Town of Oakville buys northwest parkland property for $8.4M

Oakville’s parkland system is expanding after the Town announced Thursday (Dec. 22) it has completed an $8.4 million purchase of approximately 110 acres of property in northwest Oakville.

The Council approved deal for the land was signed off on Nov. 21 following a completion of initial due diligence reviews to ensure there were no significant issues with the property and the existing building on it.

Located within the town’s Natural Heritage System at 2026 Lower Base Line, the property has six acres of high, flat land, while the remainder of the site is made up of wooded ravine lands.

The property is divided into two parts by a Hydro One corridor and a town road that is not open for public use, with the East Sixteen Mile Creek also running through the property.

Included in the deal was a 4,200 square-foot facility on the land that includes a commercial kitchen, outdoor pool, change rooms, mini soccer field, bocce ball courts, playground and parking for 70 vehicles.

The property was previously owned by Fogolars Country Club Limited and has been used for the past 40 years as a private club.

“Oakville is recognized for its beautiful parks and open spaces across town and makes Oakville more livable, according to residents,” said Mayor Rob Burton.

“Council is pleased that we have been able to acquire this property to secure more natural space for residents to enjoy and to ensure that our community continues to thrive.”

Identified as an ideal location for future parkland because of its location, size and the existing amenities, the property provides the town with opportunities for education, special events, meetings, rental/programming space, and open space for passive and active recreation and leisure activities.

Currently, Coronation Park and Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park are the only viable town locations for large scale special events and picnics where multiple town and community events are hosted, making them popular destinations for residents and those from neighbouring communities throughout the summer months.

The town’s purchase of the property also centred on its

proximity to other publicly owned properties including Glenorchy Conservation Park and existing town parkland (44 acres) at 1604 Lower Base Line.

Further study into the future uses and design of the property along with potential programming and other amenities will be explored as the town undertakes an update to the Parks, Recreation and Library Master Plan in 2023.