March 27, 2024 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Tree protection increased to reach 40% canopy goal

Council has approved updates to staff procedures under the 2017 Private Tree Protection By-law. The enhancements include a new procedure outlining key steps for assessing applications for private tree removal. This move aligns with Oakville's commitment to reach a 40% tree canopy coverage by 2057.

The updates follow a comprehensive study conducted by experts from the University of Toronto and the Ontario Woodlot Association. Results indicate that since the strengthened by-law was implemented in 2017, over 345 trees spanning 11,914 square meters of canopy have been preserved. Notably, the study also suggests additional measures to sustain tree protection efforts.

Mayor Rob Burton emphasized the significance of Oakville's urban forest in combating climate change and enhancing community well-being. With the new measures in place, Oakville remains steadfast in its pursuit of a flourishing and resilient town for its residents.

Read the full report

Solar eclipse glasses available to participants

On Monday, April 8, Oakville residents are gearing up for a celestial event as Ontario prepares to witness a partial solar eclipse. While neighboring Burlington will experience the rare phenomenon of totality, Oakville will still be treated to an impressive 99.92% coverage of the sun by the moon.

Safety is paramount during this awe-inspiring event, with experts cautioning against looking directly at the sun without proper eye protection. In anticipation of the eclipse, Oakville Public Library is offering residents the opportunity to safely experience this celestial marvel through their "Experience the Solar Eclipse" sessions.

Participants can receive a free pair of solar eclipse glasses, sourced from the local Monarch Butterfly Eclipse Project, while supplies last. Additional glasses are available for purchase through the organization's website.

2024 Easter holiday town facility closures

As the Easter holiday approaches, residents are reminded of the facility closures and transit schedule adjustments that will be in effect to accommodate the festivities.

From Friday, March 29 through Monday, April 1, several facilities including Town Hall, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, cemetery, and harbour offices will be closed. However, residents can still enjoy the Oakville Museum and Oakville Public Library (OPL) branches, which will remain open on Saturday.

For those planning recreational activities, community centres, pools, and arenas will be closed on both Friday and Monday.

Please note that Oakville Transit will operate on a holiday schedule on Friday, ensuring residents can still travel around the town conveniently.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Easter weekend!

Family day activities draw 20,000 attendees

The Family Day celebration in Oakville proved to be a resounding success, attracting more than 20,000 visitors who indulged in exciting activities.

Hosted by Recreation and Culture, in collaboration with Oakville Public Library and Oakville Fire, the event offered over 100 unique in-person activities. These events took place at various town facilities and other locations across the community, providing families with a day filled with fun and entertainment.

Following the festivities, organizers distributed surveys to gather feedback from participants. Those who completed the survey stood a chance to win Family Recreation Memberships, adding an extra incentive for attendees to share their thoughts and experiences.

Oakville youth award nominations

now open

The Town of Oakville, in collaboration with the Oakville Youth Action Committee (OYAC), is thrilled to introduce the Oakville Youth Awards, designed to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of young individuals who are making a positive impact in our community.

The Oakville Youth Awards feature four distinct categories, each highlighting different areas of excellence:

Emerging Leader Award
Youth Artist Award
Youth Involvement Award
Youth Sports Award

Nominations for the Oakville Youth Awards are now open and will be accepted until April 2, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. To submit a nomination, please complete the online form available on the Oakville Youth Awards page.

Nominate Here

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.

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

Public Consultations

Oakville transit's 5 year business plan

Oakville Transit is ramping up community engagement this April as it continues to shape its five-year business plan following initial consultations in November 2023, which focused on understanding transit service needs.

To facilitate discussions and gather feedback, Oakville Transit will host Transit Talk drop-in events on April 10 and 11 at various locations across town.

Additionally, residents can participate by completing a short online survey available until April 15.

Wednesday, April 10

Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Road, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Glen Abbey Community Centre, 1415 Third Line, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, 3070 Neyagawa Blvd., from 6 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, April 11

Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre, 325 Reynolds Street, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Oakville Public Library, 120 Navy Street, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Community Centre, 1051 Glenashton Drive, 6 to 8 p.m.

The final draft of the five-year plan is slated for presentation to Council in the fall.

Complete the survey

Local News

One injured, gun reportedly seen in Oakville home invasion before suspects flee in BMW

Halton police say two suspects have been arrested and a third is being sought following a home invasion in Oakville early Monday, March 25.

At approximately midnight, three individuals approached a residence in the Third Line and Upper Middle Road West area.

Read the full story

Provincial News

Ontario Allocating International Student Applications to Support Labour Market Needs

In response to the federal government’s cap on the number of international student study permit applications over the next two years, Ontario is prioritizing public postsecondary programs that will help prepare graduates for in-demand jobs that support Ontario’s labour market needs.

Read the full release

Building a Better Ontario

Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy released the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario. Like the rest of the world, Ontario continues to face economic uncertainty due to high interest rates and global instability.

Read the full release

Federal News

Temporary residents jump to 2.7 million as Ottawa tries to curb migration

The Canadian population grew by nearly 1.3 million in 2023, an expansion that was largely fuelled by the arrival of temporary residents – a group the federal government is now trying to restrict as the country faces a protracted housing crisis.

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Trudeau announces renter-focused measures ahead of 2024 budget

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a handful of measures aimed at helping renters that will be part of next month’s 2024 budget, including a $15-million tenant protection fund and a Canadian renters’ bill of rights.

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The Liberals broke the immigration system at high speed. They’re repairing it by baby steps

After years of the Trudeau government flooring the growth accelerator on temporary immigration, Immigration Minister Marc Miller last week announced a tap of the brakes. The overdue move is welcome – though so far it’s more pledge than plan, with many details about execution (not this government’s strong suit) still to come.

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World News

Just a second... Timekeepers may need to subtract from world clocks because the Earth is spinning faster

For the first time in history, world timekeepers may have to consider subtracting a second from our clocks in a few years because the planet is rotating a tad faster than it used to. Clocks may have to skip a second – called a “negative leap second” – around 2029, a study in the journal Nature said Wednesday.

Read the full story