November 8, 2023 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

CUPE 1329 ratifies 4-year deal

CUPE 136 remains on strike

CUPE 1329, representing the Town of Oakville’s inside workers, ratified a new four-year collective agreement on November 6, 2023.

CUPE 136, the union representing our outside workers and facility operators, returned to the bargaining table on November 3 and talks continued over the weekend. Unfortunately, despite best efforts to negotiate a settlement that would end the strike, the parties have not been successful in closing the gap on a few matters in order to reach a deal that is fair to both employees and taxpayers.

The town is committed to continuing discussions on the issues that remain outstanding. Our dialogue with the union is ongoing.

As a result of the ongoing strike, the following facilities remain closed until further notice:

Community centres and arenas
Washrooms in parks
Leash free dog parks
Field house at Bronte Athletic Park

Other impacts include:

cancelled recreation and culture rentals and programs
suspended loose leaf collection on residential roads (service continues only on primary and secondary roads)
services offered by parks, and roads and works operations at a reduced capacity

The town continues to make its best efforts to limit the disruption as much as possible and ensure that essential service delivery, and health and safety related matters are prioritized.

Town Hall including ServiceOakville, libraries (including those operating out of community centres), Sir John Colborne Recreation Centre for Seniors, Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate, and the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts will remain open. Oakville Transit will continue to operate. The town also offers many services online.

Quote

"The town has presented the union with one of, if not the best, offers in the municipal sector that recognizes the important work CUPE 136 employees do for our community. This past week, the bargaining teams made great progress together and we were hopeful those productive conversations would end the strike. Unfortunately, we are still not there yet, and more work needs to be done to close the remaining gap so we can all return to providing programs and services our residents count on. Our dialogue with the union is ongoing.”

– Jane Clohecy, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Oakville.

Quick Facts

CUPE Local 136 represents the town’s outside workers and facility operators, and is the town’s second largest bargaining unit, with more than 285 members in various roles.
After numerous days of bargaining since April 2023, negotiations reached an impasse last month.
On Monday, October 30 the union notified the town they are proceeding with a strike as of 12:01 a.m. on November 2, exercising the first opportunity to strike.
Last month, the union rejected the town’s offer, which included overall wage increases worth 12.75 per cent over four years, significant enhancement to vacation entitlement as well as increases to shift premiums, meal and tool allowances, plus the introduction of compassionate care leave top up payments.

For Labour Updates

Upcoming Special Council Meeting

to Study History of

Regional Government

Mayor Burton asks Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy to invent criteria for how municipalities can evolve to single-tier

Mayor Burton asked the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy, “How will we know when it’s time to let mature municipalities like Oakville return to single-tier status, in an evolved way with shared service boards and utilities where they make sense?”

Mayor Burton provided information to the Committee that is studying regional governance and shared copies of the research paper authored by Dr. Zachary Spicer titled “The History of Regional Government in Ontario.” You can read the paper here.

A Special Council meeting will be held on November 22, 2023 that will include a presentation from Dr. Spicer.

In his remarks to the Committee, Mayor Burton cited the advice of Darcy McKeough who was municipal affairs minister under both Premiers John Robarts and Bill Davis: “Former Minister McKeough said municipalities should not be frozen in time. We should always be innovating and improving the way we organize to deliver services to our residents. That inspirational spirit is what drove me in business. That spirit still drives me as mayor.”

Durham Regional Chair John Henry who attended the meeting agreed with Mayor Burton that, “What works well for one community may not work well for another community.” Chair Henry later added, “All that I would ask is that you look at each region individually, and the ones that work, come up and help us. If we can make them better, I’m open to that conversation. And if there’s changes needed in other communities, that’s for those communities to make that decision.”

Read the Hansard transcript of Mayor Burton’s presentation to the Committee here.

Mayor Burton's full remarks to the Committee

E-mail Mayor Burton on your thoughts

Mayor Burton invited to COP28

Mayor Rob Burton has been invited to be a part of the first-ever mayoral delegation to the World Climate Action Summit at COP28. This all-expenses-paid invitation was extended by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the COP28 President-Designate.

This invitation offers a remarkable opportunity for Oakville to contribute to the global dialogue on climate change and to collaborate with leaders from around the world to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The COP28 Local Climate Action Summit will be a first-of-its-kind gathering to recognize the critical role local leaders play in reducing emissions and addressing climate risk. The Summit aims to bring together hundreds of national and subnational climate leaders to transform climate finance, enhance global action, fast-track the energy transition, and strengthen resilience and adaptation at the local level.

Mayor Burton has been a steadfast advocate for sustainable and environmentally responsible policies, and his invitation to the COP28 Summit is a testament to his dedication to climate action.

Toronto Star - Doug Ford asked 50 municipalities to build housing to get cash. Were they set up to fail?

Municipalities in Ontario are grappling with a "fundamental flaw" in the provincial housing assignment program, which has the potential to stall development in many cities. The Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM), a coalition of 29 municipal leaders representing 70% of the provincial population, is raising concerns over the metrics used to determine funding eligibility for housing targets.

The program aims to allocate $1.2 billion to municipalities reaching at least 80% of their annual housing targets, with the primary metric being "housing starts." However, city officials argue that this metric is problematic, as municipalities have limited control over this aspect of development. They cannot influence factors such as developer decisions, interest rates, labor availability, or resource access.

Currently, 38 municipalities, including Oakville, are not meeting the 80% housing targets for the year, with 1,335 housing starts according to Provincial tallies.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra emphasized the government's commitment to working with municipalities to achieve shared housing goals. However, the situation has prompted OBCM to urge the province to reconsider the metrics used in the housing strategy.

The debate over the housing assignment program's metrics continues as city leaders grapple with the challenge of meeting their provincial targets and building more homes.

The issue highlights concerns about the feasibility of ambitious housing goals and the practicality of holding municipalities accountable for factors beyond their control. The outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for municipalities in Ontario.

Read the full story

Auto Mayors want action on Auto Theft, Competitiveness, High-Skilled Talent, EV adoption

Marking the 10th anniversary of the first meeting of the Ontario Auto Mayors, the City of Vaughan hosted the second 2023 Ontario Auto Mayors Caucus at Vaughan City Hall on Nov. 3, drawing attendees and sector leaders from across the province.

Members attended an in-person meeting of the municipal advocacy group to discuss the latest updates and trends in the automotive industry. Chaired by Town of Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and hosted by City of Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca, the group included representatives from 31 Ontario municipalities, Ontario’s original equipment manufacturers, and automotive industry associations.

The meeting began with a welcome from Brendan Sweeney of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing, followed by an update from Gian Paolo Vescio of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association. Earl Provost, Ontario Agent-General in Chicago, discussed trade relations and opportunities between Ontario and the Midwestern United States.

The remainder of the meeting centered around four strategic areas outlined in the recently approved Auto Mayors 2023 Action Plan (PDF), including competitive manufacturing taxes, highly skilled and diverse talent, electric vehicle adoption and technology, and combating automotive theft.

The Ontario Auto Mayors will foster a cooperative relationship with both the provincial and federal governments to raise awareness of these critical priorities. Additionally, they will compose a formal letter addressed to The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, addressing the concerns related to the port issues.

Remembrance Day ceremonies in Oakville

Remembrance Day provides residents with the opportunity to honour and remember those who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace.

On the days leading up to November 11, including Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, residents can pay tribute to veterans and active service members by:

wearing a poppy and making a donation to the Poppy Fund;
observing two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. on November 11 wherever they are;
expressing their gratitude online through social media by using #OakvilleRemembers hashtag; and
joining the local ceremonies.

Local ceremonies

A ceremony will take place at Memorial Park at the Trafalgar Memorial on November 11 from 10:50 a.m. to noon.

Town Hosts First Diwali Celebration

Mayor Burton, along with Councillors Nav Nanda, Scott Xie, Tom Adams, and Sean O'Meara, had the privilege of hosting a gathering at Town Hall in celebration of Diwali, the cherished festival of lights. The event welcomed residents, local Federal and Provincial representatives, members of the Oakville Fire Department, and the Halton Regional Police Services.

This celebration fosters a stronger sense of community and serves as an opportunity to partake in diverse cultural festivities. Mayor Burton expressed, 'These gatherings serve as a reminder of the diverse cultural tapestry that enriches Oakville. I convey my warmest wishes to all residents observing Diwali.'

Furthermore, Mayor Burton has officially proclaimed November 2023 as Hindu Heritage Month within the Town of Oakville, recognizing the significant contributions and cultural significance of the Hindu community.

Purple Benches unveiled honouring and supporting victims of Domestic Abuse

In a powerful symbol of solidarity and support for victims of domestic abuse, the Town of Oakville in partnership with Halton Women's Place, has unveiled a series of purple benches across the community. The installation of these distinctive purple benches aims to raise awareness and foster a compassionate environment for those affected by domestic violence.

Mayor Rob Burton, Councillor Sean O'Meara, and Councillor Dave Gittings along with town officials and local community organizations, gathered for a special ceremony to inaugurate the purple benches. These benches are strategically placed in public spaces, parks, and community hubs to serve as both a testament to Oakville's dedication to eradicating domestic abuse and as a safe and welcoming space for those seeking support.

The purple benches send a clear message: "You are not alone, and you deserve to live free from fear." As Mayor Burton emphasized during the unveiling, "These purple benches are a symbol of our commitment to creating a caring and safe community for everyone. We stand with survivors of domestic abuse and support them on their journey toward healing and empowerment."

In the spirit of collaboration and partnership, the purple benches initiative is a testament to the town's dedication to working together with local organizations to provide resources, guidance, and hope for those affected by domestic violence.

For more information

Local News

InHalton - Kozy Kids winter clothing campaign launched in Halton Region

With more financial donations in hand in 2022 Halton Police ordered new snow suits to-size, clothing 475 youth last year. Rising costs have added to that number for 2023 and Kozy Kids are inviting residents and business owners to purchase a new snow suit (youth sizes 6-16) and drop them into a collection box stationed at Halton Police headquarters and four district police stations.

2485 North Service Road West, Oakville (8:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
3800 Constable Henshaw Blvd., Burlington (8 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
95 Oak Walk Drive, Oakville (8 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
490 Childs Drive, Milton (8 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
217 Guelph Street, Georgetown (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

The initiative runs November 7 until November 21.

Read the full story

Provincial News

Ontario Enhancing Support for Francophone Start-Ups and Entrepreneurs

The Ontario government is investing $800,000 to help support Francophone economic development across the province. The funding is being delivered through the Francophone Economic Development Strategy and represents a 60 per cent increase over last year.

"We are committed to building a strong Francophonie within a prosperous Ontario," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs. “This increase in funding will empower start-ups and enable strategic partnerships, strengthening Ontario's Francophone business community."

Read the news release

Ontario Taking Action to Support Injured Workers and Firefighters

The Ontario government will soon introduce legislation that would, if passed, support injured workers by enabling “super indexing” increases to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits above the annual rate of inflation. For an injured worker who earns $70,000 a year, a two per cent increase could mean an additional $900 annually on top of cost-of-living adjustments, which were 6.5 per cent in 2023.

Read the news release

Upcoming Events

Oakville Historical Society - Speakers' Night on November 13, 2023

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