December 20, 2023 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

2024 Town Budget Approved

Watch Mayor Burton's Budget Remarks

The budget has been finalized by the mayor and Council with a total tax increase of 4.38 per cent, far below any neighbors and most other communities.

Mayor Burton expressed gratitude to Oakville residents, community groups, dedicated staff, and Council for their unprecedented collaboration in shaping the town's 2024 Budget. Describing it as the most inclusive and collaborative process in the town's history, Mayor Burton highlighted the collective efforts that went into crafting a budget that addresses the needs and priorities of Oakville..

The 2024 budget allocates resources strategically to invest in the future and address the priorities of Oakville's vibrant and livable community. Highlights include:

Parks and Greenspace: Funding for new parks, greenspace, and trail development, along with the renewal of existing parks.
Library Development: Acquisition of land for future park development and a future Trafalgar corridor north library.
Infrastructure Investment: Funds for road resurfacing and preservation programs, as well as investments in traffic management and road safety programs.

Mayor Burton concluded by recognizing the budget process as a testament to Oakville's dedication to fiscal responsibility, encapsulating what he termed the "Oakville Way." This approach not only upholds fiscal discipline but also demonstrates the town's ability to adapt and thrive in the face of economic challenges.

As Oakville welcomes the new year, the 2024 Budget sets a promising trajectory for continued growth, enhanced livability, and community well-being.

Town Staff Seeking Feedback

on IDEA Strategy

The Town of Oakville in an effort to create a more inclusive community and workplace unveiled the draft Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Multi-Year Plan on December 18. This plan represents a culmination of years of collaboration and consultations aimed at making Oakville a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

The comprehensive IDEA Multi-Year Plan outlines four key goals to bolster the town's existing efforts in fostering inclusivity:

Foundational Goal: Drive the objective and be accountable for incorporating IDEA principles across all facets of the organization.
Internal Goal: Attract and retain a diverse workforce, fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful work environment.
Community Goal: Listen to, engage, and serve the community, reflecting an inclusive culture in the range of services provided.
Sustainability Goal: Communicate, track, and measure progress, aligning and connecting IDEA initiatives.

The plan identifies opportunities for program development and policy improvement, aiming to enhance the inclusion experience and build upon the town's culture of mutual respect.

Community Feedback Encouraged - Deadline January 31, 2024

The Oakville community is invited to contribute their insights and perspectives on the draft IDEA Multi-Year Plan, emphasizing its importance, associated goals, actions, and timelines. The feedback period is open until January 31, 2024.

To share your thoughts, email Corporate Strategy Program Advisor Rebecca Brookes at rebecca.brookes@oakville.ca.

For more details, visit the dedicated Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Multi-Year Plan page on the Oakville website.

"Council has been unanimous when it comes to advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility initiatives. I’m excited to see that work continue through the multi-year plan as we strive to be a vibrant and livable community for all. I encourage residents to review the draft plan on oakville.ca and share their thoughts." - Mayor Rob Burton

Read the IDEA report

Oakville Speed Skating Club Wins

Club of the Year Award

The Oakville Speed Skating Club (OSSC) has been honored with the esteemed title of the 2022-2023 Speed Skating Ontario Club of the Year. This recognition is a testament to the club's unwavering commitment to excellence and its significant impact on the speed skating community.

As we celebrate the Oakville Speed Skating Club's success, I invite you all to join me in extending our heartfelt congratulations. In Oakville, we take great pride in our vibrant sports community, and the Oakville Speed Skating Club's accomplishments are a shining example of the talent and dedication that make our town extraordinary. I look forward to celebrating more achievements from the Oakville Speed Skating Club in the years to come.

Winter Weather Maintenence

Join Mayor and Council at Annual Levee

As we step into the new year, Mayor Rob Burton extends a warm invitation to all Oakville residents to join him at the annual Mayor and Council's Levee. This community celebration, taking place on January 7, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, will be hosted at the South Atrium at Town Hall.

The Mayor and Council's Levee is an occasion to connect with neighbours, community leaders, and local officials in a casual and friendly atmosphere. This event is a reflection of Oakville's commitment to fostering unity and a strong sense of community.

Meet and Greet: Engage in meaningful conversations with Mayor Rob Burton and other members of the Oakville Town Council. This is a unique opportunity to share your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations for Oakville in the coming year.

Refreshments: Enjoy light refreshments and beverages provided as a gesture of appreciation for your continued support and involvement in shaping the Oakville community.

Date: January 7, 2024

Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Location: South Atrium at Town Hall - 1225 Trafalgar Road

Whether you're a long-time Oakville resident or a newcomer to the community, everyone is welcome to attend the Mayor and Council's Levee. Come with your family, bring a friend, or simply join in on your own – the more, the merrier!

This event is a wonderful way to kick off the new year, surrounded by the warmth and camaraderie that define Oakville. Make a resolution to be an active part of your community in 2024, starting with the Levee.

Empowering Oakville: Launch of Community Activation Grant Program

In a significant stride towards fostering community engagement and belonging, the Town of Oakville is thrilled to introduce the Community Activation Grant program. This initiative, approved by Council with an annual funding allocation of $35,000, aims to support grassroots initiatives led by residents, informal groups, and neighbourhood associations that contribute to strengthening community bonds and fostering a sense of belonging.

The program will provide grants of up to $2,000 to eligible community and resident groups, as well as ad-hoc groups, organizing small-scale events, initiatives, and programs in Oakville. The focus is on activities that enhance the overall well-being of the community and contribute to a sense of belonging.

How to Apply:

Community members interested in applying for the Community Activation Grant are invited to complete the application online, ensuring submissions are made at least two months in advance of the proposed initiative or activity. The selection process will evaluate the extent to which the initiative enhances community belonging and aligns with program requirements.

The Town's Community Development team, housed within the Recreation and Culture department, is enthusiastic about collaborating with the community throughout the grant application process. Their goal is to ensure that initiatives are well-supported and set up for success.

For detailed information, including eligibility criteria and the application process, please visit the Community Activation Grant page.

Background:

Town Council allocated $35,000 annually for the Community Activation Grant as part of the 2023 Budget.
In September, program details and the framework were presented to Council.
The initiative aligns with Council's strategic priority to enhance community belonging, fostering a welcoming environment for all residents to engage in fulfilling community life that supports overall well-being.
Staff will provide a report to Council on the program's outcomes after one year.

“There are so many community groups and residents doing great things in Oakville to support our vibrancy and livability. Council and I hope the Community Activation Grant program will help these groups and individuals continue their work and inspire others to contribute to the well-being of our community.” — Mayor Rob Burton

Apply Here

Bill 23 Revenue Losses

Legislative changes to the town’s growth funding tools of development charges (DCs), community benefits charges (CBCs) and parkland dedication are resulting in lower-than-expected revenue. The cumulative revenue losses as of the end of October are summarized in the above table:

OBCM Final Meeting of 2023

Ontario's Big City Mayors (OBCM) convened to address pressing concerns affecting the province's major cities. The gathering, attended by the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, focused on pivotal topics such as housing policies, mental health, homelessness, and fiscal frameworks.

One of the primary discussions centered on OBCM's steadfast commitment to housing goals and their plea to Minister Calandra for clarity on the province's strategy for ensuring municipalities are financially compensated and addressing the impacts of the More Homes Built Faster Act. The mayors emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to achieve housing targets.

OBCM also presented a request for potential adjustments to the eligibility criteria for the Building Faster Fund. The fund currently uses housing starts as a metric, which municipalities find challenging to control. OBCM urged the Minister to explore alternative methods for evaluating municipal progress to facilitate more accessible access to crucial funding.

The mayors passed two significant motions during the meeting. The first motion urged continued funding for Regional Innovation Centres (RICs) across Ontario. The mayors highlighted the crucial role RICs play in economic development, supporting startups, and creating high-quality jobs. The second motion supported the City of Toronto's request to the federal government for funding and assistance in providing shelter spaces for vulnerable populations.

As Ontario's major cities strive to address complex challenges, the collaborative efforts between OBCM and the provincial government remain crucial for building sustainable, thriving communities.

Read the full release

Public Consultations

Transportation Master Plan Consultations Underway

Oakville's future just got a lot more exciting with the launch of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) update. This comprehensive blueprint sets the stage for transformative transportation improvements, promoting a more walkable, cyclable, and transit-friendly community.

Understanding the Transportation Master Plan

A TMP is more than just a roadmap; it's a visionary document that outlines Oakville's transportation goals for the long term. It encompasses policies, programs, guidelines, and infrastructure enhancements, fostering safe, convenient, and efficient mobility for both people and goods.

Oakville's 2018 TMP prioritizes all modes of transportation, emphasizing public transit, walking, cycling, and ride-sharing. It strategically integrates roadway improvements, ensuring a holistic approach to community mobility.

Online Survey - Open Until February 29, 2024

Participate in the online survey, open until February 29, 2024, to share your insights on transportation in Oakville.

Stay Updated

If you want to stay in the loop, email tmp@oakville.ca to be added to the Project Contact List.

Study Timeline

Early to Mid-2023: Review Policy framework and study context
Mid to Late 2023: Discover needs and opportunities
Late 2023 to Mid-2024: Imagine system solutions for transportation
Mid to Late 2024: Reveal draft and final plan

Expected Outcomes

Identify short, medium, and long-term action items for transportation infrastructure.
Recommend implementation plans for the town's transportation system.

Join us in shaping Oakville's future, ensuring it remains a vibrant and livable community for all.

Local News

Mississauga inks housing deal after Windsor rejects federal government’s density requirements

Mississauga on Monday inked a deal for federal housing money that council had originally rejected, only days after another Southern Ontario city balked at Ottawa’s demand for more density.

The approximately $113-million for Mississauga is among the largest funding agreements signed between the federal government and about a dozen Canadian cities. In each case, money distributed under the Housing Accelerator Fund is intended to streamline growth.

Read the full story

Environment Canada’s head climatologist shares his top 10 weather stories of 2023

Here’s a quick list of Canada’s top 10 weather stories for 2023, as compiled by Environment Canada head climatologist David Phillips.

Read the full story here

Windsor council decides not to change zoning rules, putting $70M for housing in jeopardy

Windsor city councillors may have effectively turned down up to $70 million in federal housing funding Wednesday afternoon after not agreeing to Ottawa's demand for changes to zoning rules to allow for greater housing density.

Read the full story here

Provincial News

Ontario Connecting Children and Youth in Durham Region to Care Close to Home

The Ontario government is investing more than $8.4 million to increase access to pediatric services for children and youth in Durham Region and surrounding areas so they have the care they need, when they need it, right in their own community. This is part of the government’s investment of an additional $330 million each year in pediatric health services at hospitals and community-based health care facilities across the province.

Read the full release

Ontario Investing in New Forest Sector Technology

The Ontario government is investing over $1 million in Distinctive Wood Products, a manufacturer of kitchen cabinets and accessories. This investment will increase production by 40 per cent, boost U.S. export sales by almost 300 per cent and create nine new jobs at the company – and up to nine additional jobs throughout the forest sector supply chain.

Read the full release