Breaking new ground: Dundas in Oakville

Development plans are being finalized for thousands of acres of empty land in Oakville north of Dundas Street West. The land, as it is right now, is all green space. In fact, it’s still used as farmland. To the south of Dundas, development has peaked. Builders have run out of room to on which to plant new homes.

Questions still remain as to how the land will be used. Many residents want to curb growth and maintain green space. Developers want to build homes. The Town of Oakville must strike a balance that keeps NIMBY residents happy, and profit-seeking developers well-paid.

The situation is particularly interesting because the Ontario government owns a significant chunk of it – 1,095 acres from Dundas Street to the south to the 407 to the North, the 16 Mile Creek to the east and Bronte Road to the west. Although some of the land is protected under law (as part of the “Greenbelt”) development north of Dundas will symbolize a major stepping stone in growth for the Town.

But what exactly do residents want? What exactly does the Town want? How are they working to approve land development if the residents are opposed to it? Where does the province sit on the situation? How are they going to strike a balance?

Stats:

Total land: 3,400 hectacres
Land designated for green space: 900 hectares.

Political players:
The MPP for Oakville (south of Dundas) is Kevin Flynn (Liberal).
The MPP for Halton (north of Dundas) is Ted Chudleigh.
Mayor: Rob Burton
Community activist group: Environmental Defence, Rick Smith, executive director