Volume 2, Issue 26 | July 23rd, 2022 | |
TOP STORY: Hit and Run victim and Ward 5 resident needs our help | |
After a terrible crime, one of our Oakville neighbours needs help | |
Two weeks ago, a sad incident and terrible crime took place in Oakville: Jeff De Luca, a 47-year-old father here in Ward 5, was intentionally hit by a driver in a hit-and-run.
On Saturday, July 9th, a reckless young driver was driving more than double the residential speed limit. Bothered by the reckless driving with families and children hanging around, De Luca decided to step out onto the road, placing himself in the center, with his palm out - motioning the driver to stop.
The driver then decided to hit Jeff and drive away - causing several serious injuries. And all this happened while he was hosting a birthday party and wanted to keep the nearby kids safe.
Now he's recovering in the hospital, but while he begins his long, months long recovery journey, we can help him and his family.
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Councillor Knoll has set up a GoFundMe group fundraising initiativeto help Jeff and his family make ends meet through this time while neither he or his wife Leah can work.
Since Councillor Knoll started the campaign, the GoFundMe has already raised more than 40% of the initial $10,000 goal thanks to the generosity of those in town.
Jeff is a builder; he builds custom homes, but now as he must learn to walk again, he's afraid of what’s going to happen to him in the future.
If you have the ability to give anything, please consider donating to help Jeff and his family in this difficult time.
This is great way to help a neighbour in need after an extraordinary circumstance - and we as the Oakville community can make a big difference.
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Picture above: Jeff De Luca with his family | |
Jeff has an extensive list of injuries from the incident: His lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys were all bruised. His pelvis is broken in four places and his left arm radius and ribs are broken too. On top of that, he has a fractured spine and concussion.
As of today, Jeff can't walk, and unfortunately, it's too early still to know whether he'll be able to ever walk again.
Related to the incident, a 19-year-old from Brampton has been taken into custody and now is facing four charges relating to hitting Jeff with his car two weeks ago:
- assault with a weapon
- aggravated assault
- dangerous operation causing bodily harm
- failure to stop after an accident
While this case will continue to be investigated and handled by the hardworking officers and detectives with the Halton Regional Police Service, Jeff De Luca still has a lot of healing ahead of him.
Earlier this week, Jeff bravely shared his story and experience with our local newspaper Oakville News in a special interview.
In the story, he conducted from the hospital, he described the experience of what happened to him and the injuries he's now sustaining. You can read the full story by clicking the link below.
Knoll's News will also hopefully be able to provide an update to the case and Jeff's recovery in the months to come.
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Looking for local development updates, COVID-19 vaccine and Ukraine support info? These weekly features can be found at the bottom of the newsletter | |
You're invited to Oakville's Emancipation Day Picnic! | |
The town of Oakville is inviting all residents to their annual Emancipation Day Picnic on Monday, August 1st 2022 from 1 to 4 p.m. - it's a fun, midsummer event for the whole family!
The picnic is a free-to-attend event including a free hot lunch (that must be pre-ordered) and is returning to its home location on the grounds of the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate.
Residents and families are being invited to mark this significant day in history when slavery was abolished in Canada and throughout the British Empire. The picnic is a community celebration that recognizes Oakville’s role in the Underground Railroad as a port of entry to Canada.
Attendees are encouraged to pre-order a free, hot Caribbean meal prepared by Chef Romaine Newell to be enjoyed at the event.
Up to 200 meals will be prepared so attendees are reminded to pre-order as soon as possible. (Hotdogs, chips, and a juice box will be prepared as an alternative meal for children.)
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On the day of the event, its recommended to bring lawn chairs and a blanket to enjoy your pre-ordered meal. There will also be live performances by jazz gospel singer John Campbell and the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) Steelpan Band.
Attendees can also visit the museum to take a tour, learn about Oakville’s early Black History, and explore the multimedia exhibit, The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom.
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The CCAH steelpan band has been performing at events all over Halton this summer. If you attended Councillor Knoll's Canada Day breakfast, you may remember the steelpan band's show for attendees and guests! Make sure to come see them at the Emancipation Day picnic on August 1st. | |
Come see Middle Raged at the Oakville Centre this fall! | |
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Don't miss the fabulous comedy show MIDDLE RAGED! After playing cities all over Canada, the smash-hit show is coming to the Oakville Centre on Friday, September 16th.
MIDDLE RAGED is a hilarious sketch show, exploring that time of life when you're running out of time! Couples dealing with the madness of childrearing, empty nests, aging parents, financial stresses....even trying "Outlander" role play to spice up the bedroom!
The show stars Geri Hall (This Hour Has 22 Minutes) and comedian Gary Pearson. Not only is he one of Canada's funniest men, but he's also a local Oakville Ward 5 resident! You can learn more about the show and buy tickets here!
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Council endorses new growth funding by-law | |
Following public review and input, Oakville town council has approved the new Development Charges By-law 2022-068.
This important by-law outlines how the town collects fees from property developers for building new community infrastructure such as roads, transit network, recreation centres and libraries, parks, and fire stations.
Development charges are collected when the town issues building permits to developers for residential, commercial, and industrial construction.
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As Oakville continues to grow through population and jobs, additional land and infrastructure is needed to continue delivering quality services. You can learn more about this new bylaw here. | |
There's a heat warning in Halton Stay safe in the heat! | |
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As a result of extreme heat and humidity, Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning for Halton Region. The temperature is expected to reach a humidex of 40 or higher this weekend - and summer isn't over yet!
To stay safe in the summer heat:
- drink plenty of water and cool liquids,
- avoid strenuous outdoor activities
- seek shade from the sun
- close blinds and shutters during the daytime and open them at night
- take cool showers, and mist yourself and your clothing with cool water
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NEVER leave people or pets in your care unattended in a car
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Whenever there is a Heat Alert in the town of Oakville, the town opens free to use cooling centres at more than a dozen locations across town where residents can come in for free to stay cool and drink water. You can find a full list of locations on Oakville's website here. | |
Free concerts come to downtown Oakville this summer | |
Ready for some great outdoor music this summer?
Oakville's downtown BIA and TD Bank are co-sponsoring a series of outdoor concerts located at Downtown Oakville's Towne Square. The shows are every Saturday afternoon in July and August!
Local musicians and performers will take the stage each Saturday from 3-7pm, and the acts are totally free! Come out and enjoy live music while shopping at all of Downtown Oakville's great stores or combining it with a visit to any of the fabulous local restaurants.
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Knoll's News is now on video! | |
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It's not just print anymore - Councillor Knoll's News is also available with a weekly video show!
The weekly video episodes are complimentary to the print newsletter. By offering both formats, Councillor Knoll is able to engage, inform and connect with constituents across more formats and in more ways than ever before.
To see all the top stories and events each week, make sure to both read and watch.
You can see this week's latest episode by clicking the video play button right here!
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The Oak Park Fall Fair is
returning this September!
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Mark your calendars and get excited! The annual Oak Park Fall Fair is coming up soon on Saturday, September 10th!
The Fall Fair is back and better than ever and back in-person at full capacity for the first time in three years. This special event is presented by both Councillor Knoll and the Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre in Ward 5.
With all ages live entertainment, activities, games, food and special events, the Oak Park Fall Fair is one the biggest, can't-miss events in Oakville. Stay tuned for more details coming soon about performers and activities for 2022!
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Do you enjoy reading Knoll's News? It's the best way to get important information about life in Ward 5, Oakville and Halton.
Please subscribe to the newsletter and share the links with others!
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You can attend councils, police board and library meetings! | |
Interested in Developments across Ward 5? Here's the list! | |
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Current Ward 5 Development Applications:
1 - Trafalgar Heights has proposed a 242 unit condominium at 297 Oak Walk Drive. The draft plan remains available for readers on the Town of Oakville website. (Learn more about it here)
2 - Trafalgar Heights also wants to build residential buildings at 2481, 2485 and 2489 Taunton Road, totalling 508 residential units. (Learn more about it here)
3 - SmartCentres is hoping to build an additional two residential towers of 28 and 29 stories tall with 585 residential units and some commercial space. (Learn more about this application here)
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Current Ward 5 Site Plan Applications:
1 - Di Carlo Homes wants to build 58 four-storey rear lane townhouses which includes 12 visitor parking spaces. A resubmission has been completed and final approval is expected shortly. (Learn about the application here)
2 - The Ashton Inc. is applying to build a nine storey, mid-rise apartment building with 142 units at 315 Glenashton Drive. (Learn more here)
3 - SmartREIT (Oakville II) is proposing a mixed-use building, including two residential towers at 27 and 30 stories, located at 256, 260, and 294 Hays Blvd & 271 Oak Park Blvd. (Learn more here)
4 -Silwell Developments is proposing a 12 storey mixed building at 90 Oak Park Boulevard. This is being called a "first phase" of a multi-phase project, including 229 residential units and retail space on the bottom floor. (Learn more here)
5- Branthaven McCraney Inc. is changing a previous application. The new project is a nine-storey, 219 unit residential building, reduced parking and an elevation change at 1105 McCraney Street. (Learn more here.)
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Walk-in COVID-19 vaccines available
Anyone in Halton 5 years of age and older can book either a first or second dose appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a Halton Clinic. Third and fourth doses are also now available for those age 18+
Remember the best COVID-19 vaccine is the first one you're offered; all vaccines in Canada are safe and effective preventing COVID-19.
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Halton Region's eligibility has expanded dramatically, with full eligibility now for everyone age 5+
As of Friday July 22nd, 86% of all Halton residents have received both doses and are fully vaccinated. The goal is to get 90% of the total population fully vaccinated.
Fourth doses (second boosters) are now available in Halton for everyone age 18+ so long as it's been five months or more since your last dose. All fourth booster dose appointments must be booked in advance online.
First doses for children aged 6 months to 5 years can book their first appointments (with parental consent) beginning next Thursday, July 28th.
First, second and third dose appointments for those 12+ are again available on a walk-in basis. All appointments for children ages 5-11 must be booked in advance. More information is also available online from Halton Region and Halton Regional Health.
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So far, Halton has given over 1.36 million doses of vaccine!
85% of Halton's total population is fully vaccinated
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If you have still not received your first, second, or optional third and/or fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccine, they are available on a walk-in basis throughout Halton. Please get vaccinated now.
There is an overwhelming amount of evidence that all Health Canada approved vaccines are highly effective at both preventing COVID-19 and minimizing its effects and symptoms. The science both from the provincial advisory table and the federal government show stark differences between the number of people in Ontario who contracted COVID-19 who were vaccinated and those who were not. In order to keep the community as safe as possible, it is imperative that everyone eligible gets vaccinated.
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Oakville, Halton and the world continue its response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine | |
As the unlawful invasion and war continues in Ukraine, our prayers and hope continue for resolution and safety of the Ukrainian people. As Councillor Knoll has said, "I proudly stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine & my Ukrainian friends & neighbours here at home."
Ukrainians have called Halton and Canada home for generations and have made significant contributions to our community. All of Halton Region supports & stands in solidarity with Ukraine, the Ukrainian community and those affected by the past week's shocking attack on a sovereign, democratic country.
There are lots of places throughout town and trusted organizations you can donate to to support the ongoing efforts in Ukraine:
You can also drop off physical items at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 300 River Oaks Blvd East. Donations can be made at this link:
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