The Bronte neighbourhood is in southwest Oakville, with the shore of Lake Ontario as its southern boundary. Bronte was established in 1834, and was a commercial shipping centre for grain and timber, and later became a commercial fishing port, with its two harbours. Bronte is an access point for the waterfront trail system, and it has a waterfront park with a beach, lighthouse, play and picnic areas, pier, and boardwalk. The area has both a small-town, cottagey feel and urban dining and other amenities. Some housing is older, in cottage styles, but there are also new developments of condo highrises, as well as newer single- and semi-detached homes.