Oakville council said goodbye to three of its members during the final meeting of the 2018-2022 council term, which was held Monday, Nov. 7.
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton thanked Ward 7 town and regional Coun. Pavan Parmar, Ward 7 town Coun. Jasvinder Sandhu and Ward 1 town Coun. Beth Robertson for their service to the community and for the style and grace each individual showed in helping their constituents.
Parmar was defeated by Nav Nanda during the recent municipal election.
Robertson was also unsuccessful in her re-election bid, with Jonathan McNeice coming out on top in that contest.
Sandhu did not seek reelection and will be succeeded by Scott Xie.
Each councillor served one term.
During the meeting, Sandhu thanked her council colleagues and town staff for enabling council to do the work it has done over the last four years.
Parmar also expressed her gratitude.
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“It has been such a pleasure to serve with all of you and to deliver positive results to the residents of Oakville, especially during such an unprecedented time with the pandemic,” she said.
“It’s just been a true honour to serve on this council, and I look forward to staying committed and continuing to serve our community.”
Robertson called the conclusion of her time on council “bittersweet.”
“I really, really love this job,” she said.
“I will stay committed … Thank you ever so much.”
Burton noted each departing councillor has left their mark on the community.
Robertson, he said, facilitated many improvements, including: the creation of a new Bronte Market Square, the cleanup of South Shell Park, the rejuvenation of the waterfront promenade and increases in pedestrian safety.
The mayor said some of Sandhu’s accomplishments include expanding the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, assisting the town with the installation of pipes for additional schools in Ward 7, being elected chair of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, promoting the construction of better built homes within the province, organizing the Ward 7 Halloween kickoffs and parades, developing a basketball drop-in program with King’s Community Church and starting the Ward 7 internship program with local high school students.
Burton recognized Parmar for her efforts to bring a new community centre to Ward 7 and her work to improve community safety.
“There will be more crosswalks, safety driving zones, crossing guards and automatic speed enforcement there thanks to her and her colleague councillor Sandhu,” said Burton.
“Councillor Parmar worked closely with our police service to advocate for programs aimed at reducing speeding, stunt driving, excess noise and improving road safety.”
Parmar also serves on the Halton Police Board.
Near the end of the meeting, each departing councillor was presented with a red oak sapling and a novelty street sign with their name on it.
The first meeting of the 2022-2026 term of council will take place Monday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
