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:

• 🏘️ Proposals to expand Oakville continue

• 🍁 Maple Syrup Season is back

• 📅 Exciting events to keep you busy this weekend!

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

🏘️ New Oakville Subdivision Proposal

A new 556-home subdivision is planned for north Oakville, keeping a large natural area intact but removing over 530 trees. Developer Mattamy (Joshua Creek) Limited shared the proposal with Oakville’s planning council, outlining plans for single-detached homes, townhouses, a six-storey commercial/residential block, and two village squares at 1156 Burnhamthorpe Rd. E.

The project will protect a 33.48-hectare Natural Heritage System (NHS) with trails, but 536 trees will be removed to make way for roads and homes. Some trees will be replaced, as required by Conservation Halton.

Councillors raised concerns about parking and snow storage, as similar communities have faced issues in the past. If approved, construction could start in three to four years. The plan is still under review, with a focus on how it fits Oakville’s climate goals. Stay tuned for updates as council revisits the proposal.

⚡ Ontario to Add 25% Surcharge on U.S.-Bound Electricity

Doug Ford has officially announced that Ontario will impose a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to Minnesota, New York, and Michigan starting Monday.

This latest move follows Ontario’s earlier retaliatory actions, including banning U.S. companies from provincial contracts and pulling American products from LCBO shelves. Ford has also warned that if tariffs remain, Ontario may halt power exports entirely by April.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the trade war’s impact on businesses, while Ford urged U.S. Republicans to push back against Trump’s tariffs. Talks to resolve the dispute continue, but Ford and Prime Minister Trudeau maintain that Canada won’t back down until all tariffs are lifted. More updates to come as the situation develops.

Community Spotlight

🎳 Hopedale Bowl Owners Inducted into Hall of Fame

Ron and Linda Watson, longtime owners of Oakville’s Hopedale Bowl, have been inducted into the Central Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers' Association (COBA) Hall of Fame. The honour was announced at COBA’s annual gala last weekend in Streetsville, where the couple was recognized in the "Builders" category for their contributions to the sport.

"I see this induction as a culmination to 18 years of community," said Ron. "Hopedale Bowl is more than just a bowling centre; it’s a gathering place." Linda echoed the sentiment, calling the honour "a recognition by our bowling community."

The Watsons have owned Hopedale Bowl since 2007, and their impact extends beyond the lanes, fostering a welcoming space for leagues of all ages. COBA praised their "unwavering dedication and remarkable contributions" to 5 Pin Bowling. Congratulations to Ron and Linda on this well-deserved recognition!

🍁 Maple Syrup Season Returns to Conservation Halton

The sweetest season of the year is back at Mountsberg and Crawford Lake! Conservation Halton’s beloved maple syrup programs are running throughout March Break, weekends, and holidays until April 6, offering families a mix of fun, education, and delicious treats.

At Mountsberg’s Maple Town, visitors can watch maple sap transform into syrup, enjoy fireside lounges, and take part in hands-on activities like becoming a “Sugar Ranger.” Horse-drawn wagon rides and maple sugar-making workshops add to the experience. Meanwhile, Crawford Lake’s Sweet Water Season highlights the Indigenous heritage of maple sugaring, featuring the First Harvest: Celebrating Sweet Water exhibit and syrup tastings.

Weather

Friday, March 7
🌤️ Mainly Sunny
High: 3°C | Low: -3°C

Saturday, March 8
⛅ Mix of Sun and Cloud
High: 2°C | Low: -6°C

Sunday, March 9
🌨️ Wet Flurries
High: 0°C | Low: -3°C

Events

• Maple Town & Sweet Water | March 7-9 (more info)

  • Location: Mountsberg & Crawford Lake, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate a beloved local tradition at Conservation Halton’s Maple Season! Visit Mountsberg’s Maple Town and Crawford Lake’s Sweetwater Season to experience the magic of maple syrup production. Enjoy hands-on activities, learn about the history of maple sugaring, and indulge in delicious maple treats. A perfect outing for all ages!

• Persian Spring Marketplace 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM | March 7-9 (more info)

  • Location: Unifor Local 707 Venue, 475 North Service Rd East, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate Persian New Year at this vibrant Spring marketplace! Enjoy Persian music, dance, and delicious traditional foods while exploring over 40 vendors offering arts & crafts, pastries, nuts, and Nowruz essentials.

• Susan Aglukark: "This Child" 30th Anniversary Tour 8:00 PM | March 7 (more info)

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

  • Description: Experience the powerful music of Inuk singer/songwriter Susan Aglukark as she celebrates the 30th anniversary of This Child. Blending Inuktitut, Indigenous, and English languages with contemporary pop, Aglukark’s music tells the stories of the Inuit and other Indigenous groups.

• Winter Tree ID Workshop with Jeff Dickie 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | March 8 (more info)

  • Location: 2235 Sheridan Garden Dr, Oakville

  • Description: Enjoy a guided winter trail walk in Southeast Oakville and learn to identify native tree species in their winter state. Led by certified arborist, forest technician, and conservation photographer Jeff Dickie, this workshop offers a deep dive into local ecology.

• Adult Book Club: The Berry Pickers 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | March 8 (more info)

  • Location: Woodside Branch, 120 Navy Street, Oakville

  • Description: Love it or hate it, come discuss it! Join fellow book lovers for a lively conversation about The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. Copies are available for pickup at the Woodside Branch. This monthly meet-up is a great way to share insights, engage in discussion, and connect with the community.

• Herb Planter Workshop 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | March 8 (more info)

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

  • Description: Add some greenery to your space with this hands-on Herb Planter Workshop! Learn from experienced instructors how to select, plant, and care for your own herb garden. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, this interactive session will help you bring freshness into your home.

• International Women’s Day Calisthenics Workshop 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | March 8 (more info)

  • Location: SkyFitness, 3345 Laird Road #3, Mississauga

  • Description: Celebrate International Women’s Day with an empowering calisthenics workshop led by coach @janie.stel and the Women’s Calisthenics Organization! Open to all levels, this session will focus on bar skills, handstands, and flexibility training. 20% of proceeds will be donated to a Women’s Shelter.

• Crafting With Crystals: Bracelet-Making Workshop 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | March 8 (more info)

  • Location: TERRA Greenhouses, 12800 Britannia Road, Hornby

  • Description: Explore the magical world of crystals in this hands-on bracelet-making workshop for ages 17+. Create three unique bracelets from a selection of over 25 crystals while learning about their metaphysical properties and how they can promote healing and positive energy.

• International Women’s Day Art Workshop 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | March 8 (more info)

  • Location: SavvyArt Market, 100 - 33 Shepherd Rd, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate International Women’s Day with a fun and inspiring art workshop! Create handmade cards, bookmarks, or paint on a 9" x 12" canvas in a relaxed, supportive space. No experience needed—just bring your creativity! Enjoy drinks, snacks, and great company while unleashing your artistic side.

• International Women’s Day Live Music Event 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM | March 8 (more info)

  • Location: The Oakville Pump & Patio, 1011 Upper Middle Rd E, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate International Women’s Day with an all-female band, The Felines ft. Denise Fex! This special night will spotlight incredible women in the community while raising funds for a local female-owned non-profit.

• Meditation Mondays 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | March 10 (more info)

  • Location: Central Branch, 120 Navy Street, Oakville

  • Description: Join us for a morning of guided meditation and breathing exercises, presented by 100 Seeds of Joy in partnership with Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network Halton. Designed for adults 18+, this session introduces subtle energy centres (chakras) and the benefits of breath work for mental and emotional well-being.

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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