October 18, 2023 News

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Mayor Burton submits Top 5 Housing Affordability Task Force Recommendations

In response to a request from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Mayor Rob Burton submitted his top five priority recommendations that will be most useful in increasing housing supply in our community.

Mayor Burton received advice from delegations, residents, resident associations, staff, the Oakville Chamber of Commerce and Town Councillors.

With 74 Housing Affordability Task Force (HATF) recommendations on the table, Mayor Burton identified the following proposals as priorities in the fight for more accessible housing:

1. Accelerating Surplus Land Development (C-1)

Mayor Burton has underscored the urgent need to utilize surplus provincial lands to build affordable housing in the short term. This recommendation aligns with his belief that increasing the housing supply, especially through affordable options, is crucial to addressing the affordability crisis in the housing market.

2. "As of Right" Multi-Tenant Housing (Recommendation #7)

Multi-tenant houses provide a vital component of the affordable rental housing market, catering to diverse communities, including students, seniors, new immigrants, and low/moderate income residents. Mayor Burton supports this proposal as a means to expand affordable housing options across the province.

3. Innovative Pathways to Homeownership (Recommendation #49)

Addressing housing inequities, Mayor Burton recognizes the need for government support programs and innovative policies for Black, Indigenous, and marginalized individuals and first-generation homeowners. These programs will pave the way until the housing supply aligns with the demand.

4. Provincial and Federal Loan Guarantees (Recommendation #50)

There's a substantial demand for purpose-built rental, affordable rental, and affordable ownership projects. Mayor Burton supports this recommendation as it aids in removing financial barriers to the construction of much-needed housing.

5. E-Permitting and Common Data Architecture (Recommendation #58)

Provincial and federal funding for e-permitting systems will accelerate their adoption and streamline the housing development process. Mayor Burton believes that implementing a common data architecture standard, with the expertise of external committees, will enhance the adoption of e-permitting systems and promote transparency.

By supporting these five HATF recommendations, Mayor Burton aims to drive progress and implement strategies to enhance housing affordability in our community. Housing affordability is a key priority, and with these recommendations, he looks forward to working collaboratively to make meaningful changes for Oakville residents.

Read the full list of recommendations

Watch the Budget presentations on October 19, 2023 at 9:30am

Budget Committee hears presentations for proposed Budget 2024

As Oakville continues to grow and evolve, meticulous planning and financial strategy become paramount to ensuring the town's prosperity. At the heart of this financial framework is the 2024 budget, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the community's future.

Key Takeaways

The 2024 budget presentations by staff are set to illuminate the path that Oakville will tread in the coming year. Here are some key points to consider:

Tax Levy Increase: The budget, meticulously crafted by the dedicated staff, has been designed to align with Mayor Burton's directive of an overall tax levy increase of 4.50%. The current proposed budget tax levy is currently at 4.28%. This figure reflects a deliberate and thoughtful approach to balancing the town's budget.
Strategic Capital Investments: The capital budget presented in the 2024 budget isn't just a financial plan; it's a blueprint for the town's future. Every allocation and investment is aligned with Council's strategic goals. It signifies an investment in Oakville's future, ensuring that resources are channeled to areas that matter most to our residents.
Detailed Insights: The budget presentations serve as a window into the town's financial framework. Staff presentations will provide a more detailed and comprehensive overview of the 2024 budget, making sure that every aspect is thoroughly examined, discussed, and understood.

These staff presentations are an opportunity for Council and the community to engage with and comprehend the financial intricacies that will guide Oakville in the coming year. They offer an insight into the choices and priorities that will drive the town's progress.

Your voice matters, and it contributes to the decisions that will shape Oakville's future. The next public delegations will be held on October 31 and November 1 and the final round of public delegations will be held on November 28.

"Oakville's 2024 budget isn't just a financial plan; it's our collective vision for a thriving community. With the community's voice at the forefront, we can navigate the financial landscape together and ensure that our priorities reflect the values and aspirations of our residents. Together, we will ensure that Oakville remains a place where all residents thrive" - Mayor Burton

Read the full report

Potential CUPE Local 136 labour disruption notice: Public services could be affected as early as November 2, 2023

The Town of Oakville and CUPE Local 136, the union representing our outside workers and facility operators, have been in collective bargaining since April 2023 including three days with a provincially appointed conciliation officer to help the town and union reach a mutually beneficial agreement. At this time, negotiations have reached an impasse. The town and union are in the position of a legal labour disruption as of 12:01 a.m. on November 2, 2023.

The town has no intention of locking out employees and remains hopeful that a settlement that is fair to both taxpayers and employees can be reached. However, in the event of a strike, the delivery of Oakville's public services and programs will face interruption. The town is prepared for the impact and has plans in place to limit the disruption as best as we can.

You can stay up to date by visiting the Labour Relations page on oakville.ca.

Read the full release

Arrest Made in Connection with Series of Hate Motivated Offences in Oakville

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made an arrest and laid multiple charges in connection to a series of hate-motivated offences in Oakville.

Over the past several months, the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau has been investigating a series of anti-2SLGBTQI+ messages and slurs spray painted onto buildings, and imagery such as swastikas carved into windows and mirrors.

The locations where this damage occurred includes two churches, a public library, a public school, and a local business.

On October 17, 2023, Neil Jensen (28) of Oakville was arrested in connection to these offences.

He has been charged with the following:

Mischief Under $5000 (6 counts)
Uttering Death Threats
Fail to Comply with Release Order (8 counts)

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Investigators believe these incidents were motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate, and are being investigated as hate crimes.

Hate has no place in our communities, and we encourage residents to report incidents they believe to be motivated by hate or bias to Halton Regional Police Service either through our non-emergency line (905-825-4777), or in an emergency, through 911.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.

Read the full release

Discovering Midtown Oakville: Join in the Conversation

Oakville is buzzing with excitement as we unveil a transformative opportunity for our town: Midtown Oakville. This underdeveloped area sits centrally around the Oakville GO Station, covering 103 hectares—equivalent to over 200 football fields. Surrounded by natural and man-made boundaries, Midtown is set to become a livable, connected, and mixed-use urban community.

Save the Date: On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., we invite you to join us at the Oakville Town Hall South Atrium for a public information session that will shape the future of our town.

Our interactive booths will guide you through key aspects of the Midtown Oakville project, answering crucial questions and fostering meaningful conversations. Prepare to be inspired! Our agenda includes an educational keynote, an overview of Midtown Oakville's current status and vision, and a moderated Q&A session.

Our plans aim to offer diverse and affordable housing options, improved connectivity through pedestrian, cycling, transit, and street networks, additional parks and open spaces, and enhanced infrastructure to support our growing population.

Phases Ahead: The project is divided into three phases.

Phase One: Reviewing existing conditions and opportunities.
Phase Two: Developing and evaluating growth concepts.
Phase Three: Presenting draft planning policy recommendations and more.

Oakville is evolving, and we need your insights to shape this vibrant, walkable, and future-ready community. Join us, and let's make Midtown Oakville's potential a reality.

"This is an exciting step forward for the town as we look to reimagine what’s possible for Midtown Oakville. Council, our dedicated town staff, and I rely on public input when we develop our by-laws, our policies, and our plans. With this event, we want to engage residents and discuss how together we can evolve the space into a vibrant, walkable, and future-ready community." - Mayor Rob Burton

Read the full release

Oakville's Annual Loose Leaf Collection begins October 23rd

With the leaves falling gracefully from the trees, it's that time of the year when the Town of Oakville's annual fall loose leaf collection program kicks into action from Monday, October 23 to Friday, December 1.

To help keep your community clean and beautiful during this season, here are the key guidelines you should follow:

Collection Timing: Leaves can be picked up at any time during your designated collection week. To ensure timely collection, place your leaves on the boulevard or shoulder by 7 a.m. on the first day of your zone's collection.
Early Placement: Avoid placing leaves out more than seven days before your zone's scheduled week to prevent them from blowing around.
Proper Placement: Place leaves on the boulevard or shoulder, not over catch basins, in bicycle lanes, or in front of your house's ditches. If leaves block catch basins, clear them.
No Contaminants: Ensure leaves are free of garbage or other yard waste materials.
Separate Piles: Keep leaf piles separate from woody debris. Late or contaminated piles won't be collected.

Note that bagged leaf and yard waste service is separate and provided by Halton Region. They collect these items on regular garbage pickup days. Visit their website or call 311 for information on your waste collection schedule.

For more details on Oakville's fall loose leaf collection, visit oakville.ca, or reach out to ServiceOakville at 905-845-6601 or service@oakville.ca.

Registration for Windrow Clearing for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities closes November 17

Winter is on its way, and the Town of Oakville is here to help make it more manageable with our Snow Windrow Clearing Program.

What You Need to Know:

Running from December 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, this program is designed to assist residents who have difficulty clearing snow at the end of their driveways:

Timing: After a snowfall, it might take up to 36 hours for our team to clear your driveway's end.
One-Time Service: We clear snow windrows only once per snowfall event.
Snowfall Threshold: Our plowing begins after 7.5 cm (3 inches) of snowfall.
Exclusions: This service doesn't remove windrows created by sidewalk plows, and it focuses solely on clearing the snow at the end of your driveway.
Safe Clearing: About 80% of the snow windrow is removed to prevent curb or sod damage.

Eligibility:

This service is available to:

Residents aged 65 or older.
Residents with physical disabilities or medical conditions.
Residents with no able-bodied person under 65 living at their residence.

Cost:

For the 2023-24 season, the program fee is $115.26 ($102+HST). Note that this fee is non-refundable once processed.

Don't let snow become a hassle this winter. Stay warm and safe while we help you tackle the snow.

Oakville Museum's Halloween Season of Fun

The Oakville Museum invites residents to embrace the Halloween spirit with some fantastic events scheduled for this month. Join us on Saturday, October 28, and Wednesday, November 1, for some spooktacular family-friendly activities that are sure to create cherished memories.

Halloween Craft and Tour on October 28

For a purr-fect Halloween experience, we've got something special in store for families with children aged four to nine. You can craft your very own paper cat mask and embark on an exciting journey into the mysterious world of the Chisholm family who resided at Erchless Estate. Join us for this hair-raising adventure with two sessions available, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Don't forget to pre-register for this unique adventure.

Oakville Pumpkin Parade on November 1

Extend the life of your jack-o'-lantern by participating in the Oakville Pumpkin Parade, in collaboration with the Oakville Public Library and Oakville Historical Society, on Wednesday, November 1. We encourage residents to bring their creatively carved pumpkins to Oakville Museum’s Erchless Estate. Settle in for some crafting, a spine-tingling storytime, and delectable treats while our staff illuminate the pumpkins and line the paths near the Coach House. Jack-o’-lantern drop-off is between 4 and 5:30 p.m., followed by a craft activity, stories, treats, and a lively parade. Halloween costumes are highly encouraged for a fa-boo-lous time.

After the parade, the pumpkins will be collected and given to local farms to feed their animals.

Inclement Weather

In case of inclement weather, such as rain or thunderstorms, the Oakville Pumpkin Parade may be postponed or canceled for the evening. Stay updated by following our town on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook for the latest updates. Please note that parking at the Oakville Museum is limited, so plan your visit accordingly and consult the town’s map with real-time parking information to find available parking in the area.

For additional details, visit the Oakville Museums Programs and Events page.

Healthier Halloween Treats

This Halloween, we encourage residents to offer a healthier alternative to trick-or-treaters. Purchase ten active Halloween swim, skate, or sport passes for just $5. These passes are available for purchase at the Oakville Museum (Tuesdays to Sundays between 1 and 4:30 p.m.) and at community centers throughout October. The passes are valid for children aged 2 to 14 years old, and they can be used from November 1 to December 31, 2023. Redemption is only possible in-person.

Learn more by visiting the Drop-In Programs page.

View more programs here

Shaping the Future of Fire: Oakville residents invited for input on Oakville Fire Master Plan

The Oakville Fire Department (OFD) is inviting Oakville residents, businesses, and community groups to play an active role in shaping the town's Fire Master Plan (FMP) for the next decade.

This initiative seeks valuable feedback through an online survey, open until October 29, 2023, and a virtual open house will be held on October 24, 2023 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Those interested can visit the department's Fire Master Plan Webpage here for the meeting link or join the meeting by audio using the phone number provided.

With Oakville's population at approximately 231,000 and growing, OFD is adapting to meet changing needs. The FMP will offer a flexible 10-year outlook and action plan.

The FMP's goal is to reduce fire risk by emphasizing public education and prevention, safety standards, and emergency response.

Have a Say in Oakville's Future

Participate in the survey and upcoming virtual open house to shape the future of fire services. Your insights will contribute to a safer, more resilient Oakville as the town continues to evolve.

Link to the survey

Local News

Halton school board students in Oakville, Burlington, and Milton ace provincial test

These EQAO results demonstrate HDSB students are well above the provincial standard (Level 3 & 4, or a B grade or above) in Grade 3 and Grade 6 reading and writing, as well as Grade 9 math and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).

Read the full story

Kingston says no to gas

Kingston votes against being a willing host for a gas-powered electricity generation plant at the October 17 council meeting.

Read the full agenda

Provincial News

Ontario Strengthening Protections for Homeowners

The Ontario government is seeking public input on ways to address and reduce the harmful and inappropriate use of Notices of Security Interest (NOSIs) against unsuspecting consumers.

Read the full release

Ontario Connecting Long-Term Care Residents to More In-Home Diagnostic Services

The Ontario government is connecting long-term care residents to the right care in the right place by investing nearly $10 million to help long-term care homes offer residents more diagnostic services onsite, instead of travelling to a hospital.

Read the full release

Ontario’s elementary teachers give union a strike mandate

Ontario’s elementary teachers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of going on strike if no deal is reached with the provincial government.

Read the full story

National News

CMHC reports annual pace of housing starts up in September

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the annual pace of housing starts in September rose eight per cent compared with August.

Read the full story

Upcoming Events

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