Find your Ward here and your Council Members here | |
Legislative Committee to review Oakville and Halton Government Structure | |
Ontario moves ahead with regional government review without facilitators | |
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Minister Calandra has asked the Legislature's Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure & Cultural Policy to take on the work of assessing regional government structures in Durham, Halton, Niagara, Simcoe, Waterloo and York. They would take over the work by the Regional facilitators.
He has requested the Committee commence a study that examines:
- Is two-tier government in these regions supporting or hindering the construction of new homes and the provision of effective local governance more generally?
- Are there responsibilities and services that could be combined, amended or moved from one level of local government to another, or combined among existing local governments, to support the construction of new homes and the provision of effective local governance more generally?
- the municipal governance structure within each of these regions supporting the construction of new homes and the provision of effective local governance more generally?
- Could any changes to regional governance enhance local services and/or provide better value to taxpayers?
Minister Calandra notes that the committees can carry out work in a "public, open and accountable" manner.
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MAYOR BURTON
Oakville Unchained: The Case for Single-Tier Municipal Autonomy
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We didn’t need a facilitator to help us know what we need for efficient and effective municipal services.
We faced that question three years ago when Ontario took steps to create a City of Halton out of Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Halton Hills.
Oakville residents spontaneously came together as We Love Oakville to fight amalgamation.
When now-resigned Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark abandoned the amalgamation push, he mentioned the thousands of letters and emails he received against amalgamation, a great number of which were from Oakville residents.
As long as we are joined with the nearby municipalities of Burlington, Halton Hills, and Milton, we will continue to look as if the next logical step is to amalgamate us into a City of Halton.
Regional municipal layers were added when Oakville was a single tier municipality with all its own services such as police and water and wastewater and landfill and so on. We were semi-merged to subsidize the growth of other parts of Halton that were much smaller than Oakville. Those smaller parts are now just as big as Oakville was when we were ordered to help them out. Surely, they're now mature enough to look after themselves.
Because the goal of efficient and effective municipal services is mentioned three times in the Municipal Act, I'm hopeful the Ontario government will simplify municipal service delivery in the two-tier municipalities created 50 years ago to subsidize smaller municipal neighbours. It’s clear that’s the path being followed in abolition of the Regional Municipality of Peel layer of government.
We are now bigger and at least as accomplished as most single tier municipalities. I know Oakville will have a more efficient and effective future if we are a single tier municipality.
Ontario’s government didn’t wait for facilitators to advise how to make Peel more efficient and effective. The Legislature passed legislation to make it happen. The Legislature is where the changes we need can be proposed, debated, and enacted in the most efficient and effective way possible.
Let’s hope the Ontario government gets on with it.
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A Beacon of Hope for Collaborative Supportive Housing Solutions | |
Governments Unite to Fund 52 Vital Affordable Housing Units in Kerr Village | |
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The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Government of Ontario and the Regional Municipality of Halton, have committed over $45 million to construct 52 affordable housing units in Oakville, Ontario.
This Seniors Supportive Housing project at 263 Kerr Street will feature a 4-storey apartment building with a focus on low-income seniors, offering supportive programs and services on-site.
The investment includes federal funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative’s Cities Stream, the Canada – Ontario Community Housing Initiative, and over half of the contribution coming from the Halton Region, all aimed at addressing the pressing need for affordable and sustainable housing.
Construction is set to conclude by Fall 2024, marking a significant step towards ensuring safe and accessible housing for Canadian seniors.
"As Mayor of Oakville and as a Halton Regional Councillor, I take great pride in the substantial commitment made by Halton Region, covering over 50% of the funding for the 52 vital affordable housing units we are announcing today. Canadians expect all levels of government to work together and deliver equitable financial support. By ensuring equal contributions from each level of government, we can increase our collective impact and address the pressing need for more affordable housing." – Rob Burton, Mayor of Oakville
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Save the Date - September 25 - Mayor Burton's State of the Town Address | |
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Myor Rob Burton will deliver his 17th annual State of the Town address on September 25, 2023, at 5:30 pm, the speech will be hosted at Town Hall, providing an opportunity for residents and business community to hear about Oakville's progress, challenges, and future plans.
The event is not only an occasion to stay informed about Oakville's development but also a chance for the community to engage with members of Council. Prior to the address, residents will have the chance to mingle with Councillors, the Mayor, and fellow community members at the Atrium.
This pre-event gathering, complete with snacks, fosters a casual and friendly environment for meaningful conversations and networking. Residents are encouraged to attend, share their insights, and be part of shaping Oakville's future.
"As we gather for the State of the Town Address, I am excited to connect with our vibrant Oakville community. This event provides us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on our achievements, discuss our ongoing projects, and share our vision for the future. I look forward to engaging in meaningful conversations with residents and hearing their perspectives, as we collectively work towards making Oakville an even better place to live, work, and thrive." - Mayor Rob Burton
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Halton Police Board Launches Community Survey to Shape Future Policing Strategies |  | |
In its continued commitment to community engagement, the Halton Police Board is proud to unveil its latest community survey. This concise survey invites the citizens of the Halton Region to provide valuable input that will directly influence the forthcoming Strategic Plan for policing.
Chair and Town and Regional Councillor, Jeff Knoll, underscores the significance of this community-driven approach, commenting, “As the governing body for Halton’s policing, it is our responsibility to ensure our police initiatives align seamlessly with the community’s needs, values, and expectations. Feedback from our diverse Halton community – residents, workers, students, and entrepreneurs alike – is instrumental in tailoring police policies and goals, ensuring a safer and harmonious future for all.”
Renowned Canadian research agency Advanis has been entrusted with administering the survey, ensuring it remains voluntary and confidential. Add your perspective to this pivotal dialogue by receiving your unique link to complete the survey:
1. Text “Halton” to 833.400.0869 or,
2. Scan the QR code below with any mobile device or,
3. Email [email protected].
The survey should take approximately 5-8 minutes to complete.
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Upcoming at Council - September 18 2023 | |
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Midtown Oakville Council Meeting (summary)- August 24, 2023
June 30, 2023, Financial Results & Appendix’s
- This section provides details on financial results and budget allocations, including updates on reserves, Bell Fibre Project, obligatory reserve funds, discretionary reserve funds, trust funds, purchasing, cash management, investments, inflation outlook, and debt.
ServiceOakville Performance Metrics
- An overview of ServiceOakville's performance metrics, highlighting strengths, areas for improvement, and upcoming changes and benefits.
Neighbourhood Traffic Safety Program Update Staff Report
- Information on the Neighbourhood Traffic Safety Program Update, including software upgrades, data collection, budget allocations, achievements in 2023, plans for 2024, and key considerations.
Oakville Transit Ride On-Demand 2024 Transit Expansion Plan & MAP
- Details on Oakville Transit's plan to expand its Ride On-Demand service in 2024, including performance measures for expansion, key changes in 2024, and next steps.
Rainwater Management Financial Plan, Stormwater Fee Development and Consideration of Green Stormwater Infrastructure
- An overview of the Rainwater Management Financial Plan, Stormwater Fee Development, and consideration of Green Stormwater Infrastructure.
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Mayor Burton and Chair Carr dropped the ceremonial puck at the Oakville Blades Season Opener.
Oakville looks forward to hosting the Centennial Cup next year and this season is just the beginning. Mayor Burton stated "The Blades are more than just a team; they are a source of pride for Oakville, bringing us together in the name of sportsmanship."
Go Blades Go!
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Photo credit - Spencer Smye - OJHL Images | |
Sixth Line neighbours angry with Dunpar townhouse proposal
Town Council unanimously refused the latest Dunpar Development proposal to build townhouses on a collection of properties at the south end of Sixth Line.
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Halton police auto theft task force recovers multiple stolen vehicles
Halton police say their auto theft task force has recovered multiple stolen vehicles and disrupted an organized auto theft network operating in the GTA. On Friday, Sept. 8 Halton police officers executed a search warrant at a shipping business in Orangeville.
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'Deeply Concerned': Ontario judges refuse to sit at aging Milton Courthouse
Superior Court judges announced Monday they are pulling out of the aging Milton courthouse for their own safety, renewing calls for the Ford government to revisit its decision cancelling a new courthouse for the region.
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Ontario showcases Auto Sector During Mission to Germany and Switzerland
The Ontario government has concluded a successful business mission to Germany and Switzerland to attract investments and strengthen relationships with economic partners in the auto sector.
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Health Canada authorizes Moderna COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant | |
Health Canada has authorized the use of the Moderna SPIKEVAX™ COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant for people six months of age and older. | |
Trudeau announces $74M to help London, Ont., build 2,000 new homes | |
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that London, Ont., is the first city in Canada to reach a deal with his government under the Housing Accelerator Fund. He says the deal will create 2,000 new homes in the city over three years. | |
North Korea's Kim Jong-un promises Putin full support for Russia's 'sacred fight'
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed support for Russia's "sacred fight" during a summit with President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday that the U.S. warned could lead to a deal to supply ammunition for Moscow's war in Ukraine.
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Libyan city's death toll from devastating storm climbs to more than 5,000 people
Search teams combed streets, the remains of buildings and even the sea Wednesday to look for bodies in a coastal Libyan city where the collapse of two dams unleashed a massive flash flood that killed at least 5,100 people.
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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
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$2,500 Digital Transformation Grants NOW available | |
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Applications are now being accepted for the $2,500 Digital Transformation Grants! Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2023, or until funds are fully exhausted. There are a limited number of grants available, so businesses are encouraged to apply early!
It is free to apply and the process is simple:
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Register your business at digitalmainstreet.ca/ontariogrants/ and complete the digital assessment.
- Pass the pre-qualification quiz, complete the 2.5 hours of online training, and develop your Digital Transformation Plan.
- Apply for a $2,500 grant.
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Food Banks experiencing record demand
Oakville's food banks are in record-breaking demand. If you can donate anything, please do. Your help is needed.
Fareshare Food Bank Oakville:
905-847-3988
[email protected]
Kerr Street Mission
905-845-7485
kerrstreet.com
The Salvation Army Oakville
salvationarmy.ca
Food 4 Kids Halton
food4kidshalton.ca
Oak Park & Neighbourhood Centre Food Bank
opnc.ca
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