The following comment is…

The following comment is regarding the Province's proposal to use Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) to implement the Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) planned for Midtown Oakville and the subsequent development to take place.

Oakville already has a responsible, Council-approved plan for Midtown — OPA 70 — that supports growth while respecting infrastructure limits and livability.

First of all, the implementation of MZOs that do not expire seem undemocratic. We vote our representatives in for a period of time and then are able to vote again if we don't like the direction that in this case, they are taking our province. MZOs do not expire. The fact that they would remain in force regardless of future governments, market conditions, or better planning alternatives is not conducive to a government working for the people, more like the government is pushing their own agenda.

I have lived In Oakville for 30 years. Over the years, I have welcomed the new development and new neighbours. Why not share everything Oakville has to have with others? The Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) planned for Midtown Oakville is simply not in line with the successful past town design that has Oakville to be one of the most desired places to live.

I drive into downtown Oakville via Trafalgar Rd every weekday and it is already congested normally, add frequent GO train and it's not a pleasant drive but add the proposed multiple high story buildings, its going to be impossible. A big reason that the government has stated that this development will be successful is that it will bring back young people that grew up in Oakville and give them an affordable place to stay. My children all live in Toronto now (granted in rental apartments) and wouldn't dream of moving back to a condo by the Oakville GO train with nothing to do, no where to shop and would probably have to purchase/lease a car. They would still be coming into Toronto, paying higher rent/mortgage and have their GO fares on top of that!

Please don't let Oakville become the poster child for promoting the province's agenda which seems to include this plan to bulldoze this already beautiful town where recent responsible development has offered affordable housing. We always welcome new neighbours but the development has to consider the town's citizens needs and lifestyles in addition to the desire to build up the area around the GO station.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input.