February, 21 2024 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Staff show proposed Midtown concept and Ontario's requirements for GO station growth

Watch the Midtown Public Meeting held on February 15, 2024

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 are the subject of a detailed slide presentation available here.

Midtown is already in the Town’s official plan. As written, there are no limits to height.

Staff are working to provide an amendment to the Midtown section of the Livable Oakville Official Plan by April.

Several applications for a total of ten towers have been appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal. The governing by-law at the hearing is the official plan in place at the time of appeals. The appeals were made late last year.

Applications in the rest of Midtown will be governed by the official plan policies in place. If defensible within the legislation of the Province of Ontario.

Other applications being prepared currently will be covered by the active official plan terms if they are appealed.

The ten towers under appeal already are appealed for lack of a decision. Ontario allows municipalities 120 days to decide on an application of the type involved.

Longos and Jule Unveil Fast

EV Charging Station

Longo's grocery store at 338 Dundas Street East has taken a significant leap forward in sustainability with the recent installation of seven new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

This milestone comes as a result of a forward-thinking investment of $499,500 by the federal government, announced on May 26, 2023, to Longo Brothers Fruit Market Inc.

Yesterday, a ceremony marked the official unveiling of these stations, attended by Mayor Rob Burton, Oakville MP Anita Anand, Oakville North-Burlington MP Pam Damoff, representatives from Longo's, Jule, and eCAMION Inc.

The stations, developed by Jule, a subsidiary of eCAMION, are the result of a collaborative effort between Longo’s and the University of Toronto, with more projects on the horizon, according to Jule's Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vince Arone.

Mayor Burton commended the project, noting its broader implications beyond convenience. "As the entrepreneur who created one of Canada's most successful TV networks, YTV, I appreciate the courage and vision of entrepreneurs like the Longo family here, and eCamion and Jule. This is how progress is achieved. And you solved more than one problem here. You've solved, in addition to the need for people to be able to charge their cars conveniently, you've solved another problem. In Ontario, we've always struggled to have enough power generation to meet peak needs, and then in the overnight timeframe we have to actually spill power. By shifting people to battery-fed power during the day, you will be preventing the necessity of billions of dollars in new generation capacity, and that will be a benefit to everybody."

The investment for the EV stations was made possible through Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), reflecting the government's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.

As Oakville continues to embrace innovation and sustainability, initiatives like these underscore the town's dedication to building a greener, more resilient future for all.

Watch a short video how battery storage works

Oakville's Fire Chief Honoured with Long Service Award

A milestone worth celebrating in Oakville's firefighting community as Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault receives a prestigious long-service award from the Ministry of the Solicitor General, recognizing his 25 years of unwavering commitment to fire protection.

Chief Boissonneault's journey in fire service began in January 1999, serving in various capacities in Adjala-Tosorontio, DND CDF Borden, and the County of Brant, before joining the Oakville Fire Department on October 24, 2016. Over the years, he has exemplified professionalism, leadership, and dedication, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community.

The Long Service Award is a testament to Chief Boissonneault's exceptional contributions to fire safety and emergency response throughout his illustrious career. His tireless efforts have played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of Oakville's residents, businesses, and visitors.

In acknowledging Chief Boissonneault's achievement, Mayor Rob Burton expressed his gratitude, stating, "I know you join me in congratulating Chief Boissonneault on this milestone and thanking him for his dedicated service to keeping our community safe."

Chief Boissonneault joins a distinguished group of colleagues who have also been recognized for their long-standing dedication to fire protection. His commitment to excellence and his passion for serving the community continue to inspire those around him.

As Oakville continues to grow and evolve, Chief Boissonneault's leadership remains instrumental in guiding the Oakville Fire Department toward its mission of safeguarding lives, property, and the environment.

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

Oakville Celebrates Lunar New Year Festival

Councillor Scott Xie and Oakville Town Council brought the vibrant spirit of the Lunar New Year to Town Hall, hosting a joyous celebration to mark the beginning of the Year of the Dragon.

The event, attended by community members of all ages, featured an array of traditional performances, cultural displays, and festive activities. From captivating lion dances to mesmerizing musical performances, the festivities showcased the rich heritage and traditions of the Lunar New Year.

Guests had the opportunity to indulge in delicious Lunar New Year delicacies, exchange greetings and well-wishes. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of unity as attendees came together to embrace the spirit of renewal and prosperity that the Lunar New Year symbolizes.

The Lunar New Year celebrations at Town Hall served as a reminder of the richness and diversity of Oakville's cultural tapestry, uniting residents in the spirit of harmony and goodwill as they welcomed the auspicious beginning of the Year of the Dragon.

"As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, let us embrace the spirit of prosperity and good fortune, and continue to cherish the rich cultural traditions that bring us together." expressed Mayor Burton.

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.

The Transportation Master Plan Team will be out in the community on February 22, 2024, from 1-4 pm at Oakville Public Library's Central Branch! Share your thoughts with them directly!

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

Project Arrow Returns to 2024 Canadian International AutoShow

The 2024 Canadian International AutoShow is back with a bang, offering an impressive lineup of new and unique attractions that cater to a diverse audience of automotive enthusiasts.

The return of Project Arrow, Canada's first original, full-build, zero-emission concept car. Named in homage to the famed Avro Arrow fighter jet, Project Arrow showcases the ingenuity of

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$1.8 million handed to organizations in Milton, Oakville, Burlington to prevent youth crime

Non-profit organizations that help prevent crime in Oakville, Milton, Burlington and Halton Hills have received more than $1.8 million from the regional government.

Through the Building Safer Communities in Halton Grant, Halton Region is providing the money in 2024 and 2025 to non-profit organizations that engage children, youth and young adults in evidence-based crime prevention and intervention activities.

Read the full story

Four from Quebec face car theft charges after Oakville investigation

Youssoupha Diop, 24, Raffaele-Giulio Draicchio, 25, Darcy Nicolas, 19, of Montreal and Pauline Kone, 21, of Deux-Montagnes have all been charged with two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, possession of break and enter tools, possession of automobile master key, and possession of device to obtain computer services.

Read the full story

Provincial News

Ontario Supports Auto Workers in Peel and Durham

The Ontario government is investing $751,607 to support 3,914 laid-off automotive employees impacted by the recent closure of Stellantis automotive assembly plants in Peel and Durham regions. The funding will allow Unifor National to run action centres in Brampton and Oshawa that will connect the impacted workers and their families with much needed supports and services.

Read the full release