January, 10 2024 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Provincial Government will hear more on Regional Governance

Committee to hear Halton delegations in Burlington Thursday, January 11

The Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure, and Cultural Policy is seeking feedback on regional governance in Halton when it hosts delegations in Burlington, including Mayor Burton.

Mayor Burton will present findings from the staff report that was commissioned by the town in anticipation of regional facilitators reviewing regional governance in Ontario. Since then, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing assigned a Legislative Committee to take on the work that was originally assigned to the facilitators.

The Town's "Single-Tier Governance Options Report" provides a glimpse of possible models and more effective and efficient collaboration among governing parties.

The Region of Halton, like any organization, can continue to continuously improve, become more effective, and provide more value for taxpayers.

There are some areas of duplication and significant fiscal disparities within Halton. The numbers, as outlined in the figures, illustrate the fairness gap in the distribution of the regional levy and the population of each Halton municipality.

For more information on the standing committee click here.

Read the report

Enhancing Safety and Greenery in Oakville: Annual Tree Pruning Initiatives

The Town of Oakville embarks on its annual tree pruning programs this January, focusing on public safety and the vitality of Oakville's tree canopy. In collaboration with the town's tree service contractor, two vital programs will unfold throughout the month.

Hydro Line Clearing:

Aiming to mitigate safety hazards and power outages, the hydro line clearing program covers areas between Burloak Drive and Trafalgar Road and between Burloak Drive and Fourth Line. Following a four-year cycle, trees are pruned in four zones, adhering to safety guidelines with clearances between branches and power lines. Private property may see tree pruning if they encroach on hydro lines, with removal as a last resort if necessary clearances cannot be achieved.

Rotational Tree Maintenance:

Complementing these efforts, the rotational tree maintenance program systematically prunes town-owned street trees on a ten-year cycle. This proactive approach enhances tree health and structure, ensuring clearances for sidewalks, roads, and other infrastructure. In 2024, focus areas include regions between Fourth Line and Sixteen Mile Creek and Neyagawa Blvd./Fourth Line and Preserve Drive.

Residents are invited to an open house on January 17 at Town Hall's South Atrium from 6 to 8 p.m. to engage with town staff and learn more about these crucial programs.

Further information is available on the Town Tree Maintenance page. Active community participation contributes to the safety and beauty of Oakville.

More Parking Downtown

You are invited to attend and provide input at this videoconferencing meeting hosted by the Commissioner of Community Development.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. by videoconference broadcast from Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road

The Planning Services department will be presenting a recommendation report with respect to the proposed Temporary Use By-law at this meeting.

The purpose of this application is to permit a temporary use of Commercial Parking Area for a period of three-years.

The effect of this application is to allow 17 parking spaces for paid parking in Downtown Oakville. The subject lands are located south of Water Street and west of Navy Street.

Read the full notice

Mayor and Council Celebrate 2024

On January 7, 2024, Mayor Burton and Council hosted the Annual Levee, embracing the new year with community spirit. Residents gathered for an evening filled with enchanting performances, including the Oakville Choir for Children and Youth, WeSing Canada, and The Inspired Indian Group.

The diverse talents on display reflected Oakville's rich cultural tapestry. Mayor Rob Burton expressed gratitude to the residents who attended, emphasizing the importance of shared celebrations that strengthen community bonds.

As we welcome 2024, Mayor and Council extend heartfelt thanks to all who contributed. The unity and joy exhibited at the Levee set a positive tone for the year ahead. Here's to a vibrant and connected Oakville in 2024!

Empowering Oakville: Launch of Community Activation Grant Program

In a significant stride towards fostering community engagement and belonging, the Town of Oakville is thrilled to introduce the Community Activation Grant program. This initiative, approved by Council with an annual funding allocation of $35,000, aims to support grassroots initiatives led by residents, informal groups, and neighbourhood associations that contribute to strengthening community bonds and fostering a sense of belonging.

The program will provide grants of up to $2,000 to eligible community and resident groups, as well as ad-hoc groups, organizing small-scale events, initiatives, and programs in Oakville. The focus is on activities that enhance the overall well-being of the community and contribute to a sense of belonging.

How to Apply:

Community members interested in applying for the Community Activation Grant are invited to complete the application online, ensuring submissions are made at least two months in advance of the proposed initiative or activity. The selection process will evaluate the extent to which the initiative enhances community belonging and aligns with program requirements.

The Town's Community Development team, housed within the Recreation and Culture department, is enthusiastic about collaborating with the community throughout the grant application process. Their goal is to ensure that initiatives are well-supported and set up for success.

For detailed information, including eligibility criteria and the application process, please visit the Community Activation Grant page.

Background:

Town Council allocated $35,000 annually for the Community Activation Grant as part of the 2023 Budget.
In September, program details and the framework were presented to Council.
The initiative aligns with Council's strategic priority to enhance community belonging, fostering a welcoming environment for all residents to engage in fulfilling community life that supports overall well-being.
Staff will provide a report to Council on the program's outcomes after one year.

“There are so many community groups and residents doing great things in Oakville to support our vibrancy and livability. Council and I hope the Community Activation Grant program will help these groups and individuals continue their work and inspire others to contribute to the well-being of our community.” — Mayor Rob Burton

Apply Here

Public Consultations

Transportation Master Plan Consultations Underway

Oakville's future just got a lot more exciting with the launch of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) update. This comprehensive blueprint sets the stage for transformative transportation improvements, promoting a more walkable, cyclable, and transit-friendly community.

Understanding the Transportation Master Plan

A TMP is more than just a roadmap; it's a visionary document that outlines Oakville's transportation goals for the long term. It encompasses policies, programs, guidelines, and infrastructure enhancements, fostering safe, convenient, and efficient mobility for both people and goods.

Oakville's 2018 TMP prioritizes all modes of transportation, emphasizing public transit, walking, cycling, and ride-sharing. It strategically integrates roadway improvements, ensuring a holistic approach to community mobility.

Online Survey - Open Until February 29, 2024

Participate in the online survey, open until February 29, 2024, to share your insights on transportation in Oakville.

Stay Updated

If you want to stay in the loop, email tmp@oakville.ca to be added to the Project Contact List.

Study Timeline

Early to Mid-2023: Review Policy framework and study context
Mid to Late 2023: Discover needs and opportunities
Late 2023 to Mid-2024: Imagine system solutions for transportation
Mid to Late 2024: Reveal draft and final plan

Expected Outcomes

Identify short, medium, and long-term action items for transportation infrastructure.
Recommend implementation plans for the town's transportation system.

Join us in shaping Oakville's future, ensuring it remains a vibrant and livable community for all.

Local News

Halton police asking for public's help locating convicted human trafficker

Halton police are asking for the public’s help in locating a convicted human trafficker known to frequent the GTA.

On Jan. 8, Ryan Gentles, 31, of Brampton removed his ankle monitor and fled the area of Dixie Road and Bovaird Drive, police said.

Gentles had been on bail awaiting a sentencing hearing for human trafficking charges he had pleaded guilty to, according to police.

Read the full story

Provincial News

Ontario Connecting More Indigenous Youth to Mental Health Services in Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation

The Ontario government is making it faster and easier for young people to connect to mental health and substance use support by launching a new Youth Wellness Hub to serve Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation and surrounding areas. This is one of the eight new hubs the government is adding to the 14 already created since 2020, bringing the total to 22 across the province.

Read the release

Ontario municipalities’ veto powers granted by Ford are complicating efforts to avert electricity shortages

Veto powers granted to Ontario municipalities by the province, introduced in 2018 as part of a campaign against renewable power generation, are complicating Ontario’s efforts to avert electricity shortages expected in a few years’ time.

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator forecast last year that electricity demand in the province would rise about 2 percent each year for the next 20 years, leading to shortfalls as early as 2025. Without new capacity, it warned, emergency measures such as rotating blackouts would be needed.

Read the full story

Federal News

Canadian Housing Markets Could See “Seasonally Strong Spring" With Expected Rate Cut

TD Economics is calling 2024 '“the year of the cut” in Canada, with markets pricing the first interest rate cut as soon as April.

In a note from Friday, TD’s Marc Ercolao writes that the Bank of Canada (BoC) is expected to bring the policy rate — which currently sits at a 22-year high of 5% — down to 3.5% by the end of 2024.

Read the full story

Canada's Downtown Office Vacancy

Reaches Record High

As remote work persisted and recession fears surged, Canada’s downtown offices were as empty as ever at the end of 2023 — literally.

According to new office market data from CBRE, the national downtown office vacancy rate reached 19.4% in Q4 2023, a record high for the measure and a 50-basis-point (bps) increase from Q3.

Despite a modest improvement in the suburban market, which saw the vacancy rate fall to 16.9%, Canada’s overall office vacancy rate increased 10 bps on a quarterly basis to 18.3%. Year over year, the figure came in 110 bps higher than at year-end 2022.

Read the full story