December 11, 2024 Newsletter | |
Find your Ward here and your Council Members here | |
Regional Council approves HPRS budget increase | |
Watch the full Halton Regional Council meeting - December 11, 2024 | |
Watch Mayor Burton's remarks on the HRPS motion - December 11, 2024 | |
Halton Regional Council has approved a 14.3% increase in the police budget for 2025, surpassing the initial proposal of 13.8%. Mayor Burton expressed his support for the motion to increase the police budget, emphasizing the urgent need to protect the community from escalating criminal activity. “Our communities are under attack by ruthless, violent criminals, including some from outside the country who see us as a crime vacation,” he remarked.
The Mayor highlighted that this budget increase demonstrates a clear commitment to safeguarding residents and addressing concerns about public safety. He also reflected on the challenges posed by having one of the lowest officer-to-population ratios, noting that it may have been a "false economy" in light of the current environment. The additional funding aims to enhance law enforcement's ability to respond effectively to emerging threats and maintain Halton's reputation as a safe and secure town.
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Mayor Burton proposes 4.91%
budget increase for 2025
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Mayor Burton has presented the proposed Town of Oakville 2025 Budget with a 4.91% overall tax increase. This tax increase includes the 14% increase to police with economies elsewhere to preserve valued municipal services and keep Oakville's tax increase significantly lower than any of our neighbors.
This budget ensures sustainable investments in roads, transit, parks, and public safety while addressing environmental and community needs.
Key investments include:
- $12.5M for Fire Station 4 expansion
- $14.9M for new parks and trails
- $9.8M for transit vehicle expansion
- $5.7M for River Oaks ice rink replacement
The budget reflects fiscal responsibility and community input. Residents can provide feedback at the December 12 and 19 Special Council Meetings or via email to budget@oakville.ca.
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Mayor Burton visits Oakville's record-breaking swimmer Lucas Bi
Mayor Burton recently visited the New Stars Swimming Club Academy to recognize 11-year-old Lucas Bi for his outstanding swimming achievements.
On November 19, Lucas set three provincial freestyle records in the 100m, 200m, and 400m short course categories.
Mayor Burton praised his dedication, talent, and ability to inspire the community. "Lucas' accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and passion for swimming. He is a shining example for young athletes in Oakville" said Mayor Burton.
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Mayor Burton and Ward 7 Town Councillor Scott Xie visiting the New Stars Swimming Club | |
Rick Hansen Foundation recognizes 3 town facilities | |
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Oakville’s commitment to accessibility has been recognized with Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certifications (RHFAC) for three town facilities in 2024.
The Sixteen Mile Community Centre and Library, set to open in 2025, achieved the prestigious Gold rating, one of only a few pre-construction sites in Canada to do so. Trafalgar Park Community Centre and Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre also earned certifications this year.
To date, five Oakville facilities have been RHFAC certified, demonstrating the town’s commitment to fostering inclusion. Learn more about accessibility in Oakville on the Accessibility and Inclusion web page.
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Watch the full planning and development council meeting - December 9, 2024 | |
Oakville approves comprehensive
housing strategy and action plan
Town Council has approved a Housing Strategy and Action Plan featuring nearly 70 initiatives to enhance housing affordability, availability, and choice.
Key actions include exploring a Community Planning Permit System for Midtown Oakville, supporting student housing at Sheridan College, and introducing rental housing protection guidelines.
Focus groups for a Housing Needs Assessment will begin in December, guiding future tools like Inclusionary Zoning and incentives for affordable housing.
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Mayor Burton talks budget,
funding and noise by-law
| Mayor Burton discussed Oakville's 2025 budget, provincial funding, and the newly approved noise by-law during his December 9th interview with YourTV Oakville. Watch here. | |
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Oakville tops Culture Days 2024
Oakville ranks 1st nationally with over 280 events during Culture Days 2024, celebrating arts, culture, and heritage.
Thanks to everyone who participated, artists, volunteers, and the Town of Oakville staff for making this possible!
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Oakville firefighters toy drive begins
Support the Oakville Firefighters' 32nd Annual Holiday Toy Drive! Donate new, unwrapped toys or gift cards at events or drop-off locations until December 18.
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Snow Clearing: When it snows, we'll be ready! | |
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Primary and secondary roads are always plowed first to make sure that emergency service vehicles are able to travel throughout the town.
Residential streets are plowed only after snow accumulates in excess of 7.5 centimetres.
When all streets require clearing, they are to be completed within 24 hours after the end of the storm.
When we have a heavy snowfall or back-to-back snowfall events, it may take longer to clear all the streets.
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Transportation Master Plan (TMP) survey
We'd like your input on the alternative solutions and the preliminary preferred Transportation Master Plan strategy to 2051. Complete the TMP survey by January 10, 2025.
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Holiday hours and town facility closures for December 24, 2024 to January 2, 2025
Warmest Holiday Wishes from Town Council and staff! Please review the following facility closures and schedule updates for the holiday season.
Please note the following facility closures and service updates for the 2024-2025 holiday season.
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Town announces new commissioner of Community Development
Effective January 20, 2025, Michael Mizzi will join the Executive Leadership Team as the new commissioner of Community Development with the Town of Oakville.
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Ontario Breaks Ground on Long-Term Care Home in Ailsa Craig
Construction is underway to add 13 new and 83 redeveloped long-term care beds at Craigholme, a long-term care home in Ailsa Craig, Ontario. This project was a recipient of the Construction Funding Subsidy top-up, part of the Ontario government’s commitment to build 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across the province.
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Ontario Expands Largest Competitive Energy Procurement in Province’s History
The Ontario government is expanding the largest competitive energy procurement in the province’s history by 50 per cent to meet soaring energy demand. The government has increased the target for the procurement from 5,000 megawatts (MW) to up to 7,500 MW to ensure Ontario has the reliable and affordable electricity it needs to power the building of new homes, businesses and communities.
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Ontario Growing Its Long-Term Care Workforce
The Ontario government is investing nearly $17 million in two programs that will support the training of 700 new personal support workers (PSWs) and nurses in long-term care in 2025.
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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
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Town of Oakville
1225 Trafalgar Road,
Oakville, Ontario
mayor@oakville.ca
905-845-6601
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