Ward 3 Councillors' Request for TOC Advocacy Plan

On May 1, Councillors Haslett-Theall and Gittings introduced a notice motion to Council calling for a detailed staff report on advocacy efforts to date, regular updates to Council, and Councillor participation in provincial meetings and the AMO conference if decisions remain unresolved.  The May 1st Town Council Meeting is on Youtube here - timestamp 31:50.

The following is copied from the Ward 3 Councillors Newsletter of May 9, 2025.

On May 1 we tabled a notice of motion regarding our concerns on the status of advocacy for the OPA and TOC. The OPA sets reasonable land use permissions that satisfy Provincial housing targets, while recognizing the serious constraints of the area and the critical importance of a livable neighbourhood for all. A strong, united approach to advocacy led by  Mayor Burton, with the support MPP Crawford is needed. Our community wants to ensure the incredible effort of all of us to achieve a bold but responsible OPA is respected and approved by the new Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

OPA 70 is the result of considerable thoughtful evaluation by planners, markets analysts, economists, lawyers, engineers and the public. It is balanced, defensible and with a collaborative approach by all has potential to be vibrant liveable neighbourhood.

TOC: We have not as yet received any direct confirmation or communication from the Ministry of Infrastructure on the status of the TOC. The Mayor recently advised at an AGM that another proposal may be forthcoming this spring.  We will continue to advocate that the TOC must align with the locally approved OPA.  We have requested the CAO update Council on the status of the TOC and that the Mayor and Council uphold their unanimous decision to support the OPA and reject the TOC.  Watch for letter-writing campaigns from resident associations across Oakville which you can participate in.  We have a responsible plan for Midtown; it is time for the Province to cut the red tape and respect local planning. 

• 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