Oakville #5 (Towne Square)

Oakville, Ontario’s largest town (2021 Census), is located in the Halton region, between Toronto and Hamilton. 
 
With both close access to Toronto, and its small town vibe, it’s no wonder Oakville was voted the overall best place to live in Canada and the best place for New Canadians (2018, Money Sense).
 
Towne Square, in historic downtown Oakville, and featured in this design, is home to boutique shops, galleries, and cafes. Residents and visitors congregate in the Square for a myriad of events ranging from music concerts, spin and wellness classes, a farmers market, and perhaps the sweetest of days – International Ice Cream Day. 
 
At the time of writing (June 2023) the planned redesign of the Square is on hold pending budget approval. 
 
A military road survey in 1793 began the European settlement, and by 1807 British immigrants were moving in along Dundas Street, and on the shore of Lake Ontario. 
 
In 1834, the Sixteen Mile Creek harbour was considered a Port of Entry to the United States, which attracted various businesses, like manufacturing, grain storage and ship building.  
 
First Nations, dating back over 10,000 years, including the Ojibway, Anishinaabe, and Wendat inhabited this area, particularly along the Bronte River, with later migration to the shores of Lake Ontario.