Article provided by Stephen Crawford, Ontario PC Candidate, Oakville.
Since being elected as Oakville’s Member of Provincial Parliament in 2018, I have been steadfast in my commitment to protecting our community’s unique character and ensuring responsible, thoughtful growth.
From leading the successful fight to save Glen Abbey Golf Course from development to stopping the forced amalgamation of Halton Region’s municipalities, my advocacy has always prioritized what is best for Oakville. Today, our town faces another critical challenge: the proposed Midtown Oakville Transit-Oriented Community (TOC).
The Midtown Oakville TOC: A Plan That Raises Concerns
Oakville has long been recognized for its well-planned neighbourhoods, abundant green spaces, and carefully managed development. While growth is necessary to accommodate the evolving needs of our community, it must be balanced and align with Oakville’s character. The current TOC proposal for Midtown is excessive and out of step with the community’s expectations. This plan, if implemented, could compromise Oakville’s charm and livability by allowing extreme density without the necessary infrastructure and planning to support it.
I am listening closely to residents and share their concerns. We all want a vibrant and sustainable future for Oakville, but not at the cost of what makes this town special. I will continue to advocate for a more balanced and reasonable approach to development—one that enhances, rather than diminishes, our community’s quality of life.
A Stark Contrast in Visions for Oakville
While I have consistently stood up for responsible growth, the Ontario Liberal Party, led by Bonnie Crombie, is pushing a radical housing plan that threatens to alter Oakville’s landscape dramatically. Their proposal includes eliminating height restrictions around transit hubs, which could result in 80-90 storey towers near the Oakville and Bronte GO stations. This level of intensification would fundamentally reshape Oakville’s skyline and bring extreme density, placing enormous strain on local infrastructure, roads, schools, and public services.
Additionally, the Ontario Liberals’ plan would allow four-storey buildings in every residential neighbourhood, stripping away the character of Oakville’s established communities. This approach disregards the thoughtful urban planning that has shaped our town and risks creating widespread traffic congestion, parking shortages, and a loss of green space. The implications of these policies are far-reaching, with long-term consequences that could permanently alter Oakville’s charm.
The Risks of Unchecked Density
Under Bonnie Crombie’s plan, areas such as Upper Middle Road, Cornwall Road, and Ford Drive could see six- to eleven-storey buildings imposed “as of right,” meaning local residents would have no say in the matter. This top-down approach to development prioritizes density over community-driven planning, leaving Oakville residents without a voice in shaping their town’s future. With no opportunities for appeals, our community could be forced to accept rapid and poorly managed growth without consideration for its impact on schools, traffic flow, and municipal services.
Furthermore, the plan’s push for “missing middle” housing, such as four- and six-plexes in established neighbourhoods, could significantly change the look and feel of Oakville. Streets currently lined with single-family homes could see multi-unit buildings constructed right next door, leading to increased population density without corresponding upgrades to infrastructure. This not only risks overcrowding but could also strain essential services such as healthcare, policing, and public transit.
Protecting Oakville’s Future
As Oakville continues to grow, we must ensure that development is both responsible and sustainable. Thoughtful urban planning must balance the need for housing with the preservation of our town’s character. I continue to be a strong voice for Oakville, working alongside local leaders and residents to support smart, community-driven growth that enhances our town rather than overwhelms it.
The Ontario Liberals’ reckless housing plan disregards the concerns of local communities and takes a one-size-fits-all approach to urban planning. Their proposed policies do not reflect the needs of Oakville and would permanently alter the town without a clear strategy for managing increased density.
A Proven Record of Advocacy
My dedication to Oakville has never wavered. I have twice been honoured with the Keys to the Town in recognition of my advocacy efforts, and I will continue to be a strong voice for responsible development. Whether it was stopping the development of Glen Abbey Golf Course, opposing municipal amalgamation, or advocating for responsible infrastructure investment, I have always prioritized what is best for our community.
If re-elected, I will continue to champion Oakville’s interests at Queen’s Park, ensuring that our town remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I encourage residents to stay informed, engage in the conversation, and make their voices heard on the future of development in Oakville.
Our town’s future depends on the choices we make today. Let’s work together to ensure that Oakville’s growth is measured, thoughtful, and respectful of the community we cherish.
Authorized by the CFO for the Stephen Crawford Campaign