Regional Council October 2023 Highlights: Reducing Ambulance Wait Times; Updates on Housing Strategy & Regional Waterfront Park; & more

Halton Regional Council
Written By

Halton Region Council Highlights -- October 2023The October 2023 edition of Council Highlights includes key public information, messages and materials on significant program updates related to this month’s regular meeting of Regional Council and other key areas of interest to Regional Council.October Content

  • October Council Meeting
    • Additional Provincial Funding for Dedicated Offload Nurses to Reduce Ambulance Wait Times at Hospitals
    • Comprehensive Housing Strategy Update
    • Regional Waterfront Park Updates
  • Motions
    • Support for the Protection of the Millcroft Golf Course Greenspace
  • Key Areas of Interest
    • Community Advertising
    • Regional Road 25 Public Consultation

OCTOBER COUNCIL MEETINGAdditional Provincial Funding for Dedicated Offload Nurses to Reduce Ambulance Wait Times at HospitalsHighlights

  • Halton Region’s 250 paramedics respond to more than 50,000 calls and transport almost 30,000 people to emergency departments every year.
  • To allow for the efficient transfer of patients from paramedic to emergency hospital care, the Province provides funding for dedicated offload nurses, bringing more resources to emergency departments.
  • The availability of the dedicated offload nurses reduces the time spent transferring patients from paramedics to hospital staff, freeing up ambulances to get back out into the community quicker and available to respond to emergency calls.
  • Halton’s Paramedic Services has worked with the hospitals in Halton to implement this program since 2008.
  • This year, the Province is providing additional funding for a total of $1.46 million for Halton.
  • The additional funding will be used to expand the program and reduce offload times at the Milton District Hospital.

Please use the links below to access additional information about Paramedic Services and related materials.

Comprehensive Housing Strategy UpdateHighlights

  • Significant progress continues to be made on the implementation of Halton’s Comprehensive Housing Strategy (CHS) Update: 2014-2024, which is built on a strong commitment to partnership, collaboration and leadership in the creation and protection of assisted housing.
  • The Region’s role is primarily focused on addressing government assisted and supportive housing for low-income and precariously housed Halton residents in partnership with the Provincial and Federal Governments.
  • In 2023 so far, Halton Region has approved funding for 148 new assisted housing units requiring an investment of $79 million ($52 million from the Region and $27 million combined from the Provincial and Federal Governments) for the:
    • purchase of 70 assisted housing units at 30 Normandy Place in Oakville;
    • development of the new 52-unit seniors’ supportive housing property at 265 (formerly 263) Kerr Street in Oakville;
    • development of 14 additional supportive housing units for seniors at 1258 Rebecca Street in Oakville; and
    • development of 12 new assisted housing units at 17 Guelph Street in Georgetown.
  • Preventing homelessness and responding to encampments continue to be a priority for the Region and are being addressed through a Community Safety & Well Being Action Table. This coalition of service providers is developing a Halton-wide approach to respond to and reduce encampments.
  • Halton Region uses several mechanisms to prevent homelessness and support low income households. This includes:
    • enhanced street outreach for individuals experiencing homelessness, including new mental health and addictions supports; and
    • rental assistance for 1,398 residents to secure affordable private market rental housing.
  • Supportive housing for individuals with complex mental health and addictions is a significant need in Halton. Recent research has identified a requirement for approximately 120 new supportive housing units. 53 supportive housing units are being developed within housing projects already approved by Regional Council.
  • Assisted and supportive housing is a shared responsibility across all levels of government. Halton Region continues to advocate to the Federal and Provincial governments for appropriate capital and operating funding for assisted and supportive housing.

Please use the links below to access additional information about the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Update and related documents.

Regional Waterfront Park UpdatesHighlights

  • Halton’s Lake Ontario waterfront is a unique feature and is one of the many reasons why Halton is such a sought after place to live and enjoy.
  • Halton Region is working to improve the Burloak and Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Parks by improving park and waterfront access and providing a variety of new recreational, cultural and tourism opportunities.
  • The enhancements at Burloak Regional Waterfront Park are nearing completion and residents can now enjoy the improved walking areas, and additional native trees and shrubs. The last phase of the improvements includes a new splash pad and other amenities for residents to enjoy.
  • There are also significant updates planned for the Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park with restoration of the natural environment, and construction of new park features and amenities including:
    • upgrades to the promenade
    • new seating
    • a special event space
    • enhancements to the natural dunes
    • flexible green parking areas
    • pier upgrades
  • Updates on design plans and construction will be provided to the community as details are confirmed.

Please use the links below to access additional information about the Regional Waterfront Parks Update and related documents.

MOTIONSSupport for the Protection of the Millcroft Golf Course GreenspaceHighlights

  • Applications have been made to develop portions of the Millcroft Golf Club in Burlington, proposing 90 homes and a 6-story residential building.
  • Burlington City Council only supports the development of the 6-story residential building due to critical stormwater management and flood prevention, and to maintain existing green space in the area.
  • While Halton Region and the City of Burlington are committed to housing growth, enough land is available within the urban area without compromising existing greenspace.
  • Burlington City Council unanimously directed Mayor Meed Ward to request the Province to declare a provincial interest in Millcroft Golf Club.
  • Halton Regional Council unanimously approved support of Burlington's resolution to protect Millcroft Golf Course greenspace and seeks the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing's help.

Please use the links below to access additional information about Support for the Protection of the Millcroft Golf Course Greenspace and related documents.

KEY AREAS OF INTERESTCommunity AdvertisingHighlights

  • Halton Region is committed to ensuring all residents stay up to date on regional information and important notifications.
  • While Metroland Media Group is no longer printing and circulating weekly community newspapers and is only offering news through digital channels, there are still many ways to keep informed and access Regional information:
    • Stay up-to-date on all news from Halton Region by subscribing to our media releases, advisories and Public Notices.
      • Either go to halton.ca/news or simply click on the blue banner at the top of the halton.ca homepage and it will take you right to the subscription sign up.
    • Visit halton.ca to get the latest news and updates, and read Regional Chair Gary Carr’s weekly blog which provides the latest information on important programs, services and initiatives.
    • Follow and engage with @RegionofHalton on social media platforms (X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube Channel). There are multiple posts each day that provide great sources of information about Regional programs and services.
    • If you like to get your local news online, you will find notices and important information from the Region in the Community Notices section on insidehalton.com.
    • If you live in the area of a Regional project or initiative, Regional staff or Canada Post will deliver a Notice or letter right to your door (this might be to notify you of construction activity, a road closure or an opportunity to participate in a public meeting).
    • The Region has road signs across the community to keep residents informed of major programs, services and information. You may see additional signs pop up in your neighbourhood.
    • The Region also uses digital advertising to make sure residents and businesses are informed of major programs, services and information. You will see advertisements from the Region on websites and social media channels.
  • The community is encouraged to share information with residents who may not have access to digital information and may have previously relied on local community newspapers.

Please use the links below to access additional information about Community Advertising and related materials.

Regional Road 25 Public ConsultationHighlights

  • Halton Region is planning for improvements to Regional Road 25 between Speers Road and Derry Road in Oakville and Milton.
  • We are looking at ways that improve connections and reduce forecasted traffic congestion associated with growth in the area. This includes road widening, new active transportation and transit infrastructure, and overall safety improvements for all road users.
  • We are asking the community to provide feedback on the potential improvements and help inform our study. Between October 12 and November 9, 2023 we are hosting an online Public Information Centre.
  • Participants can watch a few videos about the project and complete a short survey. They can also be added to our mailing list to get updates on the project.

Please use the links below to access additional information about Homelessness Supports and Services and related documents.

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