Oakville approves Housing Strategy and Action Plan

At last’s night’s Planning and Development Council meeting, Town Council approved a Housing Strategy and Action Plan (HSAP), which consists of nearly 70 actions the town can take to achieve positive housing outcomes, including improved affordability and enhanced housing choice. The HSAP is the town’s guiding document to improve the housing landscape in Oakville.

The HSAP was first presented to Council in July 2023 where staff was directed to conduct further public consultation. After receiving an updated report in October 2024, Council requested some additions. 

Responding to public and Council comments for innovative and affordable housing options, the town refined its HSAP, including: 

• Adding a new action item to consider the development of a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) in Midtown Oakville. A CPPS enables the town to issue development permits in a one-application, one-approval process compared to the traditional process of making separate re-zoning, site-plan and minor variance applications. 
• Updating the action item for the Sheridan College Housing Taskforce to ensure that the taskforce works to enable, advance, and accommodate the development of residential uses, including student housing specifically on the Sheridan College campus.  

Other housing-related improvements include:  

• The creation of a new guideline document to support the Rental Housing Protection By-law. The guidelines will assist landlords, tenants, and developers navigate this process while protecting the town’s limited rental housing.  
• An updated version of the White Paper: Planning Act Tools to Facilitate Development of Affordable Housing (pdf) is available on the Inclusionary Zoning page. 
• The town has initiated a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) study to identify current and future needs to address gaps. Starting December 2024, focus group sessions will be held with the building industry, housing providers, businesses, and additional engagements will be held in 2025.  
• Arising from the HNA study, various tools will be considered, including Inclusionary Zoning within Protected Major Transit Station Areas; a Community Improvement Plan to incentivize the development of affordable housing; and a more collaborative and streamlined approvals system. 

More information is available in the staff report presented at the December 9, 2024, Planning and Development Council meeting, and on the Housing Strategy and Action Plan page.  

Quote

"The Town of Oakville continues to do its part to address the housing supply crisis. Through the initiatives and actions outlined in our Housing Strategy and Action Plan, we will improve housing affordability and availability in our community."

– Mayor Rob Burton