High-level summary - The City Council meeting focused on approving heritage-related permit applications for two properties (429 McDonald Road and 279 Macdonald Road) and reviewing the Downtown Oakville Heritage Conservation District (HCD) process. Both heritage permit approvals were carried with unanimous consent and specific timing conditions; the HCD review emphasized public engagement and upcoming public meetings. The decisions advance preservation goals while balancing heritage attributes with functional updates.

Five most important topics discussed

1) Heritage Permit Application for 429 McDonald Road (Garage Door Replacement) - The council reviewed a heritage permit to replace two single-car garage doors with one double-car door at the Nansidwell property (1931 Tudor-style with heritage attributes such as curved wood arches and columns). Carolyn stated, "The arched wood column in the center is technically a heritage attribute that should be retained... The goal is to retain them as much as possible." Staff supported the change despite the minor impact on heritage attributes. - File/designation context: The discussion referenced designation bylaws and the house’s original garage, noting that while the garage is original, it is not readily visible from the street and staff were supportive of the change. This item centers on preserving heritage while allowing practical modernization.

2) Heritage Permit for 279 Macdonald Road (Rear Addition) - The council approved a rear addition at 279 Macdonald Road, with the motion moved by Coun. Giddings: "Moved by Counselor Giddings that the permit application for 279 Macdonald Road for the construction of a new rear addition be approved subject to the following... [heritage planning staff review and expiration terms]." The approval was carried with the permit expiring two years from final council approval. - The addition is designed to be set back behind the heritage house and to maintain the Tudor aesthetic while aligning with zoning and heritage guidelines. The formal motion reflected staff review requirements and a two-year expiry.

3) Downtown Oakville Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Review Update - Kristen provided an update on the Downtown Oakville HCD review process, focusing on ensuring the district plan and guidelines function well and comply with legislation. Public engagement has been a key component, including surveys, meetings, and stakeholder consultations. - Quote: "Staff have been conducting this review... making sure that it's functioning well for the community, it's compliant with legislation, things like that." Public engagement was highlighted as critical, with planning for a statutory public meeting later in the year or early next year.

4) Public Engagement and Public Input Opportunities - The meeting underscored opportunities for public input beyond the formal votes, including pre-registration to delegate at council meetings and statutory public meetings for the HCD updates. For the HCD process, a statutory public meeting is planned, and residents are encouraged to participate. - Public input mechanism notes: A pre-registration process for delegations was described, with ongoing opportunities to provide input through hearings and the Oakville.ca agendas/meetings section.

5) Motions and Outcomes Related to Heritage Permits - Motion: Approval of Heritage Permit for Garage Door Replacement at 429 McDonald Road - Outcome: Passed unanimously. Follow-up: Permit expires two years from final council approval. - Motion: Approval of Heritage Permit for 279 Macdonald Road (New Rear Addition) - Outcome: Passed unanimously. Follow-up: Requires final details (cladding, trim, windows, doors) to be reviewed by heritage planning staff; material samples to be submitted for final approval; permit expires two years from final approval. - Overall, these motions demonstrate a pattern of unanimous support with conditions tied to final design details and scheduling.

Public input opportunities and contact points - Delegations and public input: The meeting outlined pre-registration options for delegations via Oakville.ca (agendas and meetings section). For ongoing HCD work, a statutory public meeting will be held in the next few months to gather feedback. - Public input contacts: The Oakville website and agendas/meetings sections serve as the main channel for registering to speak and submitting input. For participation details, visit Oakville.ca under Agendas and Meetings.

Councillors present - Councillor McNes - Councillor Giddings - (Note: The chair is referred to as Madam Chair/Madame Chair in the summaries; the listed councillors are McNes and Giddings.)

Motions passed, rejected, or deferred (titles and outcomes) - Motion to Approve Heritage Permit Application for Garage Door Replacement at 429 McDonald Road - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Follow-up: Permit to expire two years from final council approval; final details not yet required at this stage. - Motion to Approve Heritage Permit for 279 Macdonald Road for the Construction of a New Rear Addition - Outcome: Passed. - Conditions/Follow-Up: Final details (cladding, trim, windows, doors) to be reviewed by heritage planning staff; additional action includes submitting material samples for final approval; permit expires two years from final council approval. - (Note: Other items on the Downtown Oakville HCD and related public meeting planning were noted as next steps rather than stand-alone motions in this section.)

Next steps - The council will finalize the heritage permit decisions for both 429 McDonald Road and 279 Macdonald Road, with final design details and material samples reviewed by heritage planning staff and permits expiring two years from final approval. - The Downtown Oakville HCD review will continue, with a statutory public meeting planned later this year or early next year and a subsequent presentation to Heritage Oakville. Public engagement remains a focus throughout the process.

Councillor representatives and key participants - Councillor McNes - Councillor Giddings - Madam Chair (presiding) - Carolyn (staff presenter for the heritage items) - Kristen (HCD update presenter)