ONE BRONTE~One Voice

After sitting vacant for 5 years, the second floor of the Bronte Harbour Banquet and Conference Centre will finally receive the maintenance attention it deserves.

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At its August 13th meeting, Town Council voted to authorize staff to enter into an agreement with Catch Hospitality Group for the operation of an event space on the second floor of the Bronte Harbour Banquet and Conference Centre, on terms satisfactory to the CAO and Town Solicitor.

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As is outlined in this staff report the building's second floor has remained vacant since 2019 and no long term vision has been developed for its future. 

 

This is despite the fact that Oakville gained control of the building in 2018 and subsequently, ownership of the building in 2019 when Halton Region passed along its ownership of the building to the Town of Oakville.

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At its meeting in April of 2019, Council received a report from staff which included information which outlined the activities of a consultant hired in 2018.  The Town engaged the consultant to undertake a number of items including an analysis of the facility which suggested the building lacked a service elevator as well as kitchen layouts reflected industry standards for efficient space and labour utilization. Interiors were seen as dated in both the restaurant and event areas. 

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The consultant recommended one of two refurbishment options it had outlined in its report. It would see a number of operations in the building including:

• a casual and a chef-driven restaurant on the upper level, and event space and a café on the main level

• a new entrance to resolve existing Universal Design issues

• increase overall floor space (fill in existing staircase) and circulation in the building;

• add a multifunctional elevator; and increase the architectural appeal of the building.

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Capital costs for the above option were estimated to be $7.8M. The project would need to be developed as a partnership between the Town and an active investor. The consultant advised that a long-term lease with renewable options would be necessary to secure significant capital investment from an investor and that the base building structure, infrastructure and exterior upgrades would be expected to be paid by the Town.

 

Unfortunately, no further action was taken by the Town of Oakville.

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