Jasonzed
Senior Member
Cooksville's vision over the next 20 years...
http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/visioncooksville
http://www.mississauga.com/news-sto...r-revitalization-of-mississauga-s-cooksville/
Plans unveiled for revitalization of Mississauga's Cooksville
Mississauga News
By Rachael Williams
A new vision for Mississauga’s old downtown is taking shape.
Councillors got a peak at the long-range community vision for downtown Cooksville at a recent planning meeting, which includes transit infrastructure, commercial revitalization and a new identity. Presented in the “Vision Cooksville” report, the busy intersection of Hurontario and Dundas streets will have a different look in the next 20 years, hinged around the coming light rail transit (LRT) line.
“This is now a reality and will be the catalyst for change going forward,” said area Coun. Nando Iannicca, on the LRT.
A shadow of its former past, Cooksville used to be the municipality’s central hub, where City Hall, the fire department, two public school board offices and the central library were located.
Now, the area, which is home to 11,000 residents, is filled with dated strip malls, payday loan stores and crumbling apartment buildings.
With 7,000 people, 2,700 new housing units and 1,000 jobs forecasted for downtown Cooksville in the next 20 years based on the province’s growth plan, thoughtful and coordinated design plans were a must.
“This is the day Cooksville changed and as an old Cooksville boy, I couldn’t be happier,” said Iannicca.
Six principles identified in the “Vision Cooksville” report include a vibrant public realm and walkable streets; connected and engaging parks and open spaces; community facilities; housing opportunities; local and unique businesses; and a new identity, including gateways, signage and beautification.
Central to the success of Cooksville’s face-lift will be transit.
Metrolinx, a regional transportation authority created by the province, has designated three transit lines that will intersect in Cooksville. This includes the existing Milton GO transit rail line, the future Hurontario-LRT and the rapid transit line on Dundas Street. These higher order transit investments mean downtown Cooksville will become a major mobility hub in the next 20 years.
Coun. Carolyn Parrish hopes the City has an affordable housing strategy in place before the transformation is underway to ensure those in need of transit won’t be pushed out when shoddy apartment buildings are torn down for high-rise condos.
With a 1.6 per cent vacancy rate in Mississauga, preservation and improvements in the existing rental housing stock will be a priority, reads the report.
A five-month community engagement process conducted by Urban Strategies Inc. helped guide the downtown Cooksville study. Residents identified the area strengths to include transit, walkability, small businesses, diversity, range of housing options and engaged residents.
Socioeconomic concerns about homelessness and drug use were the central weaknesses.
Iannicca hopes this can be combatted by a focus on creating community hubs, gathering spaces, recreational facilities, public parks and a revamped library will provide greater connections within the community.
The report will go to city council for approval on July 6.
https://www7.mississauga.ca/documen...6/06_27_16_-_PDC_Agenda_-_Evening_Session.pdf
http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/visioncooksville
http://www.mississauga.com/news-sto...r-revitalization-of-mississauga-s-cooksville/
Plans unveiled for revitalization of Mississauga's Cooksville
Mississauga News
By Rachael Williams
A new vision for Mississauga’s old downtown is taking shape.
Councillors got a peak at the long-range community vision for downtown Cooksville at a recent planning meeting, which includes transit infrastructure, commercial revitalization and a new identity. Presented in the “Vision Cooksville” report, the busy intersection of Hurontario and Dundas streets will have a different look in the next 20 years, hinged around the coming light rail transit (LRT) line.
“This is now a reality and will be the catalyst for change going forward,” said area Coun. Nando Iannicca, on the LRT.
A shadow of its former past, Cooksville used to be the municipality’s central hub, where City Hall, the fire department, two public school board offices and the central library were located.
Now, the area, which is home to 11,000 residents, is filled with dated strip malls, payday loan stores and crumbling apartment buildings.
With 7,000 people, 2,700 new housing units and 1,000 jobs forecasted for downtown Cooksville in the next 20 years based on the province’s growth plan, thoughtful and coordinated design plans were a must.
“This is the day Cooksville changed and as an old Cooksville boy, I couldn’t be happier,” said Iannicca.
Six principles identified in the “Vision Cooksville” report include a vibrant public realm and walkable streets; connected and engaging parks and open spaces; community facilities; housing opportunities; local and unique businesses; and a new identity, including gateways, signage and beautification.
Central to the success of Cooksville’s face-lift will be transit.
Metrolinx, a regional transportation authority created by the province, has designated three transit lines that will intersect in Cooksville. This includes the existing Milton GO transit rail line, the future Hurontario-LRT and the rapid transit line on Dundas Street. These higher order transit investments mean downtown Cooksville will become a major mobility hub in the next 20 years.
Coun. Carolyn Parrish hopes the City has an affordable housing strategy in place before the transformation is underway to ensure those in need of transit won’t be pushed out when shoddy apartment buildings are torn down for high-rise condos.
With a 1.6 per cent vacancy rate in Mississauga, preservation and improvements in the existing rental housing stock will be a priority, reads the report.
A five-month community engagement process conducted by Urban Strategies Inc. helped guide the downtown Cooksville study. Residents identified the area strengths to include transit, walkability, small businesses, diversity, range of housing options and engaged residents.
Socioeconomic concerns about homelessness and drug use were the central weaknesses.
Iannicca hopes this can be combatted by a focus on creating community hubs, gathering spaces, recreational facilities, public parks and a revamped library will provide greater connections within the community.
The report will go to city council for approval on July 6.
https://www7.mississauga.ca/documen...6/06_27_16_-_PDC_Agenda_-_Evening_Session.pdf