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Towne Square Concept A1

As part of our plan to revitalize Oakville’s historic downtown, the town is redesigning Towne Square, a small but unique public space located at 210 Lakeshore Road.

Building on the work done on the downtown streetscape design, a new design for Towne Square will enhance the vibrancy of the neighbourhood and provide more opportunities for public events.

A few things to keep in mind:


  • These are just preliminary concepts. They will be refined based on stakeholder and public feedback and will be presented again to the public in early fall.

  • If you like some elements from one design, but other elements from another, feel free to take a mix and match approach. Please clearly indicate your preferences in your comments.

  • Although not shown in all images, a section of grass can be incorporated into all preliminary design concepts.

  • Most of Towne Square is built over an underground parking garage, making it a challenge to plant trees in the space.


Show your support for other people’s comments


You have ten votes (maximum three votes per comment), so use them to show support for your favourite comment(s). Remember to visit often. You can always change your vote as new comments come in.

For more information on this project and additional opportunities to provide input, visit the Towne Square Redevelopment page.

The deadline to provide feedback is August 3, 2018.

17 results found

  1. There should be as little asphalt as possible, in order for the water to be absorbed by the earth and to not have run-off into the lake.

    Please use as little asphalt as possible; the ground should be permeable. It's important to lead the way on sustainability. The idea of a labyrinth is wonderful, but not at this location. Perhaps it could be at St. George's Square where there is more space. The town square should be as open as possible so as to have space for the annual jazz fest and for children to run around.

    1 vote

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    0 comments  ·  Admin →
  2. Universal/Accessible Design a Must!

    Regardless of the final outcome, a universal or accessible design should be incorporated so that all people with different abilities can enjoy and easily access. The pattern for the walking surface is of concern. For those who are blind or have low vision, a contrasting pattern/color and tactile surface should be used to guide people accordingly.

    2 votes

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  3. 2 votes

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  4. great concept but too many stairs to access. Labyrinth pattern could possibly replaced with "Rubaroc" surface for children to play (softer )

    The softer surface of Rubaroc may also not become as much of a heat trap... Like the easy access of concepts C and D

    2 votes

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  5. Family friendly

    Encourage return of accessible, affordable coffee shop in the square

    1 vote

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    0 comments  ·  Admin →
  6. Universal design not considered

    Universal design allows accessibility for all. Accessibility considerations appear to be secondary. Ramp/grade access looks around the side, rather than being convenient and prominent (e.g. if approaching from Lakeshore, have to go around). Universal design facilitates accessibility for everyone, not only those with mobility issues, but strollers, children, etc. at all times.

    2 votes

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  7. I like the fountain although perhaps not centered to allow for kids splashing

    I like the fountain at ground level that kids could walk thru. Perhaps not centered in the space in case there is some splashing.

    2 votes

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  8. 1 vote

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    0 comments  ·  Admin →
  9. All of the concepts need to be more green and more treed. Avoid creating a heat trap.

    Grass and heavily used gathering spaces may not go well together, but trees would provide an excellent shade canopy. The result would be a very welcome oasis especially during the increasingly hot summers. Using water features as part of a storm water management strategy will be both functional and an excellent civic feature. This could be a public space that also tells a strong sustainability story for community benefit. Offering wifi connectivity throughout the space could also be a benefit. Also a variety of seating ledges that can be used to rest and relax on normal days, and convert to…

    5 votes

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    1 comment  ·  Admin →
  10. Think again - who is this Square for?

    All these handrails will be popular with skateboarders, but the steps make this design inaccessible to pushchairs, wheelchairs and cyclists trying to find a bike rack (bike rack and clock seem to be lost in all designs!)

    3 votes

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  11. A majestic tree as the centre piece

    I suggest making a living tree the centre piece of the town square. This tree will be decorated as our town's christmas tree every year - In In this way, we avoid killing a fully mature tree every year for Christmas. Residents will be encouraged to be invested in its growth - be tolerant of the fact that it will not be as tall as we want for some years - but encouraged in the vision that eventually it will be a majestic tree and an apt embodiment of sustainable living.

    1 vote

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  12. Needs more shade.

    I suggest expanding sidewalks at crossing area to give more space and narrow roadway for better traffic calming.

    6 votes

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  13. Best design of all of the ones presented. Make sure lots of seating and shade protection. Need more washrooms. Water shut off critical

    Needs far more parking away near this new town centre so the centre can be reached by those who live beyond downtown Oakville, have accessibility issues or are carrying large items or young children. Number one reason people stay away from downtown Oakville is the parking problems

    2 votes

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  14. Not enough green!

    Needs much more green space and vegetation, and all that concrete will get very hot. The beauty of the square is a spot for gathering of people of all ages, children will need a soft space to run and play and it will encourage people to gather.

    13 votes

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  15. Best of the designs but critical that space can be used as a performance space with good sight lines

    While it is important the square look attractive, it is equally important that It provide an excellent performance space. The stage should be centred in the square with excellent sight lines across a large segment of the space. Washrooms should also be expanded. While portables are usually available for bigger events, that is not always the case and long line ups ensue for those.

    2 votes

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  16. 6 votes

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  17. good

    replace the oval with grass. delete the central fountain

    3 votes

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Towne Square Concept A1

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