Why Move to Oakville, Burlington, or Milton? Halton safest region in Canada and GTA
December 17th, 2011 Categories: Around Kerr Village, Latest Real Estate Market News & Stats, Oakville Real Estate News, Oakville Town Planning & Development, Real Estate News, Why Move to Oakville?
Thinking of moving to Oakville, Burlington or Milton?
For the fourth year in a row, Halton region (which comprises Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Acton) has been ranked the safest regionial municipality in the Greater Toronto Area, and in Canada.
This distinction, according to Maclean’s magazine, a major Canadian magazine, in its 2010 rankings. These rankings are based on crime data from Statistics Canada. Conversely, Prince George, B.C. was given the title of Canada’s most crime-ridden city.
According to the Oakville Beaver today, Regional Chair Gary Carr said “This achievement is the result of our residents, businesses and local municipalities, working together with Halton Regional Police to ensure that this is a safe place to live, work, raise a family and retire.”
Wayne and I attended a recent meeting of the West Kerr Residents Association, the neighbourhood where we live, and the local police officer assigned to our community spoke on pro-active work that he is doing to ensure safety in the area. This is one of the reasons why so many people that are moving to Canada from other countries choose to settle in the Oakville-Burlington-Milton area.
Call Wayne or Hilary Shantz NOW at 905 599 3311 to find out more about moving to Halton Region.
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Most Livable town: “Livable Oakville” official plan finalized
May 16th, 2011 Categories: Green Trends, Historical Oakville, Oakville Real Estate News, Oakville Town Planning & Development, Why Move to Oakville?
Oakville, most livable town in Canada
Some of you may be aware that the Town of Oakville has finalized a comprehensive official plan called “Livable Oakville” to help keep plans on track for Oakville to deserve the moniker of “Most Livable town in Canada”.
In a recent survey of residents (conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights), 800 residents chosen randomly were asked:
“What are the greatest challenges facing Oakville in its goal of being the most livable town in Canada?”
Top challenges identified were:
Cost of living 9%
Town expansion 8%
Public Transportation 8%
Parking 8%
While in previous years growth and development were identified as the greatest challenges facing Oakville, the good news is that Oakville is dealing with growth in a responsible and sustainable way, according to the survey.
Environmental concerns are at the forefront, when making decisions. Concern over growth has dropped substantially since 2004.
“Livable Oakville”, the Town’s adopted Official Plan, establishes a new policy framework and identifies the growth areas of Midtown (a provincial Urban Growth Centre), Uptown Core, Palermo Village, Kerr Village, Bronte Village and Downtown Oakville. I will be reporting more on each of these growth centres in future.
The new plan also introduces new policies relating to:
- The mission statement and guiding principles
- General policies
- Land use designations
- Special policy areas
- Implementation tools and interpretation
For more details about this see the Town of Oakville website
If you liked this post see also:
Oakville 2011 Citizens Survey – Oakville is tops in livability say residents
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Oakville 2011 Citizens Survey – Oakville is tops in livability say residents
May 16th, 2011 Categories: Downtown Oakville, Historical Oakville, Oakville Town Planning & Development
Oakville great place to live
What do Oakville residents think of living in this Town?
Most of us who live here agree that it’s a terrific place to live and raise a family. If you go around town and chat with locals you are likely to come to that conclusion.
Need some more hard facts?
Pollara Strategic Insights conducted a telephone survey on behalf of the Town of Oakville.
A random sample of 800 residents were asked about their views on living in Oakville.
Thought I would report back on the latest results from the 2011 Oakville Citizens Survey.
Highlights:
Feelings of belonging/Being safe 94%
Quality of Buildings/overall appearance 90%
Protection of heritage 90%
Information to residents 85%
Responding to community needs 83%
Protection of environment 83%
Public involvement in government 77%
Managing tax dollars 67%
When residents were also asked whether or not they were satisfied with town services, Eight of the 11 services received satisfaction levels of over 80%, with more details below:
Parks 91%
Library 90%
Recreation facilities 90%
Recreation Programs 88%
Haabour/waterfront 87%
Roads 83%
Fire 82%
Cultural programs 81%
For more information on current and past survey results you can go to www.oakville.ca or contact the Strategy, Policy and Communications deptartment at 905-845-6601 ext. 3689 at the Town of Oakville.
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Condominiums are on the rise in Oakville
April 11th, 2011 Categories: Downtown Oakville, Fifty-five plus, Oakville Town Planning & Development
One of Oakville's latest condominium projects
Oakville is enjoying a balanced real estate market so far this year unlike some of our neighbours in Mississauga who are still in the midst of a sellers market with multiple offers still occuring on a regular basis. Historically, Oakville has been a family-friendly community that has carefully balanced growth with maintaining proper infrastructure, green spaces and protection of heritage sites. As a result most residential development tended to focus on detached, semi and townhouse type developments. However of late, condominiums are playing a much bigger role in Oakville’s growth with new developments such as Rain Condos, The Shores & Edgemere Estate beginning to take form.
Condos are more popular in Oakville than ever. With Oakville’s geographical boundaries having stretched out pretty well as far as they can, real estate developers and town planners are looking for innovative ways to find more space to accomodate growth.
Some of the most popular condos in Oakville if you are looking to downsize or are looking for a more convenient, maintenance-free lifestyle are;
1. Emporium Condominiums – New condos in north Oakville’s Joshua Creek
2. The Granary Condos – 100 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
3. Ennisclare 1 Condos – 2175 & 2185 Marine Drive, Oakville
4. One Eleven Forsythe – 111 Forsythe St, Oakville | Luxury Downtown Oakville Condos
5. Edgemere Estate – Oakville Lakefront Luxury Condominium Residences
6. Bronte Harbour Club – 2511 Lakeshore Rd West, Oakville
7. Wyndham Place – New condos coming to downtown Oakville
8. The Shores – New luxury waterfront condos coming to Oakville’s Bronte Harbour
9. Oakridge Heights Condos – 40, 50, 60 Old Mill Road, Oakville
10. Rain Condos – New Condos coming to Oakville’s Kerr Village
Which is your favourite condo development? Do you believe that Oakville should continue to encourage condo construction or does it ruin the quaint, charming character of Canada’s most livable town. I look forward to your thoughts.
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NEW Mattamy North Oakville Homes: You can now pre-register
January 22nd, 2011 Categories: North Oakville Development, Oakville Real Estate News, Oakville Town Planning & Development
Developing lands north of Dundas in Oakville
This is a heads-up to let you know that Mattamy Homes has now begun pre-registrations on their website for this developer’s first offering of homes in North Oakville (lands above Dundas).
Expected to be called “The Preserve”, this new development will be located east of Neyagawa and just north of Dundas.
Many people were disappointed that the Woodland Trails housing community being offered by Starlane and Rosehaven were both SOLD OUT in a matter of days, before they could take a look at them. These companies prioritized appointments for the public based on the order in which they pre-registered on their websites. So you may wish to go to the website now to pre-register if you are interested in this development.
Mattamy is the largest land owner in the North Oakville area. To read more about plans for lands north of Dundas in Oakville, see my earlier posts:
Oakville Development North of Dundas: What’s Happening?
News on NorthOakville Development: OMB Gives Approval for Greenbelt
To access Mattamy’s website pre-registration page: http://www.mattamyhomes.com/GTA/Communities/Oakville/North-Oakville/Registration.asp
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Oakville residents: You’re all invited to a party to celebrate power plant victory
October 13th, 2010 Categories: Green Trends, Oakville Events, Oakville Town Planning & Development, South East Oakville
Oakville Harbour
As a C4CA street captain, I want to get the word out that a party, a night of music, fun and food is being planned for:
Friday, October 15, 2010 (6:30 – 9:00 p.m.)
Chisholm Education Centre Parking Lot (1484 Cornwall Road).
This event willl take place rain or shine, so we are encouraged to dress appropriately for fall weather.
To recognize the collective efforts of our amazing community, the evening will be compliments of C4CA (Coalition for Clean Air), the organization of local residents that has successfully lobbied for stopping the power plant from being built in Oakville and GTA (Greater Toronto Area).
FOOD BANK: our local food bank can always use our help as there are currently 5,000 residents relying on it.
Priority needs are canned fruit and vegetables, brown and white rice, canola oil, healthy cereal and diapers. If you bring these items to the event, they will be transported to the food bank.
Wayne and I look forwarded to seeing you all there!
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OAKVILLE POWER PLANT STOPPED!
October 7th, 2010 Categories: Green Trends, Oakville Events, Oakville Town Planning & Development
Great news for Oakville residents!
It’s official!
We will not be having a power plant built in south east Oakville.
This is amazing news for all residents and a great example of how powerful grass roots community efforts a la Erin Brokovich can be.
To read more about the announcement this afternoon from MPP Kevin Flynn, click here.
C4CA is to be commended for an amazing job and probably the most organized and effective lobby and campaign effort at the residents level ever sustained in Ontario.
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Oakville Candidates for Mayor Answer Questions
October 6th, 2010 Categories: Oakville Events, Oakville Town Planning & Development, Things to Do in Oakville, Why Move to Oakville?
Wayne and I attended an all-candidates question and answer session last night at Glen Abbey United Church, hosted by the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. It was an opportunity for townsfolk to ask questions of our 2010 Oakville mayoral candidates.
Four Oakville mayoral candidates answer questions
The church was packed, with standing room only (about 450 attendees). Incumbent Rob Burton (who lives on my street), previous mayor, Ann Muvale, John McLaughlin and Raymond Ray are this year’s candidates.
I have attended quite a few Town of Oakville sessions where Mayor Burton and his staff have talked about all the “state of the art” improvements (more extensive bus system, sports complexes, community centre, etc. ) that have already and will be added, under his administration. All of these new initiatives have positively impacted Oakville quality of life over the last 4 years. This cannot be denied.
Some 450 or more Oakville residents attended
But the main thrust of last night’s debate was the other three contenders accusing Mr. Burton of “fiscal irresponsibility”. How will all this get paid for? Is it not inevitable that our property taxes will go up?
Also the portion of the cost of the new hospital for which the Town is responsible is going to be a burden on us and our kids.
Another point raised by Mr. McLaughlin and Mr Ray was that businesses are not being attracted to Oakville because it costs so much to operate a business here, versus, say Markham. This will mean that residents will bear the brunt of the costs incurred going forward.
With respect to the proposed power plant, there was, as you can imagine, much discussion. Ms. Mulvale said “this would not have been a possibility, under my watch!” While Mayor Burton contended “I am convinced it will never get built”.
We had to duck out near the end to pick up our daughter.
I have yet to make up my mind about who will get my vote on October 25th. But I am certainly more informed about the issues, having attended this session. This is why the democratic process is so important! When I only listened to Mr. Burton speak over the last few years, I had not thought about the issues from another point of view.
I was impressed by all the candidates, and their knowledge of the issues that are at the forefront of most of our minds, whether the new Oakville hospital, power plant, property taxes, environmental issues, attracting businesses to Oakville, creating more world class festivals that draw visitors and fostering the arts.
What are your thoughts?
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Outrage in Oakville over Power Plant
February 12th, 2010 Categories: Green Trends, Oakville Events, Oakville Town Planning & Development, South East Oakville
Locating power plant near homes and schools "pure folly"
“This is not a NIMBY issue” says local South East Oakville resident
What started as disapproval and concern has turned to OUTRAGE over proposed Transcanada power plant to be built in South East Oakville.
The Middleton Connectiut expolosion which killed five and injured 12 workers Sunday morning has local residentss group Citizens for Clean Air (C4CA) calling for an immediate moratorium.
At a residents rally a couple of weeks ago, Oakville Mayor Burton told me that if we were not able to stop the plant, the Town would work to minimize its potential fallout on the community by restrictive bylaws. But most of us who live within vicinity of the site now feel that line of thinking is no longer good enough!
Locating a plant just 400 metres from homes and schools is “pure folly”, were sentiments expressed in Oakville Beaver article.
Mayor Burton has invited Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, to take a personal tour of the site, formerly owned by Ford Motor Company, along with Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn.
Talking last night to Brenda Phelan Potter (who along with her young son Quinn were helping us at the warehouse pack the last few boxes of relief items for Haiti), “Finally people outside of SouthEast Oakville are beginning to see that this is not merely a NIMBY issue”.
Here is part of a note that Brenda emailed me this morning, which I include with permission:
“From the beginning, we have been fighting the perception outside of our local area that the opposition to this massive gas fired power plant was really just a NIMBY issue.
People have a pre-conceived notion about South East Oakville and so it was considered by many that this was just some rich folks from Oakville whining about their neighbourhod.
In fact, we are not all rich, and the fact is that this proposal could be facing any other local community in Ontario. Gas fired power plants do not belong in residential neighbourhoods. It is ridiculous to think otherwise. The Clarkson air shed is already over taxed with pollution. Our air shed is 14% more polluted than the Ontario average because of the 57 local emitters that we have currently including St. Lawrence Cement that runs their coal furnaces 24 hours/7 days a week and the traffic that passes by us every day on the QEW. Adding additional toxins to any air shed that is already over-taxed makes no sense.
Unfortunately, the tragedy in Middletown last Sunday also showed everyone that ….Accidents happen.
The Middletown plant was a much farther distance away from a residential neighbourhood than the plant proposed for Oakville and yet, 5 people died and a dozen were injured.
We have 11,000 residents within a 3KM radius and 16 schools. The Middletown Gas Fired Power Plant is 50% smaller than the proposed plant for Oakville. No one can guarantee us that a tragic accident will not happen here.
Brenda also highlighted a John Tory interview on CFRB 1010 Newstalk this week.
”The Mayor was interviewed and did a good job highlighting the issues related to safety and health.
John Tory said that in his opinion our opposition to the Oakville Generating Station does not qualify as NIMBYism because of two factors:
1-There is most definitely a health and safety factor with this plant especially after the Middletown tragedy
2-The Clarkson Air shed community has already taken on more than their fair share of burden in terms of emissions (57 other local emitters plus the QEW).”
So there! I join with Brenda, and John Tory, in saying this is not a NIMBY issue.
Why is the Premier, the Ontario Government, TransCanada and Ford willing to put our community, or any community for that matter, at risk ?
Your thoughts?
Read also:
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Oakville Mayor wants your input on new hospital levy: Are you prepared to pay more property taxes?
February 9th, 2010 Categories: North Oakville Development, Oakville Town Planning & Development
Most of us are aware of the new Hospital to be built in the North West of Oakville (Palermo).
Halton Healthcare Services has asked the Town of Oakville to contribute $200 million dollars to this project beginning in 2015. The Town will need to borrow money to fund its contribution, which can be financed over 30 years. The total amount paid will be more than $200 million because of interest costs – just like a mortgage.
Here’s how $200 million dollars could impact your property taxes:
Cost
- Tax impact per $100,000 of assessment begins in 2015 at $15 per year, increasing to $35 per year over 30 years
Benefits
- Hospital opens in 2015
- Hospital able to add proposed new services, and equipment
- Provides capacity for future expansion and enhancements to medical services
Mayor Rob Burton is soliciting feedback from the community.
While it is a great opportunity for a community like Oakville to build a new state-of-the-art hospital, paying a new tax levy could be challenging for residents.
Contributing the requested funds for the new hospital will also slightly reduce the town’s ability to borrow money for local infrastructure and facilities such as roads, bridges and libraries.
Your feedback matters, you my participate in the following ways:
- Read key questions and answers about the new hospital
- Read the January 26, 2010, news release
- Complete the online survey
- Register for the public meeting on February 11, 2010
For more information about the new hospital, visit www.newoakvillehospital.ca
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