Oakville’s thriving economy and enviable lifestyle options make it one of the most desirable towns in Canada to enjoy an unprecedented work-life balance.
Home to the Oakville-Trafalgar GO Station, the second-busiest mobility hub in Ontario after Toronto’s Union Station, Oakville’s Midtown provides nearby employers and labour force with the benefits of a well-connected, transit-supported location.
Designed for the Modern Workforce
With ample opportunities for employment growth around mobility hubs, it comes as no surprise that bestin-class developers like Toronto firm First Gulf continue to invest in Oakville.
Progressive developers like First Gulf recognize that quick and easy access to integrated transit systems greatly enhance quality of life for employees, protecting a healthy work-life balance. This balance is something the modern workforce has come to expect in employment options, and when offered, has proven to be a significant draw for top talent.
Following the success of First Gulf’s PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) development less than a kilometre away from the Oakville GO Station, a number of new development sites have been planned or are currently in the works in close proximity to Midtown.
One of the most recent projects is 610 Chartwell Road, located only two kilometres from Oakville GO. Working closely with the Town of Oakville, First Gulf has established a separate bus route to shuttle employees to and from this location to the main transit station. This state-of-the-art new building benefits from QEW frontage, providing immediate access to Ontario’s 400-series highways and invaluable company exposure.
First Gulf is currently working with Aviva Canada to develop the home of their new Customer Contact Centre on South Service Road. The building, conveniently located on the North side of the QEW, will bring almost 800 jobs to Oakville and will connect Aviva to a larger workforce radius that includes the nearby communities of Mississauga and Hamilton.
Smart Growth for Livability
Creating a healthy balance between the development of employment opportunities and residential growth is a challenge GTA municipalities continue to face as population increases remain concentrated in the Toronto area.
This challenge is one the Town of Oakville continues to approach proactively through the Livable Oakville Plan, the town’s official plan guiding growth until 2031. Livable Oakville ensures well-planned developments are concentrated around transit-supported areas that protect the integrity of residential neighbourhoods and community green spaces.
Oakville’s proactive commitment to smart growth means residents are able to continue to enjoy the high quality of life they have come to expect in a community whose corporate vision is to be the most livable town in Canada.
Livable Oakville Key Growth Areas
1. Midtown: Midtown growth will transform underutilized land into an area that can accommodate steady population and employment growth. The plan also includes the creation of a complete urban community that is transit-supportive, with opportunities for residential and employment uses.
2. Uptown Core: The Uptown Core will see both development and redevelopment. The goal for the area includes a pedestrian-friendly and transit-supportive community, including an urban centre that offers medium to high density housing, offices, and retail and service commercial buildings.
3. Palermo Village: The development of Palermo Village will occur over the next several years with a predominant portion of land dedicated to residential, transit-supportive, and pedestrian-oriented use.
4. Kerr Village: Residential, commercial, and institutional land can be found along Kerr Street, the main street that runs through Kerr Village. The plan is to revitalize the area, encouraging business growth and cultural diversity.
5. Bronte Village: Considered a historical part of Oakville, Bronte Village will retain its unique heritage. However, the area will also see commercial development and continue to provide a variety of housing options for residents, working professionals, and visitors.
6. Downtown Oakville: Development in downtown Oakville will make way for commercial, residential, and cultural spaces while preserving the area’s historical value and significance.
Read the full Perspective Oakville Fall 2017 feature here.
