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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 31, 2013 | 12 Pricetag of downtown cultural hub between $30M-$100M by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff Oakville Town council will look at moving forward on the creation of a downtown cultural hub -- expected to cost between $30 million-$100 million. Continued work on the hub, which would be centred around Town lands at Centennial Square and the former post office site, was given a green light Monday when Oakville's Planning and Development Council voted to receive an update report on the project. Among other things, the report highlight- ed an extensive community engagement program that will take place over the next six to nine months before staff reports back to council with concrete options for future development. "Downtown Oakville is a cultural, economic and historical focal point for our community and this council is committed to ensuring its long-term success," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. "Over the past year, we have completed work to ensure we preserve the heritage of our downtown, and now council and I look forward to working with the community to explore options for its future." The hub update report identified a potential range of actions from modernizing and revitalizing Centennial Square facilities, including the library, gallery, theatre and outdoor plaza to redevelopment strategies for Town-owned property in the downtown area. With costs to complete this work ranging in the millions, the Town will have opportunities to monetize its assets and seek partnerships to offset some of these costs. Community Development Commissioner Jane Clohecy noted the feasibility study out- lined in the report was the first of five potential phases for this project. Phase 2 will involve a needs assessment for cultural facilities, financial and engineering studies, as well as extensive community engagement to develop and refine options. "Community involvement will be critical to this next phase of the project as we hope to report back to council in June 2014 with detailed information on everything from the community's vision for a downtown cultural hub to specific program needs and desires for cultural and performing arts groups, the see Hub on p.14 SKI & SNOWBOARD SWAP NOVEMBER 8, 9 & 10 · Fri 6-10, Sat 9-5, Sun 9-3 Location: Country Heritage Park (Gambrel Barn) off of Tremaine Rd., Milton ... just north of Glen Eden FREE ADMISSION & PARKING 2ND LARGEST SKI SWAP IN ONTARIO MILTON HEIGHTS RACING CLUB'S ANNUAL Amazing Deals on New & Used Equipment! Skis - Boards - Boots - Poles - Helmets - Goggles - Clothing - Bags - Adjustments Onsite FAMILY SEASON'S PASS DRAW NOVEMBER 10th at 3PM See Website for details (no purchase necessary) WIN A FREE BONUS FOR 2013: GLEN EDEN `BUY ONE - GET ONE FREE' LIFT TICKET COUPON WITH $250 MERCHANDISE... BUY MORE... GET MORE! THOUSANDS OF ITEMS! Check out miltonheights.com or SuperSkiSwap.com for more details 416-997-1290 *SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS