Dear Ward 7 Residents,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. As we step into February 2025, I’m pleased to share updates on important town initiatives, upcoming events, and key decisions made by our Council that will impact our community. Your engagement and participation are invaluable in shaping the future of our community, and I encourage you to stay informed and involved as most of you have done over the past few years.
What’s Happening in Town
Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) In Effect
Oakville is launching its Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program, a significant step toward enhancing road safety. Starting mid-January 2025, 14 ASE cameras will be activated and rotate
You may have already noticed Municipal Speed Camera ‘Coming Soon’ signs, which will be replaced by ‘In-use’ signs once the cameras go live. This initiative aims to reduce speeding and improve pedestrian safety, particularly in high-traffic and residential areas.
Read more on ASE Camera Installation Update.
Council Opposes TOC Distrikt Proposal
On January 27, 2025, Town Council unanimously endorsed Oakville Planning Staff’s critical response letter to Infrastructure Ontario on the Distrikt Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) proposal released in November 2024.
The response states that Oakville’s Midtown Official Plan Amendment (OPA) already aligns with the TOC objectives, making the current proposal redundant and failing to meet key goals such as increasing transit ridership, reducing congestion, and supporting affordable housing.
The final version of the Midtown OPA will be considered on February 18, 2025, and residents are encouraged to submit comments via townclerk@oakville.ca or pre-register to speak at the meeting.
Review the TOC proposal and provide feedback here.
Oakville Property Tax Portal Now Live
Accessing your property tax information is now easier than ever with Oakville’s new online Property Tax Portal. This self-serve tool allows residential, commercial, and industrial property owners to:
View tax details, account balances, and payment history.
Sign up for or modify pre-authorized payment plans.
Generate tax statements or bills (from 2025 onward).
Sign up for e-billing and update contact information.
How to Register: Unique access codes have been mailed to property owners. Visit the Online Services page or contact ServiceOakville for assistance.
Learn more on Oakville’s Online Property Tax Service here.
Vacant Home Tax (VHT) Program in Process
To address housing availability and affordability, Town Council has approved a recommendation to proceed with a Vacant Home Tax (VHT) program. The town will now work with Halton Region to develop the by-law and program details.
The program will align with the town’s ongoing stormwater fee review, ensuring effective administration and clear communication with residents. More details will be available in a future report to Council.
Read the full report here.
@Ward 7
Sixteen Mile Community Centre & Library Update
Exciting progress over the new year – The Sixteen Mile Community Centre and Library is now fully enclosed and heated. The second level is open, with 60+ construction staff working daily to ensure it is completed on time as planned.
Stay tuned for more updates and a sneak peek at the new facilities by following my social media handles and subscribing to the newsletter if you haven’t done so.
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.
Winter Is Here: Snow Clearing Services ❄️
When the snow falls, Oakville’s dedicated crews are ready to clear roads and sidewalks effectively. Primary and secondary roads are prioritized to ensure emergency vehicles can travel safely, followed by residential streets when snow accumulation exceeds 7.5 centimeters. All streets are typically cleared within 24 hours after a storm ends, though heavy or consecutive snowfalls may require additional time.
Learn more about Oakville’s snow clearing services here.
Key Events
2025 New Year’s Levee
A huge thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 New Year’s Levee at Town Hall. It was a pleasure to celebrate the new year together, fostering a sense of unity and community spirit.
Orthodox Christmas Celebration
I had the honor of attending the Orthodox Christmas Eve service at St. Peter & St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church, meeting with Father Arsenius, Father Luke, and members of our Ward 7 community. Thank you for the warm welcome and for allowing me to take part in this beautiful tradition.
A Joyous Year of the Snake Celebration
I was delighted to attend the year of the Snake Spring Festival Gala hosted by the Jiujiu Seniors Association, as well as the vibrant Spring Festival cultural performance organized by the Oakville Chinese Network. Additionally, the New Year Carnival hosted by Sunrise Chinese School was a fantastic celebration, where thousands of children enjoyed traditional activities and delicious festive foods. captivating performances and festive atmosphere were filled with warmth and joy, perfectly embodying the spirit of the Lunar New Year. Heartfelt thanks to all the organizers and performers for their dedication and hard work.
Black History Month Flag Raising
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate, reflect, and honor the contributions of Black Canadians. We proudly raised the flag at Town Hall to mark this important occasion.
Electric Buses Arrive in Oakville
Great news for commuters and all residents – Fifteen 40-foot electric buses are now operating in Oakville, making our transit system quieter, greener, and more sustainable! This is a significant milestone for Oakville Transit and our commitment to an eco-friendly future.
Embracing Lunar New Year Traditions at Appleby College
It was such a pleasure to attend Appleby College’s Lunar New Year Dumpling Banquet, where over 200 parents and faculty members came together to celebrate this occasion. We enjoyed making and tasting a variety of dumplings while sharing stories of cultural heritage. Always a wonderful opportunity to strengthen community ties and foster cross-cultural appreciation among Oakville’s diverse residents.
Upcoming
Taste of Oakville 2025
📍 Participating restaurants across Oakville
📅 February 17 – March 10, 2025
Calling all foodies (me included)! Taste of Oakville is back, featuring prix-fixe menus and live music at select restaurants on Tuesdays. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy delicious cuisines from across town.
Visit Taste of Oakville for more details.
Harmony: An Art Exhibition Celebrating Black Excellence
Oakville Town Hall | Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC) | Curator: Francesca Durham
February 1-Feburary 28
Summer Camp Recruitment
We're on the lookout for motivated individuals aged 15+ to join our team for a variety of summer camp roles. Offering competitive wages, flexible hours, and the opportunity to work in a fun, inclusive environment, this is the perfect chance to gain valuable experience while working with all ages and abilities. Apply today at oakville.ca and make this summer one to remember!
As we move forward in 2025, I remain committed to advocating for responsible growth, sustainable development, and community engagement in Ward 7. Your voices matter, and I encourage you to continue reaching out with your concerns, ideas, and feedback. Thanks for your time and I look forward to connecting with you across from the town.
Ward Regards,
Dr. Scott Xie
Town Councillor, Ward 7 Oakville
Scott Xie
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