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2023 Budget committee recommendation continues to beat inflation since 2011
Committee recommends 3.8% property tax increase
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The Budget Committee approved additional recommendations to increase services in the town's operating and capital budgets, while keeping the property tax increases well below inflation.
The major additional services being proposed in this operating budget included:
- Free transit for youth and seniors 19 and younger and 64 and older. In addition to free transit,
- Funding for Active Transportation Master Plan to improve traffic calming and active transportation.
- The need for feminine products to be available in all public restrooms in Oakville with a $20,000 investment for the Pink Project.
- The Oakville Santa Claus Parade also received a $10,000 investment to put on more spectacular performances for years to come.
The total increase for this budget recommendation was 3.8% from the proposed 3.52% initially presented to the committee. This number is well below inflation and well below those of our neighbouring municipalities.
In the capital budget, the committee included
- $18 million for the transit facility expansion to be funded through debt
- $100,000 be included in streetscape developments for Bronte. This will allow for a harmonious development across all our business improvement areas.
"I want to point out that, what we've done is we've approved just about every request that we collected from members of council. I think that means every one of us has something in here and I just want to point out that, that took us from 3.52% overall to 3.8%. Or in other words, 0.28% was the small increase that it took to do so much for our constituents that each of us brought their needs to the table. It's a budget I think that we can be extremely proud of, and represent with pride to our constituents," Mayor Rob Burton said.
Budget Chair Janet Haslett-Theall was also extremely elated by the success and community participation in the budget process, stating: "I'm particularly proud of the fact that we had a greater number of people participate in the open house." Further stating "I'm less about the number and more about the services that we've been able to maintain."
The proposed budget will now go to Council for a vote on Monday, February 27, 2023.
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Budget committee deliberations - February 21, 2023 | |
11th Annual Historical Gathering Success! | |
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Mayor Burton attended the 11th Annual Historical Gathering at the MCFN Community Centre in Haggersville ON. He was joined by MCFN Cheif Gimaa Stacey Laforme and community members from around the province and who had the opportunity to hear from many inspirational speakers talk about the history of MCFN, and the meanings behind the flags.
This was also a wonderful opportunity to note the Relationship between the Town of Oakville and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation that formalizes the ongoing work we're doing to build a constructive and collaborative relationship with one another.
Join us on February 28 from 5-7 PM at the OPL Central Branch, to mark the date on which the Mississaugas of the Credit (MCFN), signed their last Treaty in Oakville, Treaty 22. Treaty negotiations stated that the land in Treaty 22 was not intended to be a complete surrender and sale, but instead given in trust to the Crown.
Oakville Town Council was proud to pass a motion to permanently display the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Flag at Town Hall on June 24, 2019. This decision was made in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and to acknowledge and thank the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation for being stewards of this territory.
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Playground of light is coming to
Downtown Oakville March 4-23
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Wip Wap is coming to Towne Square in Downtown Oakville from March 4 to 23.
The Playground of Light is an event that promises to be accessible to all, and visitors of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy the exhibits. The installations will be wheelchair accessible, and the event will include sensory-friendly hours for those who may require a quieter and less crowded experience.
As well as being an exciting and unique experience for visitors, the Playground of Light will also provide a boost to local businesses in the Downtown Oakville area. This event is sure to draw in visitors from across the region and beyond, who will have the opportunity to explore the downtown area and enjoy all it has to offer.
Overall, the Playground of Light is an event that should not be missed. With its stunning light displays, interactive exhibits, and magical atmosphere, this event promises to be a highlight of the year for Oakville residents and visitors alike. Make sure to mark your calendars and come experience the wonder and beauty of the Playground of Light.
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MES seeking community feedback for By-law review starting Feb 23 - Mar 12 | |
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The town is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the Property Standards By-law 2017-007 and Lot Maintenance By-law 2017-008. Staff are working to create more transparent by-laws that consider community expectations, definition clarity, and capturing changes to the Municipal Act.
Town staff will begin public engagement with an online survey open between February 23 - March 12, 2023 and will be conducting an in-person public open house meeting on Thursday, March 9, 2023 where community members will be given an opportunity to share their thoughts and shape the direction of the new by-laws.
Community members can access the survey during the identified dates using the following link: https://arcg.is/1qP4an1 or can scan the QR code included below with their smart device.
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Experience Oakville's culinary scene
during Taste of Oakville
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Taste of Oakville returns February 15 to March 10. With over 30 different restaurants to choose from, there are delicious options to satisfy every craving.
New in 2023, select restaurants will have live music each Tuesday evening throughout the event.
“We’re thrilled to feature local musicians at Taste of Oakville this year,” said Rebecca Edgar, executive director of Visit Oakville which organizes Taste.
“Along with promoting local talent, we believe it will add to the ambience and enjoyment of the Taste experience.”
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Town to mark 1-year anniversary of Ukraine-Russia War | |
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The Town of Oakville is coming together on February 24, 2023, to Stand with Ukraine and mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion. This day will be particularly significant for the Oakville community as it will be commemorated at the St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church.
The Stand with Ukraine day is not just about one country; it is about the principles of freedom and democracy that people around the world hold dear. The Oakville community's support is a reminder that the fight for freedom and human rights is a global effort. We must stand with each other in times of crisis, regardless of our geographical boundaries.
The Oakville community's Stand with Ukraine day is an opportunity to come together, support each other, and stand up for what is right. Let us work together to build a more peaceful and just world, where all people can live in freedom and security.
Read the full proclamation below.
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Evening of solidarity for victims of Turkey and Syria on Feb 28 | |
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The evening of solidarity hosted at Town Hall is an opportunity for the community to come together and show support for those affected by these tragedies.
Mayor Burton spoke about the importance of the event, stating, "Our hearts go out to the people of Turkey and Syria who have suffered such devastating losses. This event is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and show that we stand with them during this difficult time."
The evening of solidarity is open to all members of the community and will be held in the Town Hall auditorium on February 28, starting at 6:30 PM.
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Chez Jordan - Bridal boutique now open!
Mayor Burton attended the grand opening of Chez Jordan. In his remarks at the ceremony, Mayor Burton praised the entrepreneurial spirit and thanked Chez Jordan for choosing Oakville as the location for new business.
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Oakville students performing Celine Dion hits to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Canada
The students of W.H. Modern, an Oakville public school, will perform a compilation of their favourite Celine Dion songs on Thursday, Feb. 23 to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
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UPS, Credit Valley Conservation extend tree-planting partnership
The two-year partnership will see the UPS Foundation contribute $100,000 to fund 28 volunteer planting events as part of Credit Valley Conservation’s tree planting and youth engagement programs.
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Province Recognizes Three Young Leaders with the Lincoln M. Alexander Award
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presented three exceptional young leaders with the Lincoln M. Alexander Award to recognize their work in building a stronger and more inclusive and equitable Ontario.
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Ontario Reducing Wait Times for Publicly Funded Surgeries and Diagnostics
The Ontario government introduced the Your Health Act, 2023, which outlines the province’s next steps in its plan to reduce wait times for surgeries, procedures and diagnostic imaging, while enabling its new “As of Right” rules to automatically recognize the credentials of health care workers registered in other provinces and territories.
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Minister Anand Announces Federal Funding for Electric Vehicle Chargers in Oakville and Kitchener
Oakville MP Anita Ananda announced more than $53,000 investment in Geotab Inc. to install 11 Level 2 EV chargers in Oakville and nine in Kitchener, Ontario, which are now available for use. Geotab Inc. has also matched the funding amount, bringing the total project cost to over $106,000.
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Russia, China look to strengthen ties as Beijing's top diplomat visits Putin
U.S. President Joe Biden met with leaders of NATO's eastern flank on Wednesday while China's top diplomat held talks in Moscow — contrasting shows of support ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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Development Applications by Ward | |
$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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Town of Oakville
1225 Trafalgar Road,
Oakville, Ontario
mayor@oakville.ca
905-845-6601
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