Rushed Plan to Repurpose Heritage Building Fails at Council

Oakville, ON, July 14, 2024 … A staff report recommending the repurposing of a Bronte heritage building has met with opposition.

The report, provided as part of a possible relocation of Oakville Marine Search and Rescue, formerly known as TOWARF, located at Navy Street in Oakville Harbour, suggested the service be relocated to the former Metro Marine building at Bronte’s inner harbour, at a cost of 1.75 Million dollars, to be drawn from the Town’s Capital Reserve Fund.

The Metro Marine building was designated as a heritage building in 2014 and has been a part of Oakville’s ongoing Harbours Master Plan over the past several years. Activities and studies undertaken as part of the plan’s formulations have included public engagement and input from residents on the possible uses for the building moving forward.

In his delegation to Council, Harry Shea, speaking on behalf of One Bronte ~ One Voice, stressed that any significant changes or modifications to the building should be subject to public engagement and that rushed decisions of the nature being considered would diminish future possibilities for the site. Shea further underscored the need for additional investigation of alternate sites within Bronte’s inner and outer harbours to ensure any final recommendations be supported by factual findings and fiscal responsibility.

Following discussion and review of the report by Council, a motion was tabled by Ward 1 Regional and Town Councillor Sean O’Meara referring the matter back to staff to develop more options, conduct public consultation and produce a recommendation to Council. O’Meara’s motion also included direction to staff to consult the public about future uses of 2 Navy Street, where the former TOWARF service is located.

Visit this page at the One Bronte ~ One Voice web site for additional details on this issue.

Bronte Residents Unite in New Collaborative Effort: One Bronte ~ One Voice

Bronte, Oakville, Ontario (May 17, 2024)

One Bronte ~ One Voice, a new collaborative effort, is aiming to unify the community and shape its future. The initiative held its first stakeholders meeting on Wednesday, May 15th, bringing together a diverse group of community residents and organizations.

The well-attended event at the Walton Memorial Auditorium included representatives from high-rises,townhomes, churches, businesses, and cultural groups – 30 participants representing thousands of residents and businesses. This inclusivity reflects One Bronte ~ One Voice's commitment to representing the entire Bronte community.

The initiative was inspired by conversations with other local standing institutions like the Bronte Village Residents Association (BVRA), the Bronte Historical Society (BHS), and the Bronte BIA (Business Improvement Area).

“Tonight is about the future of Bronte," declared Harry Shea, President of the BVRA and spokesperson for One Bronte ~ One Voice. "It's not just about the noise and construction from the four major projects happening right now all within 4 blocks of each other. This meeting was a year in the making knowing this day of engaging the larger community was the next step in building a broader coalition.”

Bronte resident and planning consultant Dave McCleary also provided insights on Bronte's current challenges, particularly regarding livability.

Kylie Wilson from the BIA highlighted the resilience of Bronte businesses. "The past four years have been tough, but we came together. We had our first block party last September with over 4,000 people and the best Christmas tree lighting ever in Market Square. And, for this year, we are all excited about this summer’s 40 vendor farmers market”

Ward One Town and Regional Councillor Sean O'Meara, unable to attend due to his attending the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative meeting in Montreal, expressed his strong support, ”I'm behind this initiative and look forward to being updated upon my return."

Maryanne Mason, a historian representing the Bronte Historical Society, told the audience that Bronte is 190 years old this year as Bronte was officially recognized on July 27, 1834. A birthday party is planned for Sunday, July 28 which coincides with the Farmers Market in Market Square”.

Ward One Town Councillor Jonathan McNeice, a 7th-generation Bronte resident, also attended the meeting. “If we can be on the same page about the future of Bronte, I believe that together we will be able to bring it to fruition. This is exactly what One Bronte One Voice plans to accomplish.”

Shea closed the gathering by stating, "This successful meeting paves the way for One Bronte ~ One Voice to become a powerful force in shaping a better future for Bronte.”

Media Contact:

Harry J. Shea, One Bronte ~ One Voice

OneBronte.OneVoice@gmail.com