Dear Ward 7 Residents,
Welcome to the June 2024 edition of our community newsletter! As summer unfolds, we have an array of exciting updates, events, and initiatives to share with you. From crucial town council decisions impacting local development to vibrant community celebrations and upcoming events, there’s a lot happening in Ward 7. We value your engagement and feedback, and we’re thrilled to keep you informed about the latest developments and opportunities to get involved in our wonderful community. Read on to discover what’s new.
What’s Happening in Town
Planning and Development Council Refers Infrastructure Ontario Application Back to Staff
During the recent Planning and Development Council meeting, item 7.1 featured a discussion on the Official Plan Amendment proposed by Infrastructure Ontario for 2551 Sherwood Heights Drive. The proposal addressed various community and planning aspects.
Multiple delegates, including local residents and community groups, provided feedback, highlighting concerns about warehousing, environmental impact, and land use.
Council’s Directives:
Council has referred the proposal back to staff to consider reducing warehousing components, reevaluating property disposition, and ensuring compatibility with local plans and guidelines. There will also be ongoing reviews regarding operational hours, building dimensions, and potential alternative uses, including office spaces and housing options.
Mayor Burton clarified during the meeting, “I have good news for the people who are worried that this is proposed to be made industrial. It is not. The proposal is to make it Business Employment. ” Read the staff report here.
Housing Data Revisions Underway
Ontario is considering revising its home-building tallies after complaints that undercounting has cost cities millions in provincial funding. As Premier Doug Ford's government aims to build 1.5 million homes by 2031, it has set annual housing targets for 50 municipalities, offering extra funding to those meeting or nearing their targets. To qualify for the Building Faster Fund, municipalities must achieve at least 80% of their housing starts target as calculated by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). However, the Ontario’s Big City Mayors group claims discrepancies between CMHC data and their own counts have caused four municipalities to miss out on $23.3 million in funding. Read more on the proposed revisions here .
Oakville Economic Development Plan 2024-2029
On June 24, 2024, the Planning and Development Council reviewed a draft of the Economic Development Plan for Oakville, covering the years 2024-2029. This draft, prepared by the Economic Development Department and supported by Deloitte LLP’s Economic Advisory team, outlines strategic directions aimed at fostering a resilient and thriving local economy. The draft is now endorsed for public consultation, marking a step in shaping Oakville’s economic future.
The new draft aligns with Oakville’s broader strategic vision for a vibrant and sustainable community, integrating initiatives from the recently approved Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Multi-Year Plan 2024-2028.
Key Strategic Directions:
Support and Grow the Local Economy
Improve Investment Readiness
Attract New Investment and Jobs
Develop a Growth Plan for Small Businesses
With the draft strategic directions now endorsed for public consultation, the Economic Development Department will seek feedback from the public and stakeholders. The final Economic Development Plan 2024-2029 is expected to be presented to the Council for approval in late Q3 or early Q4 2024.
Community and Town-Led Special Events
We Want to Hear from You!
The Town of Oakville is undertaking an in-depth review of community and town-led special events to inform future planning. Tell us what you like about existing events and what types of events you would like to see in Oakville in the future.
We invite you to share your feedback through the online survey and/or participate in an online community workshop. The Special Events Survey is available until July 8th, 2024. Take the survey now.
@Ward 7
Asian Heritage Festival
Oakville’s first ever Asian Heritage Festival held at Fowley Park was a resounding success, bringing together residents, small businesses and visitors to celebrate Asian heritage with lively performance and delicate treats. Special appreciations go to dedicated community partners, event planners, vendors and performers who put their minds together to make this outdoor carnivore truly exceptional.
Sixteen Mile Sports Complex Parking Updates
Starting July 2, 2024, there will be partial closures in both the lower and upper parking lots due to necessary maintenance work. This construction is expected to last through the end of summer. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve our facilities and ensure a safe and accessible environment for all visitors.
Key Events
North Oakville Badminton Club Tournament Reward Night
It was always a pleasure to join the North Oakville Badminton Club Tournament Reward Night. Congratulations to all the tournament winners for your outstanding performances! The dedication and sportsmanship displayed by everyone were truly inspiring. Thank you to the organizers for putting together such a fantastic event and for inviting us to be a part of it. Looking forward to many more exciting tournaments in the future!
Pride Month Flag-Raising
Mayor Burton and members of the community raised the Pride Flag at the Community Flagpole at the Town Hall in recognizing the significance of pride celebrated across from our town.
Upcoming
Celebrate Canada Day at Bronte
Oakville's Canada Day celebration is set to return on July 1, 2024, with extended hours from 4 to 10 p.m., offering residents more time to enjoy a day filled with festivities at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park. This year’s event features an array of live entertainment, strolling entertainers, including stilt walkers, a juggler, and a magician, will add to the festive atmosphere. You can also engage in various sports and games, make crafts, enjoy free face painting, and visit community booths.
The Welcome Ceremony will begin at 8 p.m., where crowds will be led in singing the national anthem by the Oakville Choir for Children and Youth. The day will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at 10 p.m., weather permitting. Bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the evening’s activities. While personal picnics are welcome, a variety of food vendors will also be available on-site. Please note that personal barbecues, tents or shelters, and personal fireworks are not permitted.
Please note - Oakville Transit will provide shuttle services to and from the event. Attendees are advised to check for road closures and parking restrictions in the area.
Join us at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park on July 1 to celebrate Canada Day with fun, entertainment, and a grand fireworks finale. More details.
Movie Night
Join the Town of Oakville for free Movies in the Park starting July 10, 2024! Enjoy family-friendly movies under the stars every Wednesday until August 21 at various parks. Activities start at 6:30 p.m., with movies beginning around 8 p.m. Come early to secure a good spot, connect with neighbors, visit the Oakville Public Library’s book bike, and meet Sparky and Oakville Fire crews. Make sure to follow the program page for details.
Sparky’s Dog Days of Summer - July 10 to August 21
Join us this summer for an exciting family event at the splash pad! Meet the Oakville Fire Department crew, explore a fire truck, participate in fun activities, and learn valuable fire safety tips.
Dates and Locations:
July 10: Valleyridge Park, 2524 Valleyridge Drive
July 17: Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre Park, 325 Reynolds Street
July 24: Sixteen Hollow Park, 2140 Westoak Trails Boulevard
July 31: Neyagawa Park, 540 River Glen Boulevard
August 7: Forster Park, 100 North Forster Park Drive
August 14: Fowley Park, 95 Fowley Drive
August 21: Valleybrook Park, 1150 Valleybrook Drive
Time: Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
More event details can be found here.
Glenorchy Community Festival kicks off on July 13
It’s that time of the year again as we celebrate our community’s annual signature summer fun fare - Glenorchy Community Festival. Mark your calendar and check out this year’s exciting program.
Stay safe, connected and engaged as we embrace the joyous spirit of the upcoming holiday season.
Ward Regards,
Scott Xie
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