The Provincial Government controls municipal growth across the GTA. Through Places to Grow 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.

Irresponsible No-Growth Agenda Created Oakville's Affordability & Skyscraper Problems

Our Mayor had a choice. To acknowledge the necessary growth needs and lead our town to responsible, modest growth that maintained the charm and warmth of our community, or, to ignore Canada's affordability and growth challenges and champion a politically expedient no-growth agenda. 16-years later, Oakville has a housing affordability crisis, our youth and seniors can't afford to live in the town they grew up in and the Town's unmet growth requirements are multiplying to the point the Town is now in the approvals process for multiple 59+ storey 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: midlevel 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.

As Your Mayor I’ll be a Tough Partner Advocating for Oakville

I am collaborative by nature. Decades of entrepreneurial success have taught me that working with people can lead to better outcomes that meet both your and their needs and goals. However, I've also learned that sometimes you must dig in and fight to achieve the best solutions. As Oakville's Mayor I will be called upon to both work with and challenge Queen's Park, developers, stakeholders and other Government groups to strike the best deal for Oakville.

As Mayor, I am committed to always putting Oakville's interest first. I am committed to working with all stakeholders and levels of government and political parties to champion Oakville's interests. And I am committed to standing up to any interest group, politician regardless of political party or developer to achieve the best solutions for our Town.

My Planning Approach:

Recognizing that Oakville residents value the small-town feel, and character of the town they live in, it will be a priority to avoid interrupting the aesthetic with monstrous skyscrapers that obstruct views, create congestion, and alter the feel of a neighbourhood. Oakville needs to build communities not sprawl.

As Mayor, I will approach provincially mandated intensification requirements with the following priorities:

• Strongly opposing Burton's proposed skyscrapers.

• Protecting and expanding Oakville's greenspace, trees, parks and natural areas.

• Maintaining the charm and character of Oakville.

• Congestion relieving infrastructure is built prior to additional development.

• Ensuring public transit works effectively for Oakville.

• Any Provincially mandated intensification be focused in specified areas and minimize impact on existing communities.

• We build beautiful buildings, structures and pedestrian friendly neighborhoods.

• Have various housing options including affordable housing for our adult youth and seniors.

• Have an array of amenities, recreational choices, jobs and retailers.

• Prevent downstream flooding and ensure climate change mitigation is a part of planning.

• Our infrastructure will be safe for cyclists.

• Accessible waterfront for all, including maintaining Oakville's historic character.