Newly renovated Tannery and Waterworks Parks now open

Today, Mayor Rob Burton joined Town Councillors Cathy Duddeck and Ray Chisholm, Councillor Erma Ferrell of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and local residents for the grand reopening of Tannery and Waterworks Park at Oakville Harbour, concluding Phase 3 of the town’s most extensive park and shoreline redevelopment to date.

The shoreline along the west side of Oakville Harbour was in poor condition and in need of improvements. The necessary rehabilitation provided the opportunity to enhance and connect the adjacent parks.

"Today we stand in a park that represents the kind of creativity and accessibility Oakville residents can be proud of," said Mayor Rob Burton. “This important revitalization of our shoreline demonstrates Council’s commitment to investing in our valued green space and supporting a livable Oakville.”

At the celebration, residents were greeted with a detailed map of the park, providing a self-guided tour to discover all the new features and points of interest the park has to offer, including accessible concrete promenade, numerous seating areas, enhanced landscaping with gardens for migratory birds and butterflies, rehabilitated shoreline with cobble beach and improved aquatic habitat. There’s also two concrete peninsulas providing panoramic views of Lake Ontario and surrounding area, a First Nations history wall depicting a timeline of First Nations settlements in the area, and a First Nations Moccasin Identifier gathering circle.

A key factor to the success of this project was the extensive community and stakeholder engagement with the public; Conservation Halton; Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry; the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Transport Canada; and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

"By working closely with these agencies and the community, and incorporating their ideas into the design, we have built a better, more welcoming space for residents and visitors that truly showcases Oakville’s beautiful waterfront,” said Councillor Cathy Duddeck.

“This has been a very significant and important project for everyone involved and we are very happy with the overall result,” added Councillor Ray Chisholm.

Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2014 and saw the rehabilitation of the shoreline at Oyster Bay – the small bay immediately south of the Oakville Yacht Club – along with the relocation and renovation of the historic Lyon’s Log Cabin, a new set of stairs, extensive plantings, new lighting and seating areas.

Phase 2 included the development of the observation platform and sculpture at the top of Tannery Hill, along with new and reconstructed walkways, picnic area, new lighting and naturalized area.

Phase 4 of the shoreline rehabilitation will see the redevelopment of Shipyard Park, expected to commence in 2021 subject to budget approval.  

For more details review the fact sheet below and visit the Oakville Harbour West Shoreline Rehabilitation page.