The Town of Oakville…

The Town of Oakville recognises the Province's objective to expedite transit infrastructure delivery. The proposed amendments raise concerns regarding municipal autonomy and operational continuity.
Expanded Metrolinx Authority: The expansion of Metrolinx's authority to access and modify municipal infrastructure beyond construction to include operation and maintenance will create confusion in municipal capital planning and budgeting. Municipalities are best positioned to address active transportation, transit use, road safety, and community needs based on local knowledge and community input. The Town requests:
• Clear protocols for advance notification and consultation before any infrastructure modifications
• Joint approval mechanisms for any work affecting municipal assets or services
• Financial accountability frameworks ensuring Metrolinx bears full costs for any damage to municipal infrastructure
• Clear timelines limiting the scope and duration of operational access
Notice Reduction: Reducing notice requirements from 30 to 15 days significantly constrains municipalities' ability to coordinate with other planned capital works, consult with affected residents, and ensure service continuity. The Town requests the Province maintain the 30-day notice period to allow adequate municipal planning and public engagement.
Standardised Road Construction Standards: While standardisation may have merit in specific circumstances, imposing uniform provincial standards risks eliminating municipal flexibility to address local conditions and context, allow for innovative design solutions, and implement community-specific needs. The Town requests:
• Municipalities retain authority to exceed provincial standards where local conditions warrant
• A streamlined exemption process for contextual solutions
• Allowing existing municipal standards that meet or exceed provincial requirements
• Full consultation with municipalities before considering or finalising any standards
Liability and Maintenance: The legislation introduces uncertainty around liability and maintenance responsibilities. If the Province assumes control over municipal corridors (even temporarily) without formally uploading the asset, it is unclear who bears responsibility for ongoing maintenance, repairs and risk management. This ambiguity could expose municipalities to legal and financial liabilities for infrastructure they no longer control. It is recommended that the Province clarify roles and responsibilities to ensure accountability and protection of public assets.
While Oakville supports efforts to expedite transit delivery, speed must not come at the expense of accountability, transparency, and local coordination. A balanced approach is essential. The current framework preserves municipal control over local infrastructure and daily operations and ensures that the Province and its agencies operate as partners, not unilateral authorities. It is recommended that Province establish formalized collaboration frameworks, effective dispute resolution mechanisms through governance, and joint planning protocols that respect municipal jurisdiction and technical expertise.