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:

• 🍹 Nestea leaving Canada… Kinda?

• 🤖 Oakville teen makes viral AI app

• 📅 A list of 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

🍹 Nestea in Canada: A Temporary Pause, Not Gone for Good

Rumors have been swirling online that Nestea might be disappearing from Canada for good, sparking concern among fans of the iconic iced tea. However, Keurig Dr Pepper Canada (KDP) has set the record straight: Nestea isn’t going anywhere.

Under a new licensing agreement with Nestlé Canada, effective January 1, 2025, KDP now manages Nestea's ready-to-drink products, including cans and juice boxes. During this transition, Canadians might notice a temporary absence of Nestea on store shelves. But fans won’t have to wait long—full distribution is expected to resume by summer 2025, with KDP promising to refresh the brand while honouring its legacy.

Uncertainty remains about the formula. Coca-Cola, the former license holder, retains the original recipe and has launched a new iced tea brand, Fuze, using the same ingredients. Nestea’s updated formula under KDP has yet to be revealed, leaving fans curious about what’s next for their favourite iced tea.

🏆 Nominations Open for Oakville Chamber Business Awards

The Oakville Chamber of Commerce has officially opened nominations for the 2025 Business Awards, a celebration of local excellence in business, entrepreneurship, and community impact. Nominations will be accepted until February 10, 2025, with winners announced at the annual spring ceremony.

This year’s awards include nine categories, such as the Sagen Entrepreneur Award for emerging business leaders, the CN Altruism Award for impactful non-profit contributions, and the Sustainability Award for eco-friendly business practices. Whether you’re a small, mid-size, or large business, there’s a category to highlight your achievements.

The Chamber encourages residents and businesses to recognize those who contribute to Oakville’s vibrancy and economic growth. Nominees should demonstrate innovation, leadership, and a commitment to making Oakville an amazing place to live and work.

Know someone making a difference in Oakville’s business community? Nominate them—or yourself—today!

Community Spotlight

🤖 Oakville Teen Develops AI App for Thoughtful Online Conversations

Oakville’s Savir Singh, a 17-year-old student at Garth Webb Secondary School, has created an AI-powered app to help people craft thoughtful responses for emails and messages. The app, Clonio AI, launched in May 2024 and has already attracted 5,000 users.

Clonio AI stands out by tailoring responses to specific interpersonal interactions, such as reconnecting with someone or asking for a promotion. Users can upload past conversations, and the app analyzes mood, grammar, and vocabulary to suggest personalized replies. Singh’s inspiration came from a moment of stress, wondering how AI could help him respond to an email respectfully.

Originally free, Singh introduced a $2 paid version in August 2024, raising funds for further development. Planned features include Android compatibility by February 2025 and integration with social media platforms.

While optimistic about AI’s potential, Singh emphasizes its role as a supportive tool, likening it to a calculator.

🎨 Sheridan Grads Shine at 52nd Annual Annie Awards

Sheridan College’s Animation program in Oakville continues to produce top talent, with four alumni earning nominations for the prestigious 52nd Annual Annie Awards. The Annies, often called the Oscars of animation, celebrate excellence across 36 categories in cinema and television animation.

This year’s nominees and their categories:

• Raymond Dunster (‘17, Bachelor of Animation): Best Character Animation – TV/Media for Star Trek: Lower Decks

• Colin Lepper (‘14, Bachelor of Animation): Best Character Animation – TV/Media for The Patrick Star Show

• Deanna Marsigliese (‘04, Bachelor of Animation): Best Character Design – Feature for Inside Out 2 (also nominated for Best Animated Feature)

• Austin Faber (‘19, Bachelor of Animation): Best Writing – TV/Media for Jessica’s Big Little World

Sheridan alumni also contributed to four of the six films nominated for Best Feature, including Inside Out 2 and Kung Fu Panda 4.

Dean Mark Jones praised the achievements, saying, “We could not be prouder of our alumni.”

The Annie Awards ceremony will take place on February 8 in Los Angeles.

Weather

Wednesday, January 22
☀️ Mostly sunny and cold.
High: -9°C | Low: -18°C

Thursday, January 23
🌨️ Some snow in the morning with little or no accumulation; cloudy and not as cold.
High: -3°C | Low: -10°C

Friday, January 24
☁️ Mostly cloudy.
High: -4°C | Low: -10°C

Events

• Robbie Burns Dinner | January 22 (more info)

  • Location: Marine Tavern, 49 Bronte Road, Oakville

  • Description: Join us to celebrate Scotland's national poet, Robbie Burns, with a delightful evening featuring a 5-course Scottish menu. Enjoy Scottish beer, single malt, roast beef tenderloin, and of course, traditional haggis.

• Meet The Genius In You! 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | January 22 (more info)

  • Location: Staples Studio, 320 North Service Road West, Oakville

  • Description: Unlock the genius within you! Join Leanne Monaghan for a FREE transformative session on peak performance coaching. Learn how to create a new model for living that empowers your body, mind, and soul. Don’t miss this chance to get unstuck and embrace your full potential.

• Classic Albums Live Performs: The Lithium Experience 8:00 PM | January 23 (more info)

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

  • Description: Experience the iconic sounds of the 1990s as Classic Albums Live performs music from legendary bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, and Stone Temple Pilots. Don't miss this unforgettable tribute to the grunge era!

• LA Wildfire Relief | Film.Ca Cinemas 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | January 23 (more info)

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

  • Description: Join us for a special fundraiser screening to support those affected by the California wildfires, including members of the film and entertainment industry. Watch classic film The Wizard of Oz, with 100% of net ticket proceeds donated to the Entertainment Community Fund.

• Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | January 23 (more info)

  • Location: Figaro Coffee House, 350 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

  • Description: Unleash your creativity and join us for a fun Valentine's Day Cookie Workshop! Enjoy step-by-step instructions and all the supplies you need to decorate delicious cookies.

• Sound Bath in January for Deep Relaxation 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | January 23 (more info)

  • Location: King's Christian Collegiate, Music Conservatory Room, 528 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Oakville

  • Description: Begin the new year with intention and renewal through a transformative Sound Bath experience led by Deb Taylor. This session combines gentle somatic yoga movement with the healing vibrations of crystal bowls, chimes, and drums to release tension, align your energy, and invite fresh opportunities into your life.

• Professional Singles Speed Dating 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm | January 23 (more info)

  • Location: Chocolate and Love Cafe, 5985 Rodeo Dr Unit 14, Mississauga

  • Description: (Ages 35-48) Experience the excitement of meeting new people and forming genuine connections at this speed dating event by Single in the City. Enjoy up to 15 dates, appetizers, and a chance to spark something special! Book with a friend to receive an exclusive 15% discount at checkout.

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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