Stop 59 Storey Skyscrapers in Oakville
The Town of Oakville is proposing developments of skyscrapers 250m high. (Image: Town of Oakville Proposal)
June 7 2022 the Town of Oakville proposed updates to the land use policies to enable developments that will significantly alter our Town:
Proposed Maximum Height: 255 metres and 59 storeys.
Proposed Population Growth in Midtown: +20,000 - approximately the same population of Collingwood.
Proposed Timing: 2031
This Isn’t the Province’s Fault
Mayor & Council Decide How & Where Growth Happens in Oakville.
The Provincial Government controls municipal growth across the GTA. Through the Places to Grow Act of 2005 and other legislation the Ontario Government has mandated minimum growth targets for Oakville and the rest of the GTA. However, where and how that growth happens in Oakville is the responsibility of our Mayor and Town Council.
The Mayor Caused Oakville's Housing Affordability & 59 Storey Skyscraper Crisis
In 2008, the Mayor could have approved a responsible growth proposal (image: Town of Oakville’s 2008 Development Plan: proposed mix of building heights with maximum height of just over 20 storeys) but he chose to push an irresponsible and politically expedient no-growth agenda. Oakville's growth requirements didn't go away, they multiplied. Again in 2013, the Mayor could have approved another larger plan but he continued to ignore Ontario's need for housing and continued his irresponsible no-growth agenda. And the growth need multiplied again.
Oakville Skyscrapers will be almost 1/2 Height of the CN Tower
Mayor Burton’s view: “40 or 60 storeys, I don’t think people can tell the difference..” Ward 3 Mayoral debate, October 4, 2022.
How Can We Stop 59 Storey Skyscrapers in Oakville?
The current Livable Oakville Plan Schedule L2 which governs all development caps building hights in the Midtown at 20 storeys (see image of legislation Schedule L2 of the Livable Oakville Plan). To build the skyscrapers, the Town of Oakville has to amend the Schedule L2 of the Livable Oakville Plan. On June 7, 2022, the Town of Oakville proposed an amendment to Schedule L2 of the Livable Oakville Plan that would remove the existing maximum buliding heights. This proposed amendment will be voted on after the election. I am the only Mayoral candidate who has clearly commited to vote NO to this amendment change.
But What About Meeting Provincial Density Mandate?
The Town of Oakville proposed two plans for Midtown (2008 and 2013) without super skyscrapers. Both plans met the Ontario Government’s mandated population and density requirements. Oakville’s Mayor failed to implement either reasonable plan.
The Mayor is Trying to Shift the Blame
In his 2022 State of the Town Speech, the Mayor tried to blame Oakville’s 59 Storey Skyscraper problem on the Province. The reality is that over his four terms (16-years) as Mayor, he failed to accommodate the provincial growth mandate and now the town faces a crisis. It is a crisis of his own doing that highlights his lack of leadership. (Image: page 43 from Town of Oakville’s planning proposal showing height of proposed skyscrapers. See the full proposal at the town’s website here)
Watch: The Mayor’s short sighted and irresponsible no-growth agenda has created a housing affordability crisis in Oakville that now has the Town proposing 59 storey skyscraper developments.
Help me stop the skyscrapers.
Managing Provincial Growth Responsibly
The province has mandated growth in Oakville including intensification at Midtown and Bronte, but maximum building heights can be controlled by the Town. Earlier plans for Midtown had towers that topped out at about 20 storeys (see Town of Oakville 2008 proposal here). Rob Burton rejected those reasonable proposals. 59 storey skyscrapers will change the character of Oakville. I oppose 59 storey skyscrapers in our town.
As Mayor, I will seek to accommodate provincially mandated growth with a focus on maintaining the charm and character of our community including: mid level and mid-rise buildings in designated growth areas and minimizing the impact on existing communities. I also strongly believe the town must invest in roads and congestion relieving infrastructure prior to additional development being completed.
Addressing Housing Affordability Without Skyscrapers
I will approach provincially mandated intensification requirements with a focus on responsible growth. With the average detached home price in Oakville approaching $1.6 million, it makes becoming a first-time homeowner in Oakville out of reach for most.
While the solution to this is going to be complex, and not within the sole control of municipal government, I am committed to being a leader that brings experts, innovators and the community together to find solutions that improve affordability, attain reasonable growth and most importantly, maintains the integrity of our community. I will oppose skyscrapers in our Town.
Read more about my approach to housing and development here.