May 8, 2024 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Council refuses 4 as-of-right and 4 storey around Sheridan College

Watch the Planning and Development Council Meeting May 6, 2024

At a recent Council meeting, Council rejected two proposals aimed at increasing housing density in the town. The first proposal would have allowed up to four accessory dwelling units, such as basement apartments or laneway houses, on residential properties as of right. However, council decided to keep the limit at three units as currently permitted by the province.

The second rejected proposal involved allowing four-storey apartment buildings within 800 meters of Sheridan College. Mayor Rob Burton spoke against this idea, stating "Since January, I haven't found any evidence that all municipalities with campuses are required to permit four-storey apartments everywhere around their campuses. That doesn't feel fair to me, probably not to the residents either." He also argued there is no proof that increasing the as-of-right height to four storey would actually boost housing supply.

Mayor Burton noted that Oakville's existing Official Plan, which was unanimously adopted in 2009, is already generating sufficient growth to meet the town's imposed obligations and targets for addressing the housing crisis and does not believe either of the rejected proposals would have made a meaningful difference.

In the end, Council voted down both proposed amendments, and passed a resolution creating a Housing Task Force in conjunction with Sheridan College to deliver proposed solutions to student accommodation on Sheridan College campus. Mayor Burton and Council appreciated all the feedback and engagement from residents on this crucial policy.

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Mayor Burton offers funding for youth-led climate action projects

Mayor Rob Burton announced the town's participation in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund.

Oakville is 1 of 100 cities across the globe to receive funding and technical support aimed at mobilizing youth aged 15 to 24 to spearhead climate solutions. The town will receive an initial grant of $50,000 to fund youth-led projects focused on addressing climate challenges.

As Oakville joins this global movement, young residents ages 15 - 24 years are encouraged to email mayor@oakville.ca to learn more about the Youth Climate Action Fund and how to submit ideas for the opportunity to receive funding.

By empowering its youth, Oakville is paving the way for transformative climate action and building a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Mayor Burton discusses local climate action successes with former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg at COP 28 in Dubai

Email your interest

Mayor meets with hometown talent at Gastronomous

Gastronomous Technologies Inc. Team Members: Kaitlyn Kerr, Kristian Tazbazian, Karl-Michael Aumann, Yaser Al Sagha, Zach Gallant, Cara Szalay

Mayor Burton recently paid a visit to Gastronomous Technologies Inc.’s headquarters, where he had the opportunity to witness first-hand the groundbreaking robotics technology being developed and honed by the talented team. Impressed by both the innovative technology and the local talent behind it, Mayor Burton highlighted the remarkable achievements of the team members, who hail from Oakville and even attended high school together before launching and growing Gastronomous.

"The technology that the team at Gastronomous is inventing and refining is truly impressive," remarked Mayor Burton during his tour. "Equally remarkable is the fact that these individuals, who share roots in our own community, have come together to create a local success story that has many exciting chapters ahead."

For more information on Gastronomous’ technology, visit: https://www.gastronomous.ca

Inaugural Oakville Youth Awards and mural unveiling

Oakville youth were celebrated with accolades and art at the inaugural Youth Awards and mural unveiling on May 4, 2024. Eight outstanding young individuals were honored with the first Oakville Youth Awards during a special ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre. The recipients, ranging from emerging leaders to talented artists and dedicated athletes, were recognized for their exemplary contributions to the community.

The event, held during National Youth Week, showcased the town's commitment to providing enriching experiences for young people. Alongside the awards ceremony, the unveiling of the Youth Mural Project titled "A Trip Through Town" added vibrancy to the occasion. This collaborative art initiative brought together 12 local youth artists to create a captivating indoor mural at the Youth Centre in QEPCCC.

Mayor Rob Burton commended the award recipients for their remarkable achievements, emphasizing their role in making Oakville a vibrant and livable community. Olivia Cancela, a youth mural artist and social chair of the Oakville Youth Action Committee, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the inspiring impact of youth contributions. The Youth Awards and mural unveiling underscored the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse talents and efforts of Oakville's youth.

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Polish heritage month at Town Hall

Mayor Burton celebrated Polish Heritage Month, honoring Constitution Day in Poland, which marks the historic implementation of Europe's first democratic constitution on May 3rd, 1791. With over half a million people of Polish heritage calling Ontario home, the Polish community stands as one of the largest and most vibrant groups in the province. This month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural contributions and enduring legacy of the Polish community in Oakville and beyond.

Registration open for youth aspiring to join the fire service

The fire departments of Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Halton Hills are thrilled to announce the launch of Blaze Fire Academy, a youth camp providing hands-on insight into the fire service. Registration for this exciting opportunity is now open online, offering Halton Region's youth a chance to experience the world of firefighting firsthand.

Two camps are scheduled: the first, from July 10 to 11, 2024, is open to all youth aged 15 to 18, while the second, from August 14 to 15, 2024, specifically targets young women in the same age range. Applications will be accepted until June 13, 2024.

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Tickets on sale for Centennial Cup this

From May 9th to May 19th, the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex will transform into a battleground for hockey excellence. Nine CJHL champions, alongside the host team, will vie for the title of Canada's National Junior A Champion in what promises to be an exhilarating display of skill and determination.

Tickets for the Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, are already available for purchase. Don't miss your chance to witness the action firsthand – secure your seats today and be a part of history in the making!

Strike your pose with the Centennial Cup at the Sixteen Mile Creek Arena!

Get your tickets

Museum Month - new exhibits and fun programs and events

Celebrate Museum Month in Oakville this May with an array of exciting exhibits and events! From May 1, residents can immerse themselves in Oakville's rich history and culture through engaging programs offered by the Oakville Museum.

Mayor Rob Burton has officially proclaimed May as Museum Month, recognizing the vital role museums play in our community. Don't miss out on these fantastic opportunities to celebrate Oakville's heritage!

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Local News

Community groups in all seven wards invited to apply for one-time 2024 Community Events Funding

The Town of Oakville is pleased to announce the launch the 2024 Community Events Funding program — an events funding program aimed at encouraging and supporting outdoor community events.

In response to a growing demand for assistance with resident-led outdoor community events, Council approved $70,000 in one-time funding through the 2024 Budget process. The 2024 Community Events Funding offers $10,000 of funding per-ward for outdoor community events held on public property within each ward, with a cap of $3,350 per event.

Apply here

Where residents can pick up free compost in Oakville, Burlington and Halton

The compost giveaway starts Tuesday (May 7) at the Halton Waste Management Site, located on 5400 Regional Rd. 25 in Milton, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is free to all. Proof of residency is required upon pickup.

The garden dirt giveaway continues Wednesday through Saturday (May 8-11) at the same location and time. Residents can also stop by on Sunday at the Halton Waste Management Site to pick up from compost, though it will only be open from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

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Provincial News

Ontario Offering Free Fishing on Mother’s Day Weekend

To celebrate Mother’s Day, all Canadian residents can fish for free this weekend anywhere in Ontario.

“Free fishing is a great way to get out as a family to celebrate Mother’s Day and enjoy our beautiful lakes, rivers and streams,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Whether you’re new to fishing or have been doing it for years, what better way to kick off the spring season than enjoying fishing with family or friends.”

Read the full release

Applications Now Open for Ontario Learn and Stay Grant

The Ontario government has opened grant applications for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant for the 2024-25 academic year. Postsecondary students who want to pursue a career in nursing, paramedicine or medical lab technology can now apply for the grant. Nearly 3,800 learners have already received funding through the grant to help pay for their postsecondary education.

Read the full release