I hope this newsletter finds you well. As we head into the beautiful fall season and students get back to school, there are numerous exciting updates and events happening in our town that I’d like to share with you.
What’s Happening in Town
Mayor Burton's State of the Town Address
In his 2022 State of the Town Address, Mayor Burton presented an insightful overview of Oakville's fast growing status and its promising future. Last year was challenging yet fruitful and the Town was committed to delivering in pandemic response, optimization of outdoor spaces, tree canopy, community engagement, financial responsibility, infrastructure improvement, town-wide services and future growth. You may read Mayor Burton’s full remark here.
Council Approves On-Demand Transit Expansion for 2024
The Annual Plan serves as a guiding document for Oakville Transit, outlining essential projects and initiatives scheduled for the upcoming year. The finalization of this plan is expected in fall 2024 and it includes some key elements - enhanced bus schedules, route assessment, travel training program, expansion of on-demand transit service, making it a permanent service option for Ward 3 and Ward 7, as well as carbon-zero transit projects that are already in motion. As a result, Ward 7 residents are going to be the direct beneficiary to experience a faster, safer and greener and public transit system. Read more details here.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30th, we commemorate the survivors of residential schools and remember the indigenous children who never returned home. Oakville offers various ways to recognize this important day and learn more about the rich and diverse culture of Indigenous peoples. Visit here to learn more.
The Future of Retail and Commercial Services in the Northeast Part of Oakville
Your voice matters and we want to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to complete our survey by October 13, 2023. Your input will help shape the future of retail and commercial services in our area. Share your input via this Survey Link.
Halton Region Rolls out Automated Waste Collection Pilot Project
Halton Region is gearing up to introduce a trial automated waste collection program, which will encompass approximately 1,800 single-family households across both urban and rural areas in Halton. This pilot program is slated to run for a minimum duration of one year, pending approval by regional councils based on project outcomes. The proposed locations for this program are neighborhoods in Ward 4 in Georgetown, Wards 1 and 4 in Milton, Wards 1 and 6 in Burlington, and Wards 4, 6, and 7 in Oakville.For further details on the pilot and selected locations, please visit here.
@Ward 7
Auto Theft and Community Safety
Like many residents, I understand deeply the importance of community safety and the growing concerns on auto theft. Our municipal and provincial law enforcement agencies are actively addressing concerns and ironing our solutions related to auto theft and other safety issues in Ward 7. Your safety is our priority. During the roundtable discussion on this very issue, various stakeholders and elected officials heard directly from our residents, and pledged to work together as a joint three-tier government effort to continuously improve community safety.
Update on Sixteen Mile Sport Complex Expansion
The town is making progress on the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex expansion. Foundations for the Sixteen Mile community centre and library, along with the new soccer and cricket fields, are nearing completion. These exciting developments are on track for a spring 2024 opening. In particular:
The community centre and library construction that is occurring underground, including mechanical work in the basement, footing and foundation walls, is nearly finished. 135 geothermal boreholes for geothermal heat pump purposes have been completed, with 75 more needed for a full geothermal field.
The ground floor foundation is underway and the community centre and library’s structural steel frame will begin construction in mid-December.
Construction of the natural and artificial sports fields are almost complete with lighting, fencing, spectator seating and players benches installed and the artificial turf currently being installed. The fields are anticipated to open in spring 2024.
Top soil for the grounds of the cricket pitch is being placed and sod for all the sport fields will be placed in mid-October.
Construction for other park amenities like the skateboard park, pump track and fieldhouse will continue into 2024.
Traffic Safety Measure Update
Pedestrians and drivers should be mindful of the following measures on traffic safety and they are being rolled out in our neighbourhood:
Installation of All-way stop on North Park Drive and Sunflower Drive. Installation of eastbound stop sign requires removal of the tree at southwest corner of the intersection as this tree will obstruct the stop-sign visibility completely if not removed. ( Expected completion by the end of September)
Installation of All-way stop on Preserve Drive and Cherryhurst Road ( Expected completion In fall)
Installation of Community Safety Zone Signs on Sixteen Mile Drive: Sign installation is in progress, requires relocation of other traffic signs at some locations and relocation of RSDS at Sixteen Mile Drive and Trailside Drive from the streetlight pole to further west.
Pedestrian Warning Signs with ‘Seniors’ Tabs: A work order has been entered for installing these signs for both eastbound and westbound travel directions on Sixteen Mile Drive – expected completion by end of September as sign post installation for westbound requires locates.
Key Events
Terry Fox Run
It always warms my heart to see so many residents lacing up their running shoes to participate in the Terry Fox Run. When we raise more awareness and funds to support cancer research, we all chip in to create a cancer-free society and continue on #dearterry’s inspirational legacy.
Celebrating Vinayaka Chaturthi
It was truly an honour to join the Ward 7 Hindu community, along with many familiar faces and new friends, in celebrating Vinayaka Chaturthi with Mayor Burton and Councillor Nanda. One of my favourite festivities here in town, families and friends gathered to wish for prosperity and wisdom. Special thanks to Manoj and Sarita for such a warm welcome and hospitality.
Fire Prevention Week Kick-off
The Oakville Fire Department held its annual Fire Prevention Week Kickoff event on September 23, 2023. The theme for Fire Prevention Week, running from October 8 to 14, is "Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention." This theme emphasizes the importance of safe cooking practices.The event featured thrilling rescue demonstrations, the junior firefighter challenge, and various activities, including a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog, inflatable air rides, a smoke room simulator, the junior firefighter water squirt, and fire safety games. Children can explore fire trucks, including Pumper 8, an antique fire truck celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Upcoming
Culture Days are Back in Town
Join in the celebration of arts and culture as you can engage in nearly 100 local events! Prepare to submerge yourself in a three-week-long extravaganza of local arts and culture happenings. Culture Days is making its return to Oakville, along with communities all across Canada, from September 22 to October 15. This presents an excellent opportunity to delve into creativity, share artistic expressions, and commemorate the unique vibrancy of Oakville's community.The Town of Oakville, in collaboration with local artists, creators, and community members, is thrilled to provide a range of free programs and activities across the town. Find our more here.
Fire Service Leadership Camp for Halton youth ages 15-20
Thinking about career opportunities in fire services? You do not wish to miss out on this event. The Town of Oakville is collaborating with neighboring fire departments, including the City of Burlington and the towns of Milton and Halton Hills, to provide a distinctive opportunity to gain insight into the fire services profession. Blaze Fire Academy will be offering three immersive career information sessions in 2023 Our primary focus is the health and safety of both participants and staff, and we are fully committed to implementing all necessary measures to guarantee their well-being. Blaze Fire Academy closely adheres to the guidance and directives from Halton Region Public Health and will ensure the implementation of all relevant protocols. More info can be found here.
Food4Kids Halton - Battle of the Chefs
We have kicked off a new school year with our ongoing efforts to pack food for children, and the exciting return of our Battle of the Chefs event is taking place at the Oakville Conference Centre!Food4Kids Battle of the Chefs stands as the signature highlight of Food4Kids Halton's calendar. This highly anticipated event invites guests to savor the culinary creations of 10-12 local restaurants, each offering mouthwatering dishes. With over 400 attendees, the event lets guests vote for their favorite chef. Additionally, local bakeries will be contributing delightful treats for everyone's enjoyment. The evening will be enriched with a diverse selection of silent auction items available for bidding, as well as an enticing raffle. All proceeds from this event will directly support the vital work of Food4Kids Halton, which ensures that over 1,000 children in Halton have access to nourishing meals every week. Interested in participating or sponsoring this great cause? Reach out to diana@food4kidshalton.ca or their website for details.
To close, I hope you find the newsletter informative and please stay safe, hydrated and active as we embrace an eventful summer here at Ward 7 and townwide.
Sincerely,
Scott Xie
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