Dear Ward 7 Residents,
Now that spring is in the air - As the weather continues to nicen up, welcome to my April 2023 newsletter. We hope this message finds you and your loved ones in good health and spirits.
As your community representative, I am committed to keeping you informed about the latest news and events in our community, as well as providing updates on the various initiatives and projects that is taking place at the Council. In this newsletter, you will find a wealth of information about what is happening in Ward 7 and how you can get involved.
What’s Happening in Town
Ford Oakville to begin $1.8B Transformation in 2024
Ford Motor Co. has disclosed its plans to spend $1.8B on transforming its Oakville Assembly Complex into an electric vehicle (EV) production hub, representing the latest move by an automaker committed to transitioning towards an electric future. The revitalization of the Oakville site, to be renamed the Oakville Electric Vehicle Complex, will start in the second quarter of 2024, and EV production will begin in 2025. A new 407,000 square-foot battery plant will be established at the site, where parts produced at Ford’s U.S. operations will be assembled into battery packs. This is the first time a full-line automaker has announced plans to produce passenger EVs in Canada for the North American market. The Oakville Electric Vehicle Complex will also feature new investments in research and development, vehicle connectivity, and advanced manufacturing processes.
Youth and Seniors Ride Oakville Transit for Free
Starting May 1, 2023, youth and seniors will be able to ride Oakville Transit for free with a valid Presto Card. This is a great way to encourage more people to use public transportation and make it easier for youth and seniors to get around town. Years of advocacy and goodwill didn’t just end up in a campaign slogan - it just panned out.
Residents Invited to Provide Input on Parks, Recreation, and Library Needs
The Council wants to hear from you! As part of our ongoing efforts to improve parks, recreation, and library services in Oakville, we are inviting residents to provide input and feedback on what they would like to see in their community. Please visit https://www.oakville.ca/town-hall/town-studies-plans-projects/master-plans/parks-recreation-and-library-facilities-master-plan/ to share your input and thoughts.
@Ward 7
Plans Approved for North Oakville’s First High School
Exciting news for the Oakville community! Plans to construct North Oakville’s first high school have been given the green light by the Town’s Planning and Development Council. During the meeting on April 17, my motion was moved and the Council voted to approve zoning changes that will allow for the building of a Halton District School Board secondary school at the northwest corner of the Sixth Line and Burnhamthorpe Road West intersection.
The new three-storey school, which has already received funding from the province, will be 144,000 square feet in size and feature 53 classrooms and 18 portables. Along with the classrooms, there will also be a sports field, 205 parking spaces, and a daycare.
According to Town Senior Planner Robert Thun, the daycare will be 759 square metres in size and accommodate 88 children. The school is expected to open in September 2026 and will assist in creating the complete community as envisioned by the North Oakville East Secondary Plan.
Originally intended to be located at 1039 Dundas St. W., just west of the Dundas Street and Neyagawa Boulevard intersection, the new location at Sixth Line and Burnhamthorpe Road West is a significant step forward in meeting the educational needs of the growing North Oakville community.
We look forward to the exciting opportunities this new high school will bring to Oakville and the surrounding area. Stay tuned for more updates as this project progresses!
Earth Day Garbage Pick-ups
In honour of Earth Day, Ward 7 residents all did our parts. What a great pleasure to commit to a community-wide garbage pick-ups in public parks throughout Oakville along with our neighbours, friends, seniors, kids (including some of our cutest toddlers) there will be garbage pick-ups in public parks throughout Oakville. Thanks for all the helping hands to help keep our community clean and green. Please consider volunteering and helping out with the clean-up efforts on a regular basis – and it does make a huge difference.
Key Events
Celebration of Sikh Heritage Month in April
On April 1st, we gathered at Town Council in observance of Sikh Heritage Month with those celebrating along with Councillor Nav Nanda, Halton's only Sikh Councillor, as we recognize and honour the rich cultural traditions and contributions of Sikh Canadians in our community and beyond. During this special month, we pay tribute to the history and achievements of Sikh Canadians, whose values of service, compassion, and equality have inspired us all. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the significant role that Sikh Canadians have played in shaping Canada's diverse and inclusive society.
I am a fighter and…a firefighter-in-training
It was a rare pleasure and honour to have completed the Fire Essentials program and join the ranks of skilled firefighters who are committed to serving our community. On April 20, I participated in some hardcore training sessions that are full of challenges and fun. As members of the Council took part in the training program, we all experienced – and appreciated – first hand what it takes to gear up and protect our community from fire hazards.
Celebrating Eid
As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, we joyfully welcome the celebration of Eid in Oakville! This special occasion brings together friends, family, and the community to celebrate and reflect on the blessings and generosity of the past month.
Eid marks a time of unity, peace, and joy for Muslims all over the world. It is a time to gather with loved ones, share delicious food, and give back to those in need. As we celebrate Eid in Oakville, let’s embrace the diversity and richness of our community, and come together to foster greater understanding, compassion, and respect for one another. I was honoured to be invited by Dar Foundation to attend Eid Congregation with my colleague Councillor Nav Nanda on April 21. May this special occasion bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, and countless blessings.
Eid Mubarak!
Oakville Awards for Business Excellence
Small businesses make a big impact in Oakville! Many thanks to Oakville Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the hard work of professionals and entrepreneurs at the Oakville Awards for Business Excellence. This is a time to celebrate the hard work and dedication of small business owners who make a significant contribution to our communities. Their commitment to delivering quality products and services while creating jobs is an inspiration to us all.
Upcoming
Asian Heritage Month Celebration in May 2023
On April 24, the Town Council unanimously passed my motion to proclaim May 2023 as Asian Heritage Month in Oakville. As recognized in many other jurisdictions, May is Asian Heritage Month in Oakville, a time to celebrate and recognize the many contributions that individuals of Asian descent have made to our community and country. This year, we are thrilled to honor this occasion with a series of events and activities that will showcase the rich cultural heritage and diversity of our Asian communities.
Throughout the month, the Town will see a variety of celebratory events including cultural performances, movies with Asian elements, art exhibitions, and an official recognition at the Council featuring flag raising ceremony on May 1 at 10 am. If you are able to make it, consider attending these events and learn more about the fascinating cultures and traditions that make up our community.
I am proud to recognize the contributions of Asian Canadians to our society and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in Oakville. We believe that diversity is our strength, and that by embracing the unique backgrounds and experiences of our community members, we can create a stronger and more vibrant Ward 7.
Oakville Public Library AHM Activities
The library team is currently preparing a musical performance featuring Sitar Fusion, which would also involve discussing Indian culture and possibly holding a Q&A session. Furthermore, they are in the process of arranging a session with Linda Yip that is focused on genealogy, which was a popular event in the past, and specifically focused on Chinese genealogy searches. Additionally, they have curated a collection of materials that showcase Asian authors and their stories.
Preschool – Storytime will feature books written, illustrated or featuring stories highlighting Asian voices
School Age–Big Dreamers featuring Bruce Lee and Mahatma Ghandi
Teen: Orizomegami (Japanese dying technique) Journals (includes a version of the four-hole Japanese Side Sewn binding technique) (Part of our new program series that focuses on CreativeBug as a resource)
Adult–Cookbook Club – Dumplings
Historical Book Club – Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara
Adult Book Club – The Parted Earth – Anjali Enjeti
Recreation and Culture Department
Saturday, May 6, Spring bird migration featuring symbolic birds from several Asian folklore traditions. This will be shown on the museums site in a few weeks here: https://www.oakville.ca/parks-recreation-culture/arts-culture/oakville-museum/programs-events/
QEPCCC’s main gallery plays host to a new exhibit by Rainbow Studio Gallery; “Together: Korea-Canada 60-Year Anniversary.” Exhibit will run between May 27 – June 16. The exhibit will be shown here towards the start of May: Public Art & Exhibitions (oakville.ca)
May 22, 1:30 – 4 p.m. – Fold a 19th century style letter at the Old Post Office and once you’ve mastered that, try making an Origami crane as we honour Asian Heritage Month. You can take inspiration from historic Chinese silk panels depicting these beautiful birds which are part of the Museum’s Collection.
Celebrate Youth Week in Oakville
From May 1 to May 7, Oakville will be celebrating Youth Week. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of our youth in the community. Stay tuned for events and activities throughout the week!
Police Day Community Event Returns
Join us in celebrating the Halton Regional Police Service and their unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year and every year, we honour the hard work and dedication of the women and men in uniform who work tirelessly to make our neighborhoods secure and protected.
Through their bravery, selflessness, and dedications to public service, our police officers demonstrate the very best of what it means to be a community protector. We recognize and appreciate their sacrifices, as they put their lives on the line every day to ensure the safety of all residents.
Let’s show our support and gratitude for our police officers on this special occasion. Together, let's celebrate the 21st Annual Police Day and express our gratitude to the Halton Regional Police Service for all they do to keep us safe.
Opening Ceremonies 12:30 pm (Rain or Shine. No Pets Please)
Saturday, May 13, 2023
12pm – 4pm.
Headquarters
2485 North Service Road West, Oakville
Free Admission & Parking
Drop by for an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment, live demonstrations, interactive displays, amusement inflatables, games, face painting and more! BBQ ($) catered by Troy’s Diner.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in our community. I look forward to connecting with you all in town as numerous exciting events and celebrations are coming up.
Sincerely,
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