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Mayor notes community wish list in annual update From waterfront purchases to community centre requests, Oakville listens to its residents by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 3 | Thursday, October 10, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville Mayor Rob Burton listed victories at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), the Town's continuing work to fight the emerald ash borer and a property tax hike that was in line with inflation as just a few of the Town's achievements in the past year. Burton says everyone -- from residents, business leaders, volunteers, councillors, Town staff and others -- is helping Oakville draw a little closer to its goal of being the most livable town in Canada. "Our record of success shows that we can be trusted to do the best for Oakville," said Burton, during the Mayor's Annual Oakville Status Report, which he delivered at Town Hall Monday night. "When a decision is being made our way is to do more than just notify you. We engage you. We trust you to help us make the best decision. "We, as a council, believe in public engagement. In Oakville, public engagement is democracy in action between elections." Burton listed five major achievements over the past year including the first successful test of the Town's new Livable Oakville Official Plan. In May, the OMB dismissed an appeal by a developer to overturn a council decision. Council had refused a Lakeshore Road West subdivision development on the grounds that the proposal was too dense for the area under Oakville's Official Plan. Burton also noted the Town was able to boost municipal services and facilities despite keeping this year's property tax increase in line with inflation. The Town's 2013 budget saw a 3.01 per cent hike to the Town portion of the tax bill, however, when combined with a 0.8 per cent increase in Halton Region's budget and no hike to education rates, the hike was reduced to a 1.47 per cent increase to residential property taxes. In eyeing the 2014 budget, council has unanimously voted to keep We know you want a new community and health centre on the old hospital site. You want a new community and seniors' centre with a restored and revitalized Oakville Arena on Kerr Street. You want a reinvigorated and updated Centennial Square. You want a community centre for North Park. Mayor Rob Burton Oakville the tax increase at no more than 1.5 per cent The acquisition of significant pieces of Oakville's waterfront -- Edgemere Estate and 394 Lakeshore Rd. E. -- the reduction of air pollution through the Town's Health Protection Air Quality Bylaw, and Halton being named the safest regional municipality in Canada by Maclean's magazine, were also noted as reasons to celebrate. "How good was this year? We even had good weather for the Canadian Open," said Burton. "The last two times they were here, we rained them out." Burton said Oakville is on track to reach its goal of a 40 per cent urban tree cover by 2057. The mayor said the Town is working to protect its woodlands by waging Canada's most aggres- sive fight against the emerald ash borer, protecting Oakville's Natural Heritage System with Natural Trails Standards, and piloting a program with the Oakvillegreen Conservation Association that seeks to spread awareness and public education about the importance of respecting and protecting Oakville's Natural Trails and Heritage System. Burton also looked to the future in the area of community centre development, in which he said many residents have shown great interest. "We know you want a new community and health centre on the old hospital site. You want a new community and seniors' centre with a restored and revitalized Oakville Arena on Kerr Street. You want a reinvigorated and updated Centennial Square. You want a community centre for North Park. Each of these projects will be designed with you to make our town more livable," said Burton. The Town is seeking public input in these areas. see Mayor on p.11 Peace of Mind doesn't have to cost more. Let us show you how to save more to do the things that you love with your family. + BIG = SAVINGS You deserve to be rewarded! Call us today for a Home & Auto insurance quote. Compare & Save Today! 1-877-633-4840