Town of Oakville

Council Minutes

Meeting #:

Date:

Thursday, May 01, 2025

Time:

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

Location:

Council Chamber

Mayor and Council:

• Mayor Burton
• Councillor Adams
• Councillor Chisholm
• Councillor Duddeck
• 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
• P. Fu, Commissioner of Community Infrastructure
• P. Damaso, Commissioner of Community Services
• M. Mizzi, Commissioner of Community Development
• S. Ayres, Commissioner of Corporate Services
• J. Clarke, Director of Corporate Strategy and Government Relations
• D. Carr, Town Solicitor
• A. Holland, Acting Town Clerk
• N. Coric, Council and Committee Coordinator

The Town of Oakville Council met in regular session this 1st day of May, 2025 in the Council Chamber of the Oakville Municipal Building, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville commencing at 6:30 p.m.

---

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 the Planning and Development Session of Council, March 17, 2025

4.2

Minutes of the Regular Session of Council, March 24, 2025

4.3

Minutes of the Regular Session of the Planning and Development Session of Council, April 7, 2025

4.4

Confidential Minutes of the Closed Session of Planning and Development Session of Council, April 7, 2025

• Moved by Councillor Longo
  Seconded by Councillor Gittings
  1. That the Minutes of the Regular Session of Planning and Development Session of Council dated March 17, 2025, be approved.
  2. That the Minutes of the Regular Session of Council dated March 24, 2025, be approved.
  3. That the Minutes of the Regular Session of Planning and Development Session of Council dated April 7, 2025, be approved.
  4. That the Confidential Minutes of the Closed Session of Planning and Development Session of Council dated April 7, 2025, be approved.
  CARRIED

5.

Public Presentation(s)

There were no public presentations. 

6.

Standing Committee Report(s)

6.1

Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop, April 14, 2025

• Moved by Councillor Duddeck
  Seconded by Councillor Grant

  That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop dated April 14, 2025, be approved.

  CARRIED

7.

Committee of the Whole

• Moved by Councillor Lishchyna
  Seconded by Councillor Xie

  That this meeting proceed into Committee of the Whole.

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

8.

Consent Item(s)

8.2

2025 Property Tax Levy By-law 2025-071

• Moved by Councillor Lishchyna

  1. That the Tax Levy by-law 2025-071, a by-law to provide for the levying of rates for the year 2025, as attached to the report of the Finance Department, be approved; and,

  2. That, in accordance with Council’s resolution from the December 19, 2024 Council meeting, the net levy requirement be increased to $281,562,000 and a transfer to the Tax Rate Stabilization reserve in the amount of $458,500 be approved to maintain the 2025 the overall tax levy increase at 4.91 per cent.

  CARRIED

8.3

2025 Tax Rebate for Eligible Senior Property Owners – By-law 2025-070

• Moved by Councillor Lishchyna

  That By-law 2025-070, a by-law to authorize a property tax rebate to eligible senior property owners in the 2025 taxation year, attached as Appendix A to the Finance Department report dated April 15, 2025, be passed.

  CARRIED

8.5

Chris Vokes Memorial Park Lease Extension

• Moved by Councillor Lishchyna

  That staff be authorized to renew the lease with the Province for the Chris Vokes Memorial Park, and the Director of Parks and Open Space be authorized to execute any required documentation including any renewals or minor amendments to this agreement.

  CARRIED

8.6

2024 Financial Results and Surplus Disposition

• Moved by Councillor Lishchyna
  1. That the transfers to and from the Reserves and Reserve Funds and transactions contained in the report dated April 15, 2025 from the Finance department be approved.
  2. That the $6.31 million surplus less any required adjustments be transferred to the Capital Reserve.
  3. That staff be authorized to exceed the Municipal Enforcement 2025 gross operating budget by up to $319,500 for the new Short Term Rental Compliance initiative, fully funded by the federal Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund with no impact on the tax levy.
  4. That funding in the amount of $300,000 be transferred from the Storm Event Reserve to the Parks and Open Space 2025 operating budget to offset the unbudgeted costs incurred for emergency culvert repairs at McCraney Creek Trail and Martindale Park due to the July 2024 rainfall event.
  5. That funding in the amount of $405,938 received in 2025 from the Oakville Community Foundation (OCF) be transferred to the Theatre Capital reserve.
  6. That the 2025 capital budget be amended to add a new project with a budget of $52,000 funded from the Theatre capital reserve for the replacement of the boiler system.

  CARRIED

8.8

By-law 2025-062 to Amend By-law 2024-002 (Municipal Right of Way By-law and Parking Lot Maintenance, Use and Protection By-law

• Moved by Councillor Lishchyna
  1. That By-law 2025-062, a by-law to amend By-law 2024-002 (Municipal Right of Way By-law), set out in Appendix A to this report be passed.

  2. That By-law 2025-072 (Municipal Parking Lot Maintenance, Use and Protection By-law) and By-law 2025-073, a by-law to amend By-law 2021-038 (Administrative Penalties for Non-Parking Violations and Orders), set out in Appendices “B” and “C” respectively to this report be passed.

  CARRIED

8.1

Universal Change Rooms within Recreation Facilities

• Moved by Councillor Chisholm

  That the report from Recreation and Culture entitled Universal Change Rooms within Recreation Facilities, dated April 24, 2025, be received for information.

  CARRIED

8.4

Procedure By-law Approval of Legislative and General Updates

• Moved by Councillor Haslett-Theall
  1. That By-law 2025-064, A by-law to establish rules governing the calling, place, proceedings and provision of public notice of meetings of Council and Committees of Council of The Corporation of the Town of Oakville, attached as Appendix B, be passed.

  CARRIED

8.7

Corporate Policy Update

• Moved by Councillor Haslett-Theall

  That the Council Vacancies Procedure, be amended to reflect a change to section 4(e) under “Filling a Vacancy for the Position of Mayor by Appointment,” by replacing the word “one” with “three”.

  CARRIED
• Moved by Councillor Haslett-Theall
  1. That Council approve the updated Elections Policy;
  2. That Council approve the updated Council Vacancies Procedure, including an amendment to section 4(e) under “Filling a Vacancy for the Position of Mayor by Appointment,” by replacing the word “one” with “three”, and
  3. That Council approve the existing Use of Municipal Right of Ways Policy.
  CARRIED

9.

Confidential Consent Item(s)

9.1

Potential Protest By-law near Vulnerable Social Infrastructure - Confidential

• Moved by Councillor Duddeck

  That the report from the Legal Department titled “Potential Protest By-law near Vulnerable Social Infrastructure – Confidential”, dated April 22, 2025, be received.

   

  CARRIED

9.2

Appeal to Ontario Land Tribunal of Committee of Adjustment Decision CAV A/023/2025 Respecting 2358 Rebecca Street

• Moved by Councillor O'Meara

  That the Town Solicitor or designate withdraw the Appeal. 

  CARRIED

9.3

OLT Case Number OLT 23-001257 DGB Trafalgar Limited v. Oakville (Town) - Request for Instructions- Heritage Designation By-Law 2023-154 Appeal - Bentley Family Farmhouse - 3444 Trafalgar Road

• Moved by Councillor Gittings

  That the confidential direction provided in the Legal Department Confidential Report OLT Case Number OLT-23-001257 - DGB Trafalgar Limited v. Oakville (Town) - Request for Instructions - Heritage Designation By-law 2023-154 Appeal - Bentley Family Farmhouse - 3444 Trafalgar Road dated April 15, 2025 be approved.

  CARRIED

11.

Confidential Discussion Item(s)

11.1

2022-2026 Accessibility Advisory Committee Vacancy

• Moved by Councillor Gittings

  That option 1 be appointed to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the remaining 2022 – 2026 term of Council, or until a successor is appointed, as outlined in Appendix A to report, Citizen Appointment to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the remainder of the 2022 to 2026 Term of Council.

  CARRIED

11.2

Appointment of Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer 2025

• Moved by Councillor Duddeck
  1. That Sheryl Ayres, Commissioner of Corporate Services, be appointed Treasurer and Jonathan van der Heiden, Director of Finance, be appointed Deputy Treasurer, effective May 1, 2025.
  2. That By-law 2025-087 be passed and that By-law 2024-194 be repealed.
  3. That this resolution be made public.
  CARRIED

12.

Advisory Committee Minutes

12.1

Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes, March 20, 2025

• Moved by Councillor Gittings

  That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes dated March 20, 2025, be approved.

  CARRIED

13.

Rise and Report to Council

• Moved by Councillor Elgar

  That this Committee rise and report.

  CARRIED
• Moved by Councillor Lishchyna
  Seconded by Councillor Grant

  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, 8.7, 8.8, Confidential Consent Items 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, Confidential Discussions Items 11.1, 11.2 and Advisory Committee Minutes 12.1.

  CARRIED

14.

Information Items (Circulated Electronically)

14.1

Council Information March 12 - April 15, 2025

14.2

INTERNAL MEMO - Municipal Enforcement Services RE: Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund (STREF) - Grant Approval

14.3

INTERNAL MEMO - Clerk's Department RE: Municipal Clearance for Liquor Sales Licence II Bacio Spa Club, Tabule Oakville Inc. , ColorEat

14.4

INTERNAL MEMO - Legal and Municipal Enforcement Services RE: Draft Safe Access to Vulnerable Social Infrastructure By-law

14.5

INTERNAL MEMO - Oakville Fire RE: Simultaneous Notification April 01, 2025

14.6

INTERNAL MEMO – Municipal Enforcement Services RE: Immobilization of Vehicles on Private Property Using Parking Boots or Other Such Devices

14.7

INTERNAL MEMO – Clerk’s Department RE: Municipal Clearance for Liquor Sales Licence AMICA Glen Abbey Inc., Mesopotamic Kebab House

15.

Status of Outstanding Issues

16.

New Business

Councillor Chisholm congratulated the Fire Chief, Fire Department and Medical Services for coming together under new technology to have real time response time.

Councillor Haslett-Theall congratulated the Oakville United Way Team that raised over $87, 250.00 this year.

Councillor Knoll congratulated the successful candidates in Monday's election. He also announced that the Oakville Family Ribfest is taking place on June 19th - 22nd at Sheridan College. It is a fundraiser for the Rotary Club. He also congratulated the Oakville Rotary Club for 100 years of community service.

Mayor Burton and Councillor Xie congratulated the Easter Seals for their wonderful fundraiser and further congratulated Councillor O'Meara on his participation in the event. 

Councillor Xie stated that May is Asian Heritage month and has invited everyone to the official flag raising Monday at Town Hall. He has also invited everyone to the Second Asian Heritage Festival event at Fowley Park on May 24th. 

16.1

Notice of Motion - Advocacy Plan for Midtown OPA and TOC

• Moved by Councillor Haslett-Theall
  Seconded by Councillor Gittings

  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 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 fails to align with the draft Midtown OPA and may prioritize excessive density over balanced, timely, and sustainable development; and

  WHEREAS Oakville continues to exceed provincial housing targets, achieving 125% of its 2024 housing supply goal through proactive, 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 and support for Council’s approved planning direction;

  THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

  1. Staff be directed to provide a report to Council at the next Council meeting outlining the advocacy strategy and actions taken to date in support of the Midtown OPA, including engagement with:
  • The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing,
  • The Minister of Infrastructure,
  • MPP Stephen Crawford, and
  • MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos; and
  • The recommendations on a government relations advocate
  2. Council receive regular updates from the Mayor and staff on advocacy progress and provincial engagement related to the Midtown OPA and the TOC proposal, to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with Council’s direction.
  3. That local Councillors be invited to participate in meetings with the Ministers and MPPS.
  4. That Councillors be invited to participate in delegations at the upcoming Association of Municipalities conference should the decisions of the Ministry still not be resolved

17.

Regional Reports and Question Period Regarding Town Boards and Advisory Committees

18.

Requests for Reports

19.

Consideration and Reading of By-Laws

• Moved by Councillor Chisholm
  Seconded by Councillor Longo

  That Under Section 2(2) of the Procedure By-law, Council waive the Section 20.1 (1) requiring that by-laws be listed on the agenda; for the consideration of by-law 2025-087, A by-law to appoint a Treasurer and a Deputy Treasurer for The Corporation of the Town of Oakville.

  CARRIED

19.1

By-law 2025-053

A by-law to amend By-law 1984-1 (The Traffic By-law)

19.2

By-law 2025-062

A By-law to amend By-law 2024-002 Municipal Right of Way By-law (RE: Item 8.8)

19.3

By-law 2025-064

A by-law to establish rules governing the calling, place, proceedings and provisions of public notice of meetings of Council and Committees (RE: Item 8.4)

19.4

By-law 2025-070

A by-law to provide a rebate of taxes for eligible senior property owners (RE: Item 8.3)

19.5

By-law 2025-071

A by-law to provide for the levying of rates for the year 2025 (RE: Item 8.2)

19.6

By-law 2025-072

A by-law respecting the maintenance, use and protection of Town-owned and/or leased municipal parking lots (RE: Item 8.8)

19.7

By-law 2025-073

A by-law to amend Administrative Penalties for Non- Parking Violations and Orders By-law 2021-038 (RE: Item 8.8)

19.8

By-law 2025-092

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

19.9

By-law 2025-087

A by-law to appoint a Treasurer and a Deputy Treasurer for The Corporation of the Town of Oakville and to repeal By-law 2024-194 and 2019-028

• Moved by Councillor Chisholm
  Seconded by Councillor Longo

  That the by-laws noted above be passed.

  CARRIED
• The Mayor gave written approval of the by-laws noted above that were passed during the meeting.

20.

Delegated Authority By-laws

The following by-law(s) was prepared under the authority of amending By-law 2023-01, as amended. - A by-law to delegate certain powers and duties under the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001 c.25, the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 c. P. 13, and other Acts.

20.1

By-law 2025-035

A by-law to remove Holding “H” Provision on lands described as Part of Lot 8 & 9, Concession 1 NDS. Mattamy (Joshua Creek) Limited, File No. ZH 9/24

10.

Discussion Item(s)

10.1

Potential Protest By-law near Vulnerable Social Infrastructure

The following delegates spoke to this item: Kumar Gyanchandani representing Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Canada (VHP Canada); Sandy von Kaldenberg; Zakia Suleman and Alice OCarroll Dickie, Salomé Rodríguez Solarte; Sumreenah Hashim; Richard Robertson representing B'nai Birth Canada; Nancy Freedman representing Shaarei Beth el Synagogue; Rishma Mangat.

• Moved by Councillor Knoll
  Seconded by Councillor Lishchyna
  1. That staff be directed to revise the draft By-law 2025-088 with the following amendments:

  1. 1. The by-law shall apply only to places of worship as well as premises used on a temporary basis to host religious ceremonies or services;
     2. The by-law shall apply only during the times that such ceremonies or services are actively taking place, including a reasonable period immediately before and after;
     3. The by-law shall apply to all municipal properties, or parts thereof, within fifty (50) metres from the boundaries of the properties in paragraph a.
  2. The by-law shall apply to all municipal properties, or parts thereof, within fifty (50) metres from the boundaries of the properties in paragraph a.
  3. That the revised by-laws be presented to Council at a future Council meeting for passage, as soon as possible, without a separate report.
  4. That consideration of the by-law’s application to any other forms of vulnerable social infrastructure (such as healthcare, social services, or educational institutions) shall be deferred for a period of one year, to allow time for the federal government to act on its commitment made during the 2025 federal election as announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney to introduce protective legislation.
  5. That staff be directed to monitor federal developments and return to Council with a report and recommendations no later than May 1, 2026 regarding the potential future expansion of the by-law’s application to other vulnerable social infrastructure.
  6. That Council requests the Attorney-Generals of Ontario and Canada introduce legislation to make it an offence to intentionally and willfully obstruct access to any place of worship, school, and other vulnerable social infrastructure, and an offence to willfully intimidate or threaten those attending services at these locations, while allowing peaceful protests or demonstrations.
  7. A copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Minister of the Attorney General for Ontario, the Members of Parliament and Provincial Parliament for Oakville, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, to express the Town of Oakville’s support for federal action to protect places of worship and other community spaces from targeted protest and hate-motivated disruption.
  8. That the report from the Legal Department and Municipal Enforcement Services titled "Potential Protest By-law near Vulnerable Social Infrastructure", dated April 15, 2025, be approved.

   

   
• The Mayor separated the sections for consideration.
• Moved by Councillor Knoll
  Seconded by Councillor Lishchyna
  8. That the report from the Legal Department and Municipal Enforcement Services titled "Potential Protest By-law near Vulnerable Social Infrastructure”, dated April 15 2025, be received.
  CARRIED
• Moved by Councillor Knoll
  Seconded by Councillor Lishchyna
  1. That staff be directed to revise the draft By-law 2025-088 with the following amendments:

  1. 1. The by-law shall apply only to places of worship as well as premises used on a temporary basis to host religious ceremonies or services;
     2. The by-law shall apply only during the times that such ceremonies or services are actively taking place, including a reasonable period immediately before and after;
     3. The by-law shall apply to all municipal properties, or parts thereof, within fifty (50) metres from the boundaries of the properties in paragraph a.
  2. The by-law shall apply to all municipal properties, or parts thereof, within fifty (50) metres from the boundaries of the properties in paragraph a.
  3. That the revised by-laws be presented to Council at a future Council meeting for passage, as soon as possible, without a separate report.
  4. That consideration of the by-law’s application to any other forms of vulnerable social infrastructure (such as healthcare, social services, or educational institutions) shall be deferred for a period of one year, to allow time for the federal government to act on its commitment made during the 2025 federal election as announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney to introduce protective legislation.
  5. That staff be directed to monitor federal developments and return to Council with a report and recommendations no later than May 1, 2026 regarding the potential future expansion of the by-law’s application to other vulnerable social infrastructure.
  6. That Council requests the Attorney-Generals of Ontario and Canada introduce legislation to make it an offence to intentionally and willfully obstruct access to any place of worship, school, and other vulnerable social infrastructure, and an offence to willfully intimidate or threaten those attending services at these locations, while allowing peaceful protests or demonstrations.
  7. A copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Minister of the Attorney General for Ontario, the Members of Parliament and Provincial Parliament for Oakville, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, to express the Town of Oakville’s support for federal action to protect places of worship and other community spaces from targeted protest and hate-motivated disruption.
• RECESS

  The meeting recessed at 7:57 p.m.

21.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned 10:30 p.m.

The meeting did not resume before 10:30 p.m.  As per Section 19 of the Procedure By-law, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.  As per Section 18 of the Procedure By-law, item 10.1 will be carried to another meeting.