OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, August 20, 2009 · 16 OAKVILLE OUTLOOK Oakville - a great place to work, play and live A vibrant and impressive community within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Town of Oakville is a beautiful lakeside city with a strong heritage, preserved and celebrated by residents and visitors alike. Founded in 1857, this striking town has become one of the most coveted residential and business centres in Ontario, and for good reason. Oakville offers great neighbourhoods, some of the best places to do business, quality schools, is a close proximity to Lake Ontario and recreational areas, offers easy access via QEW, 403, 407 and GO Transit and is is the home to charming shopping and dining districts. This thriving municipality of about 165,000 residents provides all the advantages of a well-serviced urban centre, while also maintaining its small-town ambiance. Along historical downtown streets, Oakville offers a mix of converted 19th century buildings which accommodate over 400 fine shops, services and restaurants. A destination for both visitors and residents, Oakville is a 30-minute drive from downtown Toronto, and an hour's drive from the U.S. border, Oakville boasts an $88 million tourism industry, with over 1.4 million visitors annually. Residents and visitors enjoy theatre, dance, music and comedy performances at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. They can visit the museum at Erchless Estate, located in the home of the Chisolms, Oakville's founding family. Other points of interest include galleries, historical societies and local architecture, especially in heritage neighbourhoods. Among the many special attractions and activities for the whole family, Oakville's annual Waterfront Festival, Festival of Classics and Jazz Festival draw crowds from around the GTA. The community also provides plenty of recreational opportunities. Golfers can play at one of seven golf courses, including PGA-recognized Glen Abbey Golf Course, which has hosted the Canadian Open for many years. Enjoy more than 2,400 acres of park space, many with groomed hiking trails, or join a recreation centre which provides pro- grams for all ages. For boaters, Oakville features two picturesque harbours with docks and slips for sail and powerboats. A PLACE TO DO BUSINESS Oakville's strong and diversified economic base offers an excellent location for both new and expanding businesses. Currently, over 260 national and international corporate headquarters represent automotive, technology, business service, aerospace, pharmaceutical and tourism sectors. QUALITY OF LIFE The average household income in Oakville is estimated at $89,000, about $25,000 more than comparable GTA figures. People who live here are proud of the quality of life this great community has to offer. In a recent survey of residents, 86 per cent said Oakville is a better place to live than anywhere else in the GTA. Ideally located in a beautiful natural setting, Oakville offers first-rate facilities and amenities. The outstanding range of lifestyle choices will continue to make this growing community one in which residents and businesses feel a sense of pride and connection. Town of Oakville ASPHALT · CONCRETE · INTERLOCKING ville · exotic · urban · classic · contemporary Fully Bonded & Insured Written Guarantee Free Estimates · RESIDENTIAL · COMMERCIAL · INDUSTRIAL · NO DEPOSIT! PAY UPON COMPLETION D E S I G N MANUFACTURE INSTALLATION Since 1982 cabinetry solutions tailored to specific needs · down to earth prices · high-tech manufacturing with old world craftsmanship and attention to detail 416·736·4220 EXT. 333 www.cvalleypaving.ca 1195 North Service Rd. W., Unit #1 & #2 905.847.1522 · Fax: 905.847.1951 e-mail: oakville@AyAkitchens.com · www.AyAkitchens.com AYA KITCHENS OF OAKVILLE