An action plan for the Oakville-Clarkson Airshed was released on June 25, 2010 by Chair of the Oakville-Clarkson Airshed Task Force Dr. David Balsillie. The plan contains recommendations to improve air quality in the overtaxed Oakville-Clarkson Airshed, as directed by the Ontario Government when it appointed Dr. Balsillie to chair the task force in September 2009.

The report's fourth recommendation calls for all applications for provincial Certificates of Approval for new industrial activities that will increase polluting emissions within the airshed, including the proposed TransCanada power plant, to be considered in light of the current capacity of the airshed. The report also calls for a provincial standard to regulate the emission of fine particulate matter that measures 2.5 microns or less in aerodynamic mass diameter (fine PM).

• Read the full report online
• News release: Town welcomes report of Balsillie Task Force on Oakville-Clarkson Airshed (July 25, 2010)

The Town of Oakville is committed to improving air quality in the Oakville-Clarkson airshed. Given the concerns residents have raised regarding air quality in Oakville and the impact of the proposed 900 megawatt TransCanada power plant, the town is undertaking a number of new initiatives to protect the health of our community.

After a period of public review and comment, the town passed Health Protection Air Quality By-law 2010-035 (pdf) on February 1, 2010. Click on the Health Protection Air Quality By-law button above for more information.

These web pages will be updated regularly to provide the latest information about the town's actions to improve air quality, and information related to the proposed TransCanada power plant.

For more information, please email healthprotection@oakville.ca.

In 2009, Council passed Interim Control By-law 2009-065 (pdf) to prohibit power generating facilities on all lands zoned E1, E2 and specific T1 zones, pending the completion of a land use policy study for power generation and cogeneration facilities. On March 29, 2010, the by-law was extended by Planning and Development Council to March 31, 2011.

A public facilitated workshop on the land use policy study will be held on May 18, 2010.

Register for a workshop by contacting Manager of Long Range Planning Diane Childs at dchilds@oakville.ca, or 905-845-6601, ext. 3986.

• Staff report on the study update (pdf, 100 kB) 
• Land Use Study for Power Generation and Cogeneration Facilities (pdf, 9.5 MB) 
• Public consultation strategy (pdf, 150 kB)
• Public notice - posted May 5, 2010
• Public open house panels - from the open house on April 28, 2010 (pdf, 1.9 MB)