Historical Perspective
– Why Allan became involved with Oakville politics
– Summary of Allan’s contributions to Oakville and Halton Region
– Allan’s personal biography (schooling, family etc.)
Why Allan became involved with Oakville politics
Allan Elgar had 30 years of business experience in management, (administration and finance) with Bell Canada when he became the Founding President of Oakvillegreen Conservation Assn. Inc.. This grassroots organization was formed in response to residents' concerns about the sprawling development that was swallowing up the forests and natural habitats around Oakville, jamming the roads, and polluting the air.
Convinced of the need for a
greener vision for Oakville’s future, and more careful research to support
decisions and actions, Allan attended many meetings of Oakville Council and its
committees. He found he was dissatisfied with the way decisions were being made
about land use and development. Although he doesn't consider himself a
"politician", Allan concluded that the only way to influence the decisions being
made was to become one of the decision-makers. So, when the Ontario Municipal
elections were held in 2000, he decided to run for an Oakville and Regional
Council seat, against a pro-development 9 year incumbent. He campaigned on the
belief that Oakville's growth should not be at the expense of the quality of
life of its residents. And he won.
Summary of Allan’s contributions to Oakville and Halton Region
Since his election Councillor Elgar has brought fresh thinking along with passion, knowledge and business experience to Oakville and Halton Region Councils.
He serves on the Planning and Public
Works for Halton Region and is on the Board of Directors for Conservation
Halton and Credit Valley Conservation. He is Regional Council's
representative on the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee and is
Chair of the Mayor's Sustainability Advisory Committee. He represents Halton
Region on the Niagara Escarpment Commission.
His influence is beginning to be felt, too, beyond Oakville. He is often interviewed by the media in locations throughout the GTA, for his knowledge of conservation and the environment and its application in municipal politics. He has been featured in Nature magazine, and in the Toronto Star. In 2005 he was awarded the Carolinian Canada Conservation Award “in recognition of an outstanding contribution towards the protection of the natural diversity and natural habitats of Ontario’s Carolinian Zone.
Personal Biography and family information –
Allan’s Personal Biography
Councillor Elgar was raised on a farm on the Oak Ridges Moraine. After graduating with a business degree from McMaster University, he enjoyed a 30 year career as a financial/administration manager with Bell Canada, which provided opportunities for him to live and work in various locations in Canada and abroad. He was responsible for multi-million dollar budgets and therefore gained a thorough understanding of the complexities of budgets and finance. He learned how to build a team effort and how to get the job done. His knowledge of modern-day business practices has proven to be a valuable asset on council.
Allan and his family have lived in Oakville since 1994. He has been on Oakville Council and Halton Regional Council since 2000.
In his spare time Allan still enjoys farming the family farm where he grew up near Peterborough, Ontario. Every year he and his wife, Linda, plant a large organic garden. The new hobby for the summer of 2010 – beekeeping!
Family information:
Allan and his wife of 36 years, Linda, are proud parents of twin sons, Andrew and Michael. Andrew graduated from Guelph University with a degree in science and is working in Vancouver. Mike graduated with a degree in English from Sir Wilfrid Laurier University and earned a teaching degree at Newcastle University in Australia. Andrew has been active in sports, playing AA and AAA hockey for the Oakville Rangers. In 2001 Andrew proudly represented Ontario on the Cycling team for the Canada Games. Michael loves adventure and has spent a year teaching in South Korea, and is currently teaching in Abu Dhabi.
Linda has been teaching in both the elementary and secondary panels since 1976. Like Allan, Linda is community minded. In 2003 she was voted "Woman of the Year" by Halton Women's Centre for her "outstanding contribution to the community of Halton" for her work with Oakvillegreen.
While raising their sons, Allan was very active in community sports, especially hockey. He volunteered as a hockey coach, team manager and was on the executive of the Ottawa Region Hockey Association.
In his spare time Allan still enjoys farming the family farm where he grew up near Peterborough, Ontario. Every year he and Linda plant a large organic garden. The new hobby for the summer of 2010 – beekeeping!
Allan Elgar has served on Oakville Town Council and Halton Region Council for
the past nine years. He also sits on the Niagara Escarpment Commission and is on
the board of directors of Conservation Halton and the Credit Valley Conservation
Authority.
Councillor Elgar's involvement in local issues began during the years he
volunteered as founding president of Oakvillegreen, a grassroots citizens'
organization working to protect the local natural environment. In 2005, he won
the Carolinian Canada award for his contributions to protecting the natural
environment.
Councillor Elgar was raised on a farm on the Oak Ridges Moraine. After
graduating with a business degree from McMaster University, he enjoyed a 30-year
career as a financial/administration manager with Bell Canada, which provided
opportunities for him to live and work in various locations in Canada and
abroad. He and his wife, Linda, raised twin sons and have lived in Oakville
since 1994.
Current Committee Involvement
Standing Committees
Community Services Committee
Budget Committee 2010
Advisory Boards and Committees
CAO Review Committee
Environmental Strategic Plan Advisory Committee
Statutory and Other Committees
Site Plan Committee