www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, September 17, 2015 | 8 www.oakville.ca Renewing our urban forest We're helping our woodlands regrow after the impact of Emerald Ash Borer Ash tree removals continue in town woodlands Temporary trail closures ongoing Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has had a devastating effect on our woodlands. Most, if not all of the town's 43,000 woodland ash trees are now dead or dying. The town is following best forest management practices to remove dead and dying ash trees to reduce the risk to the public and to help our woodlands regrow. Woodlands and trails, or portions of them, will be temporarily closed as tree removals take place. Tree removals are scheduled in 22 woodlands this year. For a map and for more information, visit oakville.ca or contact ServiceOakville at serviceoakville@oakville.ca or 905-845-6601. Reduce the risk If you have an untreated ash tree on your property, have it safely removed before it becomes a hazard to you or your neighbours. Consider planting a new tree to help boost Oakville's tree canopy. Visit oakville.ca for a list of native tree species. Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Stormwater Master Plan (Phase 2) Notice of study commencement This notice of study commencement initiates Phase 2 of the Town of Oakville's Stormwater Master Plan. Through this study, the town will review its current standards, policies and by-laws and assess how the town's stormwater infrastructure functions, identify vulnerabilities and develop short and long range improvement plans. Phase 1 of the study focused on assessing the structural condition of the underground pipe network and gathering background data to support Phase 2. The objective of Phase 2 is to comprehensively assess the function of the existing stormwater management network and document its ability to respond to continued land use changes (infill development, land redevelopment) and climate change (increasing rainfall frequency and intensity). This study is expected to identify system limitations that may require improvements (capital projects) as well as adoption of new/revised policies, bylaws, and/or standards to ensure that the town's stormwater management system continues to operate effectively for the protection of persons, property and the environment. A key component of this study will be consultation with interested stakeholders (public, landowners and regulatory agencies). Two Public Information Centres (PICs) will be held to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to review and discuss the study approach, findings and recommendations. Details on the Public Information Centres will be advertised in the Oakville Beaver and on the town's website at oakville.ca as the study progresses (currently planned for early 2016). The study will be conducted in compliance with Section A.2.7 Master Plans, as defined in the Municipal Engineers Association "Municipal Class Environmental Assessment," (June 2000) updated in 2007 and 2011, which will address Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class EA process. The town is interested in hearing any comments or input that you may have about this study. Comments and information regarding the study are being collected to assist the town in meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. This material will be kept on file for use during the study and may be included in study documentation. If you would like more information or if you have specific comments related to this study, please contact either of the following: Kristina Parker, P. Eng. Water Resources Engineer Town of Oakville Engineering and Construction Department 1225 Trafalgar Road, P.O. Box 310 Oakville, ON L6J 5A6 905-845-6601 ext. 3889 kristina.parker@oakville.ca Mr. Ron Scheckenberger, P.Eng. Project Manager Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure 3215 North Service Road Burlington, ON L7R 3G2 905-335-2353 ron.scheckenberger@amecfw.com This notice first issued on September 3, 2015. Taxi by-law review underway The Town of Oakville has regulated taxis since 1983 to ensure passenger safety and fair consistent pricing. The town currently licenses traditional taxis and accessible taxis. New technology has led to considerable changes in the industry, and the town has been approached on a number of issues including: non-traditional forms of taxi operation, pricing, fairness and competition, contracting services and accessibility requirements. For these reasons the Town of Oakville is undertaking a comprehensive review of its taxi by-law and is consulting with the public, taxi drivers and owners. The information received will be used to formulate a recommendation to Council later this year. Ever use a taxi service in Oakville? Tell us about it. Members of the public are encouraged to complete an online survey related to the taxi service you are currently receiving. Visit oakville.ca to learn more and to complete the survey. Survey closes September 30, 2015.