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Oakville’s Community Sustainability Plan
Final: August 2014
2
What is Let’s Be Livable? .................................................................................................. 3
What makes Oakville ‘livable’? ...................................................................................... 4
What is the potential for change in Oakville? .............................................................. 6
What is already happening? .......................................................................................... 7
At the town ..................................................................................................................... 7
In the community ........................................................................................................... 8
By businesses .................................................................................................................. 8
What has already been said?....................................................................................... 10
A common vision for the future ................................................................................. 10
Emerging themes ......................................................................................................... 10
Exciting ideas for action ............................................................................................. 12
How can I act? ................................................................................................................ 13
Going forward ................................................................................................................. 16
Appendix A: About Let’s Be Livable ............................................................................ 19
Appendix B: Community contributors ......................................................................... 22
Appendix C: What is the town doing? ........................................................................ 23
Appendix D: What is the community doing? ............................................................. 28
Appendix E: What more can be done? Ideas for community action ................... 33
Appendix F: Summary of ideas heard during consultation ...................................... 39
Appendix G: Discussion paper ..................................................................................... 45
3
What is Let’s Be Livable?
Let’s Be Livable is a process to enhance community engagement, foster
creativity, and spark action to make Oakville the most livable town in
Canada. The result is the Oakville Community Sustainability Plan, created in
fall 2014. The plan is intended to be an adaptive platform which will help to
define the way for the community of Oakville to achieve sustainability for
present and future generations. One of the deliverables of the plan is to
provide the community with a guide to implement changes to increase
sustainability and enhance the quality of life in Oakville. The Oakville
Community Sustainability Plan aims to foster community partnerships and
strengthen community resiliency. The plan and process were based around
the four pillars of sustainability and integrate economic, social, environmental
and cultural aspects. Ultimately, the goal is for the community to take
ownership of the plan and the resulting actions. The plan is intended to be a
living document, changing over time as the community builds capacity in the
area of sustainability. As broader community sector uptake occurs, the plan
will evolve as well.
Let’s Be Livable is part of the Vision 2057 framework that integrates the town’s
master plans governed by three principle documents: Council’s Strategic Plan,
Livable Oakville – the town’s official plan, and the Let’s Be Livable Community
Sustainability Plan.
Create it! Preserve it! Afford it! Live it!
Learn more about the process to develop Let’s Be Livable
in Appendix A.
4
What makes Oakville ‘livable’?
In order to achieve sustainable actions at
the community level, we must first
determine what foundations for
sustainability already exist. Taking stock of
what is already being done at the town, in
the community and by businesses helps
give us an understanding of the programs,
initiatives and organizations contributing to
sustainability in Oakville. This helps in
identifying opportunities for collaboration
between groups, or synergies between
initiatives where partnerships can be
formed. There have been hundreds of community contributors in the Let’s be Livable
process; a list of these contributors can be found in Appendix B.
Oakville is a wonderful town that residents love to call home. A lot of information has
been collected about what makes Oakville livable, and what residents love most of all!
Oakville is livable because of our…
Gro
wth
an
d
De
ve
lop
me
nt Vibrant town core
Family-centered subdivisions with schools
Low population density
Options for living (condo, townhouse, homes, etc.) for all stages of life
Am
en
itie
s
Ability and access to things to do – parks, trails, structures, community
events, etc.
Downtown core with businesses and residential
Small classroom sizes
New hospital
Amazing sports and recreation complexes
Transit and alternative transportation focus
Entertainment options for all ages to enjoy
5
En
viro
nm
en
t Large amount of green space, trees
Less traffic than surrounding municipalities
Big trees
Balance of parkland and urban space
Commitment to maintain our waterfront as open space
So
cia
l a
nd
Cu
ltu
ral A
spe
cts
Small town vibe/family-friendly
Excellent education system
Safety for children
Old-time charm
Sense of community
Safety, security, and cleanliness
Individuals involved in community
Focus on various age groups (retired, new families, students, etc.)
Welcoming and opening atmosphere
Oth
er
Great location in relation to amenities in Toronto and the USA
Strong town identity and policies
Affordability
6
What is the potential for change in Oakville?
A more sustainable and livable Town of Oakville can be achieved through the
implementation of this plan by the community, with assistance and guidance
from the town. There are dozens of active community groups in Oakville, many
of which are already dedicated to improving Oakville’s environment, and/or
contributing to the betterment of the Oakville economic, social and cultural
fabric. Through open discussion and collaboration between these groups, there
is potential to find common goals to work towards, to synergize their efforts, and,
help make Oakville the most livable town in Canada. Let’s take a moment to
imagine the potential change that could result when our community works
together.
Community groups with interest in trails, parks and greenspace in Oakville could
collaborate to help clean and maintain these areas. They might undertake
activities such as group trail walks or bike rides to share these areas with new
community members, fostering a culture of outdoor appreciation in Oakville.
Our greenspaces will be well maintained and respected, creating opportunities
for wildlife to flourish.
Other groups may use our open spaces to create community gardens, where
residents can grow and share their own food locally. Community gardens could
be used as a teaching tool to show children where food comes from, and to
help them understand the importance of preserving our environment for future
generations. Local food could contribute to our local economy, through
farmers’ markets and local restaurants.
Cultural groups in Oakville could also collaborate and use shared community
spaces to teach our residents about their unique cultures, traditions and values.
Through common understanding we will get along better, and have a stronger
sense of community. Strong social connections developed through sharing of
arts, culture and heritage create a sense of community where we can respect
one another and lend each other a helping hand in times of need.
Together we are stronger. Let’s work towards a bright future where we are more
resilient, more sustainable and more livable.
6
6
7
What is already happening?
At the town
Sustainability has been a priority within the administration at the Town of Oakville
for many years, and the town has undertaken a number of initiatives related to
the environment and sustainability; this includes strategic and master plans such
as the Environmental Strategic Plan with strategic actions, goals and targets to
improve the environment in Oakville. Much of the community input validated
the town’s initiatives and their desired outcomes in areas of environmental
enhancement and protection, sustainable planning and cultural diversity.
Over 57 km of Oakville Heritage Trails are accessible to walkers, joggers and
cyclists. They also provide information on natural, human and built heritage.
http://www.oakville.ca/culturerec/trails.html
State of the Environment Reporting (SOER) was initiated in 2008 to give
progress updates on key outcomes from the Environmental Strategic Plan
http://www.oakville.ca/environment/state-of-oakville-environment-report.html
There are over 12 Residents’ Associations in Oakville registered with the town
that receive notification of municipal issues and public meetings which may
be relevant to them. http://www.oakville.ca/residents/residents-
associations.html
Oakville Wildlife Strategy and Conflict Guidelines help to clarify roles for
dealing with wildlife and provide recommendations to maintain and enhance
wildlife corridors, habitat and biodiversity
http://www.oakville.ca/environment/wildlife-strategy.html
Plus dozens more! Read more in Appendix C or online at
www.oakville.ca
8
In the community
Residents of the town are very involved in their community. Active citizens are
responsible for creating community groups which focus on all four pillars of
sustainability. There are many examples of cultural organizations, economic
groups, social organizations and groups with an environmental focus to be
found in Oakville.
By businesses
Oakville is home to offices, commercial buildings and manufacturing facilities for
a number of large corporations, as well as smaller local businesses and
enterpreneurial ventures. Many of these businesses have undertaken
sustainability initiatives as part of their operations. Additionally, some business
sectors have created network associations amongst themselves, which could be
engaged to achieve goals relating to sustainability.
Oakville Literary Alliance – is an organization that works to bring together poets
and poetry groups in Oakville and helps to showcase their works through their
website and membership with Oakville Arts Council.
http://www.oakvillepoetry.org/
Oakville Sustainable Food Partnership (OSFP) – non-profit organization run by
volunteers who promote local eating and ecological farming.
http://www.oakvilleorganicmarket.com/
Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) – a community organization that promotes
positive child development and provides family-centered mental health
services. http://s359353364.onlinehome.us/rockonline/
Plus dozens more! See Appendix D.
9
Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) are non-profit entities that represent
businesses in Oakville. They host and sponsor numerous community events in
their local area.
o Downtown Oakville BIA: http://www.oakvilledowntown.com/contact
o Kerr Village BIA: http://www.kerr-village.ca/
o Bronte Harbour BIA: http://www.brontevillage.net/
Oakville Business Network – a business networking group for small business and
solo professionals in Oakville, Ontario. http://oakvillebusinessnetwork.com/
Quick facts about Oakville * In 2014, we were home to 186,400 residents.
* We host numerous festivals every year including Midnight Madness, Canada Day in
Bronte and the Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival.
* Oakville Transit connects residents and visitors to services, employment areas and
Oakville, Bronte and Clarkson GO Transit stations.
* Our residents love to keep active in our parks, trails, pools, skateboard parks, libraries,
and community youth and seniors centres.
* Quality of life is a major reason residents and companies choose Oakville — we are a
diverse, culturally-active and stable town with a well-educated population.
9
10
What has already been said?
A common vision for the future
Oakville’s vision is to be the most livable town in Canada. This plan recognizes
that social, cultural, environmental and economic factors contribute to the
livability of the Town for current and future generations. Individually and
collectively, we act with innovation and creativity to protect and enhance our
ecological environment, while maintaining a vibrant social, cultural and
economic base.
Emerging themes
Through the consultation process, several themes have emerged which
represent specific areas of focus for the local community sustainability plan. The
themes have been grouped under the four pillars of sustainability:
environmental, social, cultural and economic.
In Oakville, we use a widely accepted definition of “sustainable development”
from the World Commission on Environment and Development (often called the
Brundtland Report): “development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.”
At its core, sustainability encompasses elements of: living within the limits,
understanding interconnections among environment, culture, society and
economy, and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. In other
words, sustainability addresses issues in a holistic manner, incorporating not only
environmental issues, but economic, social and cultural factors.
(Extracted from Livable Oakville, the town’s Official Plan)
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Environmental
Transportation
Waste Reduction
Water
Natural Areas
Energy
Social
Organizations
Sport and Active Living
Open Space Appreciation
Charity
Youth
Cultural
Arts
History
Diversity
Economic
Local Business
Tourism
Business and Community
Partnerships
Labour Market Development
OUR
ENVIRONMENTAL
ACTIONS
Take responsibility to
enhance our natural
resources including air,
water and land.
OUR
ECONOMIC
ACTIONS
Take responsibility to
enhance our town’s
vibrant local economy.
OUR
SOCIAL
ACTIONS
Take responsibility to
enhance our
connections with
others, forge new
partnerships and work
together.
OUR
CULTURAL
ACTIONS
Take responsibility to
celebrate our town’s
diversity, enjoy the arts
and embrace
creativity.
11
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Exciting ideas for action
Throughout the Let’s be Livable process, a number of exciting and inspirational
ideas for action were heard. Although some of these ideas may not yet be
achievable, they represent exciting goals for the future.
* Creating a large gathering place
Residents were interested in a multi-use open area incorporating natural aspects;
something like a 'Central Park' of Oakville with a transportation hub, parking and a
physical place to gather and share ideas.
Is there anywhere that you know of that already fits this bill? If not, are you interested
in working towards creating this? Share your ideas!
* Hosting or listening to ‘TEDx Talks’ – Forward thinking discussions
“TED is a non-profit organization devoted to ideas worth spreading. Started as a
four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED (Technology, Entertainment and
Design) has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives.”
(www.ted.com)
“In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx
is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a
TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxOakville, where x = independently
organized TED event. At our TEDxOakville event, TEDTalks video and live speakers
will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These talks,
videos and discussions will centre around ideas for community sustainability. The TED
conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx
events, including ours, are self-organized.” (http://tedxoakville.com/about/)
It appears as though the last TEDxOakville session was in 2010. Does this interest you?
* Finding and connecting community partners
Members of the community felt that in order to achieve meaningful community-
based action, we need to find, engage and connect community partners. These
can include (but are not limited to) businesses and cultural groups, schools,
associations, etc. These groups will be a resource to help communicate and
achieve the actions in the Let’s Be Livable plan.
Are you interested in brainstorming a (physical or digital) system or network to sustain
such a group? Are you a partner that is keen to get involved?
More ideas for community action generated during the Residents’ Panels can
be found in Appendix E. Ideas for community action generated by other
interested community members can be found in Appendix F.
12
13
Sustainability matters.
Oakville is a great
community.
What actions can we take, as residents,
to make it even better? More livable?
How can I act?
Collectively as a community, and individually,
there are a number of actions that can be taken
to make Oakville more sustainable. There are also
many simple steps that we can take as individuals
in our homes, offices and daily lives which can also
contribute to a more livable and sustainable
Oakville. Many of these actions may seem small,
but if everyone in Oakville were to incorporate
them into their daily lives the cumulative change
would be significant. So let’s start today and act in
ways that will make Oakville more livable!
Social
1. Promote volunteering
There are many non-profit and charitable organizations which are active
in the community, and they could use help from volunteers to achieve
their goals. Find an organization that compliments your interests and get
involved!
Search for volunteer opportunities using sites like Volunteer Halton -
http://volunteerhalton.ca/dbase/search-now
Volunteer with your child’s sports team or interest activity
Volunteer as a family – volunteer together at a charity that interests
you
Share your experience – tell your friends, family and neighbours
about your volunteer activities to spark their interest
2. Get to know your neighbours
Through interactions with neighbours it is possible to build a stronger sense
of community and to share ideas for living more sustainably.
Create an unofficial neighbourhood watch for your street
Hold a block party
Attend neighbourhood events
Say hi when you pass someone on the street
14
Environmental
1. Maintain green space
Oakville has over 1,420 hectares of parks and greenspaces, and over 300
kilometers of trails that residents have highlighted as part of what makes Oakville
livable. Maintaining these spaces contributes to making Oakville a sustainable
place to live.
Organize a park or trail clean up day
Adopt a trail, park or storm water pond
http://www.oakville.ca/culturerec/adopt-a-programs.html
Spend time using and appreciating local parks and trails
Don’t litter!
2. Energy use reduction
Energy conservation can make a significant contribution to the environment, as
reduced energy consumption decreases the demand for electricity production.
This in turn results in fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants being produced.
Turn off and unplug appliances when they are not in use, reducing energy
used in phantom power
Use compact flourescent lightbulbs
Join Oakville Hydro’s Peak Saver Program
http://www.oakvillehydro.com/ohedi/conservation_peaksaver.aspx
Investigate the potential to install rooftop solar panels
Visit the annual Energy Fair at Town Hall
Drive the speed limit to reduce excess fuel consumption, and promote
safety
Walk, cycle, carpool or use public transit
3. Community tree and garden planting
Creating and maintaining a healthy urban tree canopy, and creating urban
gardens, helps provide cleaner air for residents as well as habitat for wildlife.
Involving children in gardening and tree planting is an exciting teaching tool.
Plant trees on your property
Teach a neighbour or friend about the importance of urban canopy
Join the Canopy Club http://www.oakville.ca/residents/canopy-club-
events.html
Learn about the Emerald Ash Borer
Volunteer for community tree plantings
14
15
Economic
1. Buy local – shop local
Buying local foods, goods and services reduces the environmental impact
associated with transportation from distant locations. It also helps to support
the local economy.
Buy produce at summer farmers’ markets
Explore and buy in local shops
2. Attend local events
Spending time appreciating events locally, and promoting local events to
friends and family, contributes to stimulating Oakville’s local economy and
it’s cultural and social fabric. It’s fun too!
Find local events in The Oakville Beaver newspaper and on the Town of
Oakville website
Attend Midnight Madness or other community events
Invite two friends from outside Oakville to a local event you enjoy
Cultural
1. Make donations or create/use lending stations
Through donations or lending items which are no longer wanted, these items
can gain a second life, keeping them out of landfills.
Donate clothing, books and other unwanted items to charities such as
the Diabetes Association and Goodwill
Create a lending station at work or in your neighbourhood, where
items can be exchanged or borrowed
Attend swap meets and community garage sales
2. Attend local cultural events
Experiencing local culture helps to build a sense of community, and an
understanding of one another. This can contribute to community resiliency.
Attend two new cultural events
Share your experience with a friend
A detailed listing of the ideas heard during consultation, and the frequency with
which ideas were heard, can be found in Appendix F.
15
16
Release of Plan – Fall 2014
Continue Community Outreach
Continue Community Partnerships
Going forward
The plan will be promoted to the community this fall, highlighting how the
community contributed directly to its development, and showcasing the many
actions the community can take to contribute to a more livable, resilient and
sustainable Oakville. The town will also update its online and social media
content on community sustainability to promote, engage and capture the
attention of residents. An ongoing dialogue and feedback mechanism can be
included to enable crowdsourcing of even more community actions.
In 2014, Let’s Be Livable partnered with the town’s annual Energy Fair and
Oakvillegreen Garage Sale. The 2015 annual town event presents another
opportunity to integrate sustainability engagement to support community
actions. The priority community actions in Let’s Be Livable can also be
integrated into the numerous town outreach and education initiatives
including community events and presentations. These activities can support
community interaction to foster new partnerships and share information.
The town has established partnerships to support community tree planting,
naturalizing parks, establishing community gardens, organizing adopting-a-
park or trail, promotion of local sustainable foods, support arts and culture,
and many more. Fostering these partnerships and looking for more
opportunities to work together with the community will build community
capacity in the area of sustainability.
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www.oakville.ca
[email protected] |@townofoakville
Members of the Residents' Panel - November 2012
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Supporting Information
Appendix A: About Let’s Be Livable ............................................................................ 19
Appendix B: Community contributors ......................................................................... 22
Appendix C: What is the town doing? ........................................................................ 23
Appendix D: What is the community doing? ............................................................. 28
Appendix E: What more can be done? Ideas for community action ................... 33
Appendix F: Summary of ideas heard during consultation ...................................... 39
Appendix G: Discussion paper ..................................................................................... 45
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Appendix A: About Let’s Be Livable
What is Let’s Be Livable?
Let’s Be Livable is a process that engages our community in building, developing and
implementing actions to ensure that Oakville is the most livable town in Canada. The
final result is the Oakville Community Sustainability Plan, released in fall 2014. It is part of
the Vision 2057 framework of the Council Strategic Plan.
What has already been completed?
Developed a baseline of information: reviewed and summarized ongoing
initiatives at the Town of Oakville
Wrote and presented a report to Council in April 2012 -
http://www.oakville.ca/townhall/ch-12apr16.html
Hosted Let’s Be Livable Community Launch Event in June 2012.
o On June 9, 2012, at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, the Town held a
community outreach event to kick off Let's be Livable and introduce the
concept of a local community sustainability plan to Oakville residents.
Members of the community came out to enjoy a free public skate,
contribute to the development of the plan through a public engagement
forum, and interact with 33 different organizations actively working within
the community to create a livable Oakville.
o Watch a video from the event here: http://www.towntv.ca/lets-be-
livable.htm
Let’s Be Livable
Community Event June 9, 2012
Visual artist illustrating
ideas from participants
at Sixteen Mile Sports
Complex
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Attended a number of community engagement sessions to ask attendees what
they do, or what they could do, to make Oakville the most livable town in
Canada. In face-to-face conversations and through comment cards, input in
the order of 185 common themes was received on what residents are doing to
support Oakville’s sustainability, what more they would like to do and what
should be done to make Oakville the most livable town in Canada.
o Canadian Multiculturalism Day Picnic (June 2012)
o Oakville Rib Fest (June 2012)
o Environmental Awareness Day (July 2012)
o Oakville Midnight Madness (July 2012)
o Fire Prevention Training Campus (September 2012)
Hosted Residents’ Panels in late 2012 for a random sample of 25 Oakville
residents, representative of the town’s population – by gender, age, length of
residency, etc. Residents shared their time and thoughts about how we can work
together to achieve a more livable town. The objectives of the two day event
were:
o To provide a forum for residents to learn more about ongoing sustainability
initiatives underway in Oakville;
o To provide an opportunity for a wide range of Oakville residents to
contribute to the development of the town's sustainability plan;
o To create an atmosphere for open dialogue;
o To generate potential actions for which the community can take
ownership as part of the town's sustainability plan; and
o To discuss potential implementation strategies for actions identified.
Cindy Toth, the Town’s Director of Environmental Policy, shares a laugh at
the Residents’ Panel | November, 2012
Visual artist illustrating ideas from participants at Sixteen Mile Sports
Complex
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Created a Discussion Paper (attached as Appendix G to this plan) summarizing
what had been heard through consultation up to May 2014, and asking
questions to re-ignite a community dialogue surrounding the plan. This tool was
used to gather feedback through email, twitter and the Town website. Questions
included:
o What makes Oakville the most livable town in Canada?
o What does sustainability mean to you?
o What are you doing that supports the pillars of sustainability?
o What are you doing to make your town livable?
o What can we do to make Oakville the most livable town in Canada?
Let’s be Livable Open House: Collaborated with the Oakville Energy Fair and
Oakvillegreen Garage Sale on May 24, 2014 to gather input from residents and
fair attendees regarding the questions posed in the Discussion Paper. In the order
of 900 residents attended these events and this provided the opportunity to
gather input on sustainability through a wide variety of both usual and innovative
engagement options. Engagement techniques included the use of a video
booth to record ideas; an interactive map for resident’s to show where they
participate in sustainability related activities; iPad surveys and paper surveys. In
total, feedback was received from 101 residents throughout the day.
Hosted final Residents’ Panel in late July 2014, to gather input regarding the
highest priority actions to be completed by the community. The session also
gathered feedback on the structure of the plan, and plausible next steps.
Who made the decisions about the Oakville Community Sustainability Plan?
The Town of Oakville through Council, has funded the process and staff is helping to
facilitate the process. The Town is open to partnership opportunities, but ultimately, the
goal is for the community to take ownership of the plan and the resultant actions.
What are the opportunities to get involved in the Let’s Be Livable process?
Get involved in an existing community group; volunteer; use town amenities
Seek like-minded individuals and begin implementing new actions in the
community to enhance livability (refer to more ideas in Appendix F)
Continue to discuss the future of Oakville with family, friends and colleagues
Review the ‘Exciting Ideas for Action’ and ‘How Can I Act?’ sections of the plan
and implement these changes in your daily life whenever possible.
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Appendix B: Community contributors
Hundreds of people and organizations from Oakville have already been involved in the
Let’s Be Livable process, including 22 members of the Residents’ Panel and the
following attendees at the Community Launch Event
“No Allergies Please”
Association for Canadian Educational Resources (ACER)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton
Canadian Cancer Society – Halton Unit
Go Local Oakville
Habitat Halton
Halton Ecopartners
Halton Environmental Network (HEN)
Halton Multicultural Council (HMC)
Halton Region – Office of Sustainable Planning
Kinette Club of Oakville
Lighthouse Program for Grieving Children
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Oakville & Milton Humane Society
Oakville Curling Club
Oakville Economic Development
Oakville Environmental Policy
Oakville Horticultural Society
Oakville Hydro
Oakville Parks & Open Space
Oakville Planning Department
Oakville Public Library
Oakville Sustainable Food Partnership
Oakville Transit
Oakville Vision 2057
Optimist Club of Oakville
Scouts Canada – Oakville Area
Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton
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Appendix C: What is the town doing?
What is already happening? What can we build on?
There is so much happening in Oakville – let’s build on the great legacy of work by the
Corporation of the Town of Oakville and its citizens, businesses and organizations to
make our town the most livable in Canada. A complete list of actions already
underway would be too long to include within this document, and therefore only
examples are provided below with web links to additional detail.
CULTURE… What is the Town of Oakville already doing?
Town of Oakville
Oakville Cultural Plan
o http://www.oakville.ca/townhall/5712.html
Heritage Planning
o http://www.oakville.ca/business/heritage-planning.html
Oakville demographics
o http://www.oakville.ca/assets/2011%20planning/demo-popoakville.pdf
Over 57 km of Oakville Heritage Trails are accessible to walkers, joggers and
cyclists. They also provide information on natural, human and built heritage.
o http://www.oakville.ca/residents/cycling-routes.html
o http://www.oakville.ca/culturerec/trails.html
Planned trail network within the North Oakville Core Natural Heritage System
o http://www.oakville.ca/townhall/natural-heritage-system.html
The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts hosts up to 260 performances per
year in music, variety, comedy, drama and family entertainment.
o http://www.oakvillecentre.ca/
Oakville has art galleries at Centennial Square and Gairloch Gardens.
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o http://www.oakvillegalleries.com/
The Oakville Museum is located on the Erchless Estate, once home to Oakville’s
founding family.
o http://www.oakville.ca/museum/index.html
The six branches of the Oakville Public Library loan books, movies, music and host
a range of programs for adults, teens, seniors and kids.
o http://www.opl.on.ca/
Diversity Strategy – continue to engage members of the diverse community and
partner with organizations that represent the diverse groups found in Oakville to
ensure its programs and services meet the needs of the diverse community
A new community and arts facility is open at Queen Elizabeth Park
o http://www.oakville.ca/culturerec/queen-elizabeth-park-community-
cultural-centre.html
ECONOMICS… What is the Town of Oakville already doing?
Town of Oakville
The Town has an Official Plan that guides land use planning decisions:
o http://www.oakville.ca/townhall/livable-oakville-official-plan.html
The Town has an Economic Development Strategy 2009-2019:
o http://www.oakville.ca/assets/general%20-
%20business/Economic_Development_Strategy.pdf
Oakville's economic growth is driven by industry clusters in four key sectors
(Advanced Manufacturing; Digital Media and Animation; Life Sciences; and
Professional Services):
o http://www.oakville.ca/economicdevelopment/key-sectors.html
Three Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) supplement the town’s work by
enhancing street beautification, branding and marketing, as well as seasonal
improvements.
o http://www.oakville.ca/business/business-improvement-areas.html
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The Sustainable Purchasing Procedure (SPP) was introduced in 2009. This involves
an educational and resource program for town staff on selecting “green”
products and incorporating sustainable language in contracts with vendors.
o http://www.oakville.ca/townhall/en-gen-001-002.html
Oakville is home to a wide range of employers, including the international head
office of Tim Hortons, the Canadian head office of Ford and hundreds of other
large, medium and small businesses.
ENVIRONMENT… What is the Town of Oakville already doing?
Town of Oakville
Oakville’s Environmental Strategic Plan was developed in 2005 and updated in
2011
o http://www.oakville.ca/townhall/environmental-strategic-plan.html
State of the Environment Reporting (SOER) program was initiated in 2008 to
report on key outcomes from the Environmental Strategic Plan
o http://www.oakville.ca/environment/state-of-oakville-environment-
report.html
Development of an ecological footprint at the community and neighbourhood
level
o http://www.oakville.ca/environment/ecological-footprint.html
Oakville Wildlife Strategy and Conflict Guidelines help to clarify roles for dealing
with wildlife and provide recommendation to maintain and enhance wildlife
corridors, habitat and biodiversity.
o http://www.oakville.ca/environment/wildlife-strategy.html
Ongoing program to battle the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive species
o http://www.oakville.ca/residents/invasivespecies.html
Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan to support 40% tree canopy target
o http://www.oakville.ca/townhall/north-oakville-urban-forest-strategic-
management-plan.html
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By-law to assess and control major emissions of fine particulate matter
o http://www.oakville.ca/environment/health-protection-air-quality.html
The town has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% below
2004 levels by 2014 with a community reduction of 6%
o http://www.oakville.ca/assets/general%20-
%20environment/2009CorporateLAP.pdf - page 13
Towards Zero Waste is a comprehensive waste reduction strategy for the town’s
operations
o http://www.oakville.ca/townhall/en-gen-001-004.html
Development of an Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan that
identifies actions for energy conservation, reduction and efficiency initiatives
o http://www.oakville.ca/assets/general%20-
%20environment/CDMPlan2014-2019TRv1.pdf
The town has a green building policy which includes the requirement to design
all municipal buildings greater than 500 m2 to LEED Silver standards
o http://www.oakville.ca/environment/green-building.html
SOCIAL… What is the Town of Oakville already doing?
Town of Oakville
A wide range of drop-in and educational programs are offered at fitness and
recreational centres across the town.
Oakville has partnered with Halton Region in a pilot project called Subsidized
Passes for Low Income Transit (SPLIT) to ensure that low income residents have
access to affordable transit.
o http://www.halton.ca/cms/one.aspx?objectId=66697
The town participates in a variety of community events including: Halton EcoFest,
Midnight Madness, Forest Festival, Summer Fun Bus and Bike Day, Halton
Children’s Water Festival, etc.
o http://www.oakvillepeacecentre.org/haltonecofest/
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o http://www.oakvilledowntown.com/events
o http://haltonenvironment.com/?tribe_events=summer-fun-bus-bike-day
o http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/
There are over 12 Residents’ Associations in Oakville that register with the town
and receive notification of municipal issues and public meetings which may be
relevant to them.
o http://www.oakville.ca/residents/residents-associations.html
The town identifies needs and strategies to support seniors in the community.
o http://www.oakville.ca/residents/seniors-services.html
Parks, Recreation and Library Facilities Master Plan
o http://www.oakville.ca/townhall/parks-recreation-library-master-plan.html
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Appendix D: What is the community doing?
What is already happening? What can we build on?
There is so much happening within the Town of Oakville – let’s build on the great legacy
of work by community members to make our town the most livable in Canada.
What can local residents, just like you, do to make Oakville more livable? Do any
resonate with you?
CULTURE… What are community members already doing?
Community
Cultural organizations exist within the town, these are some examples:
Oakville Arts Council – is a not-for-profit, charitable, umbrella organization
working to grow the community's engagement in the arts and champion artistic
development.
o http://www.oakvillearts.com/
Oakville Literary Alliance – is an organization that works to bring together poets
and poetry groups in Oakville and help to expose their works through their
website and membership with Oakville Arts Council.
o http://www.oakvillepoetry.org/
Oakville Symphony Orchestra (O.S.O.) – founded over 40 years ago the O.S.O.
offers youth programs and scholarship opportunities as well regular
performances.
o http://www.oakvillesymphony.com/
Oakville Art Society – is run by volunteers who operate two studios, a gallery and
offer classes for people of all ages throughout the year.
o http://www.oakvilleartsociety.com/
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German Heritage Language School of Halton – offers classes for grades JK to
high school 10, 11 & 12 credit classes. The courses are run by Halton District
School Board as part of its International (Elementary) Language Program.
o http://www.germanhalton.com/
Ahmadiyya Movement to Islam (AMI) Inc. Oakville –
o http://www.ahmadiyya.ca/
Polish Alliance of Canada, Branch #29, Oakville – is a group that meets to
celebrate and promote Polish culture. They host social and fundraising events in
the community.
www.polishheritage.ca/news_detail.aspx?cat_id=65&page_id=31&news_id=162
Getting out there and being active - hiking, cycling, swimming
Getting involved in community events and networking opportunities - examples
include Residents’ Associations, school groups and faith-based organizations
Enjoying the arts and culture scene
Participating in newcomers’ groups
ECONOMICS… What are community members already doing?
Community
Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) are non-profit entities that represent
businesses in Oakville. They host and sponsor numerous community events in their
local area.
o Downtown Oakville BIA: http://www.oakvilledowntown.com/contact
o Kerr Village BIA: www.kerrvillage.ca
o Bronte Habour BIA: http://brontevillage.net
Oakville Chamber of Commerce strives to foster and facilitate a healthy,
engaged and sustainable business environment and economy in Oakville
o http://www.oakvillechamber.com/
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Oakville Business Network – is a business networking group for small business and
solo professionals in Oakville, Ontario.
o http://oakvillebusinessnetwork.com/
Belonging to a local business-related group such as the Oakville Chamber of
Commerce
Shopping for local food and supporting local businesses
Trying to reduce electricity use at home and at workplaces
ENVIRONMENT… What are community members already doing?
Community
Environmental organizations exist within the community; these are just a few examples:
Oakvillegreen Conservation Association Inc. is a residents association that works
to protect the environment, promote sustainable planning among other things.
The group meets regularly and hosts seminars, makes presentations and
organizes tree plantings.
o http://oakvillegreen.org/
Halton Outdoor Club sponsors and promotes outdoor programs like hiking,
canoeing, cross country skiing and cycling that connect residents with the
natural environment.
o http://www.haltonoutdoorclub.com/
Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights is an
organization that unites members of the community to campaign for a wide
range of issues including human rights and organizes events such as clean up
events and the Halton Ecofest.
o http://oakvillepeacecentre.org/
Ontariogreen - dedicated to providing environmental education in classrooms
and communities.
o http://ontariogreen.ca/
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Friends of Glenorchy is a community group with a particular interest in the
Glenorchy Conservation Area and Sixteen Mile Creek Valley Area.
o http://fog-friendsofglenorchy.blogspot.ca/
Oakville Sustainable Food Partnership “is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run
environmental organization with a mandate to support local eating and
ecological farming in partnership with the community”:
o http://www.oakvilleorganicmarket.com/About_OSFP/about_osfp.html
Participating in waste diversion programs (blue box, green bin and compost).
Purchasing fruits and vegetables from sustainable sources
Promoting e-books and other activities that reduce purchasing physical goods
Staying active: walking, biking and using transit system
Using open space and dog friendly parks
Using community gardens and/or growing vegetables
Taking the bus instead of the car and/or carpooling
Conserving water
Using a clothes line to dry clothes
SOCIAL… What are community members already doing?
Community
Social organizations exist within the community, these are some examples:
Oakville Community Foundation – a charitable foundation intended to link
philanthropist and the needs of the community
o http://www.theocf.org/
Big Brothers Big Sisters Halton
o http://www.bbbshalton.ca/en/Home/default.aspx
Center for Skill Development and Training – helps the community with skills
training and academic upgrading to help connect people with the workforce.
o http://thecentre.on.ca/
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Kerr Street Ministries – a community organization that serves people ‘living in
economic, social and spiritual poverty.’
o http://www.kerrstreet.com/
Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) – a community organization at Kerr Street
Ministries that promotes positive child development and provides family-
centered mental health services.
o http://s359353364.onlinehome.us/rockonline/
The Salvation Army Food Bank – helping individuals and families.
o http://www.oakville.com/directory/community-organisations/the-
salvation-army-food-bank
Average Joe Sports Club – organized co-ed recreational sports leagues that
bring people together to stay active and meet new people.
o http://www.averagejoesports.ca/
Special Olympics – Oakville
o http://www.oakvillespecialolympics.org/
Leading by example: action starts in the family
Participating in community sports, outdoor and recreational groups
Joining an athletics team, volunteering as a coach or at a fundraising event
Voting!
Volunteering as an electoral official
Volunteering with a local charity or school – for an hour, a day or longer term
Getting involved in online advocacy or activism for an issue that matters to you
Donating to local charities
Promoting good health and healthy eating and living
Performing random acts of kindness
Creating awareness of accessibility issues
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Appendix E: What more can be done? Ideas for
community action
Many potential community-based actions to “make Oakville more livable” have
emerged. Let’s build on the ideas from members of our community and what’s
happening in other communities.
What would you like to take action on?
Community-Building…
* Assisting with a modern day ‘Welcome Wagon’
Members of the community were keen to promote the sense of community in
Oakville and were curious about the feasibility of a modern day Welcome
Wagon. The good news is that the Welcome Wagon is operational in Oakville!
Their website reports:
“Welcome Wagon offers a free greeting service for the individuals we visit and
personalized marketing services for businesses we represent. We bring
community information and free gifts to the businesses and households we visit.
We have been in business for over 80 years and are Canadian owned and
operated. We welcome those new to the community, planning a wedding,
expecting a baby, a new executive, manager or professional.”
http://www.welcomewagon.ca/index.php/en/about
Does this interest you?
* Providing additional after school
programs
Members of the community felt it
was critical to engage youth in
non-traditional programming to
help expand their interests. Some
ideas that emerged were the
development of after-school
programming in pottery, dance,
sports and non-sporting activities.
Are you able to share a talent?
Teach a class? Organize an event?
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* Creating a large gathering place
Members of the community were interested in a multi-use open area
incorporating natural aspects; something like a 'Central Park' of Oakville with a
transportation hub, parking and a physical place to gather and share ideas.
Is there anywhere that you know of that already fits this bill? If not, are you
interested in working towards creating this? Share your ideas!
* Other ideas include:
o Maximizing our use of existing resources (community centres, schools, etc.)
o Strengthening the presence of Neighbourhood Watch; creating safe
communities and informal gathering among neighbours
o Promoting public access to public spaces; creating people places
o Communicating where religious venues are located
o Involving neighbours in casual, unofficial action to improve Oakville
o Learning from other communities about defining and identifying local issues:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/community/110563SustCo
msA.pdf
o Engaging students from local high schools and colleges in the next phases of
Let’s Be Livable
o **Continue to engage the Residents’ Panel members
Do any of these ideas resonate with you?
Communication and Coordination…
* **Hosting or listening to ‘TEDx Talks’ – Forward thinking discussions
“TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a
four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED has grown to support those
world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives.” (www.ted.com)
“In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx.
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to
share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxOakville, where x =
independently organized TED event. At our TEDxOakville event, TEDTalks video
and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a
small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx
program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.”
(http://tedxoakville.com/about/)
It appears as though the last TEDxOakville session was in 2010. Does this interest
you?
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* Finding and connecting community partners
Members of the community felt that in order to achieve meaningful community-
based action, we need to find, engage and connect community partners. These
can include (but are not limited to) businesses and cultural groups, schools,
associations, etc. These groups will be a resource to help communicate and
achieve the actions in the Let’s Be Livable plan.
Are you interested in brainstorming a (physical or digital) system or network to
sustain such a group? Are you a partner that is keen to get involved?
* Strengthening the connection between the community and Town
Members of the community noted that the Town is engaged in all sorts of
activities, but acknowledged that they were not aware of many of the ongoing
programs. How can we help to share more information, in meaningful ways:
Town Halls? BBQs? Let’s Talk Oakville? Town TV? Newsletters? Twitter? Existing
committees? Ward-based committees? A Let’s Be Livable Steering Committee?
Are you interested in helping to share information? Could you help bridge the
knowledge gap?
* Developing and sharing incentives
Members of the community wanted to get
more residents involved in making Oakville
livable, but felt as though incentives might
be needed. What are some of those
incentives: Rebates? Prizes? Product
giveaways? Community awards?
Sponsorships?
Are you interested in helping to create incentives to increase community
participation?
* Other ideas include:
o Developing and training community ambassadors to promote action
o Circulating a welcome package or in-person welcome process for new
residents
o Making Let's be Livable more visible on the Town's website and on social
media
o Using word of mouth to increase community-based action
o Finding creative ways to share information with the community;
oftentimes, people don't seek out information until there is a problem
o Championing leaders and profiling case studies of individuals who affect
change within our community
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o Hosting ‘local’ ward-based Town Hall Meetings
o Designating an accessible point of contact to help people get involved
o Recognizing diversity and that “old ways” of engaging (e.g. newspaper
ads) may not work as we go forward
o Turning Vision 2057 into ‘Reality 2057’; using the community to help make
the implementation of Vision 2057 workable
o Encouraging existing community organization to work together (i.e. clean-
ups organized with Girl Guides and Cadets) instead of generating new
ones
o Creating an online meeting place for like-minded people to connect and
discuss issues sustainable living in their community. Ideas include:
http://www.meetup.com/Sustainable-Living-Network and
http://emergeguelph.ca/
o **Explore options for a community committee of interested
representatives of businesses, community groups and residents – including
members of the Residents’ Panel with the goal of assisting in the
implementation of the Plan, and tracking progress towards
implementation
Do any of these ideas resonate with you?
Arts and Culture…
* Joining a small group of like-minded people to create a “cultural crawl”, as in
New Westminster, BC: http://newwestculturalcrawl.com/index.asp
* Boosting opportunities for cultural experience for local residents and visitors, as in
the UK: http://www.washarts.co.uk/aboutUs.htm
Do any of these ideas resonate with you?
Environmental and Food…
* Encouraging environmental stewardship
Members of the community were keen about encouraging
environmental stewardship. This can range from organizing
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community environmental events to backyard composting to encouraging
carpooling, tree planting, and home gardening
Are you interested in helping to promote sustainable environmental behaviour?
* Other ideas include…
o Taking a diversity-based approach to environmental action:
http://citiesofmigration.ca/good_idea/ethnic-communities-sustainable-living-
project/
o Planting fruit trees, encouraging community gardening, seed swapping and
workshops
o Encouraging community members to organize environmental events such as
community clean ups
o Creating a neighbourhood food network, as in Vancouver:
http://vancouver.ca/people-programs/neighbourhood-food-networks.aspx
o Promoting community-level energy efficiency programs and/or community
energy planning
http://www.theresearchshop.ca/sites/default/files/Community_Level_Energy_
Efficiency_Literature_Review_Strohm_2011.pdf
o Promoting environmental leadership training sessions, such as those offered
by Earth Day Canada’s EcoMentors program:
http://www.uoguelph.ca/ses/content/news/kick-2014-free-environmental-
leadership-training-session
o Creating a Facebook group to ‘change habits and behaviours about saving
water by providing helpful resources’ such as Use it Wisely:
https://www.facebook.com/WaterUseItWisely
o Coordinating businesses for proactive action on climate change, as with the
Regional Carbon Initiative in Waterloo
http://www.sustainablewaterlooregion.ca/our-programs/regional-carbon-
initiative/
o Demonstrating and sharing information about how community action can
make a difference – to reduce energy use, water use, etc.
Do any of these ideas resonate with you?
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Transportation, Planning and Economic Development…
* Promoting the development and use of major road cycling routes as an
alternative to car transportation
* Continuing to create and use interconnected trails, including those along the
waterfront
* Encourage the community to carpool or use transit; continue to develop the
transit network.
* Creating a culture of using alternative forms of transportation among youth.
Encouraging students to walk to school, even just one day a week.
* Getting involved and contributing ideas early in planning processes
* Promoting accessibility for an aging population
* Expanding and improving waterfront access
* Volunteering as a driver or escort to allow seniors or adults with disabilities to
attend medical appointments, go grocery shopping or participate in community
programs, with a program such as Red Cross transportation:
http://www.redcross.ca/where-we-work/in-canada/ontario/oakville/community-
health-support-services or Community Support Connections
http://communitysupportconnections.org/
* Supporting local artisans by getting involved in buying and selling their goods;
give preferential space on the Town’s website so that the community knows
where to buy local
* **Hosting a businesses sustainability breakfast to help representatives of
businesses operating in Oakville to share information regarding sustainable
business practices and create a forum for collaboration.
Do any of these ideas resonate with you?
** - represents potential next steps which could be undertaken to support the plan
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Appendix F: Summary of ideas heard during
consultation
The following is a summary of the comments received during the consultation process
for the Oakville Let’s be Livable Community Sustainability Plan. Suggestions for potential
actions to be undertaken related to sustainability were collected during nine
consultation sessions held between June 9, 2012 and May 24, 2014 at a variety of Town
venues and events. Potential initiatives are organized into the four pillars of
sustainability (social, cultural, economic and environmental). Initiatives are further
subdivided based upon potential responsibility for action (Town/Other or Community).
The frequency with which each initiative was heard is indicated in brackets following
the description of the initiative.
Social – Town/Other
Councillors to form community in wards - cross section (5)
Affordable housing – bring residents downtown – mix of housing options and
improve affordability, need residents to continue livelihood of downtown (4)
Promote public access to public spaces - create people places, animate spaces
(3)
Creating additional after-school programs with community volunteers, making
people aware of the programs available - promote programs through high
school, emails sent to parents, announcements at schools, student councillors
should be aware of community programs (3)
Parks and Recreation facilities geared towards seniors – better community centre
(2)
Complete expansion of Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (2)
School programs to promote environmentally friendly attitudes - e.g. ECO Clubs
and SIF (Social Innovation Foundation) clubs (2)
Move walking trails – better connection (bridge over QEW, add bridge
connections)
Shade policy – no shade in parks or schoolyards – can increase shade by tree
planting and artificial shade construction. Could partner with cancer awareness
and melanoma awareness groups and the Halton Region Department of Health
o model after City of Toronto
More access to the south from north developments
Improve winter sidewalk maintenance
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Control and limit development of high-rise buildings
Motorcycles – quiet street bylaws in residential areas
Hire by-law enforcement officers to work 24/7 – need enforcement at all times
Determine ways to keep young talent in Oakville
Assist single parents
More information on Town website about what residents can do – tools to
succeed
Norway example – decrease pedestrian accidents by having a bylaw that after
dark all pedestrians must have reflective strips on their clothing
More outreach programs
Community centre located in areas closer to shopping mall/place for easier
access
More events which involve Town staff engaging with citizens in different locations
to make it easier for residents to participate
Sponsor a public shredding day
Install a structure for children to play on near Queen’s Avenue
Town should organize more community based events for people to exchange
used items with other residents – buy less new items
Bring kids camps back to Post Corners Public School
More advisory committees within the Town to get community members involved
in community-related topics
Fill on playgrounds should be rubberized surface rather than mulch, it is easier to
keep clean and safe (often find broken glass in the mulch creating safety
hazard)
Social – Community
Promote volunteering in the community (13)
Attend charity events (8)
Welcome wagon for the 21st century - social media (8)
TED talks - or similar - forward thinking (6)
Teach children how to be active in the community (5)
Instead of generating new community organizations - encourage existing ones
to work together (i.e. clean-ups organized with Girl Guides and Cadets) (5)
Unofficial neighbourhood watch to promote safety (4)
Farm to table food education (4)
Get people together and talking (3)
Actively contacting Town regarding issues - active participant in public meetings
and provide feedback to councillors (3)
Play on sports teams (3)
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Turn Vision 2057 into ‘Reality 2057’ - community helping implementation of 2057
to make it work (2)
Community based activities in each ward/neighbourhood (2)
Serve food at food banks (2)
Smile (2)
Create an environmental organization exclusively for kids
Grassroots advocacy at the municipal level
Town has pockets of elderly and pockets of young people – both sets can learn
from each other but we need initiators to bridge the gap between the two
groups
· Storytelling etc., this could involve the schools and community centres
Create sustainability speaker programs
Reading by-laws and contacting Town on by-law infractions
Challenging the status quo
Volunteer in a Healthy Snack and Basket program
Promote and participate in Halton Fruit Tree Project
Participating in public planning processes
Assign a park to each school, they would be responsible for keeping it clean all
year – also a great learning opportunity
Join the Canopy Club
Cultural – Town/Other
A large gathering place that can be used for multipurpose cultural and social
activities (4)
More space for arts
More accessibility for seniors/shut-ins
Access to kids activity camps at lower cost
Car free days and pedestrian walkable communities
More local kids’ activities
More Oakville arts and culture programs such as ballet and local galleries
Cultural – Community
Donate books and clothes (4)
More space for arts (3)
To have more community days where people gather and enjoy (2)
Promote local churches and associated benefits/programs (2)
Attending different cultural events (2)
More community gardens and information about community gardens
Participate in multicultural association
More cross cultural activities required to understand different cultures
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Shop for local food
Promote your own cultural background
Volunteer with cultural groups and organizations
Support initiatives for new Canadians
Economic – Town/Other
Focus on attracting local jobs (4)
Reduce the cost of parking downtown (3)
Bicycle accessible shopping/business areas (3)
Increase the availability of parking downtown (2)
Educate industry and offices regarding sustainability through the Better Business
Bureau or members of the Chamber of Commerce (2)
Install solar panels on Town buildings (2)
Open Eighth Line to QEW and South
Energy reduction programs – Town and Provincial incentives
Oakville Town Square (downtown) needs help. Should be more inviting.
Car free days in downtown.
Covered bicycle parking areas.
Cost way too much for local ‘Not for Profit’ agencies to advertise in local
newspapers (for fundraising events). Need a grant/fund (or other creative
funding mechanism) from the Town to help offset these costs. ‘Not for Profit’
agencies are raising money for the community and they need help from the
Town to be successful.
Free bus arteries downtown to help promote the 3 cores
Partnerships between transportation and business to improve accessibility
Economic – Community
Buy local (13)
Shop at local farmers markets (8)
Promote local shopping to support local businesses (3)
Electric vehicle charging station downtown – could be in partnership with
Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau (2)
Support local business – business local enterprise (2)
Work in Oakville (2)
Educate Industry and Offices - better business bureau or members of Chamber
of Commerce
10,000 Villages – fair trade not-for-profit that promotes crafts from other counties
and fair wages/good working conditions
Fair Trade Café – ‘Taste of Columbia’ – share community space next door for
local events. This is a good start but it needs to build momentum
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Create a solar power generation co-operative
Drink local beer – Trafalgar Commons
Attend local events
Environmental – Town/Other
Improve transit and reduce traffic (22)
Improve waterfront trail (8)
More cycle paths and lanes (8)
Can we create incentives? - to get involved (at least at the outset) - will vary at
different ages/stages - 'having a say' can be an incentive - ideal outcome is to
get more people involved - high school credit for volunteering - small tax credit
for involvement (5)
Make the Town responsible for planting additional trees on private property - or
allow/encourage residents to plant trees, add greenery (4)
Build tree houses in parks (2)
Improve bike lane/signage for Trails (2)
Design and plan neighbourhoods for increased walkability – need amenities,
schools (2)
More garbage bins in public areas (2)
Get after developers – tree planting commitments for planting (2)
Create more public washrooms – along public trails and spaces
Need more park areas in the north
Keep it green – reduce paving of green areas
Too much building/development taking greenspace
Improve road system to manage traffic
Flat trails for rollerblading
Create special waste pick up programs
Install solar panels on Town buildings
Ask the Province for more money to combat invasive species
Fewer bulk garbage days
Free public transit days to encourage use of public transit
Hazardous waste drop off/collection incentives
Target algae blooms to increase health of lake
Encourage boulevard gardens
Decrease suburbia, build better planned communities including mixed use
planning and accessibility – less focus on cars
Treat Ash trees on private property
Provide lids for blue bins to prevent materials from blowing away
Provide firewood for free at campgrounds, so people don't bring infected wood
Residents/businesses sustaining 30% minimum green space
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Environmental – Community Promote and use active transit (33)
No littering, recycle and use green bins (32)
Maintaining green spaces, parks and trails (23)
Community tree planting (21)
Community garden plots (16)
Energy use reduction (14)
Use public transit whenever possible (12)
Conserve water (8)
Protect greenspace (7)
Carpool (7)
Care for the forests (6)
Use water barrels (6)
Use refillable water bottles (6)
Advocate for more transit options (4)
Backyard composting (4)
Install solar panels on homes to generate energy (4)
Not enough environmental activities for community to participate in - encourage
community to organize environmental events e.g. community clean ups,
promote through posters in the park, coordinate with schools, collect emails, start
at the neighbourhood level, encourage corporations to get involved (e.g. Tim
Horton’s clean up, etc. (4)
Clean playgrounds and paths to schools (3)
Critical mass of cyclists to educate drivers to be willing to share the road (3)
Growing our own produce – workshops to learn skills (2)
Dog parks run by residents
Supporting Oakvillegreen to protect natural areas
Don’t put recycling out early – keep waste from blowing around
Convert lighting in home to LED to reduce energy use
Preserve watersheds
Consume locally grown foods
Clean our harbours and waterways
Protect our ash trees
Peer pressure friends to be environmentally friendly
Use reusable shopping bags
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Appendix G: Discussion paper
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Discuss it! Let’s discuss ways to take action for
Oakville’s sustainable future
A Discussion Paper
Published: May 14, 2014
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s
Sustainability matters.
Oakville is a great
community.
What actions can we take, as
residents, to make it even better?
More livable?
Quick Facts about Oakville * In 2014, we were home to 186,400 residents.
* We host numerous festivals every year including Midnight Madness, Canada Day in
Bronte and the Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival.
* Oakville Transit connects residents and visitors to services, employment areas and
Oakville, Bronte and Clarkson GO Transit stations.
* Our residents love to keep active in our parks, trails, pools, skateboard parks, libraries,
community, youth and seniors centres.
* Quality of life is a major reason residents and companies choose Oakville — we are a
diverse, culturally-active and stable town with a well-educated population.
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Let’s Be Livable is a movement to enhance community engagement and
spark action to make Oakville the most livable town in Canada. The result will
be a Local Community Sustainability Plan in late 2014.
It is part of the Vision 2057 framework that integrates the town’s master plans
governed by three principle documents: Council’s Strategic Plan, Livable
Oakville Official Plan and the Let’s Be Livable Community Sustainability Plan
that is being developed.
Create it! Preserve it! Afford it! Live it!
Web: www.oakville.ca
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @townofoakville
Join the discussion on May 24 at Town Hall! Share your ideas!
Learn more about the process to develop Let’s Be Livable in Appendix A
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A lot has been done, and we are now sparking a discussion about what the community can do to take
action. This Discussion Paper is a tool to ask questions and re-ignite a community-based dialogue.
On May 24, 2014, the Town of Oakville will host an interactive discussion session to further explore the
idea of community-based action to advance Oakville’s vision of being the most livable town in
Canada.
Over the summer of 2014, all of the input will be consolidated into a community-based action plan –
Let’s Be Livable.
Thus far the Town of Oakville has funded the process and staff have been helping to facilitate the
process. The town is open to partnership opportunities, but ultimately, the goal is for the community to
take ownership of the plan and the resultant actions.
Learn more about the process in Appendix A or online.
Putting all of the
pieces together…
Community
Engagement
Sessions 2012 & 2013
Residents’
Panel 2012
Research &
Analysis
Partnership
Building
Community
Summit May 24, 2014
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I
In Oakville, we use a widely accepted
definition of “sustainable
development” from the World
Commission on Environment and
Development (often called the
Brundtland Report):
“development that meets
the needs of the present
without compromising the
ability of future generations
to meet their own needs.”
At its core, sustainability encompasses
elements of: living within the limits,
understanding interconnections
among environment, culture, society
and economy, and equitable
distribution of resources and
opportunities. In other words,
sustainability addresses issues in a
holistic manner, incorporating not only
environmental issues, but economic,
social and cultural factors.
(Extracted from Livable Oakville, the town’s Official
Plan)
OUR
ENVIRONMENTAL
ACTIONS
Take responsibility to
enhance our natural
resources including air,
water and land.
OUR
ECONOMIC
ACTIONS
Take responsibility to
enhance our town’s
vibrant local economy.
OUR
SOCIAL
ACTIONS
Take responsibility to
enhance our
connections with
others, forge new
partnerships and work
together.
OUR
CULTURAL
ACTIONS
Take responsibility to
celebrate our town’s
diversity, enjoy the arts
and embrace
creativity.
The Four Pillars of Sustainability
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Options for living (condo,
townhouse, homes, etc.)
for all stages of life
Small town vibe
and a friendly
feel
A vibrant town
core with focus
Our amazing, accessible
amenities with lots to do:
parks, play structures,
recreation centres, etc.
Individuals involved
in making our town
an even better
place to live! What do
you think?
What we have heard so far…
What makes Oakville the most
livable town in Canada?
Big trees and
green space
Safety, security
and cleanliness
Read more in
Appendix C
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What do you think?
What makes Oakville the most livable town
in Canada?
What are you doing that supports the
pillars of sustainability?
Environmental Economic Social Cultural
What does sustainability mean to you?
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There is so much to build on….
Bright ideas!
In the community… Oakville Literary Alliance – is an organization that works to bring together poets
and poetry groups in Oakville and helps to expose their works through their
website and membership with Oakville Arts Council.
http://www.oakvillepoetry.org/
Oakville Business Network – is ‘a business networking group for small business
and solo professionals in Oakville, Ontario.’ http://oakvillebusinessnetwork.com/
Oakville Sustainable Food Partnership (OSFP) – non-profit organization run by
volunteers who promote local eating and ecological farming.
http://www.oakvilleorganicmarket.com/
Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) – a community organization that promotes
positive child development and provides family-centered mental health
services. http://www.kidsmentalhealth.ca/about_us/member_profile.php?id=89
Plus dozens more! Read more in Appendix D and discuss
what’s missing. What more would you like to see?
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At the Town of Oakville…
Over 57 km of Oakville Heritage Trails are accessible to walkers, joggers and
cyclists. They also provide information on natural, human and built heritage.
http://www.oakville.ca/culturerec/trails.html
State of the Environment Reporting (SOER) program was initiated in 2008 to
report on key outcomes from the Environmental Strategic Plan
http://www.oakville.ca/environment/state-of-oakville-environment-report.html
There are over 12 Residents’ Associations in Oakville that register with the town
and receive notification of municipal issues and public meetings which may
be relevant to them. http://www.oakville.ca/residents/residents-
associations.html
Plus dozens more! Read more in Appendix E or online at
www.oakville.ca
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Celebrating community members that are….
Actively Involved
During engagement sessions, residents have told us that they…
Environment
Plant trees
Compost and recycle
Bike to school
Take public transit
Grow their own vegetables
Are on the ‘Green Team’ at
school
Social
Help seniors
Participate in newcomer’s events
Use community centres
Volunteer at Kerr Street Ministries
Serve food at local food banks
Play sports of all kinds
Culture
Play music
Use the libraries
Enjoy the arts and culture scene
Live, work and play in Oakville
Economic
Work locally
Drink local beer
Support local businesses
Try to reduce electricity use
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Discuss it! Recruit others to help! Read more in Appendix D
www.oakville.ca
[email protected] |@townofoakville
Susan Tulloch Member of the Let’s Be Livable Residents’ Panel
I have a genuine interest in the future of the town, and
maintaining the charm and quality of life it's known for.
I am involved in community services and love studying and
the outdoors.
What I love most about Oakville is our safety, green space
(trails and parks), quality of education, and the feeling/sense
of home
Question: What are you already
doing to make your town livable?
Environmental | Economic | Social | Cultural
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Let’s discuss it!
Community Action Profile:
Sustainable Living Network Madison, WI
www.meetup.com/Sustainable-Living-Network/
An online meeting place for like-minded people to
connect and discuss issues related to sustainable living
in their community.
Ideas from the community:
Initiate a Youth Arts Collective
Set-up and participate in guided nature trail walks
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Question: Do you have other
interesting, new ideas?
Read more, and discuss it, at www.oakville.ca (and Appendices D, E & F)
An idea from the Residents’ Panel:
Re-ignite Oakville’s TEDTalks to spark new
ideas and discussions about sustainability.
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Six things you can do to
take action!
1. Discuss it!: Share your ideas
on this Discussion Paper
2. Use your talents: Sign up to
volunteer at a local charity
3. Meet your neighbours: Spark
a conversation and take
action on a local issue that
matters to you
4. Explore a new
neighbourhood or a new
walking trail: Share what you
experienced with others
5. Tell two friends about this!
6. Join the conversation: Meet
at Town Hall on Saturday,
May 24 at Town Hall for an in-
person discussion
For more ideas, refer to Appendix F
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Question: What can you do to help
Oakville become the most livable
town in Canada?
www.oakville.ca
[email protected] |@townofoakville
Discuss it! Share ideas! Learn more! Join your community on Saturday, May 24 at Town Hall
