Oakville greenlights sustainable future with approval of Parks Plan 2031

Oakville Town Council has approved the updated Parks Plan 2031 and Parkland Dedication By-law 2024-034, which will form a guiding framework to create vibrant greenspaces, urban parks, and acquire land for developing parks across Oakville. 

In September 2022, Council endorsed an earlier version of the Parks Plan 2031 and Parkland Dedication By-law. Since then, the provincial government introduced changes to legislation regarding land acquisition and cash-in-lieu of land for parkland use. The updated Parks Plan 2031 responds to these latest legislative changes to support the townwide parkland standard. In fall 2023, the town consulted with the public, school boards, development industry and regional partners, to help shape the Parks Plan and Parkland Dedication Procedure. 

The town has developed a system for active park lands based on the concept of a “campus of parks.” This diverse system includes community parks with high-level facilities and sports fields, and smaller neighbourhood parks with basic levels of outdoor recreation, including parkettes. 

The future design of park types, locations, sizes, development, and designs will be established through the town's Official Plan, master planning exercises and development applications. This means there remains many opportunities for the public to continue providing input as new parks take shape. 

The town will continue to monitor land acquisition opportunities within the Strategic Growth Areas to assess community and infrastructure needs. Staff will present options to Council for consideration before finalizing the Land Acquisition Strategy in 2025.

For more information visit the Parkland Dedication page and the read the April 8, 2024 staff report. 

Background

• The Parkland Dedication By-law is one of three development financing tools (the Development Charges By-law and Community Benefits Charge By-law being the other two) at the town’s disposal to ensure new development contributes to building community infrastructure. 
• The Parkland Dedication By-law allows the town to obtain parkland through the development process for new parks as the town continues grows, and to meet the needs of both the current and future population. 

Quote

“Residents tell us that the qualities that make Oakville livable are our parks, our greenspaces and our trails. The Parks Plan 2031 and Parkland Dedication By-law will guide the future of Oakville's parks and open space for current and future residents to enjoy.”

- Mayor Rob Burton