Oakville gained more parking with downtown reconstruction, mayor says

What was good for enhancing the roadways, beautifying streets and improving pedestrian/cycle ways, was also good for drivers looking for somewhere to park in downtown Oakville.

So says Mayor Rob Burton who wants to clear up any confusion over whether parking spots were lost when the downtown transportation and streetscaping work was completed.

“We gained 38 parking spots from the streetscape enhancing work,” Burton said following an interview with Khaled Iwamura of inhalton.com.

Launched in April of 2019, the two phases of reconstruction and transformation of Lakeshore Rd. E. was completed and re-opened to vehicles, shoppers and cyclists in 2021.

Work included the installation of sewers, hydro lines, water pipes and utility improvements such as internet connectivity, among other upgrades.

The project also saw enhanced tree-lined boulevards designed for cars, cyclists and pedestrians to balance the needs of all modes of transportation.

As well, a two metre marketing zone in front of each storefront was installed to allow restaurants and retailers to use street space as part of their downtown presence.

One-way streets Thomas St., Dunn St., George St., Randall St., Church St. and Navy St. were converted to two-way traffic.

Burton also pointed out that more parking spots are on their way with the Downtown Culture Hub.

The project which would see construction of a new library, performing arts centre and gallery in downtown Oakville, would also include a “new parking structure with something on top that’s worth visiting.”

“We’re going to add several hundred parking spots when we add the new parking structure,” said the Oakville mayor. “We’re going to be well to the good when the entire project is finished.”