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:

• 🍁 Whats open/closed on Family Day

• 🌹 Oakville’s most romantic restaurant revealed

• 📅 A list of events for the weekend!

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

🍁 Family Day 2025: What’s Open and Closed in Halton

Open:

• Most restaurants, convenience stores, and pharmacies (call ahead for hours)

• Movie theatres and some Starbucks and Tim Hortons locations

• Select Oakville library branches (Glen Abbey & Iroquois Ridge, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

• Toronto Premium Outlets and malls like Square One, Vaughan Mills, and Eaton Centre

• Federal government offices

Closed:

• Banks, Provincial government offices, LCBO, Beer Stores, and most major grocery stores

• Shopping malls in Burlington, Oakville, and Milton

• Town hall, Harbour offices. Senior centres, Joshua’s Creek arena, Kinoak Arena, Maple Grove Arena

Transit & Waste Collection:

• Oakville Transit: Holiday service (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

• No garbage pickup (shifted one day later)

Enjoy the holiday and plan ahead!

🏫 Help Name Oakville’s Newest Elementary School!

The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is inviting the community to help name a new elementary school opening this September in northeast Oakville at 1235 Wheat Boom Dr.

Submit your name suggestion by March 5 following these HDSB guidelines:

• The name should reflect a positive image for students, staff, and the community.

• It must be distinct from other HDSB schools and not replicate names from nearby municipalities.

• The name should align with the HDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan and be secular in nature.

• It can be in English or an Indigenous language, or be a person’s name.

Possible themes include local history, geography, Indigenous heritage, or renowned individuals with significant contributions to Halton or Canada.

A committee will review submissions, and the final name will be chosen this spring. Get creative and help shape the identity of this new Oakville school!

Community Spotlight

🌹 Oakville’s Most Romantic Restaurant Revealed!

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Cucci Ristorante has been crowned Oakville’s most romantic restaurant in Visit Oakville’s new Talk of the Town Award.

"It’s really nice to be recognized with this award," says Chef de Cuisine David Woods. "We take a lot of pride in what we do, and it's a great feeling."

Located in Bronte Village, Cucci is known for its candlelit ambiance, elegant décor, and expertly crafted Italian dishes. The restaurant received overwhelming support from Oakville residents and visitors who love it for date nights, anniversaries, and special celebrations.

Cucci’s reputation for romance extends beyond Oakville—it was also named to OpenTable’s "Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in Canada for 2025."

With over 200 reservations already booked for Valentine’s Day weekend, now’s the time to secure your spot for a night of fine dining and romance!

🌿 Major Donation Fuels Creek Restoration in Halton

The Conservation Halton Foundation has received a $150,000 donation from the RBC Foundation to support creek restoration and sustainable agriculture in the region.

The funding will drive the Blue Creeks and Green Landscapes initiative, which combines habitat restoration at Carlisle Conservation Area with outreach programs for local farmers. Efforts at Carlisle focus on restoring Bronte Creek’s natural flow, building wetlands, and planting native species to protect at-risk wildlife like Redside Dace and snapping turtles.

Meanwhile, Halton farmers will receive education and support to implement sustainable land management practices that improve soil health, water quality, and biodiversity.

“This donation is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges,” said Chandra Sharma, president and CEO of Conservation Halton.

With RBC’s ongoing support, Conservation Halton continues to restore ecosystems and engage the community in building a more resilient watershed.

Weather

Friday, February 14
☁️ Mostly cloudy.
High: -5°C | Low: -8°C

Saturday, February 15
❄️ Breezy with periods of snow.
High: -2°C | Low: -6°C

Sunday, February 16
❄️ Windy with periods of snow.
High: -5°C | Low: -11°C

Events

• Crafting Valentine Traditions 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | February 14 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Museum, 8 Navy St, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate Valentine’s Day by exploring the history of beloved traditions like cards, candy, and Cupid’s bow! Kids aged 4-12 can get creative by making a special card and gift for their Valentine. This hands-on experience at Oakville Museum is a fun way to learn and craft together.

• A Love Like Gnome Other 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM | February 14 (more info)

  • Location: Pottery N Paint Cafe, 3513 Wyecroft Rd Unit H1, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day with a fun and creative clay gnome-making class! This hands-on workshop includes two hours of guided clay building, all materials, and a return visit to paint your bisque-fired gnome.

• Theatresports: Improv Comedy Tournament 8:00 PM - 9:45 PM | February 14 (more info)

  • Location: Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Road, Oakville

  • Description: Get ready for a night of fast-paced, competitive improv comedy as four teams battle it out in Oakville Improv’s Tea Cup Tournament! Hosted at the Black Box Theatre, this high-energy show promises laughter, unexpected twists, and audience engagement.

• Art Workshop: Paint a Complex Landscapes 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | February 15 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Art Society, 560 Bronte Road, Oakville

  • Description: Learn to simplify complex landscapes in this in-depth workshop focused on breaking scenes into manageable elements. Discover how to use light and shadow to create mood and atmosphere while refining your composition skills.

• Alpaca Love Walk 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | February 15 (more info)

  • Location: Joshua Farm Gallery, 1086 Burnhamthorpe Rd East, Oakville

  • Description: Take a peaceful stroll with friendly alpacas at Joshua Farm Gallery! These gentle animals from Triple C Farm Sanctuary are trained to walk on leashes, making for a unique and heartwarming experience. Don’t forget to snap some selfies with your new furry friends!

• Gruffalo’s Child Live 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | February 15 (more info)

  • Location: AEG Liebherr Auditorium, Oakville

  • Description: Experience the magic of The Gruffalo’s Child in this enchanting stage adaptation by Tall Stories! Based on the beloved book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this playful production follows the Gruffalo’s Child on a daring adventure through the deep dark wood.

• Introduction to Ink Drawing Workshop 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | February 15 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Art Society, 560 Bronte Road, Oakville

  • Description: Explore the art of ink drawing in this hands-on workshop led by Anis Mansour! Perfect for teens and adults, this introductory session covers basic drawing techniques, single-line sketching, and the secrets of adding color—all using just a few Sharpies.

• Oakville Wind Orchestra Valentine’s Concert 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | February 15 (more info)

  • Location: Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Rd, Oakville

  • Description: Enjoy a romantic evening of live music with the Oakville Wind Orchestra. This special Valentine’s concert promises a beautiful selection of pieces to set the perfect mood for the occasion. Gather your loved ones and immerse yourself in an enchanting musical experience.

• Story Slam 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | February 15 (more info)

  • Location: The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, 130 Navy St, Oakville

  • Description: Experience an evening of powerful storytelling at Story Slam, where heartfelt narratives bring the community together in support of mental health awareness. Guided by director June Cupido, storytellers will take audiences on a journey through the deep, dark, and enlightening aspects of their experiences.

• The Dreamland Band - Live 8:00 PM - 11:59 PM | February 15 (more info)

  • Location: Nickel Brook Brewing Co., 3426 Mainway, Burlington

  • Description: Rock out with The Dreamland Band at Nickel Brook Brewing Co.! This high-energy trio will deliver multiple sets of classic rock hits from legends like Jimi Hendrix, Dire Straits, and Pink Floyd, along with original music, including a full performance of Daniel Walton’s Island EP.

• Love Currency Singles Mixer 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM | February 15 (more info)

  • Location: The King's Arms Oakville, 323 Church Street, Oakville

  • Description: Step into a unique and interactive singles event designed for ages 30+! The Love Currency Mixer adds a fun twist with special coins that guide your conversations and connections throughout the night.

• From Dream to Draft Writing Workshop 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | February 16 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Art Society, 560 Bronte Road, Oakville

  • Description: Turn your story idea into a structured novel outline in just one day! Led by Sabine Frisch, this hands-on workshop is perfect for first-time novelists looking to bring their ideas to life.

• YASO Basketball Skills Clinic 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | February 16 (more info)

  • Description: Join a free one-hour basketball skills session for players aged 12-18, led by top athletes including Michael L’africain, Petar Rusic, Connor Gilmore, and Matt Ozimec. Participants will sharpen their skills through drills, Q&A, and expert coaching. The first 15 players to sign up have a chance to win Raptors tickets! Limited to 30 spots. Email [email protected] to register.

• Snow Day at Bradley 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | February 16 (more info)

  • Location: Bradley Museum, 1620 Orr Rd, Mississauga

  • Description: Embrace the winter wonderland at Bradley Museum with a day of free family fun! Enjoy snowshoeing, outdoor games, and a special community string craft led by Naomi Smith. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and take part in creative winter activities.

• Paddington in Peru Celebration 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM | February 14, 16 (more info)

  • Location: Film.Ca Cinemas, 171 Speers Road, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate the magic of Paddington at Film.Ca Cinemas with a fun-filled screening of Paddington in Peru! Kids can enjoy crafting, coloring, and a dance party before joining a Teddy Bear Parade into the theatre.

• Family Day Breakfast & Movie Morning 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | February 17 (more info)

  • Location: Film.Ca Cinemas, 171 Speers Road, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate Family Day with a morning full of fun at Film.Ca Cinemas! Enjoy an All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Bar from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM before settling in for a movie at 10:00 AM. Choose from Captain America: Brave New World, Dog Man, or Paddington in Peru.

• Oakville Family Day 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | February 17 (more info)

  • Location: Various locations across Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate Family Day with over 100 free activities for all ages! Enjoy glow-in-the-dark badminton, a speedskating “Try-It” session, Swiftie bracelet-making, karaoke, and Fire Station 3 tours. Other highlights include a family dance party, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and interactive exhibits at the Oakville Public Library and Museum.

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 Monday!

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