B.8 Oxford County Commercial Policy Review (2009) Oxford County is undertaking a Commercial Policy Review as part of its five year review of the Official Plan. The County is faced with some significant challenges, including substantial population growth over the next 20 years; and slower than expected manufacturing growth as a result of the recent economic downturn. Despite the recent economic slowdown, there has been ongoing interest and pressure for the designation of retail space in its urban centres. Faced with these challenges, it is imperative for the County to continue to maintain commercial policy directives that remain relevant for the consumer, the industry and the County, particularly as it relates to the proper planning and structure of its urban areas. It is therefore necessary to understand the future commercial needs of the County, the locational criteria and trends of the commercial industry, and the strengths and weaknesses of the current policy
structure. It is also an opportune time to take stock of the County’s current physical structure and seek opportunities to build upon and improve the existing built environment while capitalizing on current commercial demands and retail trends. The Oxford County Official Plan contains seven commercial designations, two of which (the Central Business District and Entrepreneurial Districts) are relevant to this study. Their intended role and function is discussed below. Central Business District: The Central Business District is intended to be the most intensive, functionally diverse and dominant business, cultural and administrative centre in each municipality in which it is located. The designation generally correlates to the traditional main street or downtown within each of the urban municipalities. A full range of commercial, office, administrative, cultural, entertainment, recreation, institutional, open space and accessory residential uses are permitted in recognition of this function. Entrepreneurial District: The Entrepreneurial District permits a limited range of non-retail commercial uses such as personal services, offices, business supply and services and repair shops as well as residential intensification. Entrepreneurial District areas are generally found in the area surrounding the Central Business Districts of the large urban centres (Woodstock, Ingersoll, and Tillsonburg).
Artists depiction of the Broadway Street corridor in downtown Tillsonburg.
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