5 most read news stories in Oakville in 2022

Another year has passed and while COVID-19 didn’t dominate headlines, the virus has continued to play a major role in our lives and how we carry forward.

There were plenty of news-making stories to come out of Oakville from Glen Abbey golf course being saved from development to Mayor Rob Burton being re-elected for his fifth term in office.

With 2023 right around the corner, here’s a look at the top news stories that caught our attention in our storied town for 2022:

5. Rob Burton wins fifth term as Oakville mayor

Make that five terms now at the helm in Oakville for Rob Burton.

The long-time Oakville mayor will once again take his seat at the head of council after defeating two other candidates in the 2022 municipal election on Monday, Oct. 24.

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In one of the closest mayorial races in Oakville history, and for the second-straight election, Burton held off challenger Julia Hanna.

With 45 of 45 polls reporting, the unofficial Oakville election results had Burton winning by just 886 votes, collecting 49.24 per cent of vote to edge out Hanna.

Burton finished with 19,949 votes to Hanna’s 19,063. Hanna had 47.06 per cent of the vote.

First-time mayorial candidate Jack Kukolic was a distant third in the voting, finishing with just 1,498 votes for 3.70 per cent.

Just 28.30 per cent of Oakville residents went to the polls, with 41,021 ballots cast.

4. Oakville high school student scores highest marks possible in an IB course

Oakville high school student Shanessa Furtado finished with the highest marks attainable in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme.

The graduating St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School student finished with a seven out of seven in her history, biology, chemistry, mathematics and French courses, the highest score attainable in an IB course.

Furtado finished her 2021-22 school year scoring an impressive 44 out of 45 points in her studies.

“Being a part of St. Thomas Aquinas’ IB Diploma Programme has been one of the most rewarding challenges,” Furtado said. “The IB Programme has transformed me into a critical thinker, a strong communicator and a risk-taker.”

“Through components of the IB programme like the Extended Essay and CAS, I developed vital research skills and was able to explore various interests, such as creating a podcast,” she added.

3. Oakville’s Glen Abbey Golf course has been saved from development

The fight to save Glen Abbey golf course from development has been won.

Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark announced Friday morning (July 9) he has secured a commitment with ClubLink to withdraw their appeals with the Ontario Land Tribunal, but also to immediately with plans for development.

“I am incredibly thankful to ClubLink for its cooperation and for ensuring that this heritage landscape will be protected from development,” Clark said.

ClubLink, owners of the Glen Abbey Golf  Club, were looking to build 3,000 homes and over 127,000 square feet of commercial and retail space on the property.

“I am pleased to share that these actions have resulted in saving this beautiful golf course for the good people of Oakville for their recreation and enjoyment for future generations,” he added.

News that ClubLink wouldn’t be developing the land was certainly welcome for so many who have fought to save the golf course.

Groups like Save Glen Abbey, We Love Oakville and Oakvillegreen Conservation Association joined forces in opposition of the development.

“There’s a lot of people that put a lot of hours into raising awareness the importance of this and the importance of local planning,” said Save Glen Abbey’s Bill McKinlay. “It’s a great day for Oakville and it’s a great day for Ontario.

2. First case of monkeypox confirmed in region of Burlington, Milton, Oakville

The first case of monkeypox has hit in the area of Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills.

Halton Region Public Health has confirmed the region’s first reported case of monkeypox virus. The individual is currently isolating at home and all contacts have been notified by Halton public health.

“While most people infected with monkeypox will have mild symptoms some people, such as children, pregnant women and those with immunodeficiencies, are at higher risk for severe disease,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health.

“If you have symptoms of monkeypox, it is important to stay home and call your doctor to be assessed. When seeking medical care you should wear a high quality medical mask and cover up all lesions.”

Symptoms of monkeypox typically include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, low energy, muscle aches and skin rash or lesions.

1. School board won’t stop transgender Oakville teacher from wearing provocative clothing

An Oakville high school teacher, whose provocative clothing garnered attention from around the world, will be able to stay on the job and not have to conform to a dress code.

The news comes as the Halton District School Board (HDSB) issued a report that recommends against adopting a system-wide dress code over fears of legal implications and human rights violations. The report will be presented to the full board at a meeting tonight (Nov. 9)

Board officials have been investigating the issue since Oakville Trafalgar High School teacher Kayla Lemieux sparked debate and protests over what teachers can wear in the classroom.

Photos of Lemieux, who is transgender, have appeared online and were covered extensively by international media in September. The photos showed her wearing oversized prosthetic breasts and tight tops.

Back then, the board considered the dress code, but now is backing away.

“It is important to recognize the impact that dress code policies can have on members of the transgender community,” states the report. “Most notably, it is important for employers to make allowances to ensure that these employees are able to express themselves in accordance with their lived gender.”