February, 28 2024 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Draft Midtown plan amendment

due April 2

Watch the Special Council Meeting held on February 26, 2024

Staff will present a draft of an official plan amendment by April 2, after Council and staff received public feedback Tuesday on an update report on the evolving vision for Midtown. A statutory public meeting to gather comments and recommendations will occur April 22 at Council, followed by an updated official plan amendment in a recommendation report for a decision at a June 24 council meeting.

A proposed general concept by town planning staff to illustrate how Midtown could evolve through 2051 and beyond, as well as the Ontario legislation that makes Midtown's development necessary were the subject of a detailed slide presentation available here, at a previous meeting.

The wrap up report at council at Tuesday's meeting summarized feedback from stakeholders before the meeting, provincial requirements that must be met, and key recommendations for moving forward in time to make a case against the nine towers from 44 to 58 floors tall that have been appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Read the full report

Celebrating the 204th anniversary of Treaty 22 & 23

February 28th, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the Town of Oakville as we commemorate the 204th anniversary of Treaty 22 & 23, also known as the "Credit Treaties." This occasion offers us a moment to reflect on the rich heritage and invaluable contributions of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to our community.

As Mayor of Oakville, I am proud to declare February 28th, 2024, as the 204th Anniversary of the Treaty 22 & 23 Signing in the Town of Oakville. This proclamation underscores our commitment to honoring our shared history and recognizing the ongoing impact of Indigenous peoples within our community.

The signing of Treaty 22 & 23 serves as a reminder of our collective journey towards understanding and rectifying historical injustices. The Town of Oakville remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering an environment of learning, respect, and solidarity with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and all Indigenous communities. We acknowledge the significance of their cultural practices and the imperative of ongoing Truth and Reconciliation efforts.

Let us recommit ourselves to the principles of mutual respect, understanding, and justice. Together, let us walk the path of reconciliation, recognizing the importance of acknowledging the past while working towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

Tarion faces record claims amidst builder abandonments

Ontario's real estate watchdog, Tarion, is grappling with what it describes as the "largest claim event" in its history, as builders walk away from home and condo projects, leaving home buyers in the lurch. The organization anticipates owing over $90 million to home buyers this year alone, highlighting a concerning trend in the province's housing market.

Several factors have contributed to this predicament, including high interest rates, escalating construction costs, and a persistent labour shortage. These challenges have led to builders abandoning projects or declaring bankruptcy, leaving behind frustrated buyers who may lose their deposits.

While Tarion is mandated to ensure that buyers of newly-built homes receive the coverage they're entitled to, the surge in claims presents a significant financial strain. However, the organization assures that it will be able to cover valid claims under its warranty program.

For affected buyers, the loss of deposits can have devastating consequences, particularly for those who have invested their life savings. Consumer advocates emphasize the need for stronger protections and stricter oversight of builders to prevent such situations in the future.

As the housing industry grapples with economic uncertainties, Tarion is working to enhance consumer protections and collaborate with regulatory authorities to address the root causes of builder abandonments. However, concerns persist regarding the efficacy of existing regulations and the need for greater transparency in the home buying process.

In the face of this unprecedented challenge, both industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies must work together to safeguard the interests of home buyers and uphold the integrity of Ontario's housing market.

Read the full story

March for meals

March for Meals is coming! This is an annual campaign that Oakville Meals on Wheels takes part in, and it celebrates the impact of local meals on wheels programs, raises awareness and promotes community engagement. YOU can make a difference in Oakville.

Participate by sponsoring a lunch for someone in need, purchase Purdys chocolates through their fundraiser until March 6^th, and share the messaging on your social platforms.

Encourage your followers to #SponsorLunch as well and make #MarchforMeals2024 a big success! Visit oakvillemealsonwheels.com for more information.

Calling all artists: leave your mark on Oakville streets

Do you have a passion for art and a connection to Oakville? Here's your chance to showcase your talent to the community!

The Town of Oakville is excited to announce the call for proposals for this year's Connextions exhibition. We're inviting local artists to submit their ideas for creating traffic signal cabinet wraps that will adorn intersections across Oakville. These vibrant artworks will also be featured prominently at the 2024 Culture Days Festival in September and October.

If you're a resident of Oakville or the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, we want to hear from you! Submit your proposal online before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Priority will be given to artists with a strong connection to Oakville.

Let your creativity flow! Your artwork can be in any medium, but if selected, it must be provided as high-resolution digital files suitable for large-format printing. The final design will be printed onto vinyl media and wrapped around a traffic signal cabinet, so ensure your proposal is visually captivating and reflective of our local community.

Selected artists will receive $800 for each artwork chosen. The town will cover fabrication and installation costs, so you can focus solely on your creative process.

Final designs are due by June 1, 2024, with printing and installation scheduled for the summer in preparation for the 2024 Culture Days festivities.

Submit Your Connextions Application

BILD fights use it or lose it laws

In a recent report released by organizations representing Ontario’s housing development sector, contentious claims regarding the hoarding of vacant, "shovel-ready" land have sparked debates across the province. The report, titled "Use it: Optimizing Municipal Development Pipelines," challenges assertions that developers are hindering the province's housing construction targets by holding onto approved but undeveloped land.

The study, conducted by Keleher Planning & Economic Consulting and commissioned by the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA), sheds light on conflicting metrics surrounding the status of approved development land in Ontario. While municipal sources indicate a significant volume of land in limbo, awaiting construction, developers argue that many units are still in the approvals pipeline, requiring additional steps before they can proceed.

OHBA interim CEO Neil Rodgers asserts that the calculations presented by the Regional Planning Commissioners of Ontario (RCPO) are misleading, as a substantial portion of the purportedly approved units are still pending further approvals or decisions from municipal councils. This discrepancy underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of the development process and the factors influencing housing supply.

Despite the ongoing debate, residential construction in Ontario has reached a 33-year high, with over 160,000 new homes currently under construction. This surge in activity contradicts claims of stagnant development and highlights the complexity of the housing landscape in the province.

As discussions around "use it or lose it" policies gain traction, stakeholders are grappling with the implications of granting municipalities more control over approved development sites. While such measures may address concerns about land speculation, they also raise questions about the balance between regulatory intervention and market dynamics.

Moving forward, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts to address barriers to development and ensure a sustainable approach to housing growth in Ontario. As the province aims to meet ambitious targets for new home construction, careful consideration of policy measures and industry insights will be essential in navigating the path ahead.

Read the full report here

Patio dining pilot program becomes permanent starting May 1, 2024

To bolster local businesses and enhance the town's vibrancy, Oakville proudly announces the transition of its successful patio dining pilot program into a permanent initiative, effective May 1, 2024.

For more than a decade, Oakville has permitted patio and bistro dining on a case-by-case basis. Now, with the Seasonal Commercial Patio Program becoming a permanent fixture, the town is poised to further elevate its dining scene and community ambiance.

Under the new program, the patio dining season will span annually from May 1 to November 1. Any establishment seeking to install patios or outdoor merchandising displays on municipal property must obtain a valid permit from the town beforehand.

To facilitate streamlined planning for on-street parking spaces converted for patio use in the upcoming 2024 season, an early application window for such conversions will run from February 26 to March 22. Applications for other patio types will be accepted starting March 22.

Since 2020, patio permit and on-street parking fees were waived as part of the COVID-19 Commercial Recovery Initiative. However, in 2024, patio permit fees will be reinstated at a partially subsidized rate to ensure the program's financial sustainability.

As part of the program, the town will introduce signage and temporary traffic calming measures near patio areas, enhancing the overall experience and safety for both drivers and diners.

Public consultation held in 2023, involving restaurant operators, patrons, staff, and business organizations, played a pivotal role in shaping the permanent patio program.

Mayor Rob Burton expressed pride in the town's ongoing support for local businesses, stating, "We are proud to continue to support our local businesses by creating a permanent patio dining program. The program has created many opportunities for our BIA areas and brought vibrancy to our commercial districts. We can all look forward to the upcoming patio season for 2024 and beyond."

Apply Here

Public Consultations

Draft plan and guidelines of Old Oakville heritage conservation district

The first draft of the new Plan and Guidelines for the Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District is now available online! This document has been eagerly anticipated by many in our community, and we are eager to hear your thoughts and feedback.

The Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District holds significant cultural and historical value for our town, and it is essential that any plans for its preservation and development align with the wishes and needs of our residents. We invite you to take some time to review the draft document and share your thoughts with us.

You can access the draft plan here. We encourage you to peruse it thoroughly and provide your feedback either at the upcoming public meeting or via email.

Public Meeting Details:

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, 250 Lakeshore Road East

At the public meeting, we will also provide an update on the residential zoning by-law review, illustrating how your feedback is being incorporated into new zoning provisions for the heritage district. These two projects are interconnected, and your input is invaluable as we work to enhance and preserve the character of Old Oakville.

Read the Draft Plan

Participate in the community satisfaction survey

The Town of Oakville launched the Community Satisfaction Survey on February 13, 2024. This survey, conducted every two years, is a vital opportunity for you to voice your opinions and shape the future of our community.

The online survey is available now until March 8, 2024. Additionally, starting February 16, residents aged 18 years or older may receive a survey call from Forum Research Inc. telephone interviewers.

Your feedback is crucial in helping us understand what matters most to you and how we can improve town programs and services to better serve your needs.

Rest assured, your participation in the survey is strictly confidential, anonymous, and voluntary.

Complete the survey

Shape the future of housing in Oakville

The Town of Oakville is embarking on an important initiative to enhance housing options across our community, and we want your input!

The Town is proposing changes to Zoning By-law and Official Plan to allow for up to four housing units per residential lot for single detached homes town-wide.

Additionally, we're considering expanding housing options by permitting low-rise apartment-style buildings up to four storeys within 800 meters of Sheridan College. These changes aim to increase the availability and diversity of housing while also unlocking potential funding from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund.

Your feedback is crucial in shaping these proposed changes! We've launched an online survey, available until March 8, 2024, where you can share your thoughts and preferences regarding housing in Oakville.

You're also invited to participate in a public meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Oakville Town Hall (1225 Trafalgar Road). Register as a delegate by emailing TownClerk@Oakville.ca or calling 905-815-6015 by noon on Friday, March 1, 2024. Can't attend in person? No problem! The meeting will be live-streamed on the Town of Oakville's YouTube channel.

By allowing for gentle density and expanding housing options near Sheridan College, we aim to create a more diverse range of low-rise housing choices throughout Oakville's residential neighborhoods. This includes "missing middle" housing such as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, laneway housing, garden suites, and basement apartments.

Complete the survey

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

High winds force closure of all Halton Conservation Areas

With high winds expected in the area today, Conservation Halton has decided to close all its parks on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for Burlington, Milton, Oakville and Halton Hills.

Read the full story

Volunteers needed for Centennial Cup

Event organizers are looking for people who can commit to a minimum of four shifts to volunteer for the event.

All volunteers will receive two pieces of event-branded apparel, meals and snacks for every shift worked, a volunteer appreciation party, opportunities to win prizes, and ticket access to all tournament games when not working.

Read the full story

Two Oakville students elected to Halton public school board

Kaitlyn Hou and Charlie Ochu were elected by their peers as Student Trustees for the next school year (2024-2025).

Hou is a Grade 10 student at Abbey Park High School and Ochu is a Grade 10 student at Oakville Trafalgar High School in Oakville. The new term of oﬃce oﬃcially begins on Aug. 1, 2024.

In recognizing the results of the Student Trustee election, Trustees of the Halton District School Board welcomed Hou and Ochu to their roles as Student Trustees for the 2024-2025 school year.

Read the full story

Provincial News

Ontario Helping Non-Profits Deliver Important Community Services

The Ontario government announced more than $26 million in grant funding this year to support 251 local projects at non-profit organizations across the province through the seventh and final round of the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Resilient Communities Fund.

The Resilient Communities Fund was created in August 2020 to help Ontario’s non-profit organizations address pandemic-related challenges so they could continue to provide local services. To date, this fund has supported 3,299 projects with $294 million in support.

Read the full release