Ward 7 Newsletter - March 2025 - From Councillor Scott Xie

Dear Ward 7 Residents,

I hope this message finds you well. Now that the spring is in the air – I am pleased to share important updates, opportunities for community involvement, and highlights from recent Town Council initiatives that directly affect our neighborhood. From supporting local businesses through economic uncertainty to expanding public services and amenities, your engagement continues to be vital in shaping a thriving Ward 7 and beyond.

What’s Happening in Town

Have Your Say: Sports on Town Streets Guidelines

The Town of Oakville is developing new guidelines to permit safe and responsible sports activities on town-owned streets. This follows Council’s September 2024 decision to lift the longstanding ban on street sports, recognizing the physical, mental, and social benefits of outdoor play for all age groups.

We are currently gathering public input to shape these guidelines, which will aim to balance community enjoyment with road safety for all users.

How to Participate:

Online Survey: Open until April 7, 2025

Take the Survey

Drop-In Sessions:

March 24 | 4–6 p.m. | Sixteen Mile Sports Complex

March 25 | 4–6 p.m. | Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre

March 26 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Sir John Colborne Recreation Centre for Seniors

Final guidelines will be presented to Town Council in June 2025.

Backing Our Local Economy: Oakville Responds to Proposed U.S. Tariffs

In response to proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and services, Oakville Town Council has unanimously passed a resolution ( Moved by Ward 1 Town and Regional Councillor Sean O’Meara and seconded by Ward 7 Town Councillor Scott Xie) showing strong support for local businesses that could be impacted. This action demonstrates our commitment to protecting our economy and ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of Oakville’s vibrant business community.

Key Actions Taken:

Advocacy and Diplomacy: Oakville stands in solidarity with federal and provincial governments, supporting diplomatic negotiations to safeguard local businesses.
Economic Development Initiatives: Establishment of a Tariff Task Force to assess potential impacts, explore legally-viable responses, and develop support measures for affected businesses.
Business Impact Survey: Launched by the Economic Development department, this survey aims to gather insights from local businesses on how tariffs may affect them, ensuring tailored support and advocacy.

This proactive approach underscores Oakville’s dedication to supporting local enterprises and maintaining economic resilience.

For more information and to participate in the survey, visit Tariff Resources for Business.

Proposed By-law: Protecting Access to Vulnerable Social Infrastructure

A draft by-law is now available for public comment that aims to regulate protests near sensitive community facilities such as schools, hospitals, daycares, libraries, and places of worship. This initiative is designed to ensure access and safety for residents, particularly children and seniors, while respecting freedom of expression.

Have Your Say:

Public comments are open until April 13, 2025.
The by-law will be presented to the Town Council for review on May 1, 2025.

View the Draft and Submit Feedback here

2025 Oakville Community Spirit Awards: Nominations Now Open!

Now in its 23rd year, the Oakville Community Spirit Awards celebrate residents and organizations making a positive impact through volunteerism and civic engagement. Nominations are open until Monday, April 28 at 4 p.m.

Award Categories:

Arts, Culture and Heritage
Climate Action
Good Neighbour
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility
Inspiration
Leadership and Innovation

Nominees will be honored on June 12, 2025 at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre. Let’s recognize those making a difference!

Submit a Nomination

@Ward 7

Sixteen Mile Community Centre and Library: Construction Update

On March 27, I joined Mayor Rob Burton and Councillor Nav Nanda for a tour of the Sixteen Mile Community Centre and Library construction site. We were pleased to see steady progress on what will be a transformative facility for our growing north Oakville community.

Key Features:

Library: 18,000+ sq. ft. with study spaces, teen zone, creative labs, and children’s areas
Community Centre: 65,000+ sq. ft. with fitness and aquatic programs, gymnasiums, and multi-use rooms

Learn more on the construction progression here

Development and Site Plan Applications Update

Stay informed about ongoing development projects in Ward 7, featuring applications for residential, commercial, and community spaces. Recent updates highlight proposed developments and approvals along Trafalgar Road and Dundas Street, shaping the future of our vibrant community.

To explore these projects and their impact, visit the Ward 7 Development Applications.

Key Events

Oakville Eid Bazaar

I had the pleasure of attending the Oakville Eid Bazaar, a beautifully organized event by Mukadas Chaudhry and her dedicated team. The bazaar showcased a vibrant array of vendors and small businesses, creating a wonderful space for our community to come together in celebration. It was inspiring to see Oakville residents embracing the spirit of Eid with joy and enthusiasm. I was delighted to join Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and my council colleague Nav Nanda for this special occasion. Wishing a heartfelt Eid Mubarak to all who are celebrating!

Upcoming

Oakville Small Business Networking Event

📅 April 2 | 🕕 6–9 p.m. | 📍 Sixteen Mile Sports Complex

This evening gathering is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small business owners to make new connections, exchange ideas, and access resources to help grow their ventures. Whether you're an experienced business leader or just launching your first product, this event offers a welcoming space to network with peers and learn about local support programs.

Trafalgar Township Historical Society Seminar Series

📅 April 1 | 🕖 7 p.m. | 📍 Old Palermo Schoolhouse

This engaging three-part lecture series explores the often-overlooked military history of Canada between 1667 and 1812. Discover stories of invasions, early Canadian defenses, and key historical figures through an immersive exploration of historical letters, archival materials, and local insights. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious, this is a unique opportunity to connect with Oakville's heritage. Learn more here.

Music by Candlelight – Oakville Symphony

📅 April 12 | 🕗 8 p.m. | 📍 Black Box Theatre at QEP Cultural Centre

Enjoy an enchanting evening of music as the Oakville Symphony takes you on a journey through eras of sound—from the elegance of Bridgerton and the timeless genius of Mozart, to the modern melodies of Taylor Swift and The Beatles. Conducted by Lorenzo Guggenheim, this performance will delight both classical aficionados and fans of contemporary music alike.

As your Councillor, I want you to know that every conversation I’ve had with you—in a park, over coffee, or at a community meeting—has helped shape the priorities I bring to Council. This newsletter is one way I aim to return that trust by keeping you informed and involved.

Thank you for your continued support, and I hope to see you around town very soon.

Warm regards,

Dr. Scott Xie

Town Councillor, Ward 7 Oakville

Ward Regards,