November 30, 2023 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Join Mayor and Councillors at Annual Levee

As we step into the new year, 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 neighbors, 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.

Attend Battery Energy Project Meeting December 10

In a transformative step towards sustainable energy solutions, Acciona Energia has unveiled plans for a cutting-edge Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The public is invited to a crucial virtual meeting on December 10 to discuss this groundbreaking project. The proposed location at 1500 Royal Windsor Drive hosts a new era of sustainable energy practices for our community.

The proposed BESS boasts an impressive maximum capacity of up to 250 MW/1000 MWh, promising to revolutionize energy storage capabilities. This innovative technology is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing Oakville's energy infrastructure.

The public meeting, a key forum for community input, will delve into the details of the project, addressing any concerns and offering residents a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact. Acciona Energia aims to ensure transparency and collaboration in this transformative venture.

As we collectively explore innovative solutions for a greener tomorrow, your participation in this meeting is vital. Together, let's embrace progress and contribute to a sustainable, energy-efficient future for Oakville.

Read for more information

Site-Standards Public Meeting on December 6

Ash Grove Missisauga Cement Plant is hosting a public consultation meeting to inform and answer questions about the application for a Site-Specific standard for Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides.

The information session is scheduled for:

Date: December 6, 2023
Location: Residence Inn: 2145 North Sheridan Way, Mississauga, ON L5K 1A3
Time: 4-8pm

Read the full notice

MP Pam Damoff accuses mayor of putting millions in federal housing grants at risk

By Kim Arnott, OakvilleNews.org

A special council meeting scheduled for last night was on pace to be an entirely predictable affair – until Pam Damoff arrived to blow it up.

Read the full story

Oakville tops cities for Culture Days

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you—Oakville has claimed the top spot in the Culture Days 2023 Top Participating Communities! This recognition highlights Oakville's vibrant and thriving cultural scene.

Culture Days 2023 Ranking:

Culture Days, a nationwide celebration of arts and culture, annually releases a ranking of communities based on their engagement with Culture Days programs and events.

We are proud to announce that Oakville secured the #1 position overall nationwide and 1st among Mid-Size Cities.

For the 2023 celebrations, Oakville hosted an impressive 190 events, showcasing the richness of our local arts and culture. This active participation contributed to a record national audience, estimated at 4.4 million people attending over 3,000 events across the country.

Oakville is a cultural hub, where creativity flourishes, and the community actively engages with the arts. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the cultural leaders, artists, volunteers, and supporters who played a crucial role in making Culture Days 2023 a resounding success.

Approaching its 15th Anniversary, Culture Days has evolved into the largest cultural event in Canada. Millions of attendees annually participate in thousands of free activities hosted by artists, cultural organizations, and municipalities across the country.

Ontario Ombudsman release 22/23 report

The Ontario Ombudsman recently released its 2022/2023 report.

Ombudsman's Role:

The Ontario Ombudsman is an independent officer of the provincial legislature, tasked with investigating complaints against public sector bodies, including municipalities. The Ombudsman ensures that these entities operate fairly, ethically, and transparently. Through its investigations, the office seeks to resolve issues, correct injustices, and drive systemic change.

Town of Oakville's Performance:

The 2022/2023 report revealed that the Town of Oakville received a total of 21 complaints. Importantly, none of these complaints led to further investigations. This outcome reflects the town's responsiveness and commitment to addressing concerns at an early stage.

It's crucial to note that complaints are an essential aspect of civic engagement, allowing residents to voice their concerns and hold public entities accountable. The fact that the Town of Oakville had no investigations stemming from these complaints underscores the town's dedication to transparency and swift issue resolution.

Ombudsman's Contact Information:

Residents are encouraged to understand the role of the Ontario Ombudsman and utilize this avenue for addressing grievances. If residents feel they have experienced unfairness or maladministration by a public sector body, they can contact the Ombudsman's office.

Contact Information:Website: Ontario Ombudsman
Phone: 1-800-263-1830
TTY: 1-866-411-4211

The Ombudsman's office provides a neutral and impartial platform for addressing concerns and contributing to the continuous improvement of public services.

The Town of Oakville remains committed to addressing concerns promptly and transparently, fostering a community where residents' voices are heard and valued.

Read the full report

Embrace Festive Fun

The holiday season is upon us, and Oakville is ready to shine brighter than ever with the return of two beloved events – the enchanting Holiday Lights by the Lake and the heartwarming Oakville Firefighters’ Drive-Thru Toy Drive.

Holiday Lights by the Lake – A Winter Wonderland Unveiled!

Starting December 1, Coronation Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the third consecutive year. With over 90 trees adorned with 130,000 twinkling lights, 100 captivating light displays lining the paths, and 13 mesmerizing spotlight and laser displays, the park promises an immersive festive experience for families and friends alike.

Oakville Firefighters’ Drive-Thru Toy Drive

On December 8, from 5 to 9 p.m., families are invited to embark on a special drive-thru journey through Coronation Park. This magical evening, hosted by the Town of Oakville in partnership with the Oakville Professional Firefighters Association (OPFFA), invites visitors to enjoy the lights, drop off unwrapped toys or gift cards, and even send a letter to Santa. The event will feature eight visual performers, the Oakville Fire Safety team, and the beloved Sparky the Fire Dog.

While all donations are appreciated, this year’s focus is on toys and winter supplies for infants and youth aged 13 to 15. For gift ideas, visit the OPFFA Toy Drive page. Donations will directly benefit local families, institutions, and community agencies supporting children and youth in need.

Can’t Attend? Donate Anyway!

For those unable to attend the drive-thru event on December 8, the OPFFA will be accepting gift cards, toys, and non-perishable food donations until December 18. Drop-offs can be made at various locations across town, including Town Hall, fire stations, select recreation and culture facilities, and retail outlets. Visit the OPFFA Toy Drive page for more information.

On December 8, Coronation Park will be accessible exclusively as a drive-thru event. On other days, the park welcomes pedestrians and vehicles for a leisurely exploration of the holiday lights. Some road closures will be in effect near Coronation Park on December 8; check the event page for details.

Visit our Website

Public Consultations

Transportation Master Plan Consultations Underway

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.

Public Information Session - December 7

Join the first public information session on December 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road. The presentation, commencing at 6:30 p.m., will also be live-streamed on the town’s YouTube channel. Additional information centres will be scheduled throughout the study.

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.

Local News

HRPS: Police Identify Suspects in Residential Break-In Spree

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has identified a group of four suspects wanted in connection for a spree of residential break-ins to homes in Halton and throughout the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) and Southern Ontario.

The four men have been identified as (see attached photos of the wanted parties):

Jordan Saccucci (33) of Mississauga (also known to frequent the Innisfil area)
Marcel Blackburn (37) of Hagersville (also known to frequent the GTA)
Paul Nkrumah (36) of Brampton
Dumark Lindsay (41) of Mississauga (also known to frequent the Brampton/ Mayfield area)

Read the full release

Provincial News

Ontario To Make Holodomor Education Mandatory for High School Students

The Ontario government is introducing new mandatory learning in the Grade 10 Canadian History course about the Holodomor famine and its impact on the Ukrainian community in Canada. This new learning will elevate Canadian values focused on embracing democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law.

Read the full release

Ontario Recognizes Outstanding College Graduates

Ontario government announced the winners of the annual Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Premier’s Awards for college graduates. These awards honour college leaders and graduates who have made important contributions to Ontario’s postsecondary system and were presented at the Colleges Ontario Higher Education Summit in Toronto.

Read the full release

National News

Government of Canada launches three-digit suicide crisis helpline

Today, the Government of Canada is taking an important step to provide suicide prevention support for people who need it, when they need it most. 9-8-8, Canada’s new three-digit suicide crisis helpline, is now available to call or text, in English and French, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, across Canada.

Read the full release