the proposed Lakeshore Road West Improvements project. Council voted to receive the proposed concept for the road, but did not approve it.

    Staff has now been instructed to undertake a detailed design process which is to include specific designs for elements such as the proposed Multi-use path. The process must include public consultation and public comments must be evaluated by staff and presented to Council in future.

    Full text of the motion is available to read here.

    We encouraged residents to remain engaged with the issue.

    August 2021
    Together with Oakvillegreen Conservation Organization, CPRA forwarded a letter to our Ward Councillors restating our desires and vision for Lakeshore Road West
    future changes to the road must be viewed and judged through a conservation/climate lens.
    the path forward should be based on a starting point of 'what we have now', thereby allowing us to utilize existing features as resources on which to build .
    base our needs on shared spaces, such as the sharing of paths or sidewalks in instances where both couldn't be accommodated. This approach reflects an attitude of need as opposed to 'would be nice to have' features.

    Working within the context of the present setting would be of utmost importance as it would allow us to enhance the natural environment, not destroy it.

  • 2022 - The RFP
    In August 2022, we became aware of an RFP issued by Town of Oakville staff to retain an engineering consultant to undertake 'Design and Contract Administration for the Lakeshore Road West Reconstruction".

    For the period of some 15 months between Council's July 21 Motion and the time of issuing the RFP, no contact, conversations or meetings were undertaken with residents.

    Climate Change
    • There is no detailed reference to climate change, the need for sustainable solutions, Oakville’s natural assets or the desire for innovation in the areas of flood control, green or blue infrastructure.
    • Nowhere does Oakville speak of its commitment to preserving its canopy, protecting its street trees or the importance of both in the fight against climate change.
    • There is no requirement for the consultant to use a climate emergency screening tool in its assessment of options.
    • While residents previously provided information and suggestions on steps that could be taken to achieve sustainable answers to our stormwater needs including the combining of grey infrastructure and nature-based solutions, the only encouragement to seek these kinds of solutions is in a requested Option "C" which requests a road Cross Section which explores a hybrid option of innovative design components to address the various recommendations of the EA study and Council request, including but not limited to maintaining a rural profile in sections, LIDs, detention facilities, etc., while providing active transportation facilities where feasible.
    • The document provides information on McCraney Creek Bridge. On page 48 it states the bridge is recommended to be replacement and that the new structure will accommodate two lanes of traffic, on-road bike lanes, a sidewalk (north side) and a multi-use trail (south side). ICPRA submitted written questions to the McCraney Creek Bridge design team months ago and asked if the shoulder indicated on the drawings were to accommodate bike lanes.
    • The answer from the team was as follows: The shoulder and boulevard area will replace what already exists on the south side. It will not include bike lanes.

    One really must question why an EA assessment is currently underway with a design that does not include bike lanes? At the same time, the RFP says something entirely different. Yet both of these documents originate from the same Town department.

    • Consideration of Street Trees
    On Page 34 of the bid document it references “one of the key concerns from residents of the study area is related to the implementation of Active Transportation (AT) infrastructure and associated tree impacts”.

    The document then provides direction to the bidder. “During the detail design, the consultant shall review options to refine the EA design solution to minimize tree removals and impacts by adjusting the alignment of the sidewalk and multi-use trails to avoid trees and further reduce property requirements where possible”.

    Directions such as the above are plentiful throughout the bid document. There is no mention that residents have provided viable alternatives to the proposed multi-use trail. There is no direction or encouragement to the bidder to seek solutions that would represent a different solution. The same applies to stormwater solutions.

    At Page 51, in the Summary of Deliverables, the consultant is told it is to complete and present to the Town the preliminary design of three design options to meet the various objectives of the Lakeshore West EASR, while maintaining the preferred concept presented in the Lakeshore West EA.

    OPTION 1 is to be a cross section which follows the EA presented design and minimizes, to the extent possible, impacts to property and trees.

    OPTION 2 is to reflect a continuous multi-use pathway throughout the project limits. (O’Meara request)

    OPTION 3 is to explore a hybrid option of innovative design components to address the various recommendations of the EA study and Council requests, including but not limited to maintaining a rural profiles in sections, LIDs, detention facilities, etc. while providing active transportation facilities where feasible.

    All of the above noted details give potential bidders a clear sense that the Preferred Option is the design from which they will work. The scene has been set for a repeat of what we have already discussed and debated ad infinitum.

    Instead of beginning with the elements we agree on and working outward from there to find a solution, staff has taken a position that its Preferred Option is the starting point.

    Consultation
    All consultation has been placed in the hands of the successful bidder, who will be required to assign a Public Liaison to coordinate with and answer questions from stakeholders - including members of Council, property owners, special interest groups and the general public.

    Staff clearly sees this function not as something it should undertake or understand, but rather something to be undertaken by a consultant whom it will pay.

    None of the above represents genuine public engagement. As such, we direct your attention to what our neighbours, the City of Burlington, have to say about engagement.

    At the core of democratic government are two pillars that also form the basis of effective citizen engagement:
    • That government belongs to the citizens within its political boundaries, and
    • That the inhabitants of a city are “citizens” with the rights and responsibilities of citizenship based on justice, human rights, fundamental freedoms and rule of law.
    • Engaging people on issues that affect their lives and their city is a key component of democratic society.
    • Public involvement encourages participation, actions and personal responsibility.
    • The goal of community engagement is to lead to more informed and, therefore, better decision-making.
    In addition, Burlington's Community Engagement Charter promises to Inform, Consult, Involve, Collaborate and Empower its residents through a series of steps and processes and further, it commits to " We will look to you for direct advice and innovation in formulating solutions and incorporate your advice and recommendations into the decisions to the maximum extent possible.

    Sadly. in Oakville, this doesn't appear to be the case.