October 9, 2024 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

New police crime-fighting plan info

at Oct 16 Community Safety Webinar 

Registration is open for the 7 pm Oct. 16 public safety and auto theft virtual town hall meeting (webinar) on Zoom. Click here to register.

Officials from police and all levels of government will participate on the panel and answer questions about plans by the police to cut auto theft by 50% through partnerships and collaboration.

Participants include Federal Minister of Transportation and President of the Treasury Board, MP Anita Anand, Associate Minister of Mines, MPP Stephen Crawford, and members of the HRPS to discuss current safety issues and solutions the community can implement together. Register today to share your concerns and be part of the work to keep Oakville safe.

The webinar is being facilitated by the Office of Mayor and Council as an initiative of Ward 3 council members Dave Gittings and Janet Haslett-Theall. Mayor Rob Burton and other members of Oakville Town Council are expected to attend, demonstrating their commitment to this critical discussion.

On March 28, 2024, the Halton Police Board approved the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which will guide the priorities of the Halton Regional Police Service over the next four years. Developed in collaboration with the police service and driven by community input, this results-based plan is focused on addressing the needs of Halton residents. Key priorities include measurable goals such as reducing property crime rates per capita and achieving a 50% reduction in auto theft through partnerships and collaboration. Read the full plan here.

State of Town Oct. 22 

features reception and speech

Residents are invited to attend Mayor Rob Burton’s annual State of the Town Address at Town Hall on October 22 at 5:30pm. This is the chance to hear firsthand how our town has evolved over the past year and get a glimpse of what’s in store for the future.

Before the address, join the reception to chat one on one with the mayor and council members, meet and mingle with fellow residents, community leaders, and town staff. It’s a unique opportunity to discuss what matters most to you in a casual, friendly atmosphere—complete with light refreshments.

Oakville prepares for 2025 Budget

As Oakville prepares to release the staff-prepared draft of the 2025 Budget for public review on October 22 and 24, the community is encouraged to engage in discussions that will shape the town’s future. 

• Mark your calendar with key dates available on the Budget Process page
• Familiarize yourself with the Budget Decision Flowchart (pdf) as this is the second town budget that follows this process based on the Bill 3, Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022 
• Visit the Strategic Plan page for priorities that form the focus of the 2025 Budget 
• Browse the Oakville Data Hub page for a snapshot of growth trends and how the town is performing on various key metrics 

Ward 5 Town Councillor Marc Grant has been appointed as Chair of the 2025 Budget Committee, with Ward 6 Town and Regional Councillor Tom Adams as Vice Chair. Their leadership will guide public consultations on key priorities, including transit enhancements and strategic plan goals.

The draft budget will reflect up to a 4% increase. Council endorsed a mayoral direction to combine a 3.5% rise to maintain existing services with up to an additional 0.5% to fund priorities outlined in Council's strategic plan. This balanced approach aims to keep the total tax increase trend aligned with inflation trends. In 2022 inflation in Canada hit its headline high of 8.1%. In anticipation of how challenging 2022 would be for taxpayers, Council had set the total 2022 tax increase at just 1.5%. The Town had the ability to wait and blend in the necessary catch-up when inflation was lower. 

Burlington is anticipating a 5.25% property tax increase for 2025, while Milton's proposed operating budget includes an estimated 6.5% property tax increase. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens recently announced that, without spending cuts, the city's taxes could rise by 12.9%.

Last year, the City of Toronto implemented a 9.5% increase—the highest since amalgamation, with other 2024 tax changes as shown in the table.

Public input is vital to ensure a balanced approach to delivering high-quality services. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and questions at budget@oakville.ca.

Visit oakville.ca for more information and key resources to get involved.

Mayor Burton to attend Bloomberg CityLab 2024 in Mexico City

Mayor Rob Burton will join three other Canadian mayors to participate in Bloomberg CityLab 2024, the global cities summit hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Aspen Institute.

The summit, which runs from October 14 to 16 in Mexico City, will bring together over 500 mayors, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to explore scalable urban solutions.

As one of the most prominent gatherings of urban leaders, CityLab will feature discussions on cutting-edge topics such as transportation, economic development, and climate change.

With all expenses covered by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mayor Burton will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with global leaders and bring valuable insights back to Oakville.

This year’s summit will focus on how cities are tackling major challenges, with a spotlight on Mexico City’s advancements in digital transformation and urban innovation.

Mayor Burton’s participation ensures that Oakville remains engaged in the latest global trends, supporting efforts to enhance the town’s sustainability and livability.

New draft of Midtown OPA is here

The Town of Oakville has released a new Draft Official Plan Amendment (OPA) for Midtown Oakville, integrating market research and community input.

The updated plan outlines how this key area will grow into a vibrant, livable community. Read the full plan here or visit the town’s Midtown webpage here.

On October 10, 2024, Staff will present the new draft Midtown OPA to Council and respond to Council’s questions about the changes. You are welcome to tune in to that meeting to learn more.  

A special Planning and Development Council meeting October 29th at 6:30 pm will present information from studies requested by Council in the Spring when Council asked Staff if they could lower Midtown as-of-right heights with people and jobs build out by 2051 no greater than 35,000. 

The new draft also updates population projections, estimating 29,900 residents and jobs by 2051.

Enhanced community benefits like parks, open spaces, and improved transit connectivity are also prioritized to create a vibrant, livable Midtown.

Oakville Transit Five-Year Plan to be presented in October

Oakville celebrates final week of Culture Days

Join Oakville’s vibrant arts and culture scene during Culture Days! From September 20 to October 13, enjoy over 150 free events, workshops, and performances as Oakville celebrates local creativity.

As an official Ontario Culture Days Festival Hub, the town offers a diverse range of activities, including the Seniors Services Art Show, performances at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, and historical events at Palermo School House.

Don't miss out on the Oakville Symphony Orchestra and Music Without Borders performances, art workshops, and more. With engaging activities for all ages, Culture Days is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Oakville’s dynamic cultural community.

For event details, visit the Oakville Centre website.

Visit Oakville Re-launches Guidelines for its Tourism Investment Fund

Visit Oakville is excited to announce the re-launch of its Tourism Investment Fund with updated guidelines to better support events that bring both economic and social benefits to Oakville. Launched in 2019, this fund is designed to provide financial support to organizations hosting tourism-focused events in Oakville, with a focus on attracting overnight visitors and promoting the town as a destination of choice. In 2023, Visit Oakville supported seven organizations with $16,000.

Thanksgiving 2024: Town Facility Closures and Transit Schedule

As we approach the Thanksgiving long weekend, we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. Please be aware of the town facility closures and transit service changes.

Oakville Transit will operate on a holiday schedule from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 14. For more details, visit the Oakville Transit website.

Online services will remain available to submit requests, and urgent problems can be reported by calling 905-845-6601.

Iroquois Ridge Community Centre Renovations Starting January 2025

The Iroquois Ridge Community Centre (IRCC) will undergo a six-month renovation starting January 2, 2025, to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. The pool will be temporarily closed, with additional swim programs offered at nearby locations. The upgrades include a fully accessible customer service desk, HVAC improvements, and modernized lighting and tiling. Other IRCC amenities will remain operational with minimal disruption. Visit the IRCC Renovations page for updates on the project and service changes.

Governments Investing to Improve Ontario Farmland

The governments of Canada and Ontario have awarded over $12.2 million in support to 213 projects designed to help farmers make their agricultural lands more healthy and resilient.

Ontario Supporting Indigenous Economic Development

The Ontario government has launched the annual intake for funding applications under the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) and the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP). This funding provides $3.2 million through the IEDF and $6 million through the ICCGP to Indigenous businesses, communities, and organizations to help develop infrastructure, create growth plans and support access to skills training to help strengthen Indigenous communities and local economies.

Governments Investing in Initiatives to Attract and Retain Agri-Food Labour

The governments of Canada and Ontario are creating the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative to attract and retain Ontario agri-food workers. Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), this $4 million investment will strengthen Ontario’s agri-food workforce for years to come.

Ontario Helping More Women Build Skills and Get Jobs

The Ontario government is investing up to $1.88 million over three years through the Women’s Economic Security Program to support two employment training programs for low-income women in Cambridge and Guelph. This investment will provide up to $1,061,000 to support the Conestoga College Institute of Technology’s carpentry pre-apprenticeship training program for women in Cambridge and up to $821,000 for 10 Carden Shared Space’s Opening Opportunities entrepreneurship training program for women in Guelph.

Government of Canada invests in Giatec® Scientific Inc. and its AI-driven concrete demonstration plant

The federal government is committed to a carbon-neutral future and has set the ambitious target of achieving a net-zero economy by 2050 while creating good-paying jobs. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, is pleased to announce a $17.5 million investment in Giatec Scientific Inc.

Government of Canada renews historic funding for Indigenous health research from coast to coast to coast

Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced an investment of $37.6 million over five years, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, for the renewal of the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR).

Government of Canada commits to purchase carbon dioxide removal services to green government operations and achieve net-zero emissions

Today at the Carbon Removal Canada’s “Procuring with Purpose: Canada’s Opportunity to Shape the Carbon Removal Market” report launch event, the Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, announced the Government of Canada’s commitment to purchase carbon dioxide removal (CDR) services as part of the Greening Government Strategy. The federal government will purchase at least $10 million in carbon removal services between now and 2030 to help reach its goal of net-zero emissions in Government operations by 2050.

Shifa Gala - November 24th, 2024

Join Muslim community members and friends of the community for the 3rd annual Shifa Gala on November 24th, 2024, at the Oakville Legacy Banquet to support Oakville Hospital Foundation.  Like last year, this event is expected to be attended by over 400 individuals and will be an evening filled with great food and enjoyable entertainment to recognize, celebrate and appreciate all that Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital does for our community and the region.

Please go to www.shifagala.com to buy the tickets or find more information on how you can support the cause.  You can also contact Shifa Gala team at info@shifagala.com

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