Bookmark This Page.
The latest concepts, comments and policies will be posted below.
October 29, 2024
Special Meeting of Council - Draft OPA
On Oct 29, delegations were heard at a Special Council meeting to provide comments and input on the NEW Official Plan amendment for Midtown.
A full list of documents available for review are below with links
-
A Growth Analysis Report by Watson & Associates Economists Ltc.
-
Copies of Correspondence and Comments Received on the Draft OPA
The mood was cautiously optimistic and it was acknowledged that progress is being made.
In response to the Staff Presentation the public continues to ask many questions that must be addressed as Council work towards a final OPA in January 2025. These include:
-
Who/how will the Town pay for the significant cost of infrastructure? Do we have an accurate projection of those costs? Is it 450k or 700k (see slide 10) and what will be covered by Development Charges?
-
Will this OPA enable us to achieve the necessary parkland we all know is needed for a livable neighbourhood? How much play and green space will we actually achieve?
-
Will the proposed maximum densities and policies ensure bordering communities are not living in shadows?
-
Will the proposed Transportation Plan actually work given the volume of people using the GO station in this already congested corridor?
-
At what point will Metrolinx recognize the need to be part of the solution by providing an East platform to support transit use at second busiest station in their network?
-
Will the Community Permit Planning System (CPPS) and this OPA ensure that Council retains control over the scale and massing providing important benefits without sacrificing livability?
-
Council needs to implement a Green Development Standards bylaw, which together with a Community Permit Planning system will require sustainable development.
-
The significance of ensuring long term protection from increasing significant rain events.
-
Council and residents require clarity on the calculations that determined the projected build out population density.
-
The forecast reports identify market issues that must be considered, including that the 'end user' whether it be a renter or owner needs a home not a 500 or 600 sq. ft box. (See reports listed above)
-
What can be done to mitigate against the trend of failing development projects?
-
The phasing of Midtown risks being an island unless there is a coordinated plan landowners agree to.
-
How will inclusionary zoning be incorporated into Midtown.
A very strong message was expressed by delegations requesting Mayor Burton’s leadership in stopping the TOC.
Dates for the Town's OPA Public Open House in Nov/Dec will be announced shortly. Please Stay Tuned!
The September 2024 Version of The Draft OPA For Midtown
Staff has prepared its latest draft OPA for Midtown.
You can view it here online . Or, if you prefer, you can see it here as a pdf document.
New to this OPA is the introduction of a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS), a tool which has several uses including the ability for a developer to achieve additional building height in return for community benefits such as parkland, affordable housing units or a cash contribution the Town would use toward other community benefits.
Also of note:
-
a revised population/density figure for Midtown. This draft has been based on planning for 29,900 residents and jobs combined by 2051.
-
a revised FSI schedule with maximum FSI of 6
Staff have created a Highlights Area of what they see as
being notable points in the new draft.
Click on the image to view.
The October 10 Council Workshop
On Wed Oct 10, Council participated in a workshop to learn more about the NEW draft OPA.
The draft OPA has several positive changes including a reduction from the prior OPA on the forecasted population, consistency from the original Official Plan on base heights of 12-20 and that any additional height or gross floor area will require the provision of community benefits. A key change is there is a proposed limit or maximum density for each area of Midtown above the 'as of right heights' in the previous Official Plan.
The OPA will enable the use of a of a new Planning Tool: a Community Planning Permit System which will have its own bylaw. CPPS supports the needed benefits for a complete community by requiring a developer who may want to achieve the greater height or maximum floor space index/height to provide community benefits. Simply stated CPPS replaces bonusing while streamlining the process and giving all stakeholders greater clarity on community benefits. There will be lots of discussion and public engagement as this new bylaw is developed in 2025.
Council members had several questions of staff which you can view here. It was a long meeting, but you are encouraged to view it, as it will help you to build a better understanding of information moving forward.
What's Next?
November 2024 - a Public Information meeting will be scheduled. Stay Tuned!
Previously Proposed Concept
Below are several elements drawn from the concept as proposed by staff and consultants. They highlight aspects such as building heights, green space, transportation, etc.
The two meetings can be viewed online here as one video
Proposed Concept: By Precinct
Draft Height Ranges
Proposed Concept: Trafalgar Road/Cross Avenue Gateway
Proposed Density by Area (FSI)
Proposed Green Space, Possible Schools
An Alternate View of Density
One presentation from residents was of particular interest, as it provided examples of how density works on a plot of land - using a 1ha example. For those in the audience and viewing at home it was a clear and simple demonstration of how various forms of buildings can use the same piece of land, thereby creating increased density.
Many of Oakville's residents associations had made the request in past that the public be given concepts that reflected different levels of density using buildings other than tall towers. This presentation helped to communicate how Midtown development could be approached in a manner that includes staggered building heights.
A cluster of buildings at different heights.
The same building cluster from street view
View the Presentation Slides
Watch the Segment on Video
January 2024 Presentation
Here is the presentation slide deck from the January 30th meeting. It is long and extensive, but worth your time to review.
November 2023 Consultant's Concepts
These concepts have similar population and density (approx 60k people and 19k jobs.) They vary in terms of where different uses would be allowed and the distribution of density. The majority of the buildings would be mixed use: commercial and office on the lower levels and residential above.
Concepts are purely conceptual. We would need to purchase or negotiate to acquire certain pieces of parkland.
Sample Development Applications
A sample of current development applications for Midtown. Additional information on other applications as well as details are available at the Oakville.ca website.
349 Davis Road
(east of Trafalgar)
Corbett Land Strategies
Proposed 58 Storey Mixed Use Building
388 residential units
