Dear Ward 7 Residents,
This winter is a lot warmer for many and hopefully spring is just around the corner. I am excited to bring you the latest updates and opportunities happening in our community. Here's what's been brewing in Oakville lately:
What’s Happening in Town
Empowering Oakville: Launch of Community Activation Grant Program
We're thrilled to announce the launch of the Community Activation Grant program! This initiative, with an annual funding allocation of $35,000, aims to support grassroots initiatives that strengthen community bonds. If you have ideas for small-scale events or programs, you could receive up to $2,000 in support. Find out more about how to apply here.
Participate in the Community Satisfaction Survey:
Your feedback matters and your input can make a difference. The Town of Oakville launched the Community Satisfaction Survey on February 13, 2024. This survey, conducted every two years, is a vital opportunity for you to voice your opinions and shape the future of our community. Your participation in the survey is strictly confidential, anonymous, and voluntary. Share your thoughts and help shape the future of Oakville here.
Shape the Future of Housing in Oakville:
We are embarking on a crucial initiative to enhance housing options across our community. The Town is proposing changes to Zoning By-law and Official Plan to allow for up to four housing units per residential lot for single detached homes town-wide. Additionally, we're considering expanding housing options by permitting low-rise apartment-style buildings up to four storeys within 800 metres of Sheridan College. These changes aim to increase the availability and diversity of housing while also unlocking potential funding from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. Share your thoughts on proposed changes to zoning and housing options through our online survey.
@Ward 7
Dog Park Updates
As of April 1, 2024, our beloved park is temporarily closing for exciting upgrades – volleyball, tennis, and pickleball courts are on the way! 🏐🎾🥒 But don't fret, pawsome adventures continue! 🌞
📍 The new leash-free haven awaits at the north end of the site, opening its gates in Summer 2024. Look for the part area with the red mark – that's the spot where tails will wag and furry friends will roam! 🚀 In the meantime, fetch some fun at nearby parks:
🌳 Memorial Park: 120 Oak Park Boulevard
🌲 Palermo Park: 2345 Dundas Street West
🌿 Glenashton Park: 1051 Glenashton Drive
Key Events
Lunar New Year Celebration
Residents of East Asian heritage in Oakville and across the country celebrated Lunar New Year in different ways with families and loved ones. Through Cultural exhibitions, talent shows, live performance and sharing delectable treats, of course, those celebrating were able to enjoy joyous moments across the town. Student talents from SunRise Mandarin School showcased their Mandarin speaking skills on the stage, which drew hundreds of audience. Seniors from Oakville Jiu-Jiu Senior Association (OJJSA) also contributed to the festivity with their seasoned talents in dancing, chorus and cultural performances.
Now a new annual retreat, a growing number of Oakvilleans also made their way to Town Hall on February 16 to celebrate the year of the Dragon. Oakville’s homegrown artists, musicians, students and talents took the centre stage and attracted so much fanfare. Lion dance was a blast and enjoyed by all. Along with Mayor Burton, council colleagues, MP Hon. Anita Anand, MP Pam Damoff, MPP Effie Triantafilopoulo, Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr and Halton Police Superintendent (2 District-Oakville) Jeff Sandy, Town Hall was packed with great live shows and well wishes. From my family to yours, may the year of the Dragon be blessed with prosperity, luck and great fortune.
Black History Month
February marks an important occasion as we celebrate Black History Month. It's a time to honour the achievements, contributions, and struggles of Black Canadians throughout history and within our community. In Oakville, we recognize the significance of this month and are committed to acknowledging and amplifying the voices and experiences of Black individuals and communities.Check out a series of celebrations and events that took place across the town here.
Oakville High School Table Tennis Tournament
Such a great pleasure to have joined my colleagues Councillor Natalia Lishchyna and Councillor Tom Adams in kicking off the Oakville High School table tennis tournament! 🏓 Congratulations to Oakville Community Table Tennis Association (OCTTA) for planning and putting forward this meaningful initiative. Here's to a spirited competition and showcasing the talents of our players of all ages!
Upcoming
Taste of Oakville 2024:
Are you a foodie just like me? Don’t miss out Oakville’s own culinary extravaganza - Taste of Oakville 2024. Learn more and be prepared to spoil your taste buds here.
Maple Syrup Festival 2024
Indulge in the sweetness of spring at this annual event. Maple Syrup Festival is definitely on the list. Plan ahead and learn how you can participate here.
Table Tennis for All
The Oakville CTTA OPEN, organized by the Oakville Community Table Tennis Association (OCTTA) in collaboration with Table Tennis Canada and the Ontario Table Tennis Association, is a freely accessible event for all interested players. Scheduled for March 9, 2024, from 8am to 1pm at the River Oaks Community Centre. Registration for participation can be completed via here.
OSYO Concert
The Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra (OSYO) comprises approximately 70 high school musicians from Oakville. On March 24th, at 3 pm, we are excited to showcase "Rhapsody in Blue" at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. This collaborative endeavor is in partnership with The Oscar Peterson Program (Royal Conservatory of Music), an initiative offering tuition-free, top-tier musical education to underserved youth throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Notably the concert will also include a performance by special guest David Atkinson, the Music Director of the Stratford Festival and the national tour of Hamilton.
As we wrap up this edition of our Ward 7 newsletter, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued support and engagement in our community. Your participation in events, surveys, and initiatives is what makes Ward 7 and Oakville thrive. Together, we made February a great month to remember and I look forward to many more to come.
Warm regards,
Scott Xie