The wait is finally over. After months of excavating, laying stone, and some seriously hard work – Lakeshore Road is set to reopen just in time for holiday shopping.
Many who frequent downtown Oakville know that Phase 1 of the Lakeshore Road Streetscape Reconstruction has been extensive. The project, which is to be completed in two phases over a two-year period, had closed vehicle access beginning in April 2019 from Navy Street to Thomas Street. While the second phase of the project is yet to begin, when complete improvements will include new street furniture, a pedestrian crossover at Navy and Church streets, a two-way conversion of Navy Street, bike corrals and patio design, redesign of the town square, among other exciting initiatives.
With phase 1 under wraps, downtown Oakville has come alive in their typical holiday fashion. The streets are lined with beautiful holiday décor and twinkling lights. With Towne Square construction postponed, the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place in Centennial Square (beside the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts) will be complete with a 50 ft. blue spruce Christmas tree. Also new at this year’s tree lighting and holiday market will be LED swings (only for the night, so don’t miss them!) and a 10.5 ft. illuminated ornament to help you capture amazing memories.
When you visit downtown for your holiday shopping, roads will be fully reopened to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, construction fencing will be completely removed, parking spaces will be available on Lakeshore Road, and new street furniture will be in place.
The reopening of Lakeshore Road means the Christmas season will be in full swing in Downtown Oakville.
by Annelise Lawton
