In this issue:

Economic Development Strategy
Proposed Development Charges By-law
Available Sites Database
LIUNA Centre nearing completion
Livable Oakville Official Plan adopted by Council
ASL Distribution Services Ltd. among Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies
Six Oakville businesses honoured for their excellence
Pelmorex Media Inc. Celebrates Its First 20 Years
Tim Hortons moves its corporate ownership from U.S. back to Oakville

Economic Development Strategy

On July 6, Planning and Development Council officially adopted the Town's 10-Year Economic Development Strategy as presented by the Economic Development Department. The Strategy identifies three major goals:

1. Attract knowledge-based industries in the professional services, advanced manufacturing and life sciences sectors;
2. Respond to the needs of the business community to foster business retention and expansion; and
3. Explore international business opportunities.

The strategic initiatives will result in the growth of knowledge-based industries in advanced manufacturing , professional services and life sciences sectors. This includes the establishment of a geographic presence for a life sciences and technology district around the new hospital. In conjunction with Sheridan College, a international hub for digital media and animation will be developed. The Strategy also focuses on business retention and expansion to ensure that Oakville maintains its competitive position in the marketplace and is responsive to the needs of business.

With Council's approval of the plan, Economic Development staff have begun identifying specific actions and deliverables that will give effect to the Strategy. Staff will also identify tools to measure its progress and success.

To view a copy of the strategy, click here.

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Proposed Development Charges By-law

On June 15, the Town of Oakville released a draft Development Charges By-law No. 2009-118 based on research from the Development Charges Background Study, which was completed in June by Hemson Consulting Ltd. The final by-law will be presented and considered by Town Council on August 10.

Significant changes to the non-residential rates and policies are contemplated:

• Non-residential charges to increase by 34%.
• Elimination of exemption for non-industrial expansion of the lesser of 10,000 sq.ft. or 25% of expansion area.
• Demolition credits reduced to within five years of issuance of demolition period. Credits will only apply on buildings where development charges were previously paid.
  
  

Calculated Non-Residential Development Charges Rates under proposed by-law

Click here to view a copy of the proposed Development Charges By-law No. 2009-118 or the Development Charges Background Study.

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Available Sites Database

Economic Development staff are currently planning the design for Phase II of the Available Sites Database, which will include enhancements and upgrades. The database provides the ICI community with information about buildings and land available for sale or lease within Oakville and can be accessed through oakville.ca/economicdevelopment.

The Economic Development Department is seeking feedback from current users of the database which will be considered during the design of Phase II. General comments and suggestions for improvement are welcomed. Please submit any comments to Alison Newton or Mike Launslager in the Economic Development Department.

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LIUNA Centre nearing completion

A “rooftopping ceremony” was held June 11th 2009 at the site of the new LIUNA Centre in Oakville to mark the near completion of the seven-storey, 152,000 square foot office building.

Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, Oakville Councillors Alan Johnston and Tom Adams and International Vice President and Regional Manager of The Labourers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Central and Eastern Canada Joseph Mancinelli were among over 100 guests celebrating this important construction milestone of the new state of the art building.

The new $30 million LIUNA Centre is the first Silver LEED certified office tower in Oakville. Scheduled for occupancy in early 2010, the development will also include a state-of the-art convention centre. To view leasing information for the LIUNA Centre, click here.

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Livable Oakville Official Plan adopted by Council

On June 22, Oakville Planning and Development Council formally adopted the town’s new Official Plan, Livable Oakville. To view a copy of the new Official Plan, click here . Of significant importance are several modifications have been made to the new Official Plan to permit certain commercial, industrial and office uses on current employment lands. To view for information on these modifications to By-law No. 2009-122, click here.

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ASL Distribution Services Ltd. among Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies

Oakville, ON - Warehousing and transportation provider ASL Distribution Services Limited recently marked its 50th anniversary by winning a 2008 Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies award. This prestigious national award is sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking, National Post and Queen’s School of Business. Read more.

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Six Oakville businesses honoured for their excellence

Six local businesses were honoured at the 14th annual Oakville Awards for Business Excellence recently.
The awards recognize local businesses for contributions they make to the community’s economic development. Read more.

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Pelmorex Media Inc. Celebrates Its First 20 Years

Pelmorex Media Inc., the company behind the success of The Weather Network and MeteoMedia, two of Canada's most popular media brands, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Pelmorex Media recognized the potential for growth in the weather market and began negotiations to acquire The Weather Network and MeteoMedia in 1991. The company quickly became a leader in both the science of forecasting and the communications sector. Read more.

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Tim Hortons moves its corporate ownership from U.S. back to Oakville

Toronto Star Newspapers

Considering that many Canadians practically bleed Tim Hortons coffee on any given workday, it may come as a surprise to some that the much-beloved chain is once again returning its home base to Canada.

Didn't know Tims has actually been registered in the United States for years? That's easy to forgive, considering just how deeply ingrained the brand has become in the Canadian consciousness. Read more.

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Oakville’s staff of economic development professionals are focused on industrial and commercial development including:

Strategic Initiatives – we are undertaking new initiatives to build on the strengths of Oakville’s business community and to create an environment for businesses to thrive.

Business Expansion – we can help you expand your business through information resources and assistance in navigating the development process at Town Hall.

Relocation – we maintain an on-line database of available sites for sale and lease, and can provide you with detailed information about Oakville to help in your decision making process.

Our offices are located at: 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON L6J 4Z5

Toll free: 1-877-OAKVILLE (625-8455)
Fax: 905-815-2011

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