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:

• 🩺 Family doctors and elections

• 💼 Student jobs + energy rebates

• 📅 Some events to finish off the week

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

Let’s dive in!

News

🩺 Struggling to Find a Family Doctor?

If you’re one of the 2.5 million Ontarians without a family doctor, you’re definitely not alone—it’s a growing problem that’s left a lot of us feeling stuck.

The province recently announced a big plan to address this, with $1.8 billion aimed at connecting two million people with a family doctor or care team over the next four years. It’s a huge investment, but what does that mean for you right now?

One option to explore is Health Care Connect—a program that helps match people with primary care providers who are taking new patients. It’s easy to sign up online or by calling 811, and it’s worth checking out if you’ve been struggling to find care on your own.

It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction. With more efforts like these, the hope is to make primary care more accessible for everyone in Ontario.

🗳️ Oakville Candidates Gear Up for Provincial Election

With the provincial election set for Feb. 27, Oakville residents will see familiar and new faces vying for their support. Representing the Ontario Liberal Party, Alison Gohel is entering the race, while Stephen Crawford of the Progressive Conservatives is seeking re-election.

Alison Gohel, a long-time Oakville resident, brings a background in tax advisory and law, emphasizing affordability, health care, and education as her key priorities. She aims to reduce the cost of living by eliminating home heating taxes and increasing family support while addressing long emergency room wait times and connecting residents with family doctors. Gohel also advocates for better school funding and community-centered housing solutions, particularly voicing concerns about the Midtown Oakville Transit-Oriented Community Project.

Stephen Crawford, who has served as Oakville’s MPP since 2018, is focusing on continuity. Highlighting his record of expanding GO Train services and boosting local health care funding, Crawford plans to further tackle traffic congestion with Hwy. 413 and improve access to primary care. He describes Oakville as a thriving community and is eager to build on his achievements.

Both candidates bring distinct perspectives to the table, ensuring Oakville’s concerns are front and center as voters prepare to make their choice.

Community Spotlight

🏡 Saving on Home Upgrades? New Ontario Rebates Are Here

Thinking about upgrading your windows, doors, or insulation? Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program launches on Jan. 28, offering rebates of up to 30% on energy-efficient home improvements.

The program covers a range of upgrades, including windows, doors, insulation, smart thermostats, heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, and battery storage systems. Later this year, it will expand to include rebates for energy-efficient appliances like refrigerators and freezers.

This initiative follows the cancellation of a previous rebate program in 2018. Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce called it "the largest energy efficiency program in Canadian history."

Homeowners can sign up in advance, and eligibility has been expanded to include those heating with propane and oil, not just electricity. More details will be available later this month on the program’s website.

For small businesses, a separate rebate program offers $75 upfront and $20 annually for each smart thermostat connected to a central air system.

🗳️ Ontario is Hiring Election Workers – Earn Up to $29.50/Hour

With Ontario’s snap election on Feb. 27, Elections Ontario is hiring thousands of workers to help run the polls. If you’re 16 or older, you can apply for a paid position with training included.

Available roles include:

• Area Managers – $29.50/hr (supervise multiple locations)

• Deputy Returning Officers – $22.42/hr (process voters, issue ballots)

• Poll Clerks & Revision Assistants – $21.25/hr (help verify voter info)

• Information Assistants – $20/hr (greet and assist voters)

Most positions require you to be 18+ and a Canadian citizen, except for information assistant roles, which are open to 16- and 17-year-olds. Some jobs may also require a driver’s license, and shifts on election day could be up to 13-14 hours.

Elections Ontario is looking for organized, personable, and problem-solving individuals to fill these roles. Previous election experience is an asset but not required.

Weather

Wednesday, January 29
🌨️ Mostly cloudy and windy with a couple of snow showers.
High: 2°C | Low: -7°C

Thursday, January 30
☁️ Low clouds; breezy in the afternoon.
High: 2°C | Low: 1°C

Friday, January 31
☁️ Cloudy.
High: 3°C | Low: -9°C

Events

• Hobbies & Leisure Exploration for Neurodivergent Kids 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | January 29 (more info)

  • Location: Monarch House Oakville, 1405 North Service Road East, Oakville

  • Description: Join Monarch House for an exciting evening of discovering new hobbies and leisure activities tailored for neurodivergent kids. From arts and crafts to cooking, yoga, and even hiking, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

• Oakville Speed Dating (Ages 38-50) 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | January 29 (more info)

  • Location: Paradiso, 125 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

  • Description: Meet up to 15 new singles in one fun night at Oakville Speed Dating! Enjoy appetizers, quick dates, and an efficient digital platform to streamline matchmaking. This event is perfect for single professionals looking to mingle and make meaningful connections.

• Meditate with Celtic Inspiration 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | January 30 (more info)

  • Location: AN Global Consulting, 2nd Floor, 2305 Wyecroft Rd., Oakville

  • Description: Discover guided meditation and explore the connection between ancient yoga chakras and Celtic spirituality in this special Brigid’s Day event. Enjoy a relaxing evening with musical experiences and insights into wellness and wellbeing. Open to all and free to attend—no prior meditation experience required.

• Business Owners Networking 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | January 30 (more info)

  • Location: Au Pain Doré Bakery, 100 City Centre Drive #Unit 2-712, Mississauga

  • Description: Connect, collaborate, and expand your network at this Business Owners Networking event in Mississauga. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this is a great opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships—all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

• Milton Comedy Show 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM | January 30 (more info)

  • Location: Ned Devine's Irish Pub, 575 Ontario Street South, Milton

  • Description: Get ready for a night of laughs at Ned Devine’s! This comedy show features top comedians seen on Just For Laughs, CBC Comedy, Comedy Central, and SiriusXM. Doors open at 7:00 PM, so come early to grab some great food and enjoy a fun night out.

• Moss Art Workshop 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | January 30 (more info)

  • Location: The Floral Collective Inc., 335 Kerr Street, Oakville

  • Description: Get creative with nature at this hands-on moss art workshop! Design your own 12x12 moss art piece using a variety of mosses, lichens, and natural elements.

• Jake Shimabukuro 8:00 PM | January 31, 2025 (more info)

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

  • Description: Experience the captivating artistry of Jake Shimabukuro, a world-renowned ukulele virtuoso. Known for his dynamic style and groundbreaking innovations, Jake has transformed the perception of the four-string instrument. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening as he pushes the boundaries of what the ukulele can achieve.

• Holiday Lights by the Lake | Ends February 1 (more info)

  • Location: Coronation Park, 1426 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville

  • Description: Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of Holiday Lights by the Lake during its final weekend! With over 90 trees adorned in 130,000 lights, 100 illuminated displays, and stunning spotlight and laser shows, Coronation Park becomes a dazzling winter wonderland. Perfect for families and anyone looking to soak up the festive spirit one last time!

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].