High-level summary - The council meeting featured a Fire Department representative, Sam Gil, delivering public safety guidance on carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and upcoming regulatory changes. Key points included the Ontario Fire Code update effective January 1, 2026, emergency response protocols, testing reminders, and a seasonal safety note. No motions, public input opportunities, or file/bylaw numbers were recorded in this portion of the transcript, and councillors present were not specified.

Five most important topics discussed

1) Carbon Monoxide Safety Awareness - Firefighter Sam Gil framed CO as the "invisible killer" and stressed the need for working CO alarms, especially where there are fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. This information is aimed at improving daily household safety for residents. - Quote: "Starting January 1st, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code will require a carbon monoxide alarm on every story of your home." - Public comments or questions: Not documented in this section. - File numbers/bylaws: None mentioned.

2) Upcoming Changes to the Ontario Fire Code - The discussion highlighted a regulatory expansion taking effect in 2026, requiring CO alarms on every story of a home, beyond the existing requirement to have alarms outside sleeping areas. This represents a broader safety mandate for residents. - Quote: "You've always been required to have a working carbon monoxide alarm outside each separate sleeping area... But starting January 1st, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code will require a carbon monoxide alarm on every story of your home." - Public comments or questions: Not documented in this section. - File numbers/bylaws: None mentioned.

3) Emergency Protocol for Carbon Monoxide Detection - Residents were advised on immediate actions when a CO alarm sounds: evacuate to fresh air and call 911. The guidance emphasizes treating alarms as true emergencies due to potential CO presence. - Quote: "If the alarm sounds, it's an emergency. Carbon monoxide may be present. Get outside to fresh air right away and call 911." - Public comments or questions: Not documented in this section. - File numbers/bylaws: None mentioned.

4) Testing Carbon Monoxide Alarms - The speaker emphasized regular maintenance, recommending monthly tests using the alarm’s test button to ensure functionality. This underlines ongoing safety practice for households. - Quote: "Test your carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button." - Public comments or questions: Not documented in this section. - File numbers/bylaws: None mentioned.

5) Holiday Safety Reminder - A seasonal safety reminder was issued, encouraging residents to stay vigilant indoors with CO alarms functioning properly during the holidays. - Quote: "From all of us here at Oakville Fire, stay safe and have a great holiday season." - Public comments or questions: Not documented in this section. - File numbers/bylaws: None mentioned.

Opportunities for citizen input - No direct opportunities for public input were mentioned in this transcript excerpt. Residents seeking clarification or guidance on the new regulations can contact the Oakville Fire Department for further information.

Motions and council actions - Motions: No motions were discussed or decided upon in this section of the transcript. - Other actions: No file numbers or bylaw numbers were cited in relation to the topics covered.

Councillors present - The transcript does not specify which councillors were present. No list of attendees is provided.

Files/bylaws mentioned - None were discussed or referenced in this portion of the transcript. The key regulatory change cited is the Ontario Fire Code update effective January 1, 2026, but no bylaw or file number was provided.