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:

• 🏒 Canada vs. USA rematch this Thursday

• 🐾 Local Veterinarian receives award for his service

• 📅 Some events to get you through the week

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

Let’s dive in!

News

🏒 4 Nations Face-Off Final: U.S. vs. Canada Rematch

The stage is set for an intense rematch as Canada and the U.S. face off in the 4 Nations Face-Off final on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. After falling 3-1 to the Americans in the round-robin, Canada earned its place in the championship with a 5-3 win over Finland on Monday.

The first U.S.-Canada clash was filled with fireworks—three fights in the opening nine seconds—and Thursday’s final promises to be just as electrifying. Team USA has relied on its structured defense and the stellar goaltending of Connor Hellebuyck, while Canada looks to Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Sidney Crosby to turn up the offensive pressure.

Now, it’s Canada’s chance to even the score. With McDavid hitting his stride, Cale Makar back in the lineup, and Jordan Binnington proving he can step up in big moments, the pieces are in place for redemption. The U.S. may have taken Round 1, but we know this team has what it takes to bring the trophy home. Let’s go, Canada!

🗣️ Oakville Seeks Public Input on Protest Regulations

The Town of Oakville is considering a new bylaw that could regulate certain protests near schools, hospitals, places of worship, daycares, and libraries. To gather community feedback, the town has partnered with Forum Research Inc. to conduct a telephone and online questionnaire running from Feb. 12 to March 5.

Oakville residents aged 18 and older may receive a call from Forum Research for a five-minute anonymous survey. Those who don’t receive a call can still participate by completing the questionnaire online at oakville.ca. The results will help town staff draft the bylaw, which will be presented at a council meeting on April 28.

A similar bylaw was passed in Vaughan last year, prohibiting "nuisance demonstrations" within 100 meters of key community facilities. Oakville residents will have additional opportunities to provide input before the bylaw is finalized.

Would you support such a regulation?

Community Spotlight

🐾 Milton Veterinarian Honoured for Decades of Dedication

For more than 30 years, Dr. Stephen Ball has been a trusted name in animal care in Milton, and now his lifelong commitment has been recognized with the Golden Life Membership Award from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association.

As the owner of Brookville Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Ball has guided pet owners through the highs and lows of animal care. Reflecting on his career, he credits his passion for the field to early inspiration from English veterinarian James Herriot. Over the years, he has witnessed veterinary medicine evolve—from an era without internet or emergency clinics to today’s world of advanced technology and specialization.

Despite the changes, Dr. Ball remains focused on what matters most: the human-animal bond. “The relationships with the owners are what really make the difference,” he says. While he has worked with everything from cougars to buffalo, it’s the personal connections that stand out.

His advice for aspiring veterinarians? “It’s not just a job—it’s a calling.” Congratulations, Dr. Ball, on this well-deserved honour!

🚧 Burloak Grade Separation Moves Forward Without 14-Month Closure

Good news for commuters: a 14-month closure of Burloak Drive has been avoided, thanks to a new four-lane detour being developed on the Oakville side of the road. The detour will keep traffic moving while work continues on the Burloak Grade Separation, a project aimed at improving road and rail safety.

Once complete, the grade separation will eliminate the level crossing, allowing GO Trains to pass through more frequently, easing traffic congestion, and enhancing pedestrian safety. While short-term closures of up to 30 days will still be required at certain stages, the full shutdown originally planned will no longer be necessary.

According to Burlington Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman, minor prep work will begin this year, with the entire project set for completion by the end of 2026. Stay tuned for further updates as construction progresses!

Weather

Wednesday, February 19 
🌥️ Light snow late. Overcast.
High: -6°C | Low: -14°C

Thursday, February 20 
🌨️ Light snow. Overcast.
High: -6°C | Low: -12°C

Friday, February 21 
☁️ Cloudy.
High: -4°C | Low: -13°C

Events

• Tequila: Beyond the Shot Glass 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | February 19 (more info)

  • Location: Figaro Coffee House, 350 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

  • Description: Discover tequila like never before in this guided tasting experience led by spirits expert Cindy Pritchard. Sample three exceptional tequilas—Silver, Reposado, and Añejo—while learning about their rich history and flavor profiles. Enjoy a hands-on cocktail-making session, fun tequila trivia, and expert tips on pairing and sipping.

• Oakville Speed Dating (Ages 28-39) 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | February 19 (more info)

  • Location: Paradiso, 125 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

  • Description: Meet new singles in a fun and fast-paced environment at Single in the City’s Oakville Speed Dating event. Enjoy up to 15 mini-dates, appetizers, and the chance to forge genuine connections.

• Adult Book Club 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | February 20 (more info)

  • Location: Sixteen Mile Branch, 120 Navy Street, Oakville

  • Description: Join fellow book lovers for a lively discussion on this month’s pick, The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson. Pick up a copy at the Sixteen Mile Branch and share your thoughts at our monthly meet-up. Open to ages 18+. Drop-in, no registration required.

• Pasta Making with Chef Enzo Campisi 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM | February 20 (more info)

  • Location: Mercato Sociale, 257 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

  • Description: Spend an evening mastering the art of pasta making with Chef Enzo Campisi. Learn to craft cavatelli with sausage ragu and farfalle with mushroom and guanciale sauce. Start with a tasting of margherita and pear-prosciutto pizza paired with a glass of wine, then dive into hands-on pasta instruction at the pizza bar.

• Sound Bath for Deep Relaxation 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | February 20 (more info)

  • Location: King's Christian Collegiate, 528 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Oakville

  • Description: Take a moment to pause and recharge with this deeply relaxing sound bath session led by Deb Taylor. Begin with gentle somatic yogic movement to release tension, then immerse yourself in the healing vibrations of crystal singing bowls, chimes, and soothing tones.

• Milton Comedy Show 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM | February 20 (more info)

  • Location: Ned Devine's Irish Pub, 575 Ontario Street South, Milton

  • Description: Get ready for a night of laughs and great food at this 19+ comedy show, featuring comedians seen on Just for Laughs, CBC Comedy, Comedy Central, and more. Hosted by DFRNT Nights, this event is known to sell out—so grab your tickets fast!

• Candlelight Yoga with Bunnies 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | February 20 (more info)

  • Location: Blue Dot Acres, 2179A Dundas Street, Burlington

  • Description: Looking for a unique way to relax this winter? Enjoy a cozy candlelit yoga session led by @yogaxVictoria while adorable farm bunnies hop and flop around you. Your $30 ticket includes a guided yoga class, leafy green treats to entice bunny visitors, and extra time to connect with the bunnies afterward.

• Historical Fiction Book Club 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | February 21 (more info)

  • Location: OPL Central Branch, 120 Navy Street, Oakville

  • Description: Join our book club with a historical twist! This month's read is Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead. Led by Oakville Public Library staff, this discussion group is perfect for book lovers aged 18+.

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 Friday!

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