Plans for former Brantwood Public School site moves ahead

Plans to develop the former Brantwood Public School site took a big step forward when the sale of the site to Red Pine Canopy Ltd. was recently finalized. The former school site at 221 Allan Street will be home to seven new detached residential lots fronting onto Douglas Avenue, and the front portion of the former school building will be converted into four to nine residential condominium apartment units adjacent to Allan Street.

To maintain, protect and enhance the character of the existing mature residential neighbourhood, including the Trafalgar Road Heritage Conservation District, the developer will be committing to conserving the historic west and south elevations of the school building, which were constructed in 1920 and designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. In addition, all dwellings constructed shall be consistent with those already existing to the north and east of the site on Douglas Avenue.

The Town of Oakville will retain ownership of the 0.15 hectare parkette at the corner of Douglas and Palmer avenues and will be responsible for both its redevelopment and the relocation of all existing playground equipment.

On April 26, 2021, Council authorized the Oakville Municipal Development Corporation (OMDC) to secure a buyer for the school building and seven residential lots on Douglas Avenue.

The Brantwood School property was purchased by the town in April 2012 upon being declared surplus and was part of the South Central Public Lands Study which was a comprehensive land use study, completed in 2013 that evaluated options for four town-owned properties. After extensive public consultation, Council approved a redevelopment concept followed by official plan and zoning by-law amendments for the site.

Quotes:

“This development in particular demonstrates this Oakville Town Council’s commitment to the community. There’s been a lot of collaboration between the town and neighbouring residents to ensure a seamless transition of the new development with the surrounding community. Commitment to existing heritage protection and heritage policies of the Livable Oakville Plan were essential elements to any redevelopment and we are happy that the purchaser understands the importance of preserving what we value.”

- Mayor Rob Burton

“We are excited at the opportunity to reuse a heritage school. As a resident of south Oakville, my team and I understand there’s an established neighbourhood with a very strong community connection to the building. We are committed to conserving the historic portions of this iconic building and constructing residences that will respect and complement the neighbourhood.”

- John Mehlenbacher, Owner, Red Pine Canopy Limited