October 6, 2023 News

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Special Council Meeting: Housing Affordability Task Force Recommendations

The agenda and reports have been posted on Oakville.ca for the Special Council meeting Mayor Rob Burton called for next Thursday, October 12 at 6:30 pm.

This meeting is in response to the request from Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra to 50 Heads of Council requesting feedback on the recommendations of the Housing Affordability Task Force.

The Minister has asked his Ministry to renew its efforts to review and, where possible, implement the Task Force’s remaining recommendations with minimal delay.

The Minister requested that Mayors prioritize their top five recommendations for consideration.

Over the last two weeks, Mayor Burton distributed the Minister's letter and the Task Force Report and asked for advice on his draft response from Staff, community groups, residents associations, and the thousands of readers of the weekly newsletter from the Office of Mayor and Council.

The mayor's draft letter to the Minister has taken the responses received into account. The Mayor will finalize his answer to the Minister after the Council meeting next Thursday. The Minister's deadline is the following Monday, October 16. Residents are invited to attend the Meeting in the Council Chambers or watch on Livestream.

"Our resident's feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of our community. I encourage all Oakville residents to join us on October 12th, review the Housing Affordability Task Force recommendations, and share their insights. Together, we can build a more affordable and inclusive Oakville for all." - Mayor Rob Burton

Read the full report

Growing Livable: Breaking Down the Joint Best Planning Estimates

The Joint Best Planning Estimates are categorized by population, employment and housing units in ten-year increments from 2021-2051

At Council's meeting on August 15, 2023, Oakville Planning Staff unveiled a comprehensive report known as the Joint Best Planning Estimates ("JBPEs"). This report is the product of a collaborative effort between the Town and Halton Region Planning staff and holds significant implications for Oakville's future growth and development.

Growth Estimates for the Next 30 Years

The JBPEs provide a detailed growth estimate for various geographic areas across Oakville, spanning the next 30 years, leading up to 2051. These estimates are aligned with the Provincial planning framework, Halton Region's Municipal Comprehensive Review, and previous decisions made by our Town Council.

One key area of inquiry from the JBPE presentation concerns "people per unit" (PPU) calculations and their relevance in the growth estimates. Oakville's Strategic Growth Areas traditionally measure growth in terms of "people and jobs per hectare," so understanding how PPU fits into this framework is crucial.

For reference, here are the PPU values for different building types:

Small homes (1-2 bedrooms): About 1-2 people per unit
Medium-sized homes (3-4 bedrooms): About 3-4 people per unit
Large homes (5+ bedrooms): About 5 or more people per unit
Apartments: About 1-3 people per unit

Tracking Residential Units

To enhance understanding and future planning, Town staff have analyzed the status of development applications currently under review.

Here's a snapshot of the current status of dwelling units proposed and approved:

Under Review: 22,068 units
Appealed: 8,264 units
Draft Approved: 2,972 units
Approved, no Permit*: 410 units
Total in Pipeline: 33,714 units

The JBPEs, PPU calculations, and ongoing tracking of residential units are essential components of Oakville's forward-looking planning strategy. These efforts aim to ensure that Oakville's growth aligns with its unique needs and characteristics, ensuring a prosperous and harmonious future for all residents.

Read the full report

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

Premier Ford, Oakville MPPs, and Mayor Burton visit Collins Aerospace

Mayor Burton, Stephen Crawford, Effie Triantafilopoulos, and Premier Ford toured Collins Aerospace, a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies. Collins Aerospace Oakville is a hub of innovation and manufacturing excellence.

One of their key areas is building essential landing gear components for a wide range of aircraft, including Airbus, Boeing, and the cutting-edge F-35 fighter jets. The aerospace sector provides highly skilled jobs and positions. Our town is at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and innovation.

Collins Aerospace's work in Oakville not only supports local jobs but also contributes to Canada's reputation as a leader in aerospace manufacturing. With a focus on quality, precision, and innovation, Oakville's aerospace industry is well-positioned for a prosperous future.

Registration for Windrow Clearing for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Open!

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.

OEC President & CEO Rob Lister wins 'Leader of the Year' award by Ontario Energy Association

The Ontario Energy Association (OEA) has bestowed the prestigious title of Leader of the Year upon Rob Lister, the President and Chief Executive Officer of OEC (Oakville Enterprise Corporation). This recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions and visionary leadership within the energy and utility industry.

At the award ceremony, Rob Lister's career in the sector was hailed for its steadfast dedication to innovation, excellence, and the continual improvement of the organizations he has been a part of.

Under Rob's guidance, OEC has achieved remarkable growth and expanded its reach within the energy and infrastructure services sector. Rob's commitment to industry advancement is further evident through his active involvement in industry associations, his service on numerous Board of Directors, and his ongoing dedication to promoting sustainability and innovation within the sector.

Rob Lister's well-deserved recognition as Leader of the Year highlights his significant impact on the energy industry and underscores his role as a visionary leader shaping the future of the sector.

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 forthcoming virtual open house.

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

Resident thanks Mayor Burton for fare-free program for Youth and Seniors

In a heartwarming moment at Council Chambers, Oakville resident Ionel, a senior from the community, visited to extend his gratitude to Mayor Burton.

Ionel expressed his appreciation for the fare-free transit program for seniors, an initiative that has greatly improved the quality of life for many older residents in Oakville.

Local News

Town hosts open house for Housing Strategy and Action Plan

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023 provide your input on the housing strategy and action plan.

The open house will be at Town Hall, at 1225 Trafalgar Road. Meetings will take place in the Oakville room. Times for the events are:

Drop in at 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Drop in at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Read the full release

Visit the Oakville Seniors Housing Symposium and Information Fair on October 28

The Oakville Seniors Housing Symposium and Information Fair will take place on October 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Sir John Colborne Recreation Centre for Seniors featuring local businesses sharing information on their programs and services beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Read the full release

Locked safe foils armed narcotics robbery at Oakville Pharmacy

“Staff informed the suspects that the locked safe was on a time-delay which would prevent it from being opened,” said Halton Regional Police, who are investigating the attempted robbery. “The robbery attempt was unsuccessful, and the suspects fled the pharmacy while the safe was still locked.”

Read the full story

Provincial News

Ontario promoting Cyber Sercurity Awarness Month to Keep People Safe Online

"Ontario is raising awareness about the importance of online safety by joining the international community in recognizing October as Cyber Security Awareness Month. As a global leader in the digital space, Ontario is always working to strengthen our cyber security practices and protect the data entrusted to us by our people and businesses" - Todd McCarthy Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery

Read the full release

Ontario Making it Easier and More Convenient to Connect to Home Care

Today, the Ontario government is taking the next step to better connect and coordinate people’s care through Ontario Health Teams. The Convenient Care at Home Act, 2023, if passed, will make Ontario Health Teams responsible for connecting people to home care services starting in 2025.

Read the full release

Province seeking public input and comments on the definition of an "Affordable Residential Housing Unit

The province is proposing to amend the Development Charges Act, 1997 to change the definition of an affordable residential unit for the purpose of discounting and exempting these units from municipal development-related charges.

Read the full proposal

National News

Government of Canada launches call for proposals for projects that help youth join job market

Today, Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, launched a call for proposals under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Program of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

Projects funded through this call for proposals will help improve labour market outcomes for up to 20,000 youth facing barriers to employment. ESDC will provide eligible organizations with up to $5 million per year for up to four years (starting in 2024–25).

Read the full release

Liberal MP Greg Fergus elected

Speaker of the House of Commons

Fergus, who represents the Quebec riding of Hull-Aylmer near Ottawa, is the first Black Speaker of the Commons. He was picked by his colleagues through a secret ranked-ballot vote.

Read the full story

World News

2 Republicans step forward as candidates to replace deposed U.S House Speaker

The race to replace ousted U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy took shape on Wednesday as Steve Scalise, the chamber's No. 2 Republican, and Jim Jordan, a leading antagonist of U.S. President Joe Biden, said they would seek the post.

Read the full story

Nobel Chemistry Prize winners for work on quantum dots leaked early, then announced

The prize was awarded to scientists Moungi Bawendi from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Louis Brus of Columbia University and Alexi Ekimov from Nanocrystals Technology Inc.

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