October 26, 2023 News

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Mayor intends to call a Special Meeting on the Introduction of Regional Government

Subject matter expert will present to Council

Mayor Rob Burton intends to call a Special Council Meeting in November for the purpose of having Associate Professor Zachary Spicer, PhD, speak to Council and the public about the history and purpose of Regional Government in Ontario and discuss his report on “The Introduction of Regional Government in Ontario”.

Dr. Spicer's report examines the history of regional governments and explores the shift in the institutional structures of the municipal system. Along with the attitudes that ushered in sweeping change over the course of the past century with a special focus on the reasons underlying the creation of regional governments, asking whether these were municipalities designed to stand

the test of time.

Dr. Zachary Spicer is a renowned academic and subject matter expert. His research centres on Canadian local government and innovation policy. His presentation at the Special Council Meeting will provide an overview of the existing regional governance framework in Halton and Ontario.

Oakville and Halton residents and community groups, are invited to attend or Livestream the Special Council Meeting in November.

Read the full report

Town Council unanimously endorses OBCM Motions on auto theft and the Building Faster Fund and advocates for growth paying for growth

Town Council passed a motion advocating for strengthening the principle of growth paying for growth and endorsed two motions that were passed by Ontario's Big City Mayors.

1. Motion to Strengthen the Principle of Growth Pays for Growth

In a unanimous decision, Mayor Rob Burton put forward a motion seeking to strengthen the principle of "growth pays for growth". The motion recognizes that previous measures to reduce housing prices by reducing municipal infrastructure cost recoveries have been costly, inefficient, and ineffective.

The Mayor's proposal aims to replace these measures with more efficient ones, formulated in consultation with growth municipalities. The objective is to stimulate the production of affordable housing while simultaneously bolstering the principle of growth paying for growth.

The motion has been forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Ontario Big City Mayors Caucus, and neighboring councils for consideration. Mayor Burton will also convey the resolution to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Premier.

2. Stronger action against auto theft

Recognizing the increasing problem of auto theft in Ontario, a motion endorsed at the meeting calls for stronger action against this issue.

The motion highlights the alarming surge in auto thefts, urging collaborative efforts between all levels of government, police departments, community safety groups, and auto manufacturers to combat this crisis.

Specifically, the motion calls on the federal government to provide funding, resources, and legislation to combat auto theft. It also recommends increased inspections of shipping containers at Canadian ports and the enforcement of theft-deterrent technologies for new vehicle models in Canada.

Additionally, the motion seeks changes to the vehicle transfer process to minimize improper transfers. By endorsing this motion, Oakville Town Council supports the proactive prevention of auto theft across Ontario.

3. Consideration for Building Faster Fund Eligibility Requirements

The other motion endorsed by Council addressed the Building Faster Fund (BFF) eligibility criteria. The BFF, aimed at supporting housing-enabling infrastructure, requires municipalities to reach at least 80% of their annual housing targets.

Oakville Town Council has raised concerns about the methodology used to count housing starts, particularly when it comes to the timing of permits being pulled by developers.

The motion, endorsed by Council, calls for a collaborative approach to building homes. It proposes sending a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Honorable Paul Calandra, outlining concerns about BFF eligibility criteria and requesting municipal participation in revising the criteria.

A copy of this motion will be shared with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and all members of Ontario's Big City Mayors.

These motions reflect Oakville Town Council's unwavering dedication to addressing important issues that impact the community. By actively participating in these discussions and advocating for necessary changes, Council members aim to make Oakville an even better place to live, work, and thrive.

Read the full motions

Mayor Burton and Council welcome Ford Government's decision to reverse Halton Region Official Plan

Mayor Rob Burton welcomed the news that the Ford government says it will undo its November 2022 order to expand the developable area of Halton Region.

“Throughout the Halton Official Plan update process over the last two years, Town Council and I unanimously advocated to restrict growth to existing development areas of Halton. We decided we need to grow up, not out, to save green space and farmland and reduce the impact of growth on the climate change emergency,” said Mayor Burton.

“We heard from thousands of residents in support of this decision. Public participation was the greatest ever seen for a land use planning decision.”

For many years, Town Council has opposed expanding into prime agricultural land and rather supported further intensification within urban areas available and designated for urban development.

“The recent reversal of the November 2022 Provincial decision is a welcome move for Oakville and the future of Halton Region to manage growth in a sustainable way,” added Mayor Burton.

Read the full release

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

'Pink Project' products now at Town of Oakville facilities

The Town of Oakville proudly supports the "Pink Project," a menstrual equity initiative addressing period poverty and reducing stigma. Period products are now freely available in town facilities such as Town Hall, community centers, libraries, and arenas. The installation of additional dispensers in more washrooms will follow soon, marking Oakville's commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

This transformative move began when two local youth co-founded "Pink Project Burlington" and advocated for free menstrual products. Their efforts led to a $20,000 allocation in the 2023 Budget.

Mayor Rob Burton emphasizes the necessity of this equity initiative, emphasizing the town's commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

The Pink Project founders, Iman Nemar and Olivia Netto, lauded the initiative's role in breaking the stigma around menstrual health, celebrating Oakville's support as a significant stride toward menstrual equity in Canada.

Read full release

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 26, 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

Popular grocery and health food market opens new 24,000 sq. ft store in Oakville

Nature’s Emporium, a popular grocery and health food market focused on organic produce, health foods, natural supplements, and a variety of wellness products, has opened a brand new location in Oakville.

The massive new 24,000 sq. ft store celebrated its grand opening last month at 210 North Service Rd W (part of the Dorval Crossing shopping plaza).

Read the full story

Mortgage defaults and forced home sales are now starting to climb in Toronto

Power of sales are steadily rising in Toronto’s real estate market, primarily in the private lending space, as a growing number of investors and homeowners who bought at the height of the pandemic are defaulting on mortgage payments due to high interest rates.

Read the full story

Provincial News

Ontario Taking Legal Action to Get Shovels in the Ground on Infrastructure Projects

The Ontario government released the following statement today

“In the wake of the Supreme Court of Canada’s October 13 opinion that held that the vast majority of the federal government’s duplicative Impact Assessment Act was unconstitutional, our government is taking immediate legal action to bring certainty so that we can get shovels in the ground on infrastructure projects without delay."

Read the full statement

Provinces have climate powers — and duties

Climate change is a global problem. Canada has a national goal to slash emissions. But it depends a lot on provincial actions – which too often these days is inaction.

Read the full story

National News

Average new car now listing for $67,800 as prices jump by almost 20% in a year

The average price of new-car listings in Canada has risen to an eye-popping $67,817 in September, a gain of almost 20 per cent over the last year, according to data compiled by AutoTrader.ca.

Read the full story

Bank of Canada holds its key interest rate at 5 per cent, as Canadian economy slows

The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at five per cent on Wednesday, as Canada’s economy continues to slow and there are indications that supply and demand are now approaching balance.

Read the full story here

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