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.