March 13, 2025 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Town starting Midtown implementation studies

The Town of Oakville is advancing its Midtown Implementation Program, focusing on transportation and stormwater master plans to create a vibrant, sustainable, and mixed-use community.

Join Us for Public Information Centre #2

📅 Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025

⏰ Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)

📍 Location: South Atrium, Oakville Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road

At this session, the town will present alternative solutions for transportation and stormwater management, as well as urban design opportunities to support future growth in Midtown. You'll have the chance to ask questions, provide feedback, and engage with the project team.

Your input is key to the success of this program!

For more information or to join the contact list, email Midtown@oakville.ca.

Go Deeper

The Auto Industry Runs on Precision. Trump’s Tariffs Are Chaos.

Rosemary Counter - Maclean's

If these tariffs were in place for maybe 10 years, then the industry’s supply chains will begin to adjust. It will take that long because every material in every step of the chain will have to be reconsidered.

To make aluminum, for example, you need bauxite and a huge amount of electrical energy. America could get bauxite from Brazil, which would surely be happy to sell it to them, but to generate enough electricity, they’d need to build railroads or pipelines and power plants.

Quebec already generates a huge amount of hydroelectric power just because of geography—they have a lake at the top of a hill where water falls. Quebec makes so much power that they’re able to sell most of it to the U.S. This is true of Manitoba and Ontario too.

Read the full story

Applications now open for Oakville's Seasonal Commercial Patio Program

The Town of Oakville’s Seasonal Commercial Patio Program is now accepting applications for 2025! Business owners looking to set up a patio can now apply online.

What’s New in 2025?

Updated Fees – Patio permit and parking space rental fees have been revised. Visit the Patio Permit Application Process page for details.
Business Licence Requirement – A valid Town of Oakville business licence number is now required to apply. New businesses can contact the Town for assistance.
Outdoor Music Permitted – Moderate levels of outdoor music (max 50 dBA) are allowed

Apply Early!

To guarantee approval by May 1, submit your application by April 1. All patios, bistros, and outdoor displays must have a valid permit before installation.

Note: This program does not apply to patios on private property or in public parks. For more information, email patios@oakville.ca.

Apply now and get ready for patio season!

Go Deeper

Project Mulligan dismantles organized auto theft group

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has successfully concluded Project Mulligan, a multi-jurisdictional investigation targeting organized auto theft.

On February 20, 2025, HRPS executed 10 search warrants across the GTA, leading to the arrest of 8 suspects and over 90 criminal charges laid.

Investigators recovered 18 stolen vehicles, including two found in shipping containers at the Port of Montreal.

The suspects, operating primarily in Halton and Peel Regions, are believed to be responsible for over 75 vehicle thefts since September 2024. Charges include possession of stolen property, motor vehicle theft, and fraudulent use of credit cards.

Go Deeper

Nominations open for the 2nd annual Oakville youth awards

The Town of Oakville and the Oakville Youth Action Committee (OYAC) are excited to launch the second annual Oakville Youth Awards, celebrating young changemakers aged 11 to 19.

These awards recognize youth who are making a difference in the community through leadership, arts, sports, volunteerism, and more.

Nominate a youth by March 16

Awards ceremony: May 7, 2025, at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts

Last year, over 180 nominations showcased the incredible impact of Oakville’s youth. Let’s celebrate their achievements again this year!

Go Deeper

Aluminum tariffs to hurt Ford F-150

Mike Collins - The Wall Street Journal

A Ford spokesman said it would take many years to rewire its supply chains to get more automotive-grade aluminum from the U.S. He declined to comment on the potential effect on prices should the tariffs last.

“While we are working to find offsets to the added cost, this will be difficult,” he said.

Read the full story

Local News

Town announces new Commissioner of Corporate Services

After a comprehensive search, the Town of Oakville is pleased to announce that Sheryl Ayres will join the town’s Executive Leadership Team as the new Commissioner of Corporate Services effective April 7, 2025

Read the full release

'There are lives that give back quietly': Oakville honours farmers' market founder with legacy fund

The Douglas Guthrie Legacy Fund will provide $60,000 each to two community initiatives: Community Living Oakville’s respite program, The Hangout, and Distress Centre Halton’s TeleCheck program.

Read the full story

Community Classroom launches for 2025 with more free in-class activities for Oakville schools

The Oakville Community Foundation has launched Community Classroom for 2025 with more free in-class and on-site programs and activities for teachers in Oakville HDSB and HCDSB schools.

These programs are available at no cost to teachers, schools or students and connects them to local community organizations including Oakvillegreen Conservation Association, Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, Arthouse and more.

Go Deeper

Federal News

Canada Invests in Deep Energy Retrofits for Affordable Housing in Hamilton

Today, the Federal Government announced an investment of $10 million through Natural Resources Canada’s Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program for CityHousing Hamilton. The funding will help reduce energy consumption by more than 60 percent in affordable housing units.

Read the full release