By: Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
Midtown Oakville is moving closer to finalizing growth policies to transform the area into a vibrant and livable community. During the Jan. 20, 2025, Planning and Development Council meeting, the Council reviewed updates to the draft Midtown Oakville and Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) Official Plan Amendment (OPA).
The OPA aims to guide Midtown Oakville’s evolution from an underutilized commercial and employment area into a mixed-use, transit-supportive, and sustainable community. The CPPS framework has been incorporated into the plan to streamline land-use permitting processes in the area.
Since the draft OPA was introduced in September 2024, significant updates have been made based on feedback from the Council, public agencies, landowners, and residents. Input was gathered through various channels, including a public open house on Nov. 27, 2024, and an online survey.
Key updates to the OPA include improved clarity in CPPS policies, including urban agriculture, vertical farming, new automotive uses integrated within mixed-use buildings, and additional sustainability measures. Exemptions for existing or expanding uses from specific policies, such as minimum height and density requirements, have also been added. Other notable changes include more precise guidelines for landowner groups and required agreements, adding a third-priority school site, and removing Ministry of Transportation (MTO) lands associated with the Queen Elizabeth Way from the Urban Core designation and related schedules.
Over the coming days, town staff will refine the draft OPA further, incorporating comments anticipated from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. At the Feb. 18, 2025, meeting, the final version will be presented to the Planning and Development Council for consideration and adoption.
Once the Council approves, the OPA will be sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for final review and approval. During this time, the town will continue engaging the public on Midtown policy implementation tools, including developing a Community Planning Permit By-law.
“Midtown Oakville is now at the final stage of the Official Plan Amendment process. Council and I look forward to February 18th to adopt the Official Plan Amendment and show the Province what we think the Transit-Oriented Communities work should look like,” said Mayor Rob Burton.
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