The population is on the verge of doubling, the mayor says Oakville is ready

Oakville’s population is expected to double in the next 30 years but the Town is ready to meet the challenges that growth will bring.

That’s the view of Mayor Rob Burton who spoke of past successes and the future goals of Oakville in his annual State of the Town Address.

With a current population of 225,000, Oakville will be a bustling city of over a half million by 2050 and with that will be a community looking for places to live, well-paying jobs, an efficient transit system and locations to relax and enjoy themselves.

Burton said he, his colleagues on council, and Town staff are working to provide these things.

“Oakville has never stood still, it will be true to its heritage as we continue to grow for the better,” said Burton pointing out that the population increase is necessary to bolster the workforce. “Canada’s growth will keep Oakville growing. But be calm. We have always grown.”

But Burton went on to say that Oakville hasn’t always kept up with growth.

He pointed out that in the past Oakville lacked parks, community centres, schools and hospitals and it took a lot of effort to change that.

“We are proud that we have caught up and are keeping up with growth,” he said

He said the planning must continue to meet future demands.

Already in the works is a new library and a performing arts centre that will be part of a downtown cultural hub renewal.

As well, he pointed out, neighbourhoods will be revitalized such as Kerr St. and Bronte Rd. where residents will be able to shop where they live. “We want to revitalize these areas just as we did in downtown Oakville,” he said.

Housing will appear along the GO Train lines and traffic will be able to flow more easily such as on Burloak Dr. where a train overpass will be built. More electric buses and free transit for seniors and students will keep people moving.

More parks, a cricket pitch, soccer fields and arenas are also in the process of being created or planned. And more community centres, said the mayor, adding that it is his goal to have such facilities in each of the Town’s seven wards.

To complement all of this, said the mayor, is the continued interest of businesses to invest in Oakville

The biggest challenge, the mayor said, will be able to keep taxes down to the level that residents are used to. “We have some tough decisions in front of us,” the mayor said about upcoming budget deliberations.

But he said that challenge will be met.

“Together we will make our town more vibrant and liveable,” he concluded. “I know we can face any challenge and I know we can make the best future possible together. We create our future every day. Let’s keep moving forward.”