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:

• 🚆 GO Transit expansion + major road updates

• 🥧 Butter Tart festival returns

• 📅 Some exciting events happening weekend!

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

Let’s dive in!

News

🚆 GO Transit Expansion Promises 23 New Stations

The Ontario government is pledging a major expansion of GO train service, with 23 new stations planned across the Golden Horseshoe. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria announced the initiative, dubbed GO 2.0, during a Brampton event on Feb. 6.

The proposed expansion includes a new mid-town Toronto line, a direct Bolton-to-Union Station service, and additional routes into York Region. Kitchener and Milton passengers would also see improved two-way service. To increase passenger capacity, the plan involves building dedicated freight tracks along Highway 407, freeing up existing rail corridors.

“This transformational project will ease gridlock and bring millions of people closer to convenient transit,” said Sarkaria. The expansion would be a joint effort between the provincial and federal governments and rail operators Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Canadian National.

While the plan is ambitious, details on cost and timelines have yet to be disclosed.

🚦 Halton Plans Major Transit & Road Upgrades

Halton Region is laying the groundwork for a more connected transportation network to accommodate growth through 2051. The region’s integrated master plan prioritizes transit corridors, road expansions, and active transportation improvements.

A key feature is the introduction of transit priority corridors, including a proposed bus rapid transit (BRT) system on Regional Road 25 and Trafalgar Road. High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are planned for multiple corridors, such as Brant Street and Britannia Road. Most regional roads will be widened to six lanes, with expansions on Neyagawa Boulevard, Trafalgar Road, and Ninth Line.

Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit from dedicated bike lanes and multi-use paths. With congestion expected to rise due to growth in nearby regions, Halton is working closely with municipalities and Metrolinx. “We continue to integrate the findings of their studies into our network,” said Lee Anne Jones, the Region’s director of infrastructure, planning and policy.

Staff will present further recommendations later this year.

Community Spotlight

🥧 Oakville’s Butter Tart Festival is This Weekend

Get ready, dessert lovers! The Oakville 2025 Butter Tart Market is set to satisfy every sweet tooth on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Oakville Place (lower level), 240 Leighland Ave., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This indulgent event will feature 35 vendors, offering everything from classic butter tarts to gourmet baked goods and unique artisanal treats. Among the lineup are The Buttertart Shack, Supermoon Japanese Style Cheesecakes, The King’s Daughters, Rita Dora Gallery, Butter Me Bytchy Gourmet Baked Goods, and more.

Organizers promise a market full of delicious discoveries, handcrafted delights, and a chance to support local businesses. Whether you're a devoted foodie or just looking for a sweet weekend outing, this event has something for everyone.

❄️ Halton Police Polar Plunge Raises Over $13K

Braving icy waters for a great cause, Halton Police hosted its inaugural polar plunge on Wednesday at its Oakville headquarters, raising over $13,000 for Special Olympics Ontario—exceeding their $10,000 goal.

More than 60 participants, including all three deputy chiefs and Halton tactical paramedics, took the chilly dive into a cold-water tank set up in the parking lot. Some even wore costumes to add to the fun.

The funds will support Special Olympics Ontario, which provides sports programs and events for over 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across the province. With donations still coming in, the total is expected to grow even higher.

This successful first-time event showcased the community’s generosity and commitment to inclusion. Would you take the plunge next year?

Weather

Friday, February 7 
🌥️ Mostly Cloudy
High: -3°C | Low: -7°C

Saturday, February 8 
☁️ Cloudy
High: -2°C | Low: -5°C

Sunday, February 9 
🌤️ Partly Cloudy
High: -2°C | Low: -7°C

Events

• Jully Black 8:00 PM | February 7 (more info)

  • Location: AEG Liebherr Auditorium, 130 Navy Street, Oakville

  • Description: Don’t miss Jully Black, dubbed "Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul," live in Oakville! Named one of "The 25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever" by CBC Music, Jully has captivated fans with her platinum-selling hits and collaborations with music legends like Destiny’s Child and Nas.

• Walk with a Doc 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | February 8 (more info)

  • Location: Trafalgar Park Community Centre, 133 Rebecca St., Oakville Description: Take a step toward better health with Walk with a Doc, a free walking program open to all. Begin with a brief talk from a healthcare provider on a current health topic, then enjoy a refreshing walk at your own pace.

• CompassCon: Oakville 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM | February 8 (more info)

  • Location: Galaxy 707 Club, 475 North Service Rd. E., Oakville

  • Description: Experience a Comic-Con style event packed with vendors, cosplayers, and special guests! Browse collectibles, comics, games, and more while meeting celebrity artists like Kurt Lehner and George Todorovski.

• Adult Book Club: Thicker than Water 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | February 8 (more info)

  • Location: Woodside Branch, 1274 Rebecca St., Oakville

  • Description: Join fellow book lovers for a lively discussion on Thicker than Water by Kerry Washington. Whether you loved it or not, share your thoughts in this engaging meet-up. Copies are available for pick-up at the Woodside Branch. No registration required—just drop in and enjoy great conversation! Ages 18+.

• Oakville 2025 Butter Tart Market 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | February 8 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Place, 240 Leighland Ave., Oakville

  • Description: Indulge in a sweet-filled day at the Oakville Butter Tart Market! Explore a variety of delicious butter tarts, baked goods, and artisanal treats from local vendors. Whether you're a foodie, a dessert lover, or a supporter of small businesses, this marketplace offers something special for everyone. Entry is free—don’t miss out on the fun!

• Puppy Yoga (Family & Adults) 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | February 8 (more info)

  • Location: 1578 Finfar Ct. Unit 4, Mississauga

  • Description: Unwind with an hour of gentle yoga, cuddles, and playtime with adorable puppies! Led by Yoga Kawa, this unique class combines light stretching with 35 minutes of guided yoga, 20 minutes of puppy snuggles, and a 5-minute reflection circle.

• Oakville and the Underground Railroad Walking Tour 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | February 8 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Museum, 8 Navy St., Oakville

  • Description: Explore Oakville’s rich Black history in this unique indoor/outdoor tour. Begin with the exhibit Freedom, Opportunity, and Family: Oakville's Black History, followed by the multimedia presentation The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom. The tour concludes with a guided outdoor walk showcasing Oakville’s role in the Underground Railroad.

• Valentine’s Day Pop-up Class with TipToe Music 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | February 8 (more info)

  • Location: St. Cuthbert's Anglican Church, 1541 Oakhill Dr., Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate love and music in this fun-filled Valentine’s Day pop-up class! Join TipToe Music for an engaging session of singing, movement, and seasonal joy. Perfect for little ones and families looking to share a musical moment together.

• Introduction to Ink Drawing 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | February 8 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Art Society, 560 Bronte Rd., Oakville

  • Description: Explore the art of ink drawing in this beginner-friendly workshop led by artist Anis Mansour. Learn essential techniques, from single-line drawing to adding color, and create stunning artwork using just a few Sharpies.

• Coffee Brewing 101: Pour Over 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | February 8 (more info)

  • Location: Firebat Coffee Roasters, 3245 Harvester Rd. Unit 12, Burlington

  • Description: Master the art of pour-over coffee in this hands-on workshop designed for coffee lovers. Learn essential brewing techniques using the Hario V60, explore coffee variables like grind size and water temperature, and perfect your pouring method for a balanced and flavorful cup.

• Our Roots: Palestinian Oils & Remedies Workshop 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM | February 9 (more info)

  • Location: Lorne Park Hall, 1288 Lorne Park Rd., Mississauga

  • Description: Discover the rich history of Palestinian oils and remedies in this hands-on workshop. Learn about traditional ingredients, their healing properties, and create your own custom oil blend to take home.

• Creating Harmony: Sharing Our Stories & Folktales 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | February 9 (more info)

  • Location: Shaarei-Beth El Congregation, 186 Morrison Rd., Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate culture and harmony through an afternoon of intercultural storytelling and discussion. Enjoy captivating tales from Kesha Christie of Talking Tales, as well as stories shared by community members from CCAH and Shaarei-Beth El Congregation. The event also features a performance by CCAH’s Parang Ensemble and a free luncheon with Caribbean and Jewish cuisine.

• Oakville Valentine & Galantines Market 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | February 9 (more info)

  • Location: 79 Jones St., Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate love and friendship at this festive market, featuring a variety of vendors offering unique gifts, delicious treats, and more. Whether you're shopping for a special someone or enjoying the day with friends, this event is the perfect place to find something memorable.

• Oakville STARZ Lunar New Year Concert 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | February 9 (more info)

  • Location: 1469 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year with a dazzling performance filled with music, culture, and festive cheer. Hosted by Oakville STARZ, this two-hour concert promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Plus, enjoy the chance to claim from over 300 prizes! Don’t miss this magical evening of celebration.

• Morning Meditation & Breathing 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | February 10 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Public Library Central Branch, 120 Navy St., Oakville

  • Description: Start your week with a relaxing guided meditation and breathing exercises, presented in partnership with the Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network Halton. This session introduces subtle energy centers (chakras) and concludes with a Q&A.

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!

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