The Reunification of Oakville
The “Reunification of Oakville” is an out-of-the-box, yet viable and pragmatic proposal for creating a strong linkage between Wards 5 & 6 and Old Oakville, along Trafalgar Road and across the QEW.
The spine of this linkage is formed by an
elevated pedestrian and bicycle pathway, which goes through a sequence of
indoor commercial modules suspended over Trafalgar Road. While walking or cycling to Downtown,
people will also be able to shop and do business in a safe and comfortable
environment. Live-work units and
small flats can also be incorporated for maintaining a human presence at all
times.
The glass arch-shaped modules will wrap
around the existing overpass and will be supported by concrete piers, placed on
the median and shoulders of the highway.
All structural elements can be prefabricated, transported and
constructed with minimal disruption to the vehicular traffic.
The relatively higher cost of the structure
will be offset by the fact that there will be no need for land.
The central module will also accommodate the station for a light rapid train to be developed in the future over the QEW. This train will reduce the demand on the highway and provide convenient public transportation, without taking additional land.
This multipurpose
linkage is a crucial component for a major mobility hub in the Regional
Transportation Plan, and will be a catalyst for the Midtown core, planned
between QEW and the Railways. The GO station, Oakville Place, the Town
Hall, and proposed new developments, will be conveniently connected. Everybody will benefit by breathing a
cleaner air, yet accessibility for a growing senior’s population will be
the greatest achievement.
A Public-Private Partnership could be created
for the development of the commercial components, shops, offices and live-work
units. This concept could become a
model of intensification for many cities. Therefore it would make sense for
the federal and provincial governments to invest into a prefabrication facility
which would produce all necessary structural components. This could
be done in a cost effective way in partnership with major contractors, precast
manufacturers and steel fabricators. The cost of the plant and equipment
shall be viewed as a onetime long-term investment, which will become profitable
after a few years. Considering all
the elements involved, this project would give a much needed boost to Ontario's
economy.
The "Reunification" will bring not only Oakville, but also Ontario and Canada into the spot light of the global urban scene, and will enhance the town’s reputation of being a forerunner in new urbanism, heritage preservation and environmental protection. A great example to be followed by other cities around the world!