Projects

The MBTW Group is the lead consultant for the design development and implementation of the west shores of the downtown Oakville Harbour. The implementation plans are based on a master plan for the site that was developed and approved in 2008. MBTW’s role is to interpret the master plan programme to create a series of phased detailed design and contract document packages which started roll-out in 2013, with full completion estimated by 2018. The phased packages have been designed to coordinate work between phases, minimizing the scope of interim construction.

The west shores is comprised of a string of Town owned parks (Shipyards Park, Tannery Park, Walker Street Promenade and Waterworks Park) that provide approximately 7 hectares of waterfront park space exposed to the 16 Mile Creek and Lake Ontario shorelines. The west shore is a valuable public asset that once revitalized, will provide the community with improved access to the water’s edge, accessible pathway systems, improved ecological function, coordinated public realm elements and high quality gathering spaces (including an observatory deck and beacon, memorial seating, interpretive and picnic areas) that reflect on the harbour’s cultural heritage. Other public infrastructure such as the existing washroom building, piers, parking areas, relocated heritage cabin and pathway systems were integrated into the design. Public engagement included a series of Open Houses to keep the community informed of the project progress. Stakeholders included Conservation Halton, Transport Canada, Coast Guard, Nav Canada, the Oakville Yacht Squadron and Harbour Operations.

Phase 1 construction, the Oyster Bay Area and Lyon's Cabin Relocation, was completed in 2014. Phase 2 is currently being constructed and includes an observatory deck and beacon and significant improvements to park pathways. It is expected that this work will be complete in 2016. Phase 3 is currently in the design development stage and is being coordinated with major shoreline improvements along Tannery Park, Walker Street Promenade and Waterworks Park’s Lake Ontario frontage. MBTW is working with Conservation Halton staff in the development of all plans and in the application for permits. Through this work, we have developed a deep understanding of the Authority’s priorities with respect to development near Lake Ontario.