Find your Ward here and your Council Members here | |
Halton Regional Council calls for equitable funding from the Provincial and Federal Governments for Childcare | |
Regional Council passes motion calling additional funding for Halton's child care system | |
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Halton Region Council called for immediate Federal and Provincial investment to enable new Early Learning and Child Care space growth in Halton. Equitable funding would address community need, prevent long wait-times for affordable child care and ongoing financial hardship for Halton families.
Mayor Burton stated "I do believe that more money is needed. All of the evidence given to us today is that there's more money needed and the Prime Minister's own words were "We're going to make all families able to access it." Clearly, it hasn't. And so for me, it's an open and shut case. We need more federal money and there's a pattern of underfunding their big announcements."
Ward 2 Regional Councillor Cathy Duddeck added, "As far as I'm concerned, both levels of government, federal and provincial, are integrated on this issue. And so by going to just one, there is a perception of blame and I'd hate to use that word. But I think because both are so involved in this issue, both should be included in the drafting of the letter and the communication."
The Motion also resolves that the Regional Chair write to the Provincial Education Minister and the Federal Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development outlining Halton Region’s concerns related to the Region’s recent reduction in Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care funding requesting:
- Reinstate $6.5 million for about 1,100 childcare spaces in 2023.
- Allocate an additional $5 million in 2024 for 1,240 childcare spaces.
- Review the CWELCC funding methodology to better reflect local child care needs, beyond population data.
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Council approves On-Demand Transit expansion for 2024 | |
Council unanimously passed the motion to approve Oakville Transit's expansion plans | |
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In a bid to enhance the convenience and accessibility of public transportation for Oakville residents, the Town of Oakville is gearing up for an exciting expansion of its On-Demand Transit service in 2024. The 2024 Oakville Transit On-Demand Transit Expansion Plan is set to bring flexible, cost-effective transit options to more residents, ultimately improving mobility and connectivity throughout the town.
A Brief Overview:
The On-Demand concept was first introduced in 2015 to cater to areas where fixed routes were not feasible. It has since evolved into the Ride On-Demand Transit, a more flexible and cost-effective way to provide transit services in low-demand areas.
The Ride On-Demand pilot programs launched in October 2022 have been a resounding success, recording over 491 combined trips to date. This success has paved the way for the expansion of On-Demand services to other geographic areas, making it a permanent fixture in Wards 3 and 7. Additionally, late-night services in Oakville are poised for an upgrade, with Ride On-Demand set to replace existing services to offer residents a more direct and convenient transit experience.
What to Expect in 2024:
- Permanent On-Demand Service in Wards 3 and 7: The On-Demand service will become a permanent fixture in these wards, ensuring continued transit coverage where fixed routes are not available.
- Expanding to Replace Route 26 (Falgarwood) and Route 34 (Bronte Creek): The Ride On-Demand service will replace underperforming fixed route services, extending service coverage and hours in these areas.
- Late-Night Service Upgrade: Late-night transit services across the town will be transformed with Ride On-Demand, providing residents with more direct routes and expanded service hours.
Future Outlook:
The expansion plan for 2024 is just the beginning of Oakville Transit's commitment to improving transportation options for its residents. Mayor Burton expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion plan, stating, "The success of the Ride On-Demand pilot projects in Wards 3 and 7 underscores the demand for flexible and accessible transit services in our community. Oakville Transit's 2024 expansion plan will further enhance the convenience and coverage of our transit network, ensuring that more residents have access to efficient and cost-effective transportation options."
Oakville Transit is dedicated to enhancing the overall transit experience, making it more efficient, accessible, and aligned with the evolving needs of the community.
Stay tuned for further updates and get ready to enjoy the benefits of expanded On-Demand Transit services in 2024, as Oakville continues to move forward in the realm of public transportation.
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Provide your input on Housing Affordability Task Force Recommendations
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Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra wrote (see attached) to 50 Heads of Council requesting feedback on the recommendations of the Housing Affordability Task Force.
Your Input Matters:
Minister Calandra has asked Mayor Burton to prioritize our top five recommendations for consideration. He asked for advice on implementation . We believe that your unique insights and perspectives are vital in this process.
The remaining recommendations that are under consideration can be viewed here and input from our community can be e-mailed to: [email protected]
Council Meeting:
A Council Meeting has been scheduled for October 12, 2023 to review and discuss the draft response.
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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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Town streamlines departments to prepare for a single-tier future
(Municipal Information Network)
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On September 19, the Town of Caledon announced changes that will streamline the government from 11 departments to six, each led by a Commissioner or Chief. Consolidating departments will prepare the Town to become a leading single-tier municipality that delivers efficient, innovative services.
Savings of more than $1 million annually from the restructuring will be redirected to help manage growth and staffing and reduce some pressures on increased taxes.
Peel Region will be dissolved in January 2025, meaning Caledon will have to deliver some services that are currently provided regionally. A provincial Transition Board is overseeing the separation. The restructuring is a proactive step to prepare for next steps in the process.
With the updated structure, three senior leaders are departing and others are taking on new responsibilities. Most employees will work on existing teams. Key changes include:
- Consolidating the Director of Corporate Services and Town Solicitor roles into a Commissioner of Corporate Services/Chief Legal Officer.
- Creating a Commissioner of Community and Human Services to prepare to take on new functions, such as child care, social assistance and housing support.
- Creating a new Internal Audit Office reporting to the CAO for stronger financial accountability and stewardship to manage a significantly larger budget.
- Consolidating Engineering and Operations for efficiency.
- Creating a new government relations and public affairs office which will work on strengthening partnerships with our government partners and community stakeholders.
"We are getting ready to become one of the fastest growing single-tier municipalities. We are continuing to deliver services, while finding efficiencies and opportunities in how we manage new roles and responsibilities," said Mayor Groves. "We're respecting the hard-earned dollars of our taxpayers by streamlining operations, while setting ourselves up to foster a collaborative and positive open-for-business approach."
"Caledon has a tremendous opportunity to become a leader. The new organizational structure breaks down silos so our team can better serve the community and collaborate, including with residents, businesses and investors," said CAO Nathan Hyde. "We've built a solid foundation to become a financially sustainable, accountable and innovative single-tier government."
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Habitat for Humanity Appoints Affordable Housing Senior Director | |
Habitat for Humanity Halton Mississauga Dufferin (HFHHMD) welcomes Marc Elmer as Senior Director of Affordable Housing. Marc, a seasoned professional from the private sector, strengthens HFHHMD's leadership team. He will collaborate closely with CEO Eden Grodzinski to advance affordable housing initiatives. | |
Canadian rock Bands performing in Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
A pair of Canadian rock heavyweights from the 80’s and 90’s are set to take the stage in Oakville this weekend. Honeymoon Suite with special guests The Kings are coming to the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts on Friday (Sept. 22).
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Registration opens for Halton youth aspiring to join the fire service
Blaze Fire Academy, a joint initiative of the fire departments in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills, is now accepting career camp online applications from youth aged 15 to 20. This is the third and final in the series of career camps this year.
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Ford avoids Canadian auto strike with Union deal
Ford late on Tuesday reached a tentative deal with a Canadian union to avoid a walkout, even as the Detroit Three automakers face the possible escalation of separate coordinated U.S. strikes by the United Auto Workers union.
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Thorhold City Council votes to reject 198-megawatt gas plant
Thorold City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to reject a new 198-megawatt gas plant, one of three proposed plants in Ontario.
Conscious of the gas plant scandal that helped lead to the previous Liberal government’s downfall, Premier Doug Ford’s Conservative government decreed that all new energy projects — renewables, batteries and gas plants — must seek approval from local city councils.
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Federal Investment to Deliver 48 New EV Chargers across Southern Ontario | |
Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a $229,356 investment to Hypercharge to install 48 Level 2 EV chargers in 11 parking lots across Southern Ontario. Additional funding was provided by Hypercharge, bringing the total project value to $458,712. | |
Polievere Housing Plan Takes a Page out of Ontarios Book | |
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre released a housing plan after many months of criticizing Canada's lack of affordable homes. | |
With sights set on China, Japan to make deal with Canada on EV Supply chains
As political tensions with India remain at an all-time high, the Trudeau government is preparing to make some incremental progress with a key ally in its Indo-Pacific strategy — Japan.
Japan's minister of economy, trade, and industry will be in Ottawa on Thursday to sign a memorandum of cooperation on electric vehicle supply chains.
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U.K. PM Sunak expected to announce delays on country's net-zero goals
Britain has signalled it is preparing to delay some of its net-zero policies to ease the financial burden on households, with one senior minister saying that "bankrupting the British people" would not save the planet.
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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
Nourishing Neighbours Food Bank
Date: Every Thursday from 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Location: St. Luke's Anglican Church & Community Centre (3114 Dundas St W, L6M 4J3)
- All clients need to call 905-825-3364 to register
- All clients must be a resident of Oakville
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