September 27, 2023 News

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Livable and Vibrant Oakville: The Path to a Bright Tomorrow

In his 17th annual State of the Town address, Mayor Burton celebrated the rich tapestry of Oakville's diverse community while highlighting the town's remarkable history, growth, and vision for the future. The address encompassed a wide array of topics, reflecting the nature of Oakville's growth.


Mayor Burton discussed the Oakville Electric Vehicle Complex, a $1.8 billion investment that will solidify Oakville's place in North American EV production. This forward-thinking initiative aligns with Oakville's goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.


Mayor Burton also addressed the town's fiscal health, highlighting Oakville's exemplary status in municipal fiscal management, as recognized by the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance at the University of Toronto.


While acknowledging the need for growth-related infrastructure investments, Mayor Burton expressed optimism about collaborating with the provincial government to ensure the burden of growth costs is distributed equitably, reducing the impact on property taxes and new home fees.


The Mayor's speech underscored the importance of keeping Oakville's infrastructure ahead of its growth curve. Several projects, such as streetscape improvements, park renewals, and pedestrian safety enhancements, are already in progress or planned for the near future. Oakville Transit is also making strides toward improved service, offering free fares for youth and seniors, as well as implementing real-time bus tracking via smartphone apps.


Mayor Burton encouraged residents to actively engage in shaping the town's future, emphasizing the value of public input in decision-making processes. He also expressed his eagerness to explore partnerships with institutions like Sheridan College to foster innovation in Oakville.


Mayor Burton's address celebrated Oakville's vibrant and diverse community while emphasizing the town's commitment to responsible growth and sustainability. His optimism for the future, rooted in Oakville's history of resilience and adaptability, served as a call to action for all residents to contribute to the town's continued success.

Watch the Strategic Plan and 2023-2026 Action Plan which debuted during the State of the Town address.

Sixteen Mile Community Centre and Library update

In the heart of North Oakville, a remarkable construction project is well underway, promising a bright future for the community. The ambitious community centre and library project has been making significant strides, and we're excited to bring you the latest updates on this transformative endeavor.


Underground Work Nearing Completion


The construction of the community centre and library has seen substantial progress in various areas. Underground work, including the mechanical aspects in the basement, as well as the footing and foundation walls, is nearly finished. This essential groundwork sets the stage for the impressive structure that will soon grace our community. As the foundation takes shape on the ground floor, the next exciting phase is set to begin. In mid-December, construction will commence on the structural steel frame of the community centre and library.


Harnessing Geothermal Energy


One of the most environmentally conscious features of this project is the utilization of geothermal energy. A total of 135 geothermal boreholes have already been successfully completed, laying the foundation for an efficient geothermal heat pump system. An additional 75 boreholes are in the pipeline to create a full-fledged geothermal field, ensuring the facility operates sustainably.


Topsoil is being meticulously placed for the grounds of the cricket pitch, setting the stage for a picturesque playing field. Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing to lay sod for all the sports fields in mid-October.


The Town is delighted to report that the construction of the cricket field and additional sports fields is right on schedule. These state-of-the-art facilities are on track to open in the spring of 2024. This milestone promises to be a momentous occasion for our community, offering endless opportunities for recreation, learning, and social engagement.


Mayor Burton stated "In every shovel of dirt turned and every beam raised, our town's future is being built with care and dedication. The community centre and library project is not just a structure; it's a symbol of our commitment to creating a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable community for generations to come while also fulfilling my dream of having a community centre in each Ward."


Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue on this remarkable journey together.

Read all the updates 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 forthcoming virtual open house.


Community Input: Vital for Progress


OFD recognizes that community input is invaluable in molding the future of fire services. Residents can complete the online survey to influence the 10-year Fire Master Plan, designed to meet the evolving needs of Oakville's growing community.



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


Provide your input on Housing Affordability Task Force Recommendations

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.

Read the full list of recommendations

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. 


Local News

Canada’s top curlers sweep into Oakville for PointsBet Invitational


The 2023 PointsBet Invitational returns to Oakville Wednesday (Sept. 27) for a second year as the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex plays host to 32 of the nation’s best teams competing in a single-knockout tournament.

Read the full story

Halton Police chief ‘appalled’ by violent Ottawa attack that left officers with serious injuries


Calling it a “cowardly attack,” Halton Regional Police Chief Steve Tanner released a statement Tuesday morning (Sept. 26) about a weekend assault in Ottawa that left two local off-duty officers with serious injuries.

Read the full story

Provincial News

Ontario records $5.9B deficit for the last fiscal year


Ontario ended the last fiscal year with a smaller deficit than projected in the 2022 budget, but it was several billion dollars higher than in a fiscal update from the province six weeks ago.


Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy released the province's public accounts for 2022-23 which looks at the final numbers for the last fiscal year — and it showed the province ended the year with a $5.9 billion deficit.

Read the full story

Ontario Releases 2022-23 Public Accounts


Today, the Ontario government released the 2022-23 Public Accounts, which provide the final audited financial results of the province for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.

Read the full release

National News

Government of Canada unlocking $20B in new financing to build 30,000 more apartments per year

Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced that the annual limit for Canada Mortgage Bonds is being increased from $40 billion to up to $60 billion.


This change is the next step in the government’s plan to build more homes, faster, and will unlock low-cost financing for multi-unit rental construction. This new measure will help to build up to 30,000 more rental apartments per year.

Read the full release

Nearly 7M Canadians struggling to put food on the table: report

Nearly seven million Canadians are struggling to put food on the table as the cost of living and housing crisis continues to bite, according to a new report.



Food Banks Canada released its inaugural poverty report on Tuesday that painted a bleak national picture, with most provinces receiving a grade in the D-range when it comes to tackling poverty.

Read the full story

Prime Minister announces changes to Cabinet committees

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced changes to Cabinet committees and the appointment of members to the Treasury Board.


These changes, including committee membership and newly created committees, reflect recent changes to the Ministry and will better enable Canada’s ministerial team to continue delivering on the issues that matter most to Canadians.

Read the full release

World News

Russia accuses Ukraine’s Western allies of helping attack its Black Sea Fleet headquarters


Russia accused Ukraine’s Western allies of helping plan and conduct last week’s missile strike on the Black Sea Fleet’s headquarters on the annexed Crimean Peninsula.

Read the full story

Earthquakes hit super volcano in Italy, raising spectre of evacuations


A leading volcanologist has warned that mass evacuations might be needed in a town close to Naples, which sits on a so-called Super Volcano that has been hit by hundreds of small earthquakes in recent weeks.


A 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck the area early on Wednesday, the strongest jolt in 40 years to rattle the volcanic field, known as the Campi Flegrei or Phlegraean Fields from the Greek word for burning.

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 

$2,500 Digital Transformation Grants NOW available

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:

 

  1. Register your business at digitalmainstreet.ca/ontariogrants/ and complete the digital assessment.
  2. Pass the pre-qualification quiz, complete the 2.5 hours of online training, and develop your Digital Transformation Plan.
  3. Apply for a $2,500 grant.

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

Contact Us

Town of Oakville

1225 Trafalgar Road,

Oakville, Ontario

[email protected]

905-845-6601

Contact Service Oakville
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