October 23, 2024 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Mayor Burton’s 18th State of the Town Speech: A Vision for Oakville’s Future

In his 18th State of the Town address, Mayor Rob Burton expressed a clear message for Oakville: our town is growing, adapting, and thriving, even in the face of ongoing challenges. With a deep commitment to controlled growth, sustainability, and community inclusion, the Mayor outlined the achievements of 2024 and shared his vision for a future that will benefit all Oakville residents.

Shaping the Future with Responsible Growth

Mayor Burton urged the province and Distrikt Developments to postpone their April 8 Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearing regarding plans to build high-rise towers near Oakville GO station. The Mayor, speaking at a special Council meeting, emphasized the need for public participation and consultation as the town faces multiple planning challenges. He cited concerns over staff capacity, the ongoing Midtown policy update, and the new Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) process introduced by the province. Mayor Burton also addressed the pressures from higher government levels for more intense development, reaffirming the town’s commitment to smart, sustainable planning that protects green spaces and prioritizes walkability and public transit.

Oakville’s Green Leadership

Mayor Burton’s speech emphasized Oakville’s ongoing commitment to a greener future. From planting thousands of trees each year to expanding EV charging stations and switching to electric buses, the town is taking tangible steps toward sustainability. Oakville’s participation in global initiatives like the UN’s Cities Race to Zero, and its leadership in the Youth Climate Action Fund, underscore the town’s dedication to climate action and a sustainable future for all residents.

Inclusion and Engagement: A Place for Everyone

As Oakville continues to grow, Mayor Burton emphasized the importance of fostering a community where everyone feels welcome. He celebrated the town’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) plan, which aims to ensure that every resident can participate fully in Oakville’s social and economic life. From expanded services for seniors and newcomers to more accessible town facilities, Oakville is committed to creating a community where everyone belongs.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future Together

Mayor Burton concluded his address with a powerful message: Oakville’s future will be shaped by the continued collaboration between residents, the Council, and town staff. "We will create a better tomorrow for all, through controlled growth, smart planning, and community engagement. Oakville’s future is bright because of the passion and commitment of everyone who calls this town home."

Oakville is on a path to even greater success, with a shared vision of inclusion, sustainability, and prosperity for all residents. As Mayor Burton remarked, “The rearview mirror is for seeing what might be catching up to us. Our headlamps are in front for a reason—because that’s where Oakville is heading: forward.”

Watch the full video of the Mayors address - October 22, 2024

Oakville releases 2025 Budget

Oakville’s Budget Committee reviewed the draft 2025 operating and capital budgets, prepared by staff, with a proposed overall property tax increase of 3.92 per cent. This draft budget will be the focus of public consultation until December 5, when the Mayor will present the final proposed budget to Town Council.

The town’s portion of the tax levy is set to rise by 5.95 per cent, contributing to the overall tax increase of 3.92 per cent. For homeowners, this means an increase of $31.19 per $100,000 of assessment. For a home assessed at $800,000, property taxes will increase by $249.52 annually.

The draft 2025 Operating Budget of $437 million will support vital services like road maintenance, fire services, transit, and parks. Key capital projects include $14.9 million for parks and trails, $27.5 million for bus replacement, and $12.5 million for Fire Station 4 renovations.

Residents are encouraged to provide input through public delegations, email, or at Budget Committee meetings, helping shape Oakville’s 2025 budget.



Mayor Rob Burton emphasized, “Balancing affordability, growth, and livability is key to ensuring Oakville remains vibrant. I encourage residents to share their thoughts on the draft budget.”

For more details and key dates, visit Oakville's Budget Documents page.

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.

Santa Claus is coming to Town!

Council adopts multi-year

accessibility plan

The Town of Oakville has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible community with the approval of the 2024-2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP). This plan, approved by Council, builds on the town’s previous efforts and incorporates community feedback to meet and exceed accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).



Developed with input from residents and stakeholders, the plan emphasizes what accessibility means to the Oakville community. Key initiatives include enhanced training for town staff on both visible and invisible disabilities, support for neurodiverse individuals, and the implementation of Oakville Universal Design Standards (OUDS) 3.0. These standards ensure that all new construction, renovations, and facility upgrades in Oakville are designed with accessibility in mind.

Mayor Rob Burton emphasized the importance of the plan "As we strive towards creating a vibrant and livable community for all, the 2024-2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan helps ensure that everyone has equitable access to the town’s services, programs, and facilities, and where everyone feels they belong."

For more information, visit the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan page and review the Oakville Universal Design Standards 3.0.

Town presents climate action and planning for a greener future

The Town of Oakville remains committed to its leadership in climate action, as highlighted in the recently released 2024 Climate Emergency Declaration Progress Report. Presented to Council on October 21, the report outlines the town’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, protect the community from extreme weather, and plan for a sustainable future.

Key achievements for 2024 include the introduction of electric buses to Oakville Transit’s fleet, LEED Gold Certification at the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre, and a district energy feasibility study for the Hospital District.

Oakville has also made significant progress in aligning with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, simplifying rules for rooftop solar installations, and promoting community education through initiatives like the 'Choose Electric Yard Tools' campaign.

Council remains committed to its 2050 net zero carbon target, and annual updates on climate actions will continue as part of the town’s climate emergency declaration, first made in 2019.

Mayor Rob Burton stated "Responding to the climate crisis is a shared priority of Council, town staff, and our residents. Council and I are excited about what has been accomplished to date, and for the initiatives underway and planned for Oakville."

For more details, view the 2024 Climate Emergency Declaration Progress Report on the Climate Action Plans and Reports page.

Transit Five-Year Plan approved by Council

Fall loose-leaf collection program starts October 28

The Town of Oakville’s annual fall loose leaf collection is set to take place from Monday, October 28, to Friday, December 6, in designated neighbourhoods.

Residents can find detailed information on collection zones, schedules, and an interactive map to track collection progress on the Loose Leaf Collection page of oakville.ca.

To ensure efficient leaf collection, residents are reminded to follow the town’s guidelines:

• Collection Timing: Leaves should be placed out by 7 a.m. on the first day of collection in your zone, as collection may occur any time during the scheduled week.
• Timing of Leaf Placement: To prevent leaves from blowing around, do not put them out more than seven days before the first day of the scheduled week for your zone.
• Placement of Leaves: All loose leaves should be placed on the boulevard or shoulder, avoiding catch basins, bicycle lanes, and ditches. Residents should clear any leaves blocking catch basins or storm drains.
• Cleanliness: Ensure that leaf piles are free of garbage and other yard waste, including brush, branches, and stones. Contaminated piles or leaves placed out after pickup dates will not be collected.

For those with bagged leaves and yard waste, Halton Region collects these on the same day as regular garbage pickup. This service operates separately from Oakville's loose-leaf collection.

For more information on waste collection schedules, residents can call 311 or visit the Halton Region website.

For additional details about Oakville’s fall loose leaf collection, visit oakville.ca or contact ServiceOakville at 905-845-6601 or service@oakville.ca.

General registration for Windrow Snow Clearing Program open

Halton Region Chief Administrative Officer Jane MacCaskill Announces Retirement After 36 Years of Exemplary Public Service



After more than 36 years of distinguished service to Halton Region, including 11 years as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Jane MacCaskill has announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2024

Ontario Tackles Energy Demand by Introducing Affordable Energy Act

The Ontario government is introducing legislation that would, if passed, enable the implementation of the province’s first-ever integrated energy plan which will ensure the entire energy sector is aligned behind the government’s pro-growth agenda. The Affordable Energy Act would also prioritize zero-emissions nuclear energy as the province’s grid expands, support the government’s significant expansion of energy efficiency programs to help families save money, help get more electric vehicle (EV) chargers built and reduce “last-mile” connection costs for electricity infrastructure.

Ontario Ready to Meet the Challenge of Soaring Energy Demand

The Ontario government released Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future: The Pressing Case for More Power, outlining the challenges facing the province as demand for energy continues to rapidly grow, as well as the province’s path to managing this demand. The government also announced it would release the province’s first-ever Integrated Energy Plan with a generational horizon out to 2050, which will ensure the entire energy sector is aligned behind the government’s pro-growth agenda to reduce costs and province-wide emissions.

Ontario Strengthening Supports to Combat Hate and Create Safer Communities

The Ontario government is investing $12.75 million this year to help address the rise of hate incidents and keep communities safe across the province. This is part of the government’s $25.5 million investment over two years in the new Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant to help faith-based and cultural organizations implement measures to ensure their community spaces remain safe and secure.

Canada, the United States and Mexico release the North American Preparedness for Animal and Human Pandemics Initiative (NAPAHPI)

Canada, the United States and Mexico have a strong and longstanding partnership, and are connected across many areas, including health, business and social relationships. This interconnectedness means that disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other threats to health security, can have impacts across all three countries. Through continued coordination and cooperation, we can support the health and well-being of our populations.

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