October 30, 2024 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Halton Police boost efforts to combat auto theft and home invasions

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is intensifying efforts to combat auto theft and home invasions, responding to an alarming increase in these crimes across Ontario and Halton Region.

While auto thefts have decreased by 11% year-to-date compared to 2023, with 993 vehicles stolen this year (407 in Oakville alone), these crimes remain a serious threat. Police have managed to recover 572 vehicles so far, but more than 80% of stolen cars are swiftly exported overseas.

Chief Tanner emphasizes that organized crime is driving this epidemic, and federal and provincial resources are urgently needed at export ports. Chief Tanner also highlights the need for strengthened criminal laws, bail conditions, and collaboration with auto manufacturers to make vehicles more secure.

In addition to auto theft, there has been an increase in home invasions where intruders break in to steal vehicle keys, often targeting high-end cars like Mercedes G-Wagons and Range Rovers.

HRPS advises residents to lock all entry points, park vehicles in locked garages when possible, and use vehicle tracking devices to deter theft.

For more information on prevention tips, visit the HRPS website, and please report any suspicious activities to the police immediately.

Read the full update

Town advances new Official Plan Amendment for Midtown

The Town of Oakville is moving forward with an updated draft Official Plan Amendment (OPA) for Midtown Oakville, discussed by Town Council and residents at a special Council meeting on October 29. This draft amendment sets out new policies for guiding Midtown's future growth and development, with a focus on creating a sustainable, livable community that meets the town’s evolving needs.

The proposed OPA integrates recent research and community feedback, alongside Ontario’s regulatory framework. This balanced approach emphasizes Oakville’s commitment to smart growth and strategic land use while retaining the core values of the original Midtown policies. “Town planning staff’s new draft Official Plan Amendment blends new research with public input and Ontario legislation. The draft reflects our town’s clear vision for livability and sustainability,” said Mayor Rob Burton.

One key addition in this draft is the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS), a new tool for Oakville that can help streamline developments and encourage community-oriented projects like affordable housing and mixed land use. Additionally, the updated population and employment projections aim for a balanced growth target of nearly 30,000 residents and jobs by 2051, compared to the previous goal of 20,000 by 2031.

To further engage the community, the town has scheduled a public open house by the end of this year for residents to learn more about the proposed changes and ask questions. In January 2025, a statutory public meeting will be held by the Planning and Development Council, offering a final opportunity for public delegation on the draft before a Council decision.

Residents can review the draft OPA on the town’s website and provide feedback via email at midtown@oakville.ca.

Go Deeper

Oakville releases 2025 Budget

Oakville’s Budget Committee reviewed the draft 2025 operating and capital budgets, prepared by staff, with a proposed overall property tax increase of 3.92 per cent. This draft budget will be the focus of public consultation until December 5, when the Mayor will present the final proposed budget to Town Council.

The town’s portion of the tax levy is set to rise by 5.95 per cent, contributing to the overall tax increase of 3.92 per cent. For homeowners, this means an increase of $31.19 per $100,000 of assessment. For a home assessed at $800,000, property taxes will increase by $249.52 annually.

The draft 2025 Operating Budget of $437 million will support vital services like road maintenance, fire services, transit, and parks. Key capital projects include $14.9 million for parks and trails, $27.5 million for bus replacement, and $12.5 million for Fire Station 4 renovations.

Residents are encouraged to provide input through public delegations, email, or at Budget Committee meetings, helping shape Oakville’s 2025 budget.

Mayor Rob Burton emphasized, “Balancing affordability, growth, and livability is key to ensuring Oakville remains vibrant. I encourage residents to share their thoughts on the draft budget.”

For more details and key dates, visit Oakville's Budget Documents page.

Public input is vital to ensure a balanced approach to delivering high-quality services. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and questions at budget@oakville.ca.

Visit oakville.ca for more information and key resources to get involved.

Go Deeper

Santa Claus is coming to Town!

Mark your calendars! The Oakville Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 9 a.m., bringing holiday cheer to downtown Oakville.

This year's theme is "Merry and Bright," and residents are encouraged to dress in festive attire. Oakville Transit will provide free shuttle service from Oakville GO Station starting at 8 a.m., so everyone can enjoy the creative floats and festive atmosphere.

The parade is accepting float and volunteer applications until November 6, 2024, and is also seeking sponsors to help make this beloved event a success.

Don't miss the chance to enter the colouring contest, where one lucky winner will ride with Mrs. Claus!

For more details, visit the Oakville Santa Claus Parade page.

Go Deeper

Council adopts multi-year

accessibility plan

The Town of Oakville has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible community with the approval of the 2024-2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP). This plan, approved by Council, builds on the town’s previous efforts and incorporates community feedback to meet and exceed accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Developed with input from residents and stakeholders, the plan emphasizes what accessibility means to the Oakville community. Key initiatives include enhanced training for town staff on both visible and invisible disabilities, support for neurodiverse individuals, and the implementation of Oakville Universal Design Standards (OUDS) 3.0. These standards ensure that all new construction, renovations, and facility upgrades in Oakville are designed with accessibility in mind.

Mayor Rob Burton emphasized the importance of the plan "As we strive towards creating a vibrant and livable community for all, the 2024-2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan helps ensure that everyone has equitable access to the town’s services, programs, and facilities, and where everyone feels they belong."

For more information, visit the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan page and review the Oakville Universal Design Standards 3.0.

Go Deeper

Town presents climate action and planning for a greener future

The Town of Oakville remains committed to its leadership in climate action, as highlighted in the recently released 2024 Climate Emergency Declaration Progress Report. Presented to Council on October 21, the report outlines the town’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, protect the community from extreme weather, and plan for a sustainable future.

Key achievements for 2024 include the introduction of electric buses to Oakville Transit’s fleet, LEED Gold Certification at the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre, and a district energy feasibility study for the Hospital District.

Oakville has also made significant progress in aligning with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, simplifying rules for rooftop solar installations, and promoting community education through initiatives like the 'Choose Electric Yard Tools' campaign.

Council remains committed to its 2050 net zero carbon target, and annual updates on climate actions will continue as part of the town’s climate emergency declaration, first made in 2019.

Mayor Rob Burton stated "Responding to the climate crisis is a shared priority of Council, town staff, and our residents. Council and I are excited about what has been accomplished to date, and for the initiatives underway and planned for Oakville."

For more details, view the 2024 Climate Emergency Declaration Progress Report on the Climate Action Plans and Reports page.

Read the full report

Transit Five-Year Plan approved by Council

Oakville Town Council approved Oakville Transit’s 2025-2029 Business Plan, setting a clear direction for the next five years to support the town’s growth and enhance transit services. The plan focuses on creating a more accessible, reliable, and efficient transit system to meet the needs of the community as Oakville continues to expand.

Key objectives of the plan include aligning with the town’s strategic priorities and other key planning initiatives, developing a robust transit network with a mix of services, and accommodating post-pandemic ridership growth. The plan also includes recommendations to update service guidelines, improve service frequency, and explore new fare and non-fare strategies.

The initiatives outlined will be refined through annual service planning and subject to budget approval, ensuring Oakville Transit adapts to the community’s evolving transportation needs.

Mayor Rob Burton remarked "Oakville is growing, and so are the transportation needs of our residents, visitors, and businesses. This multi-year transit business plan will make our public transit system more reliable, accessible, and efficient for everyone. We are on our way to building a transit system for the future that will strengthen Oakville’s livability and vibrancy."

Go Deeper

Fall loose-leaf collection program

The Town of Oakville’s annual fall loose leaf collection began on Monday, October 28 and continues until Friday, December 6, in designated neighbourhoods.

Residents can find detailed information on collection zones, schedules, and an interactive map to track collection progress on the Loose Leaf Collection page of oakville.ca.

To ensure efficient leaf collection, residents are reminded to follow the town’s guidelines:

Collection Timing: Leaves should be placed out by 7 a.m. on the first day of collection in your zone, as collection may occur any time during the scheduled week.
Timing of Leaf Placement: To prevent leaves from blowing around, do not put them out more than seven days before the first day of the scheduled week for your zone.
Placement of Leaves: All loose leaves should be placed on the boulevard or shoulder, avoiding catch basins, bicycle lanes, and ditches. Residents should clear any leaves blocking catch basins or storm drains.
Cleanliness: Ensure that leaf piles are free of garbage and other yard waste, including brush, branches, and stones. Contaminated piles or leaves placed out after pickup dates will not be collected.

For those with bagged leaves and yard waste, Halton Region collects these on the same day as regular garbage pickup. This service operates separately from Oakville's loose-leaf collection.

For more information on waste collection schedules, residents can call 311 or visit the Halton Region website.

For additional details about Oakville’s fall loose leaf collection, visit oakville.ca or contact ServiceOakville at 905-845-6601 or service@oakville.ca.

Go Deeper

General registration for Windrow Snow Clearing Program ends November 1

The Town of Oakville is offering its windrow snow clearing program from December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, to assist residents with clearing the snow left by plows at the base of their driveways. Registration is open until November 1, 2024 to 1,100 driveways on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fees are $102 plus HST for priority registration and $118 plus HST for general public registration. Service is provided once per snow event, and program updates are available via text message.

For details, visit the Town of Oakville’s website.

Go Deeper

Public Consultations

Sixteen Mile Community Centre survey

Provide your feedback on recreation and culture programs that you would like to see offered at the new Sixteen Mile Community Centre. Share your feedback in this online survey by November 4.

Complete the Survey

Fourteen Mile and McCraney Creek Flood Study meeting

Join us on November 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall South Atrium to learn more about the Fourteen Mile and McCraney Creek Flood Mitigation Opportunities Study, ask any questions and share your feedback.

2025 Budget feedback

Public input on the staff-prepared draft budget can be provided to the Mayor or respective Councillors, emailed to budget@oakville.ca, or by delegating to Budget Committee meetings.

Local News

Family friendly activities at the Oakville Museum starting in November

Take part in the Oakville Pumpkin Parade on November 1 and other holiday festivities

Get into the holiday spirit at the Oakville Museum with the following special activities, programs and attractions offered in November and December 2024.

Oakville Pumpkin Parade

Bring your jack-o-lanterns to the Oakville Museum for the annual pumpkin parade, story time and treats on Friday, November 1, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Winter Craft and Tour

Experience Christmas traditions of the past, take a guided tour, and make a simple old-fashioned ornament at Erchless Estate on November 29 and 30, December 27, 2024, and January 3, 2025.

Visit with Santa

Santa is coming to the Oakville Museum! On November 23, visit the Oakville Museum to write a letter to Santa, tour Erchless Estate, check out the Instrument Petting Zoo, and meet Santa himself.

Read the full release

Provincial News

Building Ontario for You

Today, Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy released the 2024 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Building Ontario for You. The government continues to take a fiscally responsible approach towards building the critical infrastructure our growing communities need, reducing gridlock, and making life more affordable by keeping taxes low and putting more money back in your pocket.

Read the full release

Ontarios Big City Mayors Statement on Upcoming Provincial Fall Economic Statement

Ontario’s Big City Mayors are looking forward to the release of the province’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement tomorrow. As municipalities head into their 2025 budget cycles, we are hoping to hear updates on policies and programs that address our three key priorities: the Homelessness, Mental Health and Addictions Crisis, Housing and Housing Enabling Infrastructure and Municipal Finance Reform.

Read the full release

Ontario Providing Taxpayers with $200 Rebate

As part of the upcoming 2024 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, the government is supporting Ontario families struggling with the high costs of the federal carbon tax and interest rates by proposing to provide a $200 taxpayer rebate to all eligible Ontario taxpayers. To ensure families with children are not overlooked, the government is also proposing to provide families with an additional $200 for each eligible child.

Read the full release

Federal News

Announcing Funding to Improve Energy Efficiency in Ontario’s Industrial Facilities

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a federal investment of nearly $20 million to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) from the Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program (GIFMP). This funding will support the extension of IESO’s Strategic Energy Management Program.

Read the full release

Upcoming Events

Shifa Gala - November 24th, 2024

Join Muslim community members and friends of the community for the 3rd annual Shifa Gala on November 24th, 2024, at the Oakville Legacy Banquet to support Oakville Hospital Foundation. Like last year, this event is expected to be attended by over 400 individuals and will be an evening filled with great food and enjoyable entertainment to recognize, celebrate and appreciate all that Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital does for our community and the region.

Please go to www.shifagala.com to buy the tickets or find more information on how you can support the cause. You can also contact Shifa Gala team at info@shifagala.com