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:

• 🏢 Building Developments, Crime Stoppers

• 🎨 Oakville teen creates online art gallery

• 📅 A list of events to keep you busy through the 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

🏗️ Major Development Proposal for North Oakville

A massive new project could transform north Oakville, bringing over 1,000 residential units to 3275 Trafalgar Rd. Proposed by New Horizon Development Group and Wyatt Development Group, the plan was introduced at a Jan. 20 council meeting, requesting zoning changes for two 30-storey towers, a six-storey podium, and two blocks of three-storey townhouses as part of Phase 1.

Phase 1 includes 826 units, six live-work spaces, extensive amenities, and underground parking. Phase 2 would add two 14-storey buildings with a similar podium design and an additional 463 units. The site also features plans for landscaped spaces, trail systems, and a reconstructed wetland.

While concerns were raised about shadows and parking, developers assured compliance with town guidelines. The development, located in the Trafalgar Urban Core, aims to improve connectivity and activate an under-utilized area. Further council discussions will determine its approval.

🕵️‍♀️ Crime Stoppers Launches Community Watch Program in Oakville

Crime Stoppers of Halton is actively recruiting volunteers in Oakville for its newly launched Community Watch program, a modernized take on traditional neighbourhood watch initiatives. Engagement sessions have included canvassing at Oakville Place Mall and door-to-door efforts in southeast Oakville to raise awareness and encourage sign-ups for the program's newsletter.

Launched on Oct. 22, 2024, the pilot program in Ward 3 focuses on crime prevention and anonymous tip submissions. Residents can report crimes via a secure tip line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or an online portal. "Our anonymous tip line serves a huge purpose for people who do not want to go to court or give their names," said Colin Jessome, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Halton.

Tips are vetted and forwarded to the police, contributing to investigations or providing crucial neighbourhood insights. Volunteers can help expand this initiative, which may eventually cover all of Halton Region.

Community Spotlight

🎨 Oakville Teen Turns Passion into Purpose with Online Art Gallery

Taylor Kwan, a Grade 12 student at Oakville Trafalgar High School, is the entrepreneurial mind behind Watercolour Contemporary, an online platform connecting local artists with buyers while supporting charitable causes. Since its launch in March 2023, the platform has displayed over 120 original artworks, including oil, watercolor, acrylic, and digital paintings, with prices ranging from $50 to $700.

Inspired by his artist uncle, Kwan built the platform to help sell artwork and now donates 20% of proceeds to charities like Trillium Health Partners Foundation. Artists keep 50% of sales, while the remaining 30% covers business expenses like free shipping and website maintenance.

With a steady revenue stream, Kwan plans to expand by recruiting more artists and possibly hosting public exhibitions in Oakville this summer. Using social media and local events to promote his venture, Kwan is proving that art and business can make a meaningful impact.

🌟 Explore 4-H Halton at Sign-Up Night

Calling all youth aged 6 to 21! If you’re looking for a new hobby or adventure, 4-H Halton is hosting a Sign-Up Night on Thursday, Jan. 30, 7:00 PM, at the Milton Fairgrounds (136 Robert St.).

This relaxed event is the perfect opportunity to explore a variety of clubs tailored to young people, including traditional options like beef, rabbit, and photography, along with newer additions such as cooking, bread making, and crochet. The revived Go for the Gold club will also be showcased, blending learning and competition in a fun game-show format.

For a $110 annual fee, members can join multiple clubs or switch between them, offering flexibility to match any schedule. “They can join one club, they can join six,” said 4-H Halton Director Joanne Hewitson.

Questions? Email [email protected] or visit their website for more details. Don’t miss this exciting chance to learn, grow, and connect with others in the community!

Weather

Friday, January 24
☀️ Sunny.
High: -6°C | Low: -11°C.

Saturday, January 25
🌤️ Mix of sun and cloud, 30% chance of flurries.
High: -3°C | Low: -6°C.

Sunday, January 26
🌥️ Mix of sun and cloud, 40% chance of flurries.
High: -2°C | Low: -7°C.

Events

• Make Bookends on Pottery Wheel for Couples 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | January 24 (more info)

  • Location: Artventures Rebecca, 3495 Rebecca St., Unit 208, Oakville

  • Description: Enjoy a creative evening designed for couples as you explore the art of pottery together. Perfect for beginners or intermediate students, this hands-on workshop offers a shared journey of molding and shaping clay on the pottery wheel.

• January Meditation & Sound Bath 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | January 24 (more info)

  • Location: 151 Lakeshore Road West, Mississauga

  • Description: Join Giselle for a transformative meditation and sound bath experience. Using singing bowls, chimes, and shakers, this session promotes inner peace, self-love, and balance.

• Oakville Trivia for Singles 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | January 24 (more info)

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

  • Description: Test your wits and meet new people at this fun Singles Trivia Night! Enjoy brain-teasing questions across three mystery genres, team up with different participants, and compete for prizes in a lively, friendly atmosphere.

• Salsa Night in Oakville 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM | January 25 (more info)

  • Location: Taste of Colombia - Fair Trade Coffee & Gift Shop, 67 Bronte Road #2, Oakville

  • Description: Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Afro-Cuban music at Salsa Night! Enjoy an evening filled with Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Merengue, and more. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking for a lively night out, this 5-hour event promises fun and energy for everyone.

• Samba Workshop 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM | January 25 (more info)

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

  • Description: Get ready for Carnaval by learning the foundational steps, posture, and technique of Brazilian Samba no Pé! Led by Carolina Vitorino, an instructor with 30 years of experience in movement and dance, this workshop is perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

• 2025 Oakville Chinese New Year Show 7:00 PM | January 25 (more info)

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

  • Description: Celebrate the 2025 Chinese New Year with a unique, self-scripted performance presented by the Oakville Chinese Network. This year’s theme, "I'm Right Implies I Was Wrong Lifetime," explores perspectives on right and wrong, happiness, and positive energy through an engaging, musical-style production.

• Koray Avci 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | January 25 (more info)

  • Location: The Meeting House Oakville, 2700 Bristol Circle, Oakville, ON

  • Description: Join us for an unforgettable evening with Koray Avci! Enjoy a night of incredible music, dancing, and singing along to his popular hits. Don’t miss this electrifying in-person performance at The Meeting House Oakville. Reserve your spot for this must-attend event!

• Galentine's Bento Cake Decorating 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | January 25 (more info)

  • Location: Touchdown Coworking Space, 2030 Bristol Circle, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a fun Bento Cake Decorating Workshop! Bring your besties or come solo to create Instagram-worthy mini cakes in a cozy, vibrant atmosphere.

• Stitches - The Art of Sybil Rampen 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | January 25 & 26 (more info)

  • Location: Joshua Farm Gallery, 1086 Burnhamthorpe Rd. E, Oakville

  • Description: Discover over 80 stunning fibre art pieces by Sybil Rampen, spanning her artistic journey from 1973 to 2024. This free exhibition highlights Sybil’s innovative work with hand embroidery, machine stitchery, and natural materials, paying tribute to her mentor, Constance Howard.

• Artisan Market | January 25 & 26 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Place Shopping Centre, 240 Leighland Ave, Oakville

  • Description: Discover unique, handcrafted items at the Artisan Market! Shop local artisans and find one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting the creative community.

• Puppy Yoga 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | January 26 (more info)

  • Location: We Before Me Dance Studios and Practice Rental Spaces, 1578 Finfar Court #Unit 4, Mississauga

  • Description: Relax, stretch, and cuddle with adorable Springer Spaniel puppies during this one-hour puppy yoga class! Enjoy 35 minutes of gentle yoga, 20 minutes of cuddles, and a 5-minute sharing circle.

• Canvas Painting Class 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | January 26 (more info)

  • Location: Artventures Rebecca, 3495 Rebecca St., Unit 208, Oakville

  • Description: Unleash your creativity at this fun and engaging Canvas Painting Class! Choose from 100 unique designs, including glow-in-the-dark, acrylic, 3D, or oil painting options.

• Chinese Lunar New Year Ride 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM | January 26 (more info)

  • Location: Flyspin Canada, 302 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate Chinese New Year with a festive Fly Rhythm class at Flyspin! Join Tarah and Sara for a high-energy ride filled with upbeat music and vibrant vibes.

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].