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:

• 🐈 Hockey coaches, lottery winners, and a cute kitten

• 💪 Inspiring story from an Oakville man

• 📅 Events happening in the community this week

Thanks for being part of our growing community. Let us know what you loved in today’s issue by responding to this email, and give us a follow on Instagram @oakvilledigest to keep up with us daily. 😆

Let’s dive in!

News

🏒 Halton Coach Joins the Calgary Flames

Big news for hockey fans in the area! Georgetown native Trent Cull has taken the next step in his coaching career, joining the NHL's Calgary Flames as an interim assistant coach.

Cull’s impressive track record includes leading the Calgary Wranglers— the Flames’ AHL affiliate—to the league's best record this season (21-9-1). Over his two seasons with the Wranglers, Cull amassed a strong 56-37-10 record and was set to coach in the AHL All-Star game for the second consecutive year. However, this new NHL role could see him trading the All-Star bench for an even bigger stage.

This isn’t Cull’s first NHL experience. In 2022, he served as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks before returning to the AHL. With a career AHL coaching record of 217-153-42, it’s no surprise he’s earned another shot at the NHL.

Cull’s first game behind the Flames' bench took place on December 31, against his former team, the Vancouver Canucks.

Local hockey fans will be cheering him on as he tackles this exciting new challenge. Best of luck, Coach Cull!

Oakville Woman Wins Jackpot, Takes Home $2.5M 💰

Luck was on Maureen McDaid’s side this past fall when she became one of two winners to split the $5-million Lotto 6-49 Classic Jackpot on September 28. The Oakville resident is now $2.5 million richer and has had a few months to plan how to use her life-changing windfall.

The Lotto 6-49 Classic Jackpot offers a fixed $5-million prize in each draw, alongside the Gold Ball Draw, which guarantees at least $1 million or a jackpot that can exceed $60 million. Maureen purchased her winning ticket at Shoppers Drug Mart on Rexdale Boulevard in Etobicoke, a decision that certainly paid off in a big way.

In a statement released by OLG, McDaid expressed gratitude for her incredible fortune. While she hasn’t publicly shared her plans for the money, her windfall opens the door to endless possibilities—whether it’s traveling, investing, or giving back to the community.

Maureen joins the growing list of Oakville residents celebrating lottery wins, proving that luck can strike close to home!

Congratulations, Maureen!

Community Spotlight

🐱 Meet Mira, the Sweetheart Kitten Ready to Find a Home

Looking for a furry companion to brighten your days? Meet Mira, a 7-month-old kitten who is stealing hearts at the Oakville & Milton Humane Society! This adorable tabby came into the shelter as a stray but has shown nothing but sweetness and friendliness since her arrival.

Mira’s charm hasn’t gone unnoticed—she recently made her TV debut on CHCH Morning Live, where she melted viewers’ hearts with her playful personality and cuddly demeanour. Her feature on the morning news highlighted just how special this little feline is, and now she’s waiting for her forever home!

Mira is a perfect fit for anyone looking for a loving and playful companion. Whether she's snuggling up for some purring affection or exploring her surroundings with kitten curiosity, Mira is sure to bring joy to her new family.

If you’re ready to give Mira the loving home she deserves, visit the Oakville & Milton Humane Society to meet her. She’s ready to make your life a little sweeter!

Mira on the news | Adopt Mira.

A Fresh Start: Oakville Man Overcomes Homelessness to Find Hope and Stability

Thomas Mohr, a 71-year-old former carpenter and CEO from Oakville, is embracing a brighter future after years of hardship. In 2023, Mohr courageously shared his story of living out of his pickup truck in the RioCentre shopping plaza parking lot, bringing attention to the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

Mohr’s life took a dramatic turn when he moved into Deborah’s Home, an independent residence in Milton for adults with disabilities, in March 2024. The home’s accessible living spaces and compassionate 24/7 support have allowed him to heal both physically and emotionally. “This place is a light in the darkness” he said.

His journey hasn’t been without challenges. After losing one leg to sepsis, Mohr is working toward obtaining a prosthetic limb and tackling the financial burden of accessible transportation for rehabilitation. Still, his resilience and optimism shine through as he builds a new chapter in his life.

By sharing his story, Mohr has inspired others and shown the power of community and compassion in overcoming adversity.

Link: Full Story.

Weather

Wednesday, January 8
🌤️ A mix of sun and cloud.
High: -8°C | Low: -13°C

Thursday, January 9
🌤️ A mix of sun and cloud.
High: -6°C | Low: -12°C

Friday, January 10
☁️ Cloudy.
High: -3°C | Low: -10°C

Events

• Recreational Skating / Shinny

• Wed January 8

  • Glen Abbey Arena Green | Rec Skate | 12:00 PM - 1:20 PM

  • River Oaks Arena A | Rec Skate | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

  • Trafalgar Outdoor Rink | Rec Skate | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

  • Sixteen Mile Sports Complex Arena 4 | Rec Skate | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

• Thurs January 9

  • Sixteen Mile Sports Complex Arena 3 | Shinny 18+ | 6:45 AM - 8:30 AM

  • Glen Abbey Arena Green | Shinny 50+ | 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

  • River Oaks Arena B | Shinny 18+ | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

  • Trafalgar Outdoor Rink | Rec Skate| 12:30 - 5:30

  • See full schedule and registration here!

• Dance Essentials Class in Oakville 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | January 8 (more info)

  • Location: Taste of Columbia, 67 Bronte Road #2, Oakville

  • Description: 4 week program designed for movers to strengthen your body, enhance your flexibility, perfect your lines and master your technique.

• Couples Date Night Scavenger Hunt | January 9 (more info)

  • Description: Date For Couples (Self-Guided) Enjoy your city scavenger hunt with fun digital activities along the way!

• Paint the Winter Magic at Oak Cafe 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | January 9 (more info)

  • Location: Oak Cafe, 77 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville

  • Description: Come join us at Oak cafe gallery for a cozy afternoon of painting! Let's embrace the winter vibes and get creative together. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, this event is perfect for anyone looking to unwind and have some fun.

• Squeeze Pickleball Free Play 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM | January 8,9 (more info)

  • Location: Squeeze Pickleball, 1233 Dillon Road, Burlington

  • Description: Come celebrate with us and enjoy FREE play during our Grand Opening events — it’s the perfect chance to meet new friends, swing some paddles, and be part of something awesome!

• REEL Thursdays: Ghostlight 7:00 PM - 8:55 PM | January 9 (more info)

  • Location: Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Dr, Mississauga

  • Description: Experience the magic of cinema with REEL Thursdays, a curated film series presented in collaboration with the TIFF Film Circuit. This week’s film: Ghostlight.

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!

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