March 6, 2025 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Mayor Burton urges Ford plant

mayors to unite against tariff threats

Mayor Rob Burton, Chair of the Auto Mayors caucus, and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens have reached out to their fellow Ford U.S. auto mayors for urgent action to protect local jobs and the Canadian auto industry from potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian-made vehicles.

Such tariffs could force major Ford plants in most cities to shut down within 48 hours, dealing a devastating blow to local economies.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has warned of the serious consequences, stating, “So far what we’re seeing is a lot of costs and a lot of chaos.”

The United States Conference of Mayors has already passed an emergency resolution urging the Trump administration to reverse course and protect trade relations with Canada and Mexico.

The Auto Mayors are advocating within Ontario and Canada, but broader support is needed to deliver a strong message to the White House.

Celebrating 20 years of the Greenbelt

Watch the 20th anniversary video here!

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Ontario’s Greenbelt—a testament to bold decision-making and a shared commitment to protecting our environment, farmlands, and water systems.

Since its establishment in 2005, the Greenbelt has expanded upon the protections of the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine, safeguarding over 2 million acres of farmland, forests, wetlands, and waterways. It is a natural climate solution, a thriving agricultural hub, an outdoor haven, and a pillar of strong communities across Ontario.

Over the past two decades, partnerships between farmers, conservationists, businesses, and community leaders have strengthened the Greenbelt through investments in soil health, water protection, recreation, and flood resilience.

As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize the many Ontarians who have made the Greenbelt a global success story. Together, we can ensure its protection for generations to come.

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Council stands with local businesses against proposed U.S. Tariffs

Oakville Town Council has unanimously approved a resolution supporting the efforts of the Canadian and Ontario governments to counter proposed U.S. tariffs on goods and services.

Passed at the February 24, 2025 Council meeting, the resolution demonstrates Oakville’s commitment to advocating for local businesses that could be impacted.

In response, the Town has:

Convened a Tariff Task Force to explore municipal responses and procurement strategies
Launched a Business Impact Survey on Tariffs, open until March 7
Created a Tariff Resources for Businesses webpage to provide support and information

Mayor Rob Burton reaffirmed the town’s dedication, stating: “Council and I are committed to advocating for our Oakville business community, and we are glad to see Ontario and Canada cooperating to counter the negative effects of the Trump tariffs.”

For more information, visit invest.oakville.ca.

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Applications now open for Oakville's Seasonal Commercial Patio Program

The Town of Oakville’s Seasonal Commercial Patio Program is now accepting applications for 2025! Business owners looking to set up a patio can now apply online.

What’s New in 2025?

Updated Fees – Patio permit and parking space rental fees have been revised. Visit the Patio Permit Application Process page for details.
Business Licence Requirement – A valid Town of Oakville business licence number is now required to apply. New businesses can contact the Town for assistance.
Outdoor Music Permitted – Moderate levels of outdoor music (max 50 dBA) are allowed

Apply Early!

To guarantee approval by May 1, submit your application by April 1. All patios, bistros, and outdoor displays must have a valid permit before installation.

Note: This program does not apply to patios on private property or in public parks. For more information, email patios@oakville.ca.

Apply now and get ready for patio season!

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Mayor proclaims March for Meals month

On March 4, Mayor Rob Burton raised the Oakville Meals on Wheels flag at Town Hall, officially proclaiming March as March for Meals Month in Oakville.

Oakville Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing healthy meals and meaningful social connections for vulnerable residents and seniors.

March for Meals raises awareness of local needs and highlights the community’s commitment to supporting its most vulnerable members.

For more information or to get involved, visit Oakville Meals on Wheels.

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Centennial Pool receives new Provincial filming accreditation

Oakville’s decommissioned Centennial Pool, a unique filming facility, has achieved a Standing Set Accreditation from the provincial government film agency, Ontario Creates!

Eligible productions using Centennial Pool as a location can now receive a 21.5 per cent tax credit on qualifying expenses.

Learn more about how your residential or business property can be a part of the filming industry.

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Nominations open for the 2nd annual Oakville youth awards

The Town of Oakville and the Oakville Youth Action Committee (OYAC) are excited to launch the second annual Oakville Youth Awards, celebrating young changemakers aged 11 to 19.

These awards recognize youth who are making a difference in the community through leadership, arts, sports, volunteerism, and more.

Nominate a youth by March 16

Awards ceremony: May 7, 2025, at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts

Last year, over 180 nominations showcased the incredible impact of Oakville’s youth. Let’s celebrate their achievements again this year!

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Oakville conducts tariff business impact survey

The Town of Oakville’s Economic Development team wants to hear from local businesses about the potential impacts of tariffs.

Your feedback will help us better understand business needs and provide support.

Survey closes Friday, March 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST

Visit the Tariff Resources for Businesses page. Responses are anonymous, but you may choose to provide contact information for follow-up.

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Taste of Oakville final days

Taste of Oakville is back until March 10, 2025!

Experience prix fixe menus from over fifty local restaurants, with lunch options from $20-35 and dinner from $30-$75.

Plus, select restaurants will also be featuring live music every Tuesday during Taste of Oakville from 6:30PM-8:00PM.

To see a full list of participating restaurants and their menus visit the Taste of Oakville website here.

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Local News

Scheduled maintenance will impact some online services on Sunday, March 9, 2025

We will be performing scheduled maintenance to apply enhancements to our online systems from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

During this time, visitors and residents will not be able to search or pay for parking tickets or buy parking permits.

Read the full release

Community Classroom launches for 2025 with more free in-class activities for Oakville schools

The Oakville Community Foundation has launched Community Classroom for 2025 with more free in-class and on-site programs and activities for teachers in Oakville HDSB and HCDSB schools.

These programs are available at no cost to teachers, schools or students and connects them to local community organizations including Oakvillegreen Conservation Association, Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, Arthouse and more.