Oakville Council Greenlights $1.4 Billion Midtown Transit-Oriented Community

📅 2 weeks ago

The Town of Oakville's council has approved a comprehensive plan for a large-scale mixed-use community led by The Rose Corporation, featuring 14 high-density buildings and significant public spaces.

Officials in Oakville have given unanimous approval to an amended project plan aimed at developing a transit-oriented community in the midtown area. The project, spearheaded by The Rose Corporation, encompasses a substantial 27-acre site located at 420 South Service Road East, which is poised to transform the area into a vibrant mixed-use community. The Town Council's endorsement includes amendments to both the official plan and zoning bylaw, facilitating the phased construction of this ambitious endeavor.
Previously, The Rose Corporation had proposed zoning changes to allow for the construction of 14 buildings on the site, with heights ranging from 35 to 48 storeys. However, after receiving feedback from local residents and town officials expressing concerns about the density of the project, the developer modified its proposal. The approved amendments now permit the development of a mixed-use community that includes four blocks containing 14 high-density structures, with heights varying from five to 38 storeys, along with different podium heights and access to new public roads.
Daniel Berholz, president of The Rose Corporation, emphasized the importance of community input in reshaping the development plan. He stated, "The ideas, questions, and feedback we received from council, town staff, and residents challenged us to think differently and ultimately helped us shape a plan that better reflects Oakville’s vision and the community’s priorities."
A notable aspect of the project is the plan to relocate the General Electric Lamp Plant, a designated heritage building, to a different location within the property to preserve it as a community space. This development is situated on the former GE plant site, just east of Trafalgar Road, marking it as the largest redevelopment parcel in midtown Oakville. The proposed community aims to convert brownfield lands into a high-density area that will accommodate approximately 5,600 residential units, including both condominiums and rental properties. Additionally, the project will feature significant ground-level retail spaces and about five acres of parks and open areas.
Town Councillor Dave Gittings commented on the proposal, stating, "The proposed concept and design are thoughtful, innovative, and aligned with our vision for a complete livable midtown community. This collaborative approach goes to the heart of good planning and building public trust."
The development is also strategically planned to integrate with existing transit services, including a forthcoming Bus Rapid Transit line along Trafalgar Road and access to regional GO bus services. A new transit stop is anticipated to be established within the community, enhancing connectivity. The Oakville GO Station, which ranks as the second-busiest station in the GO transit network following Union Station, is conveniently located approximately a 10-minute walk from the site.
The design of the project has been entrusted to a diverse team of architects, including Canadian firm Graziani & Corazza, Danish landscape architects SLA, and British architects Allies and Morrison. The design concept emphasizes a network of parks, open spaces, pedestrian pathways, and active storefronts. Notable features envisioned for the community include an integrated park loop, a retail-centric "high street," a dynamic underpass inspired by the Bentway, two public plazas, and a timber-beam pedestrian bridge at the southern end of the property, which will provide a connection over the planned north-south arterial road.
David Bannerman, vice president of development for The Rose Corporation, expressed pride in the collaborative design process, stating, "We worked closely with our design team to thoughtfully respond to community feedback and the town’s vision for midtown while creating a world-class destination that will support future residents, enrich the broader community, and attract visitors. The proposed design firmly roots itself in the character of Oakville’s downtown and neighborhoods while drawing on European experience in creating human-scaled, walkable streets and public spaces."
Construction of the project is expected to occur in four phases, with the first phase, which includes a purpose-built residential building, anticipated to commence in late 2027. Gabe Charles, the director of planning and development for the Town of Oakville, noted that following the council's approval, the next steps will involve presenting a draft plan of subdivision to finalize the street network and development blocks. The developer must also secure site plan approvals and address holding provisions for each subsequent construction phase. As of now, The Rose Corporation has not disclosed the contractor responsible for the project.

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