The following updates were posted in our Ward 3 Town and Regional update, published by Councillors Gittings and Haslett-Theall. The full update in online here.
NEW Midtown Official Plan Amendment Released
Over the past few months, Town staff have undertaken additional research to inform the new draft of the Midtown OPA being presented to our community. The new Draft Official Plan Amendment (OPA) for Midtown Oakville (pdf) is now out for public review. Over the next month, residents will have time to consider the proposed changes and prepare for delegations at the Planning & Development meeting which will be held on Oct 28. Residents are welcome/ encouraged to view the Council workshop being held on Oct 10 to learn more. A public Open House will be held in Nov/Dec.Â
We share Some key changes staff are highlighting:
Similar to the existing Official Plan policies, new development is subject to a height range in the new draft Midtown OPA. Increases to height thresholds may be considered as part of development permit approval authorized through a new-to-Oakville tool – a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS). For example, to achieve additional height above the threshold, developers are required to contribute to livability in Midtown by providing community benefits such as additional parkland, pedestrian walkways, dedicate some of their floors or units as affordable housing, or provide a cash contribution towards other types of community benefits in Midtown.
While developers can request increases in building height thresholds, a maximum density still applies.Â
Updated population numbers
In 2023, the town’s population forecast projected up to 442,000 residents and 212,100 jobs by 2051, based on a combination of provincial forecasts, regional growth management analysis - Joint Best Planning Estimates (JBPE), economic growth, employment patterns, which a number of Council members challenged!
Following a recent town-initiated review, the numbers have been adjusted to reflect more current preliminary data, estimating a slightly lower population of up to 388,000 residents and 190,600 jobs by 2051.Â
Based on current market conditions and demographic trends, the staff are reporting " a new forecast for Midtown results in a conservative estimate of 29,900 residents and jobs combined by 2051. The previous target established in the 2009 Livable Oakville Plan was 20,000 residents and jobs by 2031."
The town recognizes that population forecasts are prone to fluctuations, and it is important to keep that in mind for long-term projects spanning over two to three decades
Transit Oriented Community Plan of the Province
With the release of the new Midtown OPA, it’s time for the Province to step back!
The TOC is duplicating work that the town has already invested time and considerable efforts in. Midtown must be planned as a whole community, not on an ad hoc or piecemeal basis.
To be successful Midtown requires comprehensive long-term planning, to achieve a sustainable complete community with the important infrastructure that supports livability.
To quote Minister Calandra from his speech at the Association of Municipality conference in August. The new Provincial Planning Statement :Â
"recognizes that Municipalities understand local challenges and priorities when it comes to building homes and the types of homes that are needed to be built. It is you who know best what you should be building in your communities for your residents."Â
We agree! Municipalities do understand the needs of their communities.
We support responsible growth that provides for the social, economic and environmental needs of a new Midtown not hyper-density, which will negatively impact those who live, work, shop and traverse the area.
We can achieve housing that positively contributes to Provincial housing needs AND makes sense for Midtown’s severely constrained 1 sq km in a way that residents will want to call it home.
Let Oakville plan the future of our community!
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