Council approves 2019–2022 Strategic Plan Refresh

Town Council unanimously approved a refresh to its 2019–2022 Strategic Plan at last night’s Council meeting. The refresh builds upon the success of the first two years of the 2019–2022 Strategic Plan, and sets out new actions to help achieve Council’s vision for Oakville “to be the most livable town in Canada.”

While the Strategic Plan remains valid in its five original areas of focus and key objectives, the refresh and the list of major initiatives planned for this term of Council is necessary, in recognition of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to address key priorities during the remaining term of Council.

“Setting a clear strategic direction from now until the end of 2022 will ensure that we continue to meet the needs of the community for this term of council,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “My Council colleagues and I remain committed to working with residents, businesses and community partners to achieve our vision for Oakville to be the most livable town in Canada.”

Since 2007, Oakville has adopted a mission-driven approach to strategic planning that converts the town’s vision, mission and values into strategic goals. Council then establishes its work plan based on those strategic goals which it believes require the greatest attention. For 2019–2022, Council identified five areas of focus:

Members of Council stressed the importance of completing the 2021 and 2022 work outlined in the Progress Report and identified the following six priority areas for the town to address within this term of Council:

Town of Oakville’s CAO Jane Clohecy added that Council’s strategic goals are monitored annually, and are fully integrated into departmental business plans and budgets to ensure that staff goals are fully aligned with Council’s strategic priorities.

“The strategic plan guides the important work we undertake each day in service to our community,” said Clohecy. “Staff incorporates Council’s goals into every decision we make, and every report we bring to Council. Given the impacts the pandemic has had on town services, it was important to review the plan to ensure our continued success in meeting the changing and growing needs of our residents.”

At last night’s meeting, Ward 6 Councillor Tom Adams thanked staff for the efficient way in which they went through the Strategic Plan Refresh process with Town Council. 

“The plan includes important contributions from every member of Council. I want to thank all of my Council colleagues for their work and input because it is easy to see that important projects have been incorporated in the plan covering each of the wards,” said Adams. “I think it’s very helpful for residents to see that their parts of town have been considered and that important work is proceeding to improve their lives locally.”