Town of Oakville

Council Minutes

Meeting #:

Date:

Monday, January 27, 2025

Time:

6:30 P.m. - 10:30 P.m.

Location:

Council Chamber

Mayor and Council:

• Mayor Burton
• Councillor Adams
• Councillor Chisholm
• Councillor Duddeck (As of 8:33 p.m.)
• Councillor Elgar
• Councillor Gittings
• Councillor Grant
• Councillor Haslett-Theall
• Councillor Knoll
• Councillor Lishchyna
• Councillor Longo
• Councillor McNeice
• Councillor Nanda
• Councillor O'Meara
• Councillor Xie

Staff:

• J. Clohecy, Chief Administrative Officer
• D. Carr, Acting Commissioner of Corporate Services
• P. Fu, Commissioner of Community Infrastructure
• P. Damaso, Commissioner of Community Services
• M. Mizzi, Commissioner of Community Development
• J. Clarke, Director of Corporate Strategy and Government Relations
• A. Holland, Acting Town Clerk
• N. Coric, Council and Committee Coordinator

Others:

• Rob Lister, President & CEO, Oakville Enterprises Corporation

  Andrew Elnazir, Chief Commercial Officer, Oakville Enterprises Corporation 

The Town of Oakville Council met in regular session this 27th day of January, 2025 in the Council Chamber of the Oakville Municipal Building, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville commencing at 6:30 p.m.

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1.

O Canada

2.

Regrets

There were no regrets for this meeting.

3.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

No declarations of pecuniary interest were declared.

4.

Confirmation of Minutes of the previous Council Meeting(s)

4.1

Minutes of the Regular Session of Council DECEMBER 16, 2024

4.2

Minutes of the Special Session of Council DECEMBER 19, 2024

• Moved by Councillor Xie
  Seconded by Councillor Chisholm
  1. That the minutes of the regular session of Council dated December 16, 2024, be approved.
  2. That the minutes of the Special Session of Council dated December 19, 2024, be approved.
  CARRIED

5.

Public Presentation(s)

There were no public presentations. 

6.

Standing Committee Report(s)

There were no standing committee reports for this agenda.

• In accordance with Section 2(8) of the Procedure By-law, the items were considered out of order.

11.

Confidential Discussion Item(s)

11.1

OEC Acquisition Request - Transmission Line Project

• Moved by Councillor Gittings
  Seconded by Councillor Longo
  1. That the confidential resolution contained in the confidential correspondence to the Commissioner of Corporate Services dated December 19, 2024 from Scott Mudie, EVP Chief Energy Transformation Officer, attached as Confidential Appendix A, be approved.
  2. That the Mayor, as Shareholder Representative pursuant to the Unanimous Shareholder Agreement, be authorized to sign the resolution for on behalf of the Town in its capacity as the 90% majority shareholder.
  CARRIED

11.2

OEC Acquisition Request - January 27, 2025

• Moved by Councillor Gittings
  Seconded by Councillor Longo
  1. That the resolution contained in the confidential correspondence from the Oakville Enterprises Corporation (OEC) to the Commissioner of Corporate Services dated December 19, 2024 from Sean McCaughan, EVP, Chief Operating & Strategy Officer, attached as Confidential Appendix A, be approved.
  2. That the Mayor, as Shareholder Representative pursuant to the Unanimous Shareholders Agreement, be authorized to sign the resolution for and on behalf of the Town as the 90% majority shareholder.

   

  CARRIED

7.

Committee of the Whole

• Moved by Councillor Lishchyna
  Seconded by Councillor McNeice

  That this meeting proceed into Committee of the Whole.

  CARRIED

8.

Consent Item(s)

8.6

Funding Request – Dredging Oakville Harbour Related to July 2024 Rainfall Event

• Moved by Councillor Chisholm

  That Council the 2025 capital budget be amended to add a capital project entitled Oakville Harbour Dredging – July 2024 Storm Impacts with a budget of $1,500,000 funded from the Storm Event Reserve.

  CARRIED

8.1

By-law 2025-003 A By-law to Authorize the Temporary Borrowing of Monies in 2025

• Moved by Councillor Chisholm

  That By-law 2025-003 be passed authorizing the temporary borrowing of monies to meet current expenditures should the needs arise in 2025, until taxes are collected and other revenues are received.

  CARRIED

8.2

By-law 2025-004 A By-law to Authorize the Issuance and Sale of Debentures

• Moved by Councillor Chisholm

  That By-law 2025-004 be passed, authorizing the raising of $5,694,800 for various capital projects through the issuance and sale of debentures.

  CARRIED

8.3

Bronte Green Corporation Phase 2 - Plan 20M-1285 - 24T21005 – By-law 2025-002

• Moved by Councillor Chisholm

  That By-law 2025-002 - A by-law to dedicate certain land as part of a public highway (Part 1, Plan 20R-20707, except Part 1, Plan 20R-22428 – Charles Cornwall Avenue, Part 3, Plan 20R-20707 – Merton Road) be passed.

  CARRIED

8.4

Building Faster Fund – 2025 Investment Plan

• Moved by Councillor Chisholm

  1. That an Investment Plan to use $9,000,000 in funds for the Royal Windsor Drive Bridge Rehabilitation and up to $7,908,182 in funds for the Khalsa Gate Urbanization & Streetscape project, be approved to be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for the 2025 Building Faster Fund program year.
  2. That staff be delegated the authority to submit any necessary revisions to the 2025 Investment Plan utilizing the projects listed in Table 3 of this report.
  3. That the refinancing of capital projects that are approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for the use of Building Faster Fund program funding be approved.

  CARRIED

8.5

Corporate Policy Update

• Moved by Councillor Chisholm
  1. That Council approve the updated Agendas, Meetings, Resolutions, and Decisions Policy, and the updates to the following related procedures:
     1. Responding to Resolutions Procedure;
     2. Submission and Distribution of Agenda Items for Council Meetings Procedure;
     3. Public Meeting Protocol Procedure; and
     4. Committee of Adjustment Appeals Procedure.
  2. That Council approve the following existing policies:
     1. Administration of Recreation and Culture Programs and Services Policy; and
     2. Securities Policy
  3. That Council approve the revised Fee Assistance Recreation Connection Program subsidy amount, as listed in the report from the Clerk’s department, dated January 14, 2025, effective immediately.

  CARRIED

10.

Discussion Item(s)

10.1

Temporary Street Occupancy Permit for 85 Bronte Road and Funding Request

• Moved by Councillor O'Meara

  That the Temporary Street Occupancy Permit for 85 Bronte Road and Funding Request be deferred to the February 24, 2025 Council meeting. 

  CARRIED

9.

Confidential Consent Item(s)

9.1

Confidential - Notice of Motion dated December 16, 2024 re: Midtown TOC Proposal

• Moved by Councillor Haslett-Theall

  That the report from the Legal department, dated January 21, 2025 be received. 

  CARRIED

10.

Discussion Item(s)

10.6

OEC Quarterly Update - December 16, 2024

• Moved by Councillor Chisholm

  That the presentation from Rob Lister, President and CEO of Oakville Enterprises Corporation (OEC) regarding the quarterly update be received.

  CARRIED

10.2

Midtown TOC Development Proposal and Official Plan Amendment (OPA)

The following delegates spoke to this item: Harry Shea, representing BVRA; Morgan Elliot, representing JCRA; Duncan Galloway; Jim Goodfellow and George Niblock, representing We love Oakville; Pamela Knight, representing Coronation Park Residents Association; and Alison Gohel. 

• Moved by: Councillor Haslett-Theall

  Seconded by: Councillor Gittings

  WHEREAS, Oakville public feedback consistently supports growth while expressing concerns over excessive density and insufficient parkland;

  WHEREAS, Town Council and Town Planning Staff have conducted extensive expert professional studies and engaged the public at every stage in accordance with the principles of good planning to establish the January 17, 2025, Town Planning Staff draft Midtown Official Plan Amendment (OPA) whose bold policies when adopted by Council and approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing will guide Midtown's growth;

  WHEREAS, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Premier have stated the importance of local officials in planning land use and development;

  WHEREAS, the provincially led Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) process removed Oakville’s locally elected Council and professional planning staff from the planning process on the Distrikt applications;

  WHEREAS, the confidentiality requirements in the provincially-led TOC process limited the public’s and Council’s ability to understand and discuss the TOC proposal, fostering public mistrust regarding Council’s views of the TOC plan;

  WHEREAS, in December, the Premier texted to residents, “The Mayor has endorsed the plan”. On Dec 19 the Mayor reported to Council he has not endorsed the TOC plan or made commitments to the Province or Distrikt;

  WHEREAS, the TOC proposal’s density is extreme and increases units beyond Distrikt’s initial applications and increased community concerns about density, livability, sustainability and achieving a complete community;

  WHEREAS, the Town staff December 19 analysis and critique to the Ministry of Infrastructure responding to the TOC application identifies that Oakville’s draft Midtown OPA will more effectively and more quickly achieve the goals of a Transit Oriented Community than the December proposal by the TOC which fails to achieve any of its stated objectives;

  WHEREAS, the TOC proposal fails to align with the draft Midtown OPA and may set a dangerous precedent by prioritizing excessive density over more balanced and sustainable development that would produce much needed new housing sooner;

  WHEREAS, Oakville continues to meet provincial housing goals and growth requirements achieving 125% of its housing supply goal for 2024 through proactive, holistic planning, including the draft Midtown OPA with supports for community benefits, sustainability, and livability; and

  WHEREAS, transparent communication and TOC and Distrikt alignment with the Midtown OPA once approved are essential to achieving Oakville’s vision for a compact, complete, and livable Midtown that meets and exceeds Provincial requirements in the Minister’s approval with modifications of Halton Region Official Plan Amendment 49 which established Oakville’s growth forecasts.

  Therefore, be it resolved that:

  1. Council endorses and aligns with the analysis of the initial TOC proposal in December by Oakville professional Planning Staff and therefore does not support the TOC proposal.
  2. The Mayor Burton and Council will strongly advocate to Distrikt and the Province that the TOC respect and align with the Midtown OPA upon approval to support a unified planning approach.
  3. Council reaffirms its commitment to an OPA for Midtown that will achieve a liveable, sustainable, complete community while fulfilling provincial growth targets.

  For (14)	Councillor Adams, Mayor Burton, Councillor Chisholm, Councillor Elgar, Councillor Gittings, Councillor Grant, Councillor Haslett-Theall, Councillor Knoll, Councillor Lishchyna, Councillor Longo, Councillor O'Meara, Councillor McNeice, Councillor Nanda, and Councillor Xie
  Absent (1)	Councillor Duddeck

  CARRIED (14 to 0)
• RECESS

  The meeting recessed at 8:10 p.m. and reconvened at 8:26 p.m.

9.

Confidential Consent Item(s)

9.2

Election Sign By-law Review - Legal Considerations

• Moved by Councillor Longo

  CLOSED SESSION

  That Council resolve into a closed meeting session for the purpose of litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or board and advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose with respect to Item 9.2 - Election Sign By-law Review - Legal Considerations.

  CARRIED
• Information was provided to Council in closed session.
• RECESS

  The meeting recessed at 9:14 p.m. and into closed session at 9:24 p.m. and reconvened in public session at 9:37 p.m.

10.

Discussion Item(s)

10.3

Election Sign By-law 2025-016

Following delegates spoke to this item: Elizabeth Chalmers; and Pierre Sauvageot. 

• Moved by Councillor Adams

  That the report Election Sign by-law 2025-016 be referred to Staff with a report back to provide additional information based on the questions provided by Council.
• Mayor Burton passed the Chair to Councillor Knoll.
• Moved by Mayor Burton
  1. That Staff perform additional consultation with the public in the form of a survey with questions that include restricting signs to private property.
  2. That staff engage with Ontario Municipalities who have restricted election signs to private property and discuss their experience with election sign restrictions and the public’s feedback.
  3. That staff continue to monitor for legal cases that involve the restricting of the placement of election signs.
  4. That staff explore and report back on a solution to provide equal public space for election sign placement across all wards, so that the public realm argument is still given some regard.
  5. That staff develop a plan to inform the public and Councillors of the survey, in order to provide organizations an opportunity to encourage participation in the survey.
  6. That staff explore the feasibility and enforceability of imposing infractions in order to improve the Town’s ability to deter vandalizing, destroying and defacing election signs.
  7. That staff explore the dispensation that can be given for those with boundary fences.
  8. A report that clearly outlines the feasibility and challenges associated with election sign by-law enforcement.
  9. That staff provide a measurable breakdown of usable public space in each ward for election signage.
  10. That staff report back on how they can educate candidates regarding the proper placement of elections in order to reduce signs from blocking each other.
  11. That staff revisit the 20 meter rule on public right of way, when in an area where the lots are 20 meters wide or less to ensure fairness for all candidates and voters who wish to display signs.
  12. That staff explore and report back on enforcement fines and if they are counted as an election expense.
  13. That staff collaborate with the Region of Halton regarding election sign placement and enforcement on Regional Roads.
  14. That staff explore sign material usage and whether or not some materials should be banned.(e.g. wire signs, and T bars).
  15. That staff provide clarity on election sign placement for residents who have a lawn and those who live in a high rise, and how do we create opportunity for them to participate in the process.
  CARRIED
• Councillor Knoll passed the chair to Mayor Burton.
• Moved by Councillor Adams

  That the report Election Sign by-law 2025-016 be referred to Staff with a report back to provide additional information based on the questions provided as follows:

  1. That Staff perform additional consultation with the public in the form of a survey with questions that include restricting signs to private property.
  2. That staff engage with Ontario Municipalities who have restricted election signs to private property and discuss their experience with election sign restrictions and the public’s feedback.
  3. That staff continue to monitor for legal cases that involve the restricting of the placement of election signs.
  4. That staff explore and report back on a solution to provide equal public space for election sign placement across all wards, so that the public realm argument is still given some regard.
  5. That staff develop a plan to inform the public and Councillors of the survey, in order to provide organizations an opportunity to encourage participation in the survey.
  6. That staff explore the feasibility and enforceability of imposing infractions in order to improve the Town’s ability to deter vandalizing, destroying and defacing election signs.
  7. That staff explore the dispensation that can be given for those with boundary fences.
  8. A report that clearly outlines the feasibility and challenges associated with election sign by-law enforcement.
  9. That staff provide a measurable breakdown of usable public space in each ward for election signage.
  10. That staff report back on how they can educate candidates regarding the proper placement of elections in order to reduce signs from blocking each other.
  11. That staff revisit the 20 meter rule on public right of way, when in an area where the lots are 20 meters wide or less to ensure fairness for all candidates and voters who wish to display signs.
  12. That staff explore and report back on enforcement fines and if they are counted as an election expense.
  13. That staff collaborate with the Region of Halton regarding election sign placement and enforcement on Regional Roads.
  14. That staff explore sign material usage and whether or not some materials should be banned.(e.g. wire signs, and T bars).
  15. That staff provide clarity on election sign placement for residents who have a lawn and those who live in a high rise, and how do we create opportunity for them to participate in the process.
  CARRIED

10.4

Heritage Way Neighbourhood 40km/h Area Speed Limit Review

• Moved by Councillor Elgar

  That the 40km/h Neighbourhood Speed Limit pilot in the Heritage Way Neighbourhood be concluded and the speed limits within the neighbourhood be maintained as currently posted.

  CARRIED

10.5

Oakville Vacant Home Tax

• Moved by Councillor Knoll
  1. That staff proceed with a plan to implement a Vacant Home Tax within the municipality and that staff report back in Q3 2025 with more details on a proposed Vacant Home Tax program.

  2. That the Town Clerk forward a copy of this report’s resolution to Halton Region, City of Burlington, Town of Milton and Town of Halton Hills.

  CARRIED

10.7

Fourteen Mile Creek and McCraney Creek Flood Mitigation Opportunities Study

The following delegate spoke to this item: Pierre Sauvageot. 

• Moved by Councillor Chisholm

  That the Notice of Completion for the Fourteen Mile Creek and McCraney Creek Flood Mitigation Opportunities Study, Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study be published, commencing a 30-day public review period from April 1, 2025, to April 30, 2025.

  CARRIED
• Moved by Councillor Elgar

  BEYOND THE HOUR

  That this meeting proceed beyond the hour of 10:30 p.m.

  CARRIED

11.

Confidential Discussion Item(s)

11.3

OLT Hearing re Dunpar 1042 et al Sixth Line

WAIVING OF PROCEDURE BY-LAW

• Moved by Councillor Longo

  In accordance with Section 8.3 of the Procedure By-law, the Rules of Procedure be waived, which requires a minimum of 48 hours public notice for agenda items prior to the meeting to allow Item 11.3 – confidential OLT Hearing re-Dunpar 1042 et al Sixth Line.

   

  CARRIED
• Moved by Councillor Longo

  CLOSED SESSION

  That Council resolve into a closed meeting session for the purpose of litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or board and advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose with respect to Item 11.3 -confidential OLT Hearing re-Dunpar 1042 et al Sixth Line.

  CARRIED
• The meeting recessed at 10:18 p.m. and reconvened in public session at 10:55 p.m. 
• Staff direction was provided in closed session.

12.

Advisory Committee Minutes

12.1

Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes, DECEMBER 12, 2024

• Moved by Councillor Xie

  That the Accessibility Advisory Committee minutes dated December 12, 2024 be received.

  CARRIED

13.

Rise and Report to Council

• Moved by Councillor Longo

  That this Committee rise and report.

  CARRIED
• Moved by Councillor Grant
  Seconded by Councillor Nanda

  The Mayor arose and reported that Committee of the Whole has met and made recommendations on Consent Items 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, Confidential Consent Items 9.1, 9.2, Discussions Items 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, Confidential Discussion Items 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, and Advisory Committee Minutes 12.1, as noted by the Clerk.

  CARRIED

14.

Information Items (Circulated Electronically)

14.1

Council Information December 4, 2024 - January 14, 2025

14.2

INTERNAL MEMO - Transportation and Engineering RE: Bill 212 Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024 Framework for bike lanes that require removal of a traffic lane

14.3

INTERNAL MEMO - Clerk's Department RE: Municipal Clearance for Liquor Sales Licence

14.4

INTERNAL MEMO - Planning and Development RE: Updated - Oakville Growth Analysis

14.5

INTERNAL MEMO - Clerk's Department RE: Municipal Clearance for Liquor Sales Licence The Bronte Boathouse

14.6

INTERNAL MEMO - Clerk's Department RE: Municipal Accountability Act

15.

Status of Outstanding Issues

16.

New Business

Councillor Xie wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year, which is the year of the snake. He also invited Council, Staff and Residents to join in on the celebration, Saturday February 1st at 1:00 p.m. at Town Hall.

Councillor Duddeck announced although she could not participate in the vote earlier in the evening, she is thrilled with how it went and would like to thank the Clerk for her assistance with the technology.

16.1

Notice of Motion - to Support Ontario and Canada Opposition to tariffs on Canada and the United States

• Moved by Councillor O'Meara
  Seconded by Councillor Xie

  WHEREAS the Town of Oakville values the benefit to Oakville business and jobs from strong economic and trade relationship between Canada and the United States, including the mutual benefits derived from a fair and open exchange of goods and services;

  WHEREAS Oakville businesses are integral to the economic prosperity and vibrancy of our community, creating jobs and supporting local families;

  WHEREAS the proposed 25% tariffs on all goods by the United States could disproportionately harm Canadian, Ontario and Oakville businesses, leading to increased costs, reduced competitiveness, and potential job losses;

  WHEREAS tariffs of this nature undermine the principles of free and fair trade and create uncertainty for local businesses that rely on cross-border trade;

  WHEREAS collaboration with and advocacy at all levels of government are essential to protecting our local economy and supporting our businesses and jobs;

  THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Oakville affirms its strong support for the work of the governments of Ontario and Canada to counter the proposed tariffs on Oakville goods and services by the United States;

  THAT the Town of Oakville expresses its solidarity with Oakville businesses that would be adversely impacted by these tariffs and commits to supporting them through advocacy;

  THAT the Town of Oakville formally supports the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario opposition to these tariffs and to protect Canadian businesses, including engaging in diplomacy, trade negotiations, and other appropriate measures;

  THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and all local Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) for their information and support; and

  THAT the Mayor and Town Staff be directed to communicate this resolution to Oakville businesses and to continue to monitor and inform Council on any developments related to these proposed tariffs.

17.

Regional Reports and Question Period Regarding Town Boards and Advisory Committees

18.

Requests for Reports

18.1

Gender Neutral Changerooms Report

• Moved by Councillor Xie
  Seconded by Councillor Adams

  That staff be requested to prepare a report that provides a brief background on the implementation of gender neutral changerooms at town facilities; which includes: a high-level summary of public feedback received to date; adjustments and improvements with managing these facilities since their inception; and operational recommendations moving forward.

  CARRIED

19.

Consideration and Reading of By-Laws

19.1

By-law 2025-002

A by-law to dedicate certain land as part of a public highway (Part 1, Plan 20R-20707, except Part 1, Plan 20R-22428 – Charles Cornwall Avenue, Part 3, Plan 20R-20707 – Merton Road) (Item 8.3)

19.2

By-law 2025-003

A by-law to authorize the temporary borrowing of monies for 2025 (Item 8.1)

19.3

By-law 2025-004

 A by-law to authorize the issuance and sale of debentures up to a maximum of $5,694,800 towards the financing of the capital projects with an estimated total cost of $5,694,800 (Item 8.2)

19.4

By-law 2025-016 (Not Passed. Referred back to Staff under 10.3)

A by-law to regulate election signs in the Town of Oakville (Item 10.3)

19.5

By-law 2025-017 (Not Passed. Referred back to Staff under 10.3)

A by-law to amend Sign By-law 2018-153 (Item 10.3)

19.6

By-law 2025-018 (Not Passed. Referred back to Staff under 10.3)

A by-law to amend Administrative Penalties for Non-Parking Violations and Orders By-law 2021-038 (Item 10.3)

19.7

By-law 2025-020

A by-law to amend By-law 2022-125 as amended, a by-law to make appointments to the Board of Management for the Downtown Oakville Business Improvement Area

19.8

By-law 2025-021

A by-law to confirm the proceedings of a meeting of Council

• Moved by Councillor Lishchyna
  Seconded by Councillor Elgar

  That the by-laws noted above be passed with the exception of 2025-016, 2025-017 and 2025-018.

  CARRIED
• The Mayor gave written approval of by-laws 2025-002, 2025-003, 2025-004, 2025-020, and 2025-021 noted above that were passed during the meeting.

20.

Adjournment

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 11:00 p.m.