Find your Ward here here and your Council Members here | |
Opportunity for Community Input on 2024 Budget | |
Let your voice be heard! Get involved today! | |
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As Oakville gears up for another year of budget planning, residents across the town are invited to participate in the process by voicing their ward-specific budgetary requests.
The 2024 Community Budget Requests initiative is an opportunity for residents to make their voices heard and advocate for improvements and investments in their respective wards.
Jonathan McNeice: Ward 1 Town Councillor [[email protected]]
Sean O'Meara: Ward 1 Town and Regional Councillor [sean.o'[email protected]]
Ray Chisholm: Ward 2 Town Councillor [[email protected]]
Cathy Duddeck: Ward 2 Town and Regional Councillor [[email protected]]
Dave Gittings: Ward 3 Town Councillor [[email protected]]
Janet Haslett-Theall: Ward 3 Town and Regional Councillor [[email protected]]
Peter Longo: Ward 4 Town Councillor [[email protected]]
Alan Elgar: Ward 4 Town and Regional Councillor [[email protected]]
Marc Grant: Ward 5 Town Councillor [[email protected]]
Jeff Knoll: Ward 5 Town and Regional Councillor [[email protected]]
Natalia Lishchyna: Ward 6 Town Councillor [[email protected]]
Tom Adams: Ward 6 Town and Regional Councillor [[email protected]]
Scott Xie: Ward 7 Town Councillor [[email protected]]
Nav Nanda: Ward 7 Town and Regional Councillor [[email protected]]
If you're a resident of Oakville and want to contribute to the 2024 Budget, reach out to your respective Town and Regional Councillors using the provided contact information. They are your voice in the decision-making process, and they value your input.
Oakville's future development and improvements depend on the active involvement of its residents. So, let your voice be heard and be part of shaping your community's future!
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Budget Committee approves staff report on Commercial Patio Program
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At this morning's Budget Committee meeting the committee was presented with and approved both staff recommendation reports for the Downtown Cultural Hub and the Commercial Patio Program to be incorporated into the budget process along with other potential budget initiatives.
Oakville's Seasonal Commercial Patio Program is set to enhance the town's livability, stimulate its commercial districts, and offer sought-after outdoor dining experiences.
The Commercial Patio Program will implement a user fee cost recovery model, striving to maintain affordability for participants while ensuring program sustainability. Program costs encompass staff resources, the creation of an online permitting system, safety barrier equipment, deployment, parking space rental, and permit fees.
"I'm thrilled to see our staff's ambitious plans for Oakville's downtown revitalization, which will transform the heart of our community. With the Patio Program set to enhance our vibrant outdoor spaces and the Downtown Cultural Hub's continued progression, we're committed to creating a dynamic and culturally rich environment for our residents and visitors. These initiatives reflect our dedication to fostering a lively and thriving downtown, where everyone can enjoy the arts, nature, and local businesses. Together, we're shaping Oakville's future, ensuring it remains a place where people want to live, work, and play." - Mayor Rob Burton
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Ontario Government announces Cabinet Changes | |
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Premier Doug Ford has unveiled a revamped Cabinet poised to drive forward the government's commitment to building a better Ontario. The Premier's announcement underscores the importance of addressing the needs of a growing population and economy.
"In this era of growth, it's imperative that we continue to build Ontario," declared Premier Doug Ford. "With the influx of substantial investments and the creation of high-paying jobs, we are determined to fulfill our promises. We have the right team in place to achieve our objectives, consistently working on behalf of the people of Ontario to provide the essential infrastructure, housing, and transportation our thriving communities demand."
The newly appointed Cabinet members and their portfolios are as follows:
- Paul Calandra: Assumes the role of Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, focusing on addressing housing concerns and municipal affairs.
- Prabmeet Sarkaria: Takes on the role of Minister of Transportation, concentrating on transportation-related matters and enhancements across the province.
- Caroline Mulroney: Appointed as President of the Treasury Board, overseeing fiscal responsibilities.
- Stan Cho: Takes up the mantle of Minister of Long-Term Care, emphasizing the importance of healthcare for Ontario's residents.
- Rob Flack: Assumes the position of Associate Minister of Housing, tasked with a specific mandate to advance attainable housing and modular homes. He will report to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
- Todd McCarthy: Appointed as Associate Minister of Transportation, reporting to the Minister of Transportation, with a focus on improving transportation infrastructure.
- Nina Tangri: Takes on the role of Associate Minister of Small Business, with a direct reporting line to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade. This move reinforces the government's commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering economic growth.
Additionally, Andrea Khanjin will see her role expand as she takes on additional responsibilities as Deputy Government House Leader, reporting to Paul Calandra, who will continue to serve as Government House Leader. Meanwhile, Caroline Mulroney retains her position as Minister of Francophone Affairs. All other ministers will maintain their current portfolios.
These Cabinet changes reflect the government's dedication to addressing the evolving needs of Ontario's citizens, promoting economic development, enhancing transportation and housing, and delivering on its commitment to build a prosperous future for the province.
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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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Oakville named 'Best Place to Invest' 5 years in a Row : Site Selection Magazine |  | |
Oakville maintains its stellar reputation as a top investment destination, securing a spot on Site Selection Magazine's esteemed "Canada's Best Locations" list for the fifth consecutive year. Recognized among the top 20 regions in Canada for potential investors, Oakville's consistent track record in attracting investments has resulted in new corporate arrivals, expansions, and job creation.
Over the past year, notable additions to Oakville's business landscape include Candybox Marketing, Xedition Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Blyth Brewing and Distilling, while established companies such as Collins Aerospace, Canadian Hospital Specialties, PCL Construction Canada Inc., Spark Power, and Advantech Supply Chain Solutions have undertaken significant expansions, contributing to robust economic growth in the community.
A pivotal moment for Oakville's economic trajectory is Ford Motor Company of Canada's $1.8 billion investment announcement in April 2023. This substantial commitment will transform the Oakville Assembly Complex into a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in Canada.
With plans for a state-of-the-art on-site battery plant and a focus on balancing business ease with quality of life, Oakville remains at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry's surge, poised to attract substantial investments and reinforce its status as a thriving economic powerhouse in Ontario.
“Growing Oakville’s economy is part of the work we do to become Canada’s most livable town. It feels great to be recognized by this internationally known publication.” – Mayor Rob Burton
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House prices dropping in Oakville and Burlington while active listings on the rise, new real estate report shows
In Oakville, overall house prices declined to $1,492,687 in August, compared with $1,528,833 in July.
Active listings, which represent the total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS site for August, are up in both municipalities. In Burlington, there were 397 active listings last month (compared with 384 in July) while in Oakville, there were 624 (compared with 569 in July).
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Halton resident tests positive for West Nile Virus
A Halton resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, which is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Last month, a batch of mosquitoes trapped in Oakville tested positive for the virus. Cases usually occur in the summer and through the fall, until colder weather arrives.
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Ontario Housing Minister floats 'suite' of new Greenbelt rules in first public appearance
Ontario’s newly-minted Housing Minister Paul Calandra says he is working to launch a promised review of Greenbelt development that could see more land removed from the region as part of a “suite of measures” proposed on the file Wednesday
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Gap In Average Mortgage Cost Between Ontario’s Most And Least Expensive Cities Is $7K
The price gap between the priciest and the most affordable cities was a whopping $1.6M, according to the report. It highlights how the most notable price difference can be seen in expensive cities around Toronto and the Golden Horseshoe area compared to outer areas.
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Canada’s economy shrinks, mortgage balances grow and Freeland imposes measures on Wealth One Bank | |
Canada’s economy unexpectedly contracted in the second quarter of 2023. The economy fell at an annualized rate of 0.2 per cent, led by a drop in housing investment and a pullback in consumer spending, according to Statistics Canada. | |
Higher cost of servicing debt putting Canadian government in a bind | |
With interest rates at rock bottom, the cost of servicing the mounting pile of debt was at a historic low. Looking forward, “deflation and subpar growth” seemed to pose a greater risk than the “twin threats of inflation and spiralling debt,” she told the virtual audience. | |
Russian shelling in Eastern Ukraine kills 16, PM says.
A Russian missile struck an outdoor market in Eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, killing at least 16 people and wounding dozens, officials said. The deadly attack came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kyiv and was expected to announce more than $1 billion US in new American funding.
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Canada's promised Indo-Pacific trade representative to be based in Jakarta: Mary Ng
Canada will open an export development office in Jakarta and has named an Indo-Pacific trade representative to help Canadian businesses enter new markets in the region, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday while in Indonesia.
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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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