Mayor's Message: Update on Oakwood Park Redevelopment
Update Shared on behalf of Mayor Tracey Bailey on November 19, 2025:
I am pleased to share that my motions on the future of Oakwood Park were passed by Council at the meeting on November 18, 2025. This means we have stopped the EOI process. Our team has also been directed to develop and enhance our Municipal Land Policy to protect and preserve parkland while ensuring transparency and community input on future decisions.
I would like to thank the residents who appeared as delegates at the meeting. Community members of all ages shared heartfelt and passionate stories about the role the park has played in their neighbourhood and their lives. These conversations were respectful and constructive, and I am glad to see a resolution and a new path forward.
Looking ahead, we hope that residents will continue to share their insight and knowledge as part of the ongoing work of Lakeshore Horizons. As we look to build a community-first development framework, the input of our residents will continue to play a critical role in that work. Make sure to sign up for updates at Lakeshore.ca/HorizonsSignUp
Update Shared on behalf of Mayor Tracey Bailey on November 14, 2025:
At the November 18, 2025, meeting of Council, I will present the following motions related to Oakwood Park:
Reconsideration of Resolution #171-06-2025 Request for Expression of Interest for the Development of 396 River Ridge Drive (Oakwood Park).
- Recommendation: Waive the provisions of section 103 of the Procedural By-law to permit the receipt of a late Notice of Motion submitted by Mayor Bailey.
- Recommendation: Reconsider Resolution #171-06-2025 from the June 24, 2025 Council meeting, which directed Administration to issue a Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the development of 396 River Ridge Drive. To formally cease the process and cancel the EOI.
- Recommendation: That motion #171-06-2025 be withdrawn and that Administration, with support of Lakeshore Horizons, be further directed to develop/enhance a Municipal Land Policy to protect and preserve parkland and to ensure transparency and community input into any future decisions.
We look forward to hearing residents' input during our deliberations. Resident feedback continues to play an important part in our decision-making process, and we appreciate constructive and informed perspectives shared by community members.
Original message shared on behalf of Mayor Tracey Bailey on November 11, 2025.
I would like to thank the residents and community members who shared their input on the recent announcement about Lakeshore seeking input on potential redevelopment of Oakwood Park (River Ridge EOI).
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.
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.
Growth not only brings opportunities; it brings challenges. 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.
We are therefore pausing the Expression of Interest process for Oakwood Park until Council can provide new direction at the Regular Meeting of Council on November 18, 2025.
Council’s selection process for the redevelopment of municipally owned properties will be grounded in the principles and approach that have characterized the Lakeshore Horizons partnership from the start – 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. 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.
Residents are welcome to join the Lakeshore Horizon’s team this Thursday evening (November 13, 2025) from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre for a general information and engagement session.
Together we are Lakeshore.
More details on opportunities for resident involvement in the EOI process are forthcoming.
Contact Us
Municipality of Lakeshore
419 Notre Dame St.
Belle River, Ontario N8L 0P8
Phone 519-728-2700
Email PublicService@Lakeshore.ca