Mayor's statement on 2023 Annual Report

Since Oakville was founded in 1841, we’ve never stood still. Today, we are Ontario’s largest town. In 2023, we exceeded our provincial growth targets. 

We’re attracting more jobs to support our growing population. For the fifth year in a row, Oakville was named one of the best locations to invest in Canada. 

The focus of our Council Strategic Plan and 2023-2026 Action Plan is to grow more vibrant and livable.

We are providing the infrastructure and services we need to support more people and businesses. We now have more than two million square feet of community facilities — and more to come with the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex expansion, our Downtown Cultural Hub and other projects. 

We’re upgrading roads and making transit more attractive and accessible, with free fares for youth and seniors. Our growing electric bus fleet will help us achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

We exceed our parkland targets with a well-distributed park system. Park renewal projects are underway all across town, including our new world-class cricket pitch and sports fields at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex.  

The Town of Oakville’s commitment to digital innovation positions us to become the GTA's most digitally connected community.

As a result of our prudent financial management, we will continue to maintain and enhance our community infrastructure and services.

In 2023, we achieved the lowest tax increases among all surrounding municipalities, well below the rate of inflation. In our survey, 80 per cent of residents said they receive good value for their tax dollars.

I value our community’s ongoing engagement and participation in creating a vibrant and livable community for all. We have much to be proud of. We have much to do, and we have much to look forward to.

Mayor Rob Burton, BA, MS

Head of Council and CEO