Sustainable Development Practices

Town-Owned Buildings: Energy and Carbon Plan

• Was prepared in compliance with O.Reg.25/23 Broader Public Sector: Energy Reporting and Conservation and Demand Management Plans. 
• Provides framework for energy and carbon reduction at town facilities for the next five years 
• Provides data on energy use and carbon emissions 
• Summarizes the current state and highlights exemplary projects undertaken in the last-five-year Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) period.

Open the Energy and Carbon Plan 

Community Energy Strategy

• Increase energy efficiency by at least 20 per cent by 2041.
• Enable transition to a goal of carbon neutrality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2041.
• Return at least $7 billion in cumulative energy cost savings to the community by 2041.

Review the Community Energy Planning page

District Energy Pre-feasibility Study  

• District energy describes the elements of a system that supplies thermal energy (heating, cooling, or both) to multiple connected buildings from a central location(s).
• This study is a follow-on to the Community Energy Strategy (CES) which recommended district energy as a means to reduce carbon emissions for Oakville by connecting 70 per cent of existing buildings and 80 per cent of new builds in identified high growth areas to a district energy system.

Climate change programs in the Official Plan

1. Energy efficiency and low-carbon systems

• Reduce GHGs and increase renewable and district energy
  • 10.2.1 a): Encourage energy generation from renewable sources and district energy.
  • 10.10.2: Promote LID strategies for stormwater
  • 10.5.1: The Town shall encourage proposals for alternative energy systems and renewable energy systems at appropriate scales which are compatible with surrounding existing and proposed land uses and the environment. During Renewable Energy Approvals consultations, the Town will emphasize the need for compatibility with all surrounding existing and proposed sensitive land uses.

2. Energy generation

• Encourage alternative energy systems and renewable energy systems compatible with surrounding existing and proposed land uses and the environment
  • 10.5.3: Encourage new development to connect to district energy facilities

3. Energy conservation

• Promote and encourage development which minimizes energy consumption when evaluating planning application by: 
• 10.4.1 a) seeking a compact urban form;
• 10.4.1 b) encouraging mixed use development where appropriate to minimize motor vehicle trips;
• 10.4.1 c) encouraging the use of appropriately selected and located vegetation to reduce the energy consumption of buildings
• 10.4.1 d) encouraging urban design that promotes energy conservation;
• 10.4.1 e) promoting transit and modes of active transportation
• 10.4.1 f) addressing other matters, as appropriate, that reduce energy consumption.

 Draft transportation demand management (TDM) measures 

The Town is planning to adopt TDM Checklists and guides following the approval of the Transportation Master Plan, however through the development review process, the Transportation Team promotes TDM measures as noted below.  

• Promote non-auto modes and reduce SOV (Single Occupancy Vehicle) trips through the development review process. 
• By-laws 2014-014 and 2009-189 have minimum requirements for bicycle parking spaces within new residential, commercial, employment, and mixed-use zones contributing to the availability and enhancement of active transportation options throughout the Town
• Smart Commute App – which is used to encourage sustainable travel behaviours

To be most effective, these integrated sustainability and TDM requirements should be introduced at the Site Plan Approval stage, ensuring that transportation and environmental considerations are embedded early in the planning and design process. This will enable developers and planners to make meaningful commitments that support reduced vehicle dependency, encourage multimodal transportation, and promote resilient, low-impact development.

At the Condominium Application stage, TDM measures identified during site plan approval should be revisited, and a clear implementation timeline for these measures should be established. This approach would ensure follow-through on commitments and provide a mechanism for accountability as developments move through the approval pipeline.

Transportation Master Plan

• Vision to create measures that reflect the Town’s priority and ongoing commitment to active transportation.

Learn more about the Transportation Master Plan

The Town is committed to sustainable development in order to achieve environmental sustainability. This section provides objectives and policies to implement the principle of sustainability where the Town has jurisdiction.

Objectives: OP 10.1.1

• to minimize the Town’s ecological footprint;
• to achieve sustainable building and community design;
• to preserve, enhance and protect the Town’s environmental features, natural heritage systems and waterfronts;
• to enhance the Town’s air and water quality;
• to maintain the existing urban forest; and,
• to progressively increase the urban forest to achieve a canopy cover of 40 per cent Town-wide beyond the life of this plan.
  • This procedure guides the construction of new town owned buildings and the maintenance of existing facilities while emphasizing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation, use of renewable power sources, and non-toxic material.
• Climate Action Policy
  • Sustainable Green Fleet Procedure
  • Sustainable Purchasing Procedure
  • Sustainable Building Design Procedure
  • Towards Zero Waste Procedure
  • Wildlife Procedure

Natural Heritage System

Natural heritage system is protected, enhanced and restored as part of the Planning Act and Municipal Environmental Assessments in keeping with the natural heritage policies in the Town’s official plans. Protection includes requesting bird-friendly design in the form dark-sky compliant lighting adjacent to the natural heritage system and managing encroachment through fencing and landscaping. Enhancements include establishing and planting buffers around natural features, building and installing specialized wildlife habitat and creating functional ecological linkages between natural habitat. Restoration options include restoring degraded watercourses and terrestrial natural features, increasing pollination areas by restoring disturbed areas.  

• Livable Oakville 3.1) The Natural Heritage System recognizes a linked system of natural areas including natural features, hazard lands, buffers and linkages. It is intended that these natural areas be protected from development and preserved for the long term in order to promote sustainability and contribute to the quality of life in the Town.
• Region of Halton 114) The goal of the Natural Heritage System is to increase the certainty that the biological diversity and ecological functions within Halton will be preserved and enhanced for future generations.
• All development and site alterations subject to the Planning Act in or adjacent to the natural heritage system require an environmental impact assessment. 
  • Livable Oakville 10.9.4) … an environmental impact statement may be required to be prepared by the proponent of a planning application for lands adjacent to (natural and hydrologic features).
  • Region of Halton 77.5.k) An environmental impact statement or environmental impact assessment is required if any part of the Regional Natural Heritage System is affected in an area not covered by a sub-watershed study.

Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval

The municipal Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval (CLI ECA) replaces the numerous pipe-by-pipe Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECAs) that were previously issued for components of municipal sewage collection systems and municipal stormwater management systems.

A municipal CLI ECA is a single environmental permission for all the sewage works components of a municipal sewage collection system or a municipal stormwater management system.

CLI ECAs are issued to municipalities. They include conditions that authorize these municipalities and prescribed persons (such as developers) to make changes to the system when requirements in the CLI ECA are met.

The municipal sewage collection system is under Halton Region’s jurisdiction and any proposed works are subject to regional review. The types of sewage works included in a municipal sewage collection system CLI ECA typically include:

• Sewage works used for the collection, storage, pumping, and transmission of sanitary sewage, excluding treatment
• All the eligible sewage works for collection of sanitary sewage that are owned by a municipality, or that may be transferred to a municipality pursuant to an agreement including pumping stations and pipes
• Combined sewers and combined sewage storage structures that collect and convey both wastewater from residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and stormwater runoff through a single-pipe system
• Pumping stations including those that pre-condition sewage for further treatment downstream, such as the addition of coagulants, flocculants, disinfectants, or pH adjustment
• Sewage works used for the management of residue from the system or odour control

The types of sewage works included in a CLI ECA for a municipal stormwater management system typically include:

• All the sewage works for residential stormwater management that are owned by a municipality, or that may be transferred to a municipality pursuant to an agreement including pipes, swales, ditches, stormwater management facilities and low impact development

Stormwater management ponds are landscaped with a variety of native woody and herbaceous vegetation to contribute to cooling of the water and provide flowering vegetation for pollinators in line with the Oakville Biodiversity Strategy. Prior to Bill 23, Conservation Halton required ponds to be landscaped in keeping with their Guidelines for Landscaping and Rehabilitation. The Town continues to ask for naturalized planting plans for ponds. 

Stormwater Management Fee Policy

The stormwater fee was approved by Council on September 29, 2025. The Stormwater Management Fee Policy came into effect on January 1, 2026.

Highlights of the stormwater fee structure:

• Residential properties – flat fees for residential properties, $60 per year for apartments and townhomes, $128 per year for semi-detached houses, and $273 per year for detached houses
• Non-residential properties – pay variable fees that average about $3,700 and range from $50 for a small business to $90,000 for a larger business. Non-residential properties are categorized as commercial/industrial, institutional/mixed-use, or special
• Zero fees will apply to properties consisting primarily of open spaces (e.g., parks, conservation authority lands, hydro/rail right of way) that have minimal runoff 
• Properties, currently tax exempt under the property tax and user fee legislation, are exempt from the stormwater fee, except for Region of Halton and Town properties
• Stormwater costs that are currently paid for in property taxes will be removed from property taxes

Future stormwater fees will be reviewed by Council through the annual budget process as part of the rates and fees schedule and will be reassessed every five years to ensure appropriate funding is being collected.

For more information visit the Stormwater Fee Feasibility Study page or read the September 29, 2025 Stormwater Fee Recommendations and Implementation Plan staff report.

Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan

• Applies Town-wide
• Reviews the status of urban forest
• Assesses progress against recommendations of previous urban forest studies
• Provides strategic direction and further recommendations to achieve 40 per cent urban forest canopy cover target by 2057 as well as a sustainable and healthy urban forest

Learn more about the Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan

Urban Forest Assessment Program

The Town conducted a Town-wide urban forest assessment using i-Tree. The purpose of the study was to quantify the monetary value, the ecological benefits and environmental services provided by the town’s urban forest to the community. The study was completed in 2016. No updates have been made.

Learn more about the latest report: i-Tree/ Growing Resilience - A Comprehensive Study of Oakville Urban Forest, 2025

North Oakville Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan

The plan ensures a sustainable and healthy urban forest for the lands located north of Dundas Street. 

The purpose of the North Oakville East Secondary Plan is to establish a detailed planning framework for the future urban development of the North Oakville East Planning Area. This included establishing a natural heritage and open space system.

The management and implementation of the natural heritage system is carried out in accordance with the North Oakville Creeks Subwatershed Study.

The plan impacts overall planning for residential, commercial and industrial lands. It recommends a strategy that connects urban forestry best practices to existing environmental features in Oakville’s Natural Heritage System. 

North Oakville East Cycling Strategy

This document addresses the creation of a Cycling Strategy to encourage cycling in North Oakville East through the establishment of cycling-friendly streets, a cohesive cycling and trails network, and adequate bicycle parking. The strategy is designed to encourage utilitarian cycling, as well as establish a cycling network that creates opportunities for recreational cyclists. It recognizes that cycling is a priority alternative mode of transportation.

North Oakville East Trails Plan

The North Oakville East Secondary Plan area will be a sustainable, urban environment. A key to achieving this vision is a functional Transportation System that recognizes all modes. This includes accommodating efficient public transit, pedestrian and cyclist movement, as well as private automobile and commercial traffic. A comprehensive system of trails is an important component of the North Oakville East Transportation System.

North Oakville Sustainable Development Checklist & User Guide

The Sustainable Development Checklist (pdf) will be used as a tool for assessing the sustainable features of development applications. Town Staff will be looking for all development applications to reflect the principles contained within this checklist. Based on North Oakville Secondary Plan policies, the checklist is meant to be a tool to encourage sustainable development practices; however, required components of the checklist reflect requirements of the Secondary Plan. The Town recognizes that the specific requirements may not be applicable to all applications. Therefore, the level of compliance will only be based on the percentage of applicable points achieved.

Sustainable Design Guidelines

• Such actions shall encompass the core sustainability elements of living within the limits, understanding the interconnections among environment, culture, society and economy, and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
• The Town of Oakville is refreshing its Sustainable Design Guidelines for Town owned buildings in 2026. This ensures the Town is setting an example for the community.

Section 6: Urban Design under Livable Oakville 

• Outlines additional policies that promote sustainable development. 

Streetscape – Official Plan 

• 6.3.1 Complete streets shall incorporate ecologically sustainable features.
• 6.4.2 New development should contribute to a cohesive streetscape by incorporating sustainable design elements, such as trees, plantings, furnishings, lighting.   

Landscaping – Official Plan 

• 6.10.2 Development should preserve and enhance urban forest
• 6.10.4 Developments should preserve and complement the existing natural landscape.

Lighting – Official Plan

• 6.14.4 Lighting shall be directed away from the night sky

Stormwater Management – Official Plan 

• Stormwater management techniques shall be used in the design of new developments to control both the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff.
  •  Section 10.10 

Building Development Engineering Guidelines 

3.3 Best Management Practices and Low Impact Development Guidance 

• LID facilities are to be sized to retain runoff occurring from a 25 mm event per the recommendation of the Town SWMP and following the guidelines outlined in this section. A LID facility sizing design sheet is available upon request to assist designers
• LID facilities should not be oversized to overcontrol for entire sites; infiltration facilities should be sized up to a maximum of 90 per cent of the average annual runoff volume for the contributing area.
• Potential LID BMPs supported by the Town include, but are not necessarily limited to:
  • bioretention areas and bioswales 
  • vegetated filter strips 
  • enhanced grassed swales 
  • permeable pavements (asphalt, concrete, paving and stones) 
  • soak-away pits, dry wells, and infiltration chambers 
  • exfiltration pipes 
  • prefabricated modules (including soil retention cells) and tree pits 
  • green or living roofs 
  • rainwater harvesting and reuse.

Tree Protection and Tree Canopy Preservation Policy

Applicable at site-level.

The Town is committed to preserve and enhance its tree canopy and natural vegetation. The Town shall protect trees on both public and private lands pursuant to applicable by-laws, recognizing their importance to the ecology, aesthetics, culture, and heritage of the town. 

Learn more about the Tree Protection and Tree Canopy Preservation Policy

Urban Forest & Tree Canopy – Official Plan

Applicable at site-level.

Achieve 40 per cent canopy through management and planting.

• 10.1.1(f): To progressively increase the urban forest to achieve a canopy cover of 40 per cent Town-wide.
• 10.13: Replant enough trees to replace lost leaf area.

Landscaping – Official Plan

Applicable at site-level.

6.10.2 Development standards to preserve and enhance urban forest

• Maintain existing healthy trees where possible
• Provide suitable growing environments
• Increase canopy coverage
• Integrate a diverse mix of native plant species

Soft Landscape Standards – Livable by Design Manual Part C

Applicable at site-level.

• 2.2 Species selection standards 
• 2.2 Size and spacing standards for planting
• 2.3 Tree retention standards
• 2.5 Soil standards
• 2.6 Treatment for Required Landscaping
• 2.8 Greening surface parking standards

Climate change programs in the Official Plan

1. Green buildings

• Support the sustainable development and redevelopment of buildings.
  • 10.6.1 a) renewable energy systems such as wind, geothermal and solar power installations;
  • 10.6.1 b) energy-efficiency technologies that are consistent with high energy efficiency standards (such as Energy Star and LEED buildings), design features and construction practices.

Minimum required bicycle parking spaces

Bicycle parking spaces are unobstructed rectangular spaces that are designed to be used for the temporary parking of  bicycles.

• By-laws 2014-014 and 2009-189 have minimum requirements for bicycle parking spaces within new residential, commercial, employment, and mixed-use zones contributing to the availability and enhancement of active transportation options throughout the Town.

Livable Oakville – Urban Design Guidelines

(3.0) Built Form - Livable by Design Manual Part A: Urban Design Direction for Oakville

• Bird-friendly façades (visual markers, sunshades, louvers, non-reflective glazing) to minimize the potential for bird strikes.
• Sustainable building features, such as water collection and storage, photovoltaic applications, green roof design, high albedo surfaces and extended eaves for sun shade. 
• Designing energy efficient building façades.

Review the Livable by Design Manual Part A: Urban Design Direction for Oakville

(4.5) Exterior lighting - Livable by Design Manual Part C: Site Design and Development Standards

• Reduce light pollution, sky glare, and light trespass. 
• Reduce energy consumption with energy efficient luminaries, off-grid powered fixtures, and greener power sources.
• Automated controls (timers, photo cells, sensors) to eliminate unnecessary lighting. 

Review the Livable by Design Manual Part C: Site Design and Development Standards

Air Quality – Official Plan

• Improve air quality
  • 10.12.1: Improve air quality through land use and transportation: bike/ped networks, mixed-use, transit.

Sustainable Built Form – Official Plan

• Encourage sustainable design and energy-efficient construction.
  • 10.3.1: Apply LEED Silver, green roofs, energy audits to Town facilities.
  • 10.3.2: Use sustainability tools in development review.

Waste Management – Official Plan

• Reduce waste
  • 10.8.1: The Town will support programs to divert waste from landfill, including but not limited to a zero-waste strategy and building design policies and guidelines that support waste reduction and diversion.
  • 10.6.1 f: conserving heritage resources, which contributes to sustainability by reducing landfill and lessening the demand for energy and resources needed for new construction.

Green Buildings – Official Plan

The Town will encourage innovative programs and construction methods which support the sustainable development and redevelopment of buildings. 

Sustainable features sought by the Town may include, but are not limited to:

• 10.6.1 d) - permeable paving and other innovative stormwater management methods;
• 10.6.1 e) - water conservation and efficiency measures.