Oakville News along with the world's news organizations were hyper-focused on COVID-19 developments from the emergence of vaccines, vaccinations, anti-vaccination demonstrations, to the emergence and domination of first the Delta variant and more recently the Omicron variant.
However, there were other stories that caused Oakville residents to sit up and take notice. Some of these stories were heartwarming, and many of them caused governments to rethink their stance. Here are Oakville News' top non-COVID-19 stories for 2021.
1. A sprawling disaster - Ford's plan for Ontario
By Jane Fogal
The Ford government's changes to the Place to Grow Act forces local municipalities to approve plans to accommodate population growth to 2051, and all of these decisions must be made before the next provincial election.
2. Eastern Screech Owl rests in Oakville family's wreath
By Lynn Lau
The Cardosos have lived in their home near WH Morden school for nearly 15 years without ever laying eyes on an owl in their yard. Until one magical day last month, when one stayed all day as it rested in their front door wreath.
3. Oakville Catholic school board trustee facing fraud charges
By Kim Arnott
Hamilton police have laid fraud charges against trustee Nancy Guzzo in relation to her time as a manager with union LIUNA.
4. Teenagers playing dangerous games on Oakville's roads concerns drivers
Over the past few weeks, several drivers have taken quick action to avoid hitting children playing dangerous games on Oakville roads.
5. Remove pool and pay costs, court orders
By Kim Arnott
Ontario Court of Appeal rules against Oakville couple whose pool and deck encroached on town and hydro easement.
6. Highway 413 – a lazy man’s solution for 401 congestion
By Jane Fogal
A $6-8 billion investment, the proposed Highway 413 is ultimately a temporary fix to a systemic problem, which needs to be addressed, according to Halton Hills councillor Jane Fogal, and there is a better solution.
7. Two Oakville teenagers arrested for gang sexual assault and child pornography
By Oakville News
Two male 19-year-olds from Oakville have been arrested on several charges, including gang sexual assault and making child pornography. The investigation has determined there are more victims and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
8. Neighbour conflict over therapy pig increases stress in Glen Abbey
By Lynn Lau
Neighbours say it is unacceptable they have to live next door to a 300-lb pig, while the owner of the pig says neighbours should give her and her therapy animal a break.
9. Fall Salmon Run on Bronte Creek
Local fisherman, Andrew Bihari, with large salmon caught in Bronte Creek.
10. Parking ban around Oakville's lakeside parks
By Kim Arnott
Should Oakville town council ban parking on streets surrounding its lakeside parks this summer?