Good morning! This is The Oakville Digest, your trusted guide to everything happening in the beautiful town of Oakville, Ontario.

Here is what to expect in today’s issue:

• 🎶 Black History Month events, fireworks ban

• 🚀 Shark Tank for Oakville high school students

• 📅 Some events to start your week

Thanks for being part of our growing community. Let us know what you loved in today’s issue, and….

Let’s dive in!

News

🎶 Creating Harmony: Black History Month Launch and Events

The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) will kick off Black History Month (BHM) 2025 with an exciting launch event on Monday, February 3, at the Oakville Centre for Performing Arts (OCPA). The evening begins with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by a 6:30-8 p.m. program featuring keynote speaker Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon, performances by Kevin Adams & Voices of Praise, Natasha Waterman, and the CCAH Steel Band with Parang Ensemble. Tickets are $15 and available through the OCPA Box Office.

This year’s theme, Creating Harmony, reflects the CCAH’s mission to unite the community and celebrate the rich history of African Canadians. Free BHM events will continue throughout February, supported by TD Bank Group, the Government of Canada, and the Town of Oakville.

“Together, we’re helping foster spaces that showcase Black talent, share stories that reflect Black lived experiences, and inspire meaningful connection,” says Latanya Housen of TD Bank Group.

🎆 Fireworks Banned in Halton Hills: What You Need to Know

Halton Hills has officially said goodbye to backyard fireworks displays! A new bylaw now bans the sale and use of consumer fireworks, so if you’re thinking of lighting up a roman candle, think twice—fines start at $500 and can go up to $1,000. Repeat offenders might face penalties as high as $10,000. Don’t worry, sparklers are still in the clear!

Public fireworks for events like Canada Day are still allowed, but only with a permit and certified professionals to handle them.

The bylaw is designed to reduce risks such as fires, injuries, and noise pollution, while also protecting wildlife and the environment. It reflects months of discussion and aligns with recommendations from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.

Community Spotlight

🚀 Oakville Students Shine in Python’s Pit Competition

Four Oakville high school students wowed judges in the entrepreneurial contest Python’s Pit, taking home $1,000 each and valuable mentorship opportunities. Ishaan Grotra, Myra Datta, Dyanne Jiang, and Grace Shen pitched innovative ideas to a panel of business leaders, facing the excitement—and nerves—of presenting in front of a live audience.

Grotra’s idea, EcoDrop, used drones for rapid reforestation, while Datta and Jiang’s WasteZero Project focused on reducing food waste in schools, achieving impressive results. Shen’s GameToLearn proposed a platform combining gaming with interactive education for children.

“It was kind of like Shark Tank,” Grotra shared, recalling his nervousness, while Jiang, who stepped in last-minute due to a teammate’s illness, said, “I could just talk about it from my heart.”

Judge Joseph Apps praised the students’ purpose-driven ideas and encouraged them to persevere through entrepreneurial challenges. Python’s Pit, inspired by Dragon’s Den, provides an invaluable platform for young innovators to showcase their ideas.

🍴 Michelin-Star Chef at Oakville’s Hexagon Pursues Culinary Excellence

Hexagon restaurant in downtown Oakville has joined Canada’s culinary elite, earning a coveted Michelin star under the guidance of head chef Rafael Covarrubias. Adding to the excitement, Covarrubias was named Toronto’s 2024 Young Chef Award Winner.

“It’s been a busy time,” shared the 29-year-old chef. Along with Hexagon’s accolades, sous chef Victoria Rinsma is competing in the Canadian finals of the San Pellegrino Young Chef Academy. Covarrubias praised his team, saying, “A real leader creates leaders, not followers.”

Originally from Mexico, Covarrubias moved to Canada at 17 to pursue his culinary dreams. Since joining Hexagon shortly after its opening, he has worked tirelessly to raise the bar for both himself and his team.

Looking ahead, Covarrubias is committed to reaching even greater heights. “The challenge now is to keep Hexagon at the top while nurturing the next generation of chefs. We’re always striving for that next level of excellence.”

For a Michelin-starred dining experience, visit Hexagon at 210 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville.

Weather

Monday, January 27
🌥️ Considerable cloudiness and windy
High: 0°C | Low: -9°C

Tuesday, January 28
🌨️ Breezy with a couple of snow showers
High: -5°C | Low: -7°C

Wednesday, January 29
🌨️ Mostly cloudy; windy with a couple of snow showers
High: 1°C | Low: -8°C

Events

• Family Paint Party 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | January 27 (more info)

  • Location: Kelseys, 4511 Dundas Street, Burlington

  • Description: Join artist Samantha Buttigieg for a fun and creative evening at Kelseys in Burlington! Enjoy step-by-step guidance to create a beautiful painting while sipping your favorite drink and savoring delicious food. Perfect for all ages and no experience required—just bring an open mind and leave with a masterpiece!

• Mississauga Meditation in Streetsville 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | January 27 (more info)

  • Location: Styleworthy Studio, 287 Queen Street South, Mississauga

  • Description: Discover the transformative power of yoga, meditation, and sound bowl healing in the heart of Streetsville. Rooted in ancient teachings, this practice blends Kali Natha Yoga, breathing techniques, and sound healing to nurture joy, resilience, and creativity. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, this session will leave you feeling aligned, rejuvenated, and connected to your inner self.

• Mixology Workshop – In the Spirit of Things 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | January 28 (more info)

  • Location: Canvas Art Bar, 80 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga

  • Description: Dive into the art of cocktails in this hands-on workshop led by a knowledgeable mixologist. Learn the history and fundamentals of mixology, bar etiquette, and the craft of creating signature drinks. Step behind the bar to make your own unique cocktail, with two drinks/mocktails included.

• RBC Economic Outlook 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM | January 29 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Conference Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Road, Oakville

  • Description: Join the Oakville Chamber of Commerce and RBC for this signature event, offering expert insights into key trends and priorities for the year ahead. Hear from an esteemed panel discussing local, national, and global economic outlooks, with opportunities for Q&A. Individual tickets and tables of eight are available.

• LeadTribes Oakville 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM | January 29 (more info)

  • Location: Milestones Restaurant, 3051 Vega Blvd, Mississauga

  • Description: Connect with entrepreneurs at this in-person networking event hosted by LeadTribes. Focused on leadership and professional growth, the session encourages meaningful connections within a supportive community. Pre-register by 4:30 PM the day before, bring 30 business cards, and prepare a 60-second introduction about your services. Don’t miss this opportunity to share, learn, and rise together!

• Radical Darkroom: Lumen Prints 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM | January 29 (more info)

  • Location: Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington

  • Description: Explore the early history of photography in this creative darkroom workshop led by Sonya de Laat. Use objects like fabrics, flowers, and glassware to bend light and create evocative, hand-printed images. Learn fundamental darkroom skills while uncovering the artistic possibilities of lumen printing.

Thank You!

Thank you for reading The Oakville Digest! We hope you found this edition helpful and insightful. We’d love to hear your feedback or any event suggestions you’d like us to feature in future issues. Don’t forget to share with friends and family, and we’ll see you Wednesday!

P.S. Interested in sponsoring our newsletter? Email us at [email protected].