Site of proposed development once belonged to 19th century Oakville mayor

A proposed development could see a new residential building rise at an underutilized lot in downtown Oakville, but one with some history.

The developer for 42 Lakeshore Rd. W. wants to build a 10-storey mixed-use building that will also include retail and commercial office space.

Situated on the south side of Lakeshore at the corner of Chisholm St. west of 16 Mile Creek, the majority of the building will be for residential use with initial plans indicating 152 units.

The site is largely unused now with a boarded-up house and an open field. It is considered an eyesore for those who live in the area but once was a prominent home called McCraney-Robertson House.

In the past, the house was designated as a heritage property due to its association with William McCraney, a prominent businessman who served as Oakville’s mayor from 1872 to 1974 and sat in the House of Commons from 1875 to 1878 and again from 1882 to 1887. The McCraney’s were also some of the earliest settlers in Oakville.

William McCraney, an early mayor of Oakville

Owners of the property, Format Lakeshore Inc., are now seeking amendments to building regulations so that they can proceed with the development plan.

At a recent public meeting, some neighbouring residents opposed the plan saying that it was too big for the area while others were concerned about increased traffic and the lack of parking at the site that would force tenants to park on surrounding streets.

The proposal is still in the early stages of the approval process and will come back before Town councillors at a future date.

The McCraney-Robertson House as it once looked.