Advocacy Plan - Midtown Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Transit - Oriented Community (TOC)
WHEREAS The Midtown OPA represents a bold, responsible, and defensible plan that supports sustainable, complete community-building, and is currently awaiting approval by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and
WHEREAS On January 27, 2025, Council unanimously passed a motion rejecting the proposed Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) plan, noting that it does not align with the draft Midtown OPA and may emphasize higher densities at the expense of balanced, timely, and sustainable development; and
WHEREAS On February 18, 2025, Council unanimously supported the draft Midtown Official Plan Amendment (OPA) following careful analysis, expert input, and consultation with stakeholders; and
WHEREAS The Town of Oakville continues to exceed provincial housing targets, having achieved 125% of its 2024 housing supply goal through proactive and holistic planning, including the Midtown OPA, which supports community benefits, sustainability, and livability; and
WHEREAS Residents have called on Council to ensure strong, coordinated advocacy and governance to secure provincial alignment with Council’s approved planning direction; and
WHEREAS Municipal staff provide expert advice, analysis, and intergovernmental liaison consistent with Council’s approved resolutions and direction, and are not engaged in political advocacy in accordance with their professional and non-partisan responsibilities; and
WHEREAS The Mayor, in accordance with the Municipal Act, serves as the Head of Council and Chief Executive Officer of the municipality, and acts as the primary representative of Council in external government relations; and
WHEREAS The Mayor holds executive and representational responsibilities, advocacy and engagement with other levels of government which are to be conducted in a manner consistent with the approved decisions of Council, and
WHEREAS a collaborative advocacy approach that includes Council members reinforces to Ministers the unanimous support of Council for OPA 70 and the importance of aligning the TOC proposal with that approved Council OPA 70
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
- The Mayor is requested, in accordance with the Municipal Act, to provide regular updates to Council on advocacy efforts and engagement with the Province regarding the Midtown OPA and TOC proposal, in the interest of transparency, accountability, and alignment with Council’s approved direction and share relevant updates with the public where confidentiality requirements defined by the Province do not preclude it, and or are appropriate to our efforts.
- The Mayor second, that the Mayor is requested to consider including Council members in meetings or discussions with provincial Ministers and their staff to support the approval of OPA 70 and ensure alignment of any TOC proposal with the Town’s planning framework and the expressed interests of Oakville residents
- Staff be directed to provide regular written and verbal updates to Council on the status of OPA 70, including timelines, engagement with the Province, and any developments related to the TOC proposal(s) and to share relevant updates with the public where confidentiality requirements defined by the Province do not preclude it.