January, 3 2024 Newsletter | |
Find your Ward here and your Council Members here | |
Join Mayor and Council at Annual Levee this Sunday January 7th | |
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Mayor Rob Burton extends a warm invitation to all Oakville residents to join him at the annual Mayor and Council's Levee. This community celebration, taking place on January 7, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, will be hosted at the South Atrium at Town Hall.
The Mayor and Council's Levee is an occasion to connect with neighbours, community leaders, and local officials in a casual and friendly atmosphere. This event is a reflection of Oakville's commitment to fostering unity and a strong sense of community.
Meet and Greet: Engage in meaningful conversations with Mayor Rob Burton and other members of the Oakville Town Council. This is a unique opportunity to share your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations for Oakville in the coming year.
Refreshments: Enjoy light refreshments and beverages provided as a gesture of appreciation for your continued support and involvement in shaping the Oakville community.
Date: January 7, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: South Atrium at Town Hall - 1225 Trafalgar Road
Whether you're a long-time Oakville resident or a newcomer to the community, everyone is welcome to attend the Mayor and Council's Levee. Come with your family, bring a friend, or simply join in on your own – the more, the merrier!
This event is a wonderful way to kick off the new year, surrounded by the warmth and camaraderie that define Oakville. Make a resolution to be an active part of your community in 2024, starting with the Levee.
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Enhancing Safety and Greenery in Oakville: Annual Tree Pruning Initiatives
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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.
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Oakville Galleries Exhibition 'Eviction Notice' by Elif Saydam recognized by 'Frieze' as top ten show worldwide in 2023
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In a notable distinction, Oakville Galleries' exhibition "Eviction Notice" by artist Elif Saydam has secured a spot among the top ten shows worldwide in 2023, as recognized by the prestigious art publication Frieze.
Elif Saydam's artistic prowess shines through in this achievement, underscoring her ability to provoke thought and engage audiences. Renowned for her multidisciplinary approach, Saydam seamlessly integrates photography, video, installation, and sculpture to craft compelling pieces that resonate with art enthusiasts.
This international recognition cements Oakville Galleries' commitment to showcasing exceptional talent and fostering a vibrant artistic community.
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InHalton: Local hospitals asking Halton Residents to mask up | |
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With the arrival of cold and flu season, Halton’s hospitals are advising residents of new masking requirements.
Halton Healthcare says residents will need to mask up if they plan on visiting certain areas of their hospitals.
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Oakville Beaver: Province taking over oversight for towing industry in Oakville and across Ontario | |
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The Town of Oakville’s ability to license and regulate towing within the community is rapidly coming to an end.
During a council meeting on Monday, Dec. 18 council voted to repeal the town’s tow truck licensing bylaw and delete portions of another bylaw that regulates motor vehicle storage yards.
Full story by David Lea
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Empowering Oakville: Launch of Community Activation Grant Program | |
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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
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Transportation Master Plan Consultations Underway | |
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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 [email protected] 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.
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Town Staff Seeking Feedback on IDEA Strategy |  | |
The Town of Oakville in an effort to create a more inclusive community and workplace unveiled the draft Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Multi-Year Plan on December 18. This plan represents a culmination of years of collaboration and consultations aimed at making Oakville a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
The comprehensive IDEA Multi-Year Plan outlines four key goals to bolster the town's existing efforts in fostering inclusivity:
- Foundational Goal: Drive the objective and be accountable for incorporating IDEA principles across all facets of the organization.
- Internal Goal: Attract and retain a diverse workforce, fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful work environment.
- Community Goal: Listen to, engage, and serve the community, reflecting an inclusive culture in the range of services provided.
- Sustainability Goal: Communicate, track, and measure progress, aligning and connecting IDEA initiatives.
The plan identifies opportunities for program development and policy improvement, aiming to enhance the inclusion experience and build upon the town's culture of mutual respect.
Community Feedback Encouraged - Deadline January 31, 2024
The Oakville community is invited to contribute their insights and perspectives on the draft IDEA Multi-Year Plan, emphasizing its importance, associated goals, actions, and timelines. The feedback period is open until January 31, 2024.
To share your thoughts, email Corporate Strategy Program Advisor Rebecca Brookes at [email protected].
For more details, visit the dedicated Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Multi-Year Plan page on the Oakville website.
"Council has been unanimous when it comes to advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility initiatives. I’m excited to see that work continue through the multi-year plan as we strive to be a vibrant and livable community for all. I encourage residents to review the draft plan on oakville.ca and share their thoughts." - Mayor Rob Burton
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Where do people want to move in the GTA? Survey says Oakville
Oakville continues to be one of the most searched-for communities by prospective homebuyers.
According to online real estate company Zoocasa, Oakville was third among GTA municipalities during searches in 2023, trailing only Mississauga and Hamilton, but ahead of Oshawa and Brampton.
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2023 Order of Ontario Appointees
The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, announced 25 new appointments to the Order of Ontario for 2023. Since its creation in 1986, more than 800 people have been recognized with the province's highest civilian honour for their extraordinary contributions.
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Opposition to fourplexes in Windsor is based on 'irrational fear,' says urban planner
A Windsor urban planner and architect says council's opposition to fourplexes is based on "irrational fear" — and points to existing examples in the city.
Dorian Moore, an architect with Archive Design Studio in Detroit and an instructor at the University of Windsor, says he understands the concerns councillors articulated.
Moore pointed to older examples on Ontario Street between Gladstone Avenue and Lincoln Road saying it shows they can be incorporated into neighbourhoods.
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Canadians can expect to see 'full' housing plan in 2024: Minister
Housing Minister Sean Fraser says Canadians can expect to see a full plan from the federal government in 2024 that lays out how it will tackle the housing crisis.
“We’re working to develop a plan that will pull together the measures we’ve announced and the next measures we will announce into a single place for Canadians to see the full renewed approach,” Fraser said in a year-end interview with The Canadian Press.
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Food Banks experiencing record demand
Oakville's food banks are in record-breaking demand. If you can donate anything, please do. Your help is needed.
Fareshare Food Bank Oakville:
905-847-3988
[email protected]
Kerr Street Mission
905-845-7485
kerrstreet.com
The Salvation Army Oakville
salvationarmy.ca
Food 4 Kids Halton
food4kidshalton.ca
Oak Park & Neighbourhood Centre Food Bank
opnc.ca
Nourishing Neighbours Food Bank
Date: Every Thursday from 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Location: St. Luke's Anglican Church & Community Centre (3114 Dundas St W, L6M 4J3)
- All clients need to call 905-825-3364 to register
- All clients must be a resident of Oakville
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