February 27, 2025 Newsletter

Find your Ward here and your Council Members here

Auto Mayors plan to work with

US auto mayors against tariffs

Mayor Rob Burton and Auto Mayors from across Ontario convened yesterday to address the pressing trade challenges facing Canada’s auto industry.

With the threat of tariffs looming, mayors and industry leaders emphasized the need for a unified response to protect jobs, safeguard investments, and maintain a stable supply chain.

Minister François-Philippe Champagne highlighted the urgency of action, calling for a strategic and collaborative approach to defending Canada’s economic interests:

“I think municipalities can help us, you're very credible people. The communities obviously look at you. I think that the workers look at you. I think if we have a bi-partisan and bi-national, you know, I believe a lot in city diplomacy, you could be a great help in doing that,” said Minister Champagne.

“And lastly, I would say, colleagues, let's try to see what we can do together. I think we can engage with mayors on both sides of the border as an industry, because this is one industry and one market and one assembly line.”

Industry leaders, including Flavio Volpe of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, David Adams, President and CEO of the Global Automakers of Canada and Brian Kingston of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, provided key insights into the economic impact of trade disruptions.

There was strong consensus that coordinated advocacy and cross-border collaboration are critical to ensuring the long-term stability of Canada’s auto sector. As Chair of the Auto Mayors Caucus, Mayor Burton is organizing the cross-border outreach to US auto mayors and advocating for policies that protect North American auto jobs and investments.

Oakville celebrates heritage preservation milestone

Oakville has taken a major step in preserving its rich history, designating over 80 heritage properties since 2023, bringing the total to nearly 700. These designations protect homes, schools, parks, and even trees, ensuring Oakville’s heritage remains for future generations.

At a special event on February 25, 2025, the town recognized heritage property owners and partners for their dedication to conservation. This work is especially important with the 2027 deadline under provincial legislation requiring heritage properties to be designated or removed from the Municipal Heritage Register.

To support preservation efforts, the Heritage Grant Program is accepting applications for restoration funding until March 17, 2025. Since 2014, the program has awarded over $535,000 to support conservation projects.

“By designating these properties, we preserve our town’s rich history and unique character,” said Mayor Rob Burton.

For more details, visit the Heritage Planning page.

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Council stands with local businesses against proposed U.S. Tariffs

Oakville Town Council has unanimously approved a resolution supporting the efforts of the Canadian and Ontario governments to counter proposed U.S. tariffs on goods and services.

Passed at the February 24, 2025 Council meeting, the resolution demonstrates Oakville’s commitment to advocating for local businesses that could be impacted.

In response, the Town has:

Convened a Tariff Task Force to explore municipal responses and procurement strategies
Launched a Business Impact Survey on Tariffs, open until March 7
Created a Tariff Resources for Businesses webpage to provide support and information

Mayor Rob Burton reaffirmed the town’s dedication, stating: “Council and I are committed to advocating for our Oakville business community, and we are glad to see Ontario and Canada cooperating to counter the negative effects of the Trump tariffs.”

For more information, visit invest.oakville.ca.

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Mayor Burton attends New Central speech contest

Mayor Rob Burton joined students, parents, and staff at New Central Public School to judge the Grade 5 and 6 Speech Contest.

Ten talented students competed for three spots to advance to the inter-school competition with Maple Grove Public School.

Mayor Burton shared a few words on the importance of public speaking, encouraging students to develop their confidence and communication skills.

Congratulations to all participants and best of luck to the finalists moving on to the next round!

Oakville marks Treaty Day

On Tuesday, February 28, Oakville marks Oakville’s Treaty Day.

This special event commemorates Treaty 22, the last treaty signed in Oakville by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN).

Learn more at debwewinoakville.ca.

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Nominations open for the 2nd annual Oakville youth awards

The Town of Oakville and the Oakville Youth Action Committee (OYAC) are excited to launch the second annual Oakville Youth Awards, celebrating young changemakers aged 11 to 19.

These awards recognize youth who are making a difference in the community through leadership, arts, sports, volunteerism, and more.

Nominate a youth by March 6

Awards ceremony: May 7, 2025, at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts

Last year, over 180 nominations showcased the incredible impact of Oakville’s youth. Let’s celebrate their achievements again this year!

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Town seeks input on potential protest by-law near vulnerable social infrastructure

The Town of Oakville is seeking public input on a proposed by-law to regulate certain protests near places of worship, hospitals, schools, daycares, and libraries. This consultation aims to balance freedom of expression and peaceful assembly with the need to ensure public access to essential community spaces.

Public consultation period: February 12 – March 5, 2025

How to participate:

Telephone survey – Randomly selected residents 18+ may receive a call from Forum Research Inc.
Online questionnaire – Available for all residents to share their views.

Survey results will help shape a draft by-law, which will be presented to Town Council on April 28, 2025, with further opportunities for community input.

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Oakville conducts tariff business impact survey

The Town of Oakville’s Economic Development team wants to hear from local businesses about the potential impacts of tariffs.

Your feedback will help us better understand business needs and provide support.

Survey closes Friday, March 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST

Visit the Tariff Resources for Businesses page. Responses are anonymous, but you may choose to provide contact information for follow-up.

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Taste of Oakville returns this month

Taste of Oakville is back from February 17 - March 10, 2025!

Experience prix fixe menus from over fifty local restaurants, with lunch options from $20-35 and dinner from $30-$75.

Plus, select restaurants will also be featuring live music every Tuesday during Taste of Oakville from 6:30PM-8:00PM.

To see a full list of participating restaurants and their menus visit the Taste of Oakville website here.

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When it snows, we're ready!

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.

Track progress here.

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Local News

Scheduled maintenance will impact some online services on Sunday, March 2, 2025

We will be performing scheduled maintenance to apply enhancements to our online systems from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

During this time, visitors and residents will not be able to search or pay for parking tickets or buy parking permits.

Read the full release

Community Classroom launches for 2025 with more free in-class activities for Oakville schools

The Oakville Community Foundation has launched Community Classroom for 2025 with more free in-class and on-site programs and activities for teachers in Oakville HDSB and HCDSB schools.

These programs are available at no cost to teachers, schools or students and connects them to local community organizations including Oakvillegreen Conservation Association, Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, Arthouse and more.