An Economic Development Policy for Oakville
Growing Oakville’s economy and broadening our tax base.
What This Means for You
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Too many business owners and entrepreneurs have told Jeff that Oakville has developed a reputation as a difficult place to do business — complicated processes, long approval times, and unclear responsibilities that carry real costs.
Key Actions
Champion a Business Concierge Service
Help businesses navigate municipal requirements, connect with the right departments, and get clear, timely answers.
Hold Regular Mayor's Business Roundtables
Meet regularly with entrepreneurs, small businesses, BIAs and major employers to identify real barriers and fix what's within the Town's control.
Publish an Annual Assessment Growth Scorecard
Show residents whether Oakville is actually growing its commercial and industrial assessment, not just its residential base.
Work Toward a Healthier 80/20 Assessment Balance
Use Oakville's historic 80% residential / 20% non-residential objective as a long-term financial benchmark, not a development quota.
Protect Strategically Important Employment Lands
Guard against the unnecessary conversion of employment lands to residential development.
Make Small Business a Specific Priority
Ensure the entrepreneur opening a first business gets the same attention as a major employer — small businesses often need municipal help most.
Attract the Right Employers
Focus on technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, professional services, film and digital industries, and clean technology.
Measure Results, Not Press Releases
Track whether businesses are investing, expanding, and creating jobs here — and whether municipal processes are actually improving.
Want to Go Deeper?
Changing Oakville’s Business Reputation
Jeff has heard it too often from business owners and entrepreneurs: Oakville has developed a reputation among some as a difficult place to do business. Processes can be complicated, approvals can take too long, and responsibilities can be unclear. Changing that does not mean lowering our standards — it means providing clear requirements, predictable processes, timely decisions, and a genuine willingness to help solve problems.
A Business Concierge Approach — A coordinated way to help businesses navigate municipal requirements, connect with the right departments, and identify problems early.
Town Hall as a Partner — Government does not create entrepreneurs, but it can decide whether it makes their job easier or harder.
An Understandable Process — The answer will not always be yes, but businesses deserve a clear process and a municipality willing to work with them.
Small Business Is Big Business
Growing and Protecting the Commercial Tax Base
Jeff’s Business Background
A Stronger, More Diverse Oakville Economy
Red Carpet, Not Red Tape means making Oakville a place where entrepreneurs can start, existing businesses can grow, and responsible investment is welcomed — while maintaining Oakville’s high standards and building a stronger, more diverse economy as Oakville continues to grow.
