July 12th, 2023 News

Find your Ward here here and your Council Members here

Oakville Council approves new long-term strategy and sets priorities

for the next four years

On July 11, 2023, Town Council approved the Town of Oakville Council Strategic Plan and 2023-2026 Action Plan that will help guide their decision making over the next four years.


The town's four strategic priorities have been identified.


1) Growth management


  • Managing growth for a vibrant local economy, meeting infrastructure needs and ensuring we have complete communities and efficient mobility across the town.


2) Community Belonging


  • Enhancing community belonging to ensure all residents are invited to engage in a fulfilling community that is built to support wellbeing.


3) Environmental Sustainability


  • Ensuring environmental sustainability to meet future needs related to greenspace, natural areas, and act on climate change mitigation and adaptation.


4) Accountable government


  • Providing accountable government for excellence in service delivery and responsible management of resources.


“The Town of Oakville Council Strategic Plan and 2023-2026 Action Plan has been shaped by the needs and wants of our community and sets a path for us to thrive and be successful. Council and I are excited to continue serving the community with more focus and are deeply committed to advancing town priorities, strengthening municipal operations, and dedicating resources toward achieving Oakville’s vision of a vibrant and livable community for all.” – Mayor Rob Burton

Read the full release

Halton Region approves

2023-2026 Strategic Business Plan

Halton Region approves 2023-2026 Strategic Business Plan at today's meeting of Regional Council.


Halton's 2023-2026 Strategic Plan follows four themes.


1) Community well being


  • Focuses on collaborating with partners to deliver the programs, services and supports that the community needs to be safe and healthy.


2) Infrastructure and growth


  • Focuses on ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and services are in place to maintain the high quality of life as the Region continues to grow.


3) Climate change and the environment


  • Focuses on reducing our collective carbon footprint to mitigate the impacts of climate climate change.


4) Excellence in government


  • Focuses on our commitment to strong financial management, Truth and Reconciliation and being an employer of choice as well as transforming service delivery.
Read Halton's 2023-2026 Strategic Business Plan

Oakville approves bylaws to strengthen rental housing and supply tenant protection

Oakville Matters: "Renovictions"

As Oakville continues to welcome more residents and facilitate an attractive housing market, Town Council approved a Rental Housing Protection By-law and Demolition Control By-law at the July 10, 2023 Planning and Development Council meeting.


Together, the by-laws help preserve the existing supply of rental housing stock while strengthening tenant protection. 


“Our focus continues to be on developing complete and inclusive communities with easy access to a variety of housing, transit, community infrastructure, including protection for tenants and our rental housing supply. By introducing this bylaw for rental building conversions, we aim to sustain the supply of rental housing while also protecting tenants.” - Mayor Rob Burton 

Read the full release

Draft Housing Strategy and Action Plan

to facilitate more variety

in types of housing

To support Oakville’s housing requirements, the town is working on a comprehensive Housing Strategy and Action Plan.


The draft strategy and action plan was shared with Town Council at the July 10, 2023 Planning and Development Council meeting.


Council directed staff to undertake public engagement on the draft and report back on refining and finalizing the Housing Strategy and Action Plan in coordination with other ongoing provincial initiatives.


“The Housing Strategy and Action Plan focuses on creating more homes and variety in housing options for our growing population who want to be part of our thriving and livable town. We look forward to more public engagement to help refine the comprehensive housing strategy that provides housing options to suit various needs and lifestyles.” - Mayor Rob Burton 

Read the full release

Council passes motion in favour of

green infrastructure for

Rainwater Management Strategy

Grey infrastructure to be used only where necessary

Town Council passed a motion in favour of prioritizing green infrastructure for Oakville's Rainwater Management Strategy.


The Motion reads as follows: That the Rainwater Management Strategy, under development and associated fees and studies, will ensure that green infrastructure be preferred and grey infrastructure only where necessary, with public consultation.


The Rainwater Management Strategy is the overarching umbrella that looks at all stormwater related needs to deliver a holistic long-term infrastructure plan, including a supporting financing strategy. 


Oakville's Town website was updated with information on Rainwater Strategy and flood mitigation education material.

Read the full report

Federal Housing Minister visits Town Hall to discuss Housing Accelerator Fund

Minister Ahmed Hussen came to Town Hall to discuss the Housing Accelerator Fund earlier this summer.


Minister Hussen emphasized the Federal Government's interest in increasing housing supply and the need for greater desnity, faster and as of right approvals to meet the housing supply emergency.


"It was a pleasure to sit down and talk with the Minister in person. Residents can rest assured that Oakville is working collaboratively with all levels of government to tackle the housing crisis." - Mayor Rob Burton

Latest Oakville Matters highlights

Oakville Hydro and OEC

Oakville Matters: Oakville Hydro

This episode features Rob Lister (President and CEO of Oakville Hydro) and Laura Wilson (Chief Financial Officer of Oakville Hydro).


The episode covers the 2022 update from Oakville Hydro and OEC.

Participate in Oakville's 2024 Budget process

Residents are encouraged to to participate in the Budget 2024 process now by sharing your ideas with members of Council prior to it being drafted.


Please contact: [email protected] to give your input on Oakville's 2024 Budget.


"Council and I would like to hear from you and your ward members on what you think of our 2024 Budget priorities. The 2024 Budget is going to be the most collaborative budget we've ever had. " - Mayor Rob Burton

Town lawyer briefs Council on Strong Mayors Act, Mayor Burton gives statement

Town Solicitor Doug Carr briefs Council on Strong Mayors Act/Mayor Burton gives Statement on Strong Mayor Powers and Duties - July 11, 2023


Town Solicitor Doug Carr briefed Council on the Strong Mayors Act at July 11th's meeting of Town Council.


Following the presentation from the Town Solicitor, Mayor Burton gave a statement on Strong Mayor Powers and Duties.


"I always work for Oakville to be Canada's most livable and fiscally healthy town where everyone can thrive. I'm proud of my record in public consultation and consensus seeking.


"...I am committed to achieving the most collaborative and engaging experience and responsible result possible for everyone to reach our shared vision of a vibrant and livable community for all," Mayor Burton said.

Watch Solicitor Carr and Mayor Burton's remarks

The Government of Canada invests in the Oakville Crosstown Trail - Khalsa Gate to Sixteen Mile Creek

Today, Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington, and Allan Elgar, Councillor, Town of Oakville, announced a federal investment of more than $1 million to upgrade the Crosstown trail in Oakville. 


“We are thrilled to collaborate with our federal partners and fund upgrades to the Crosstown Trail. Residents tell us that Oakville's trails, parks and green spaces are important parts of what makes this town so livable and vibrant. With these improvements, the upgraded Crosstown Trail will promote active lifestyles, and offer safe and accessible routes for residents and visitors to their destinations.”

- His Worship Rob Burton, Mayor of Oakville  

Read the full release

Movies in the Park returns to Oakville this summer starting July 19

The Town of Oakville is excited to announce the return of Movies in the Park!


Starting on July 19, 2023, residents are invited to bring a picnic blanket, their favourite snacks and join the excitement as the town offers a free outdoor movie experience and family-friendly activities every Wednesday at a different park in Oakville until the end of August.


Entry and activities begin at 6:30 p.m. with the film beginning around 8 p.m. closer to sunset.


Come early to ensure you get a good spot to watch the main feature movie and have a chance to connect with friends and neighbours. 

Read the full release

Mayor Burton congratulates

Mayor Olivia Chow on becoming

Toronto's 66th mayor

Mayor Burton wrote a congratulatory letter to Mayor Olivia Chow on becoming Toronto's 66th mayor.


"If you ever require assistance of any kind, you have a friend in Oakville," Mayor Burton said.

Read the full letter

Mayor Burton on site for new

16 mile Community Centre & Library

The NEW 16 Mile Community Centre & Library!

Local News

Upgrades to Oakville trail will make it safer, more accessible

The Crosstown Trail in Oakville is getting an upgrade that will help improve its safety and accessibility.


The federal government announced Tuesday afternoon (July 11) it was providing $1 million to improve the nearly 60 kilometres of heritage trails, which run runs east to west along the natural gas pipeline between Upper Middle Rd. and Dundas St., from Bronte Creek Provincial Park to Ninth Line.

Read the full story

What can Oakville do to tackle homelessness prevention?


Oakville is not a town known for its visible homelessness problem, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. A recent article addressing Halton Region's plan to spend over $10 million fighting homelessness stated, "The funding will be used to assist Halton residents to retain housing and prevent homelessness." 

Read the full story

2023 Kerr Street Ministries Mayor's Invitational Softball Tournament taking place July 13th

Planning is in full swing for the 2023 KSM Mayor's Invitational Softball Tournament that will take place on July 13th at Trafalgar Park🥎🧢 All funds raised will go directly to help fund our programs and help our clients in need.


Please reach out to Heidi Avery - [email protected] ASAP if you would like to join us! 

Read more here

Provincial News

Governments of Canada and Ontario invest $54 million to bring high-speed internet access to more than 20,000 homes


All Canadians need reliable high-speed internet, no matter where they live. That is why the governments of Canada and Ontario are taking action to bring high-speed internet access to underserved communities across Ontario.

Read the full release

Why I will speak in favour of a planned highrise in my High Park community


Confronting Nimbyism gives us all a role in solving the housing crisis.


For instance, I won’t join the protest against a planned residential highrise on my street in the High Park district. I will speak in favour of it.


The housing crisis needs several solutions, including co-operation among governments, financiers and homebuilders.

Read the full story

Businesses are joining the growing chorus of concern about the high cost of housing in Ontario


Confronting Nimbyism gives us all a role in solving the housing crisis.


For instance, I won’t join the protest against a planned residential highrise on my street in the High Park district. I will speak in favour of it.



The housing crisis needs several solutions, including co-operation among governments, financiers and homebuilders.

Read the full story

National News

Bank of Canada hikes interest rates once again amid stubborn inflation, hot job market

The Bank of Canada raised interest rates again on Wednesday, hitting the economy with even higher borrowing costs as new projections suggest it will take longer for inflation to fall back to two per cent.

Read the full story

Gap between Canada's rich and poor increasing at record speed, new StatCan data shows


Income and wealth inequality among Canadian households is increasing at record speed amid inflation and rising interest rates, and younger households are bearing the financial burden, a new report from Statistics Canada shows.

Read the full story

World News

The EU just backed a major nature conservation law. Here's what it means.


The European Union’s parliament on Wednesday backed a major plan to protect nature and fight climate change in a cliffhanger vote that had the 27-nation bloc’s global green credentials at stake.

Read the full story

U.S. inflation rate falls to 3% - slowest pace in 2 years


After two years of painfully high prices, inflation in the United States has reached its lowest point in more than two years — 3 per cent in June compared with 12 months earlier — a sign that the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes have steadily slowed price increases across the economy.

Read the full story

Revealed: UK plans to drop flagship £11.6bn climate pledge


The government is drawing up plans to drop the UK’s flagship £11.6bn climate and nature funding pledge, the Guardian can reveal, with the prime minister accused of betraying populations most vulnerable to global heating.

Read the full story

Upcoming Events

Dorval Crossing Civitan Farmer’s Market is the Town of Oakville’s longest running farmer’s market. Our market operates from 8:00 a.m. till 1:30 p.m every Saturday from May until the end of November. All proceeds earned by the market stall rentals are donated to local Oakville charities.


oakvillefarmersmarket.ca  oakvillecivitan.ca 

$2,500 Digital Transformation Grants NOW available

Applications are now being accepted for the $2,500 Digital Transformation Grants! Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2023, or until funds are fully exhausted. There are a limited number of grants available, so businesses are encouraged to apply early!

 

It is free to apply and the process is simple:

 

  1. Register your business at digitalmainstreet.ca/ontariogrants/ and complete the digital assessment.
  2. Pass the pre-qualification quiz, complete the 2.5 hours of online training, and develop your Digital Transformation Plan.
  3. Apply for a $2,500 grant.

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

Contact Us

Town of Oakville

1225 Trafalgar Road,

Oakville, Ontario

[email protected]

905-845-6601

Contact Service Oakville
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