Find your Ward here here and your Council Members here | |
Doug Ford names one of his toughest critics to help lead the breakup of Peel Region | |
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Latest Oakville Matters episode
covers 'Renovictions'
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Town Council to soon discuss renovictions and renters rights | |
Oakville Matters: "Renovictions" | |
Following his June Beaver op-ed, Mayor Burton's latest "Oakville Matters' YourTV episode covered the topic of renovictions and Oakville's priority to protect renters.
"Protecting renters and our supply of affordable rental housing in Oakville needs to be an urgent priority as we grow," Mayor Burton said in his Beaver op-ed in June.
"Fortunately, we have an opportunity to protect renters from “renovictions” taking away their affordable places to live when we get applications to increase rental housing. The provincial government announced welcome legislation to beef up tenant protections and prevent renovictions just a few weeks after town council voted unanimously in support of the Ontario housing supply pledge to facilitate approvals of 33,000 new housing units by 2031.
"Applications to evict renters from buildings have already begun in Oakville. I want Oakville to get ahead of this problem."
Town Council will soon discuss renovictions and renters rights and protections.
See what's coming up at Council here
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Federal Housing Accelerator Fund will help
to achieve the town's Housing Pledge
to the Province
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The Federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is a timely opportunity to advance a Housing Strategy and Action Plan. It will help to achieve the town’s recent Housing Pledge to the province and provide opportunities for accelerating the delivery of housing.
The approval of the Housing Strategy and Action Plan will allow the town to enter into a Housing Accelerator Fund Contribution Agreement if the application is successful.
Securing HAF funding will allow the Town to advance the initiatives selected from the Housing Strategy and Action Plan, as well as the funding of infrastructure that supports housing development.
The Housing Strategy and Action Plan is structured around six goals and objectives, which intend to achieve five key housing outcomes:
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increased housing supply
- improved affordability
- enhanced housing choice
- accelerated housing delivery
- development of complete communities
The plan includes approximately 70 actions that the town can take over the coming years to improve the housing landscape in Oakville in order to deliver the housing Oakville needs.
In Spring 2023, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) launched the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) program.
The main objective of the program is to encourage housing supply growth and create certainty in development approvals. A Council approved Housing Action Plan is a required component to participate in the HAF program, prior to signing a contribution agreement to receive funding.
Community engagement on the Housing Strategy and Action Plan is anticipated in future months, and staff will report back to Council by early 2024 on what was heard and refine the Housing Strategy and Action Plan, as necessary. It is anticipated that other ongoing provincial initiatives will also need to be coordinated with the Housing Strategy and Action Plan.
The report and plan will be review by Council on Monday, July 10, 2023 at the Planning and Development Council Meeting.
Findings in Housing Plan
- Higher density housing forms are the least represented housing form in Oakville, with apartments in buildings that are five of more storeys making up 12% of Oakville’s housing mix.
- The plan sets a housing affordability target that at least 30 per cent of new housing units produced annually in Halton Region be at or below the affordable threshold.
- As of February 2023, there were approximately 33,300 unbuilt residential units in Oakville within the development review pipeline. Of those units, approximately:
- 2,970 residential units were draft approved
- 22,070 residential units were in the development review process
- 8,260 residential units were under appeal at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT)
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"Higher density housing provides
the best opportunity to encourage
more market affordable housing in Halton," Halton Region Report says
| More density required in Oakville and Halton to Achieve Regional Housing Mix Target | |
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The Housing Mix Target in the Regional Official Plan now calls for at least 65 per cent of new housing units produced annually in Halton to be in the form of townhouses or multi-storey buildings (higher density housings).
In 2022, townhouse and apartment units accounted for 48.1 per cent of housing completions in Halton. For the first time in 11 years, the Housing Mix Target was not achieved.
Provision of higher density housing provides the best opportunity to encourage more market affordable housing in Halton.
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Halton Police Board back Mayor Burton's messaging on auto theft prevention | |
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Following Mayor Burton's letter to Minister of Public Safety, Marco Medicino, the Halton Police Board is calling on the federal government, automobile manufacturers and the auto insurance industry to take action to combat vehicle theft in Canada.
In a resolution presented to the board during its Thursday, June 29 meeting, board chair Jeff Knoll noted that auto theft continues to be a serious issue in Canada, with more than $1 billion worth of vehicles stolen during 2022.
In his May 26th Auto Mayors letter to the Minister, Mayor Burton stated: "In Ontario, a vehicle is stolen every 48 minutes. The number of auto thefts in the province has increased by 72 percent from 2014 to 2021, and by 14 percent in the last year alone."
Both Mayor Burton and the Halton Police Board are calling on other police boards across Canda to echo their call for action against auto theft.
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Oakville property standards and related by-laws strengthened with new rules | |
With the help of public feedback, the Town of Oakville has updated property standards, lot maintenance and division fence regulations in Oakville.
The Property Standards By-law 2023-074 and the Division Fence By-law 2023-076 are effective immediately and the Lot Maintenance By-Law 2023-075 will come into effect on July 10, 2023.
The property standards and lot maintenance by-laws set minimum standards for the upkeep of buildings , yards and properties in Oakville for the promotion of health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare of residents.
The division fence by-law regulates how the cost of fences located along the property line should be split between adjoining property owners.
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Ward 1 Councillors attend
Bronte Legion mural ribbon cutting
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This year marked the 75th anniversary of Bronte Legion, Branch #486.
Ward 1 Councillors Sean O'Meara and Jonathan McNeice attended the event. The Honourable Anita Anand cut the ribbon to open the mural for all to enjoy.
Chris Perez was the artist behind the mural and completed it in 3 days.
Thank you to the volunteers that set the stage for the celebration.
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Oakville Fire kicks off Sparky's Dog Days of Summer on July 5 | |
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Oakville Fire crews will be making a special visit to seven splash pads this summer as part of the annual Sparky’s Dog Days of Summer campaign.
As families cool off at splash pads, they will have the opportunity to meet the fire crews, check out the fire trucks, and learn about vital fire safety messaging.
Sparky’s Dog Days of Summer is a fire prevention initiative that encourages residents to meet and talk to local firefighters and fire prevention team members at their neighbourhood park.
It is an opportunity for parents to improve their awareness on fire safety as our Oakville Fire team share tips to keep children safe from burns and scalds, information about smoke and fire detection systems at home, and how to plan and practice home escape plans.
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Unable to downsize, more seniors are living in larger homes with empty bedrooms | |
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A growing number of Canadian couples and singles live in homes with vacant bedrooms, a phenomenon that is coming to light as local governments across the country grapple with acute housing needs.
The percentage of singles and couples who live in homes that have a minimum of three bedrooms increased to 29 per cent in Canada in 2021, according to an analysis by The Globe and Mail of census numbers for that year. That compares with 26 per cent in 2006, according to the corresponding census.
The numbers suggest a growing proportion of people are living in homes that are larger than they require and staying in place as they age, rather than downsizing. The trend is driven by an aging population, the lack of suitable housing for seniors and the high cost of smaller housing alternatives, experts say.
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Tara Connor appointed HDSB Superintendent of Education | |
The Halton District School Board (HSDB) has appointed Tara Connor as their next Superintendent of Education. She will assume the post next month, beginning August 1, 2023. | |
Your Oakville guide for summer activities: Gairloch Gardens, Iroquois Ridge, & McCraney Creek Trail
Exploring the town as a family and creating memories together can be fun, enjoyable, adventurous and serene. It's all about what spot you choose, the trail you embark on and the activity you try out, making the most of the short and fleeting summer.
Based on what the locals suggested, Oakville News brings you some options that you can use to plan memorable summer activities.
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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!
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Province Starts Pre-Development Work for New Nuclear Generation to Power Ontario's Growth
The Ontario government is starting pre-development work to site the first large-scale nuclear build in over three decades to prepare for rising electricity demand, power electrification and fuel the province’s strong economic growth. Bruce Power will start community consultations and conduct the environmental assessment for federal approval to determine the feasibility of siting up to 4,800 megawatts (MW) of new nuclear generation on its current site.
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Break-up of Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon one step closer with selection of Peel Transition Board
The break-up of Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon is moving ahead now that a team has been chosen to oversee that the split goes as smoothly as possible.
The province made the announcement on Wednesday (July 5) that it has selected the five-person board that will guide the three municipalities through the dissolution of the Region of Peel.
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El Nino is back. Here's what it means for Canada | |
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It was long anticipated, and now it's here.
The global weather pattern El Niño has returned for the first time in seven years, according to the World Meteorological Organization, setting the stage for further extreme weather and soaring temperatures.
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Canadians flocking to Alberta despite unemployment rate, rising housing costs
Alberta attracted more interprovincial migrants than anywhere else in Canada in the first three months of 2023.
The province gained 15,786 residents from elsewhere in the country. Meanwhile, B.C. and Ontario saw net losses of 712 and 14,732, respectively.
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July 3 was the world's hottest day ever, U.S. scientists say
The entire planet sweltered to the unofficial hottest day in human recordkeeping July 3, according to University of Maine scientists at the Climate Reanalyzer project.
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Russia, Saudi Arabia cut oil supply again to raise price
Saudi Arabia and Russia are extending cuts to the amount of oil they pump to the world in a bid to prop up prices, showing how two of the world’s largest oil producers are scrambling to boost income from the fossil fuel even as demand has weakened with the economy.
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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
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$2,500 Digital Transformation Grants NOW available | |
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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:
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Register your business at digitalmainstreet.ca/ontariogrants/ and complete the digital assessment.
- Pass the pre-qualification quiz, complete the 2.5 hours of online training, and develop your Digital Transformation Plan.
- Apply for a $2,500 grant.
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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
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