Residents of Lakeshore have started a petition against the proposed development of Oakwood Park, leading to a response from the municipality. The petition has garnered more than 1,700 signatures, 1,000 of which residents said came within the first 48 hours. In a response to the petition, Mayor Tracey Bailey released a statement, thanking the community for sharing their concerns. “Council and I have received many passionate messages from residents who have asked us to reconsider the plan, and we appreciate their time and effort. It is clear the community values the current state of Oakwood Park,” said Bailey. “I have acknowledged that the proposal does not align with our goal of creating new housing opportunities while protecting farmland and green spaces. That approach is also at the heart of the Lakeshore Horizons partnership, whose work had not yet begun in earnest when Oakwood Park was recommended as a site for redevelopment.” Bailey added that the Expression of Interest process for the park has been paused until a new direction can be given by council on Nov. 18. “Growth not only brings opportunities; it brings challenges,” she said. “By embracing gentle density and innovative housing, we can protect our greenspace, farmland, and quality of life. WE shouldn’t sacrifice one for the other.” The mayor added that the selection process for the redevelopment of municipally owned practices will be ‘grounded in the principles and approach that have characterized Lakeshore Horizons partnership from the start.’ Those principles are meaningful and ongoing engagement with residents and housing development that aligns with the needs and values of the community. “Looking ahead, we hope that the residents who took the time to communicate their wishes will join us in the ongoing work of creating a vision for housing and development in Lakeshore,” the statement concluded. “We have accomplished a great deal over the past year, and there is still much to come. This is important work that will shape the future of Lakeshore, and we appreciate the efforts of everyone who has been involved.” If you would like to join the Lakeshore Horizons team, a meeting is happening on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre, offering general information and an engagement session.
