February, 14 2024 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Mayor Burton Attends World Governments Summit in Dubai

World Government Summit '24 includes first input from mayors

Mayor Burton highlighted Oakville’s smart city initiatives and advocated for the need for good data certification in a roundtable with global mayors on the “Future Readiness of Cities” at the World Governments Summit. Mayor Burton and eight other global leader mayors were the guests of the Executive Council of Dubai, who added the mayoral dimension to the annual summit at the suggestion of U of T professor Patricia McCarney, head of the World Council on City Data, headquartered in Toronto.

“I'm grateful for the honour and the opportunity for Oakville to collaborate with everyone, lifting up the world from the local level. Smart City technology and digital sensors are very important in Oakville's effort to distribute real-time information to the public for their convenience and to generate the data we need to drive our innovation and our iteration of our measures for livability,” said Mayor Burton to his fellow mayors and members of the Executive Council of Dubai.

“We have a vision to be the most digitally connected city that we possibly can. The certification of data becomes very important when you think about using data to guide your decisions and your spending. And so, it becomes important to have high quality data and that essential reality drew us to teaming up with the World Council on City Data.”

The mayors agreed on the need to collaborate and share best practices from around the world. Mayors were from Astana, Banjul, Chandragiri, Iloilo, Liepaja, Mafra, Oakville, and Vienna. Kitchener mayor Berry Vrbanovic, former president of FCM, was invited but was unable to attend. Other cities represented by officials included New York City and Dubai.

Mayor Burton noted the heavy rainfall that began the day before the Summit. “I was delighted, yet somewhat surprised, when I arrived here to experience rain in Dubai. Dealing with stormwater will become an issue with rain if it continues to be present in Dubai. And we all can work together to share our information. So, this is a terrific beginning, I hope, of a great deal of work.”

The unusual instance of heavy rainfall resulted in government employees in Dubai working from home and distance learning in all government schools, and the Dubai Police issuing a safety alert to all residents and visitors on February 12.

Mayor Burton had an opportunity to hear Sam Altman discuss the challenges and opportunities of ChatGPT next to Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure for the United Arab Emirates. In his chat, Altman said that he can see a future where everyone has their own personal tutor, personalized medical advice, and scientists have the ability to cure diseases and solve environmental issues thanks to his technology and stressed that ChatGPT is still in its infancy.

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, toured the Edge of Government exhibit with Mayor Burton. The exhibit showcased 13 innovations designed to foster a fresh, out-of-the-box approach to addressing critical challenges. At the exhibit, Mayor Burton met with an advisor in the UAE Prime Minister’s office who has relatives in Oakville and expressed interest in further collaborations.

Mayor Burton also attended sessions on the future of mobility, where the CEO of Zipline, Keller Clifton, spoke about how Zipline’s platforms for drone delivery— one for long-range delivery and the other for precise home delivery – are revolutionizing speed and efficiency of vital deliveries. Zipline originally started delivering blood and medical products in Rwanda in 2016 and has since expanded to food, retail, agriculture products, and animal health products.

The six-rotor electric flying taxi by Joby was on display at the summit and Mayor Burton had a chance to speak with the engineers and have a tour of the world’s first flying taxi.

Ameera, an AI-powered humanoid developed by e&'s Robotic Centre of Excellence was one of the most popular attractions at the Summit and Mayor Burton had an opportunity to speak with E&’s engineer and invite Ameera to Oakville.

Mayor Burton represents Oakville and Ontario Auto Mayors at the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft Summit

Enhancing security at the Port of Montreal should be a top priority to curb rising auto thefts across Ontario

On behalf of the Town of Oakville and Ontario Auto Mayors, Mayor Burton joined participants at the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft Summit in endorsing the Statement of Intent on Combatting Auto Theft. The statement of Intent commits to participating in concrete, collaborative, and innovative solutions to protect Canadians and ensure they feel safe within their communities. Oakville and Halton are Canada’s safest communities but they are also not immune from the growing trend and rise in auto thefts.

In his letter on behalf of the Auto Mayors, Mayor Burton addressed the following "At the federal level, more work is required between the federal government and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), to tighten security at the Port of Montreal which, as noted by the Équité Association, is a major point of departure for stolen vehicles."

“I encourage the federal government, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and law enforcement in Quebec to look at other countries and how they secure their ports. The number of cars that have been intercepted in the Port of Montreal, is a barely a scratch to the number of cars that have been stolen across the GTA, let alone other parts of Ontario and Canada.” said Mayor Burton

“I am encouraged by the presence of the Prime Minister and several Cabinet Ministers at the summit who were there to listen to mayors, law enforcements, auto manufactures, insurance company representatives and auto stakeholders. The Federal government committed to work together to combat auto theft, and to finalize an action plan.”

At the Summit Oakville MP and President of the Treasury Board, Anita Anand liked the suggestion of having a federal inter-departmental working group. “I can certainly take a leadership role on at Treasury Board. We do that coordinating function within government. And we'll definitely be specifically looking into that very suggestion because it is a very good one. I can see the emphasis here at the table from the federal government and we will carry that forward based on your suggestions.” said Minister Anand.

Read the full letter

Celebrate Family Day in Oakville

Get ready to make memories and enjoy quality time with your loved ones as the Town of Oakville invites you to its much-loved Family Day celebration on Monday, February 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various facilities across Oakville.

With family-friendly activities and events tailored for all ages and abilities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From arts and crafts to sports and performances, this day is packed with excitement and fun!

Thanks to partnerships with key community organizations such as the Oakville Public Library, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Oakville Gymnastics Club, Oakville Galleries, Oakville Soccer Club, Peter Gilgan Family YMCA, and more, the event promises a diverse range of recreation and cultural activities, demonstrations, and exhibitions.

With over 100 different activities on offer, you'll have no shortage of options to create unforgettable Family Day memories with your loved ones.

Don't forget to register for your preferred activities! All in-person activities are free but require pre-registration. Registration for free activities opens at 9 a.m. on Friday, February 16, for residents, and on Saturday, February 17, for non-residents.

Mark your calendar, gather your family, and join us for a day filled with laughter, joy, and togetherness as we celebrate Family Day in Oakville!

For more information and to register, visit Oakville's Family Day Celebration.

'My Main Street' Federal Funding Application Opening February 15

Operated by the Canadian Urban Institute and generously funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, My Main Street has been unveiled as a formidable $15 million investment to uplift and empower local economies. By fostering a sense of community and supporting businesses on main streets, this initiative strives to contribute to the overall prosperity and resilience of southern Ontario.

This comprehensive program, designed to stimulate stabilization and revitalization, aims to provide direct-to-business support and initiate community projects that foster growth and economic prosperity.

Business Sustainability Program:

The My Main Street Business Sustainability Program is a pivotal component of the initiative, offering non-repayable contributions to businesses situated on main streets in southern OntarioEligible businesses with a proven track record of revenue growth can apply for funding, presenting a compelling business case that outlines how the financial support will fortify their existing capacities and contribute to sustained growth. Applications for this program will be open starting February 15.

Community Activator:

Complementing the Business Sustainability Program is the My Main Street Community Activator, which seeks to bolster local community placemaking projects. This includes support for events, activities, enhancements, and initiatives focused on policy and capacity building, all aimed at attracting visitors and enhancing the vibrancy of local communities. Applications for the Community Activator program will also commence on February 15.

Shaping Midtown: Your Voice Matters

Ready to be part of shaping the future of Midtown Oakville? Join us on February 15, 2024, for an exciting evening of public consultation and conversation.

After months of listening to your feedback, ideas, and concerns, we're thrilled to unveil the proposed design concept and policy approach for Midtown. This is your chance to see how your input has influenced the direction of growth in our community.

We want your perspective as we refine our shared vision for Midtown. Whether you're a resident, business owner, or part of a community group, your voice matters in this collaborative effort.

Mark your calendars and be there to be part of this transformative journey!

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

Public Consultations

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.

Provincial News

Ontario Taking Next Step to Build New Highway 7

The Ontario government is advancing construction on the Frederick Street bridge in Kitchener, marking another milestone in its plan to widen Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph. The new four-lane, 18-kilometre Highway 7 will help fight gridlock on the 401, save commuters time, and keep goods moving across the fast-growing regions of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Guelph.

Read the full release