Oakville’s great IDEA is to increase inclusivity, diversity and accessibility

Oakville councillors unanimously approved a plan to make Oakville more inclusive over the next five years.

At the council meeting on Monday, April 29, the Oakville Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Multi-Year Plan, which outlines town actions over the next five years, was adopted.

“Council and I fully support the IDEA multi-year plan, which advances our collective effort to support inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in our workplace and community,” said Mayor Rob Burton.

“The plan complements Council’s Strategic Action Plan well, particularly when it comes to enhancing community belonging by providing opportunities, services and programs for all residents to participate and engage in.”

The plan includes four goals that support the town’s objective to be an inclusive workplace and community where everyone feels they belong:

• Foundational – drive the objective. Be accountable for incorporating IDEA in all areas of the organization.
• Internal – attract and retain people. Cultivate a work environment that is diverse, inclusive, safe and one where staff feel respected and valued.
• Community – listen to, engage and serve the community. Reflect our inclusive culture throughout the range of services we provide to our community.
• Sustainability – communicate, track and measure. Align and connect our IDEA.

“The town is excited about continuing work on the IDEA multi-year plan, which reflects years of work and consultation with staff and the community, and builds on the town’s existing efforts for a more inclusive Oakville,” said Oakville CAO Jane Clohecy.

“IDEA work will not only benefit employees and residents, but also the overall success and sustainability of our organization and the community.”

Over the next year, staff will continue work on the foundational actions outlined for 2024, including reviewing, improving and introducing policies and procedures using the Inclusion Lens, and rolling out communications to let staff and the community know what the plan is and how it is progressing. 0

To learn more, visit the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Multi-Year Plan page.