June 19, 2024 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Oakville and Ajax say CMHC failure costs municipalities millions

Mayor Burton holds list of Oakville's 2023 housing starts during CBC interview

Several Ontario municipalities, including Oakville and Ajax, are challenging the accuracy of housing count data provided by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), resulting in substantial financial losses.

Mayor Rob Burton highlighted the issue, revealing that the Town issued over 2,700 construction permits last year, but CMHC reported almost 950 fewer permits. This discrepancy has led to a significant financial shortfall for Oakville.

"That meant that we missed out on $10 million," Mayor Burton stated.

Similarly, Ajax Deputy Mayor Sterling Lee reported a housing miscount that cost his town $4 million. He pointed out an instance where two buildings sharing a single foundation were counted incorrectly, affecting 25% of their housing target.

The financial losses are linked to the province’s Building Faster Fund, which rewards municipalities that meet their housing targets. The province relies on data from CMHC, but four municipalities—Oakville, Ajax, Cambridge, and Clarington—allege that errors in CMHC's counting have resulted in more than $23 million in lost funding.

Mayor Burton has called for corrective action, urging CMHC to fix any mistakes and the province to reassess the data. At the recent Ontario Big City Mayors meeting, a motion to address these concerns passed unanimously, reflecting the widespread impact and urgency of the issue.

This dispute highlights the critical importance of accurate data in ensuring municipalities receive the funding needed to support housing development. The affected municipalities are now waiting for a response from CMHC and the provincial government.

Watch the item on CBC here.

Table with Town of Oakville housing starts data compared to CMHC data

Celebrate Canada day at the Bronte

Oakville's Canada Day celebration is set to return on July 1, 2024, with extended hours from 4 to 10 p.m., offering residents more time to enjoy a day filled with festivities at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park.

This year’s event promises an array of live entertainment, strolling entertainers, including stilt walkers, a juggler, and a magician, will add to the festive atmosphere. Attendees can also engage in various sports and games, make crafts, enjoy free face painting, and visit community booths.

The Welcome Ceremony will begin at 8 p.m., where crowds will be led in singing the national anthem by the Oakville Choir for Children and Youth. The day will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at 10 p.m., weather permitting.

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the evening’s activities. While personal picnics are welcome, a variety of food vendors will be available on-site. Please note that personal barbecues, tents or shelters, and personal fireworks are not permitted.

The town is committed to making the event accessible to all. An accessible viewing area for the fireworks display will be available. For more information, visit the Info Booth under the Gazebo on Canada Day.

Transportation and Road Closures

Oakville Transit will provide shuttle services to and from the event. Attendees are advised to check for road closures and parking restrictions in the area.

Join us at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park on July 1 to celebrate Canada Day with fun, entertainment, and a grand fireworks finale.

S&P Global Ratings cites steady population growth, high income levels, and a broad economy in reaffirmation of Halton's AAA Credit Rating

On June 13, 2024, S&P Global Ratings (S&P) published its annual review of Halton Region’s credit standing and has reaffirmed its highest rating of AAA. S&P continues to attribute a stable outlook to this rating indicating its confidence in Halton’s ability to generate strong operating balances and proceed with its capital plan.



Achieving a AAA rating status ensures that Halton Region and the four Local Municipalities that borrow under this credit rating will continue to obtain the best possible financing rates in the capital markets minimizing the longer term costs of infrastructure capital.

Strengthening community health through global partnerships

Mayor Burton is proud to recognize the outstanding work of Patti Harbman, Trish Corbett, Margaret Vokes, Jacinda Mills, Gail Wolters, Mary Greene, Megg Markettos, Lisa Keenan Linkday, alongside Kenya nurses and clinical officers, and Georgetown University, as Canadian Nurses for Africa (CNFA).

Since 2009, CNFA has been dedicated to the belief that access to basic health care is a universal human right. Their efforts have focused on the communities of Kakamega and Vihiga Counties in Kenya, using their resources and expertise to make a significant impact. Their mission of "strengthening community health through global partnerships" has brought essential medical services and health education to these regions.

In recognition of CNFA's exemplary work over the past 15 years, Mayor Rob Burton will be presenting this Certificate of Recognition. This acknowledgment is not only a testament to their incredible contributions but also a call to encourage continued and growing support for this vital operation.

What’s the Role? Justices of the peace are pivotal to our legal system, handling duties from bail hearings to municipal by-law issues. No legal background? No problem—training is provided.

Why It Matters: We value diversity in our courts. Your unique background and community connections can help reflect Oakville’s vibrant diversity on the bench.

Who Can Apply? If you’ve been part of our community for over 10 years, whether through work or volunteering, and you meet the educational qualifications, consider applying.

Deadline: Submit your application by July 31, 2024. Details here.

Spread the Word: Share this opportunity in your circles. Let’s get diverse voices from Oakville on the Justice Bench!

Thank you for engaging in our community’s future.

Mayor Burton accepting applications for youth-led climate action projects

Mayor Rob Burton announced the town's participation in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund.

Oakville is 1 of 100 cities across the globe to receive funding and technical support aimed at mobilizing youth aged 15 to 24 to spearhead climate solutions. The town will receive an initial grant of $50,000 to fund youth-led projects focused on addressing climate challenges.

Mayor Burton is encouraging young residents ages 15 - 24 years to apply for the Youth Climate Action Fund.

Submit your applications for your chance to make a difference in Oakville.



Applications will be accepted until July 15, 2024.

Mayor Burton discusses local climate action successes with former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg at COP 28 in Dubai

Public Information Sessions for Bronte Village and Kerr Village

The Town of Oakville is enhancing the vibrancy of Kerr Village and Bronte Village for residents, visitors, and businesses. To gather community input, the town is hosting Public Information Centres (PIC) on June 26 and 27, 2024.



These sessions aim to explore opportunities for improving public spaces and boulevards in the main shopping areas. Proposed enhancements include street trees, lighting, gathering places, street furniture, public art, wayfinding, and more.

Each session will start with a project presentation, followed by small group discussions where participants can share comments and ideas. Pre-registration is not required.

Bronte Village-focused PICs on Wednesday, June 26, 2024:

• 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Church of the Epiphany, 141 Bronte Road
• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Walton Memorial United Church, 2489 Lakeshore Road West

Kerr Village-focused PICs on Thursday, June 27, 2024:

• 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre, 325 Reynolds Street
• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Trafalgar Park Community Centre, 133 Rebecca Street

Input collected will guide the public realm and streetscape enhancements, which will be shared for public feedback this fall.

Celebrate June with free programs and activities

Join the Town of Oakville and community partners in welcoming the summer season with a month packed with exciting opportunities for the community to learn, participate, and engage in free programs and activities.

First test of the season shows most beaches OK for swimming in Burlington, Oakville

The first water test of beaches in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills shows just one location deemed unsafe for swimming.

Testing on June 12 shows Bronte Beach Park, Lakeshore Road/Bronte Road in Oakville, where visitors should stay out of the water.

Overall, seven of nine Halton beaches got the thumbs from the Region as one, Kelso Beach in Milton, wasn’t tested.

The following beaches have all been declared safe for swimming:

• Beachway Park, 1094 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington
• Brant Street Beach, Lakeshore Rd. and Brant St., Burlington
• Lakeside Park Beach, 144 Front St., Oakville
• South Shell Park Beach, 3376 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville
• Coronation Park East, 1426 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville
• Coronation Park West, 1426 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville
• Prospect Park Old Beach, 30 Park Ave., Acton

Ontario Connecting More Seniors to Dental Care and Affordable Prescription Drugs

The Ontario government is ensuring that the province’s most vulnerable seniors can continue to connect to dental care and affordable prescription medications by increasing access to the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and the Seniors Co-Payment Program.

Ontario Connecting Youth in Thunder Bay to Mental Health Services

The Ontario government is making it faster and easier for young people to connect to mental health and substance use services by launching a new Youth Wellness Hub to serve Thunder Bay and surrounding areas. This is one of 10 new hubs the government is adding to the network of 22 hubs already opened since 2020, bringing the total to 32 across the province.

Ontario Working with Farmers to Support Wetland Restoration

The Ontario government is investing over $2.8 million in projects led by ALUS Canada to support farmer-led initiatives to restore and enhance wetlands on 70 farms across the province.

Government of Canada lists the IRGC as a terrorist entity

Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced that the Government of Canada has listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, effective today.

Food Banks experiencing record demand

Oakville's food banks are in record-breaking demand. If you can donate anything, please do. Your help is needed.

Fareshare Food Bank Oakville:

905-847-3988

oakvillefoodbank@gmail.com

Kerr Street Mission

905-845-7485

kerrstreet.com

The Salvation Army Oakville

salvationarmy.ca

Food 4 Kids Halton

food4kidshalton.ca

Oak Park & Neighbourhood Centre Food Bank

opnc.ca

Nourishing Neighbours Food Bank

Date: Every Thursday from 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Location: St. Luke's Anglican Church & Community Centre (3114 Dundas St W, L6M 4J3)

- All clients need to call 905-825-3364 to register

- All clients must be a resident of Oakville

Town of Oakville

1225 Trafalgar Road,

Oakville, Ontario

mayor@oakville.ca

905-845-6601