Waterfront of Oakville

Oakville is a medium size town of 175,000. By many it is considered to be one of the finest places to live in Canada. It is not because the economic level or the important and famous people who live here that makes it special. This town has a waterfront that stretches for miles along the south western section of Lake Ontario.

Several rivers and brooks pass through the city before meeting the waters of the lake. These waterways provide welcome harbours for pleasure craft by the hundreds. Years before, Oakville had a flourishing ship building industry and its history was sculpted by the builders trade. The town fathers developed a plan for the city which protected the land along the many ravines and rivers. This land now provides miles of biking and walking paths. Nowhere is this more noticeable than along the waterfront.

Last eve Theresa and I drove downtown and parked on one of the back streets. We began our walk by wandering through Olde Oakville and heading towards the harbour. The many named properties reminds us of our past as we see these historical buildings protected from future demolition. Hugh trees frame elegant homes which have survived for over 150 years. As we near the path that follows the edge of the lake you had to be impressed by the numbers of families and individuals walking. Dogs are welcome and numerous and receive their share of love and attention.

We sat for a while watching the sailboats returning to their docks and the whole tone of this place is contentment. People wandering about exchanging words with each other and using this waterfront as a extension of their home. It is in fact just that - as the common areas of the city do belong to all of us. It is this feeling of ownership that causes all of us to take good care of this wonderful facility.

Theresa and I do not walk there every night but every time we do go there we are amazed at the natural beauty being cared for the general population. We are blessed in Oakville and so is every community which has a waterfront available for its residents.