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:

• 🏡 Home prices, Swimming Teslas, and a Lunar Eclipse

• 🌱 Honouring the man behind Oakville’s Farmer’s Market

• 📅 Events coming up this 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

🏡 Oakville Home Prices Rise, but Sales Slow Down

Oakville’s housing market saw big changes in February. The average home price jumped to $1.5 million, up 11.2% from January. But while prices climbed, sales dropped 33.2% compared to last year. At the same time, the number of available homes more than doubled, giving buyers more choices.

Detached homes saw the biggest price increase, averaging $2.11 million (up 14.1% from last month). Semi-detached homes, however, fell 19.1% to $992,333. Apartment-style condos also dropped 14.9% from January but stayed 2% higher than last year.

Despite recent ups and downs, Oakville’s real estate market has grown a lot over time. Since 2015, home prices have risen by 71.8%

🚗 Tesla Takes a Dive in Bronte Harbour

Like in a scene straight out of a movie, three unidentified men were spotted pushing a black Tesla into Bronte Harbour around 1:30 a.m. on March 8. Witnesses say the car made a mysterious stop near the Marine Tavern Pub before the trio took turns behind the wheel—then sent it swimming.

Police recovered the vehicle later that afternoon, but the motive remains a mystery. Was it a prank, a crime, or just a really bad parking job?

🌕 How to Watch This Week’s Total Lunar Eclipse in Ontario

Get ready for a celestial show early Friday morning as the moon turns a deep red during a total lunar eclipse—the first visible in Canada since 2022. This “blood moon” event will last 65 minutes as the moon moves into Earth’s shadow.

Here’s the timeline for the GTA:

• Partial eclipse begins – Thursday, March 13 at 11:57 p.m.

• Total eclipse peak – Friday, March 14 at 2:59 a.m.

• Eclipse ends – Around 6 a.m.

No special glasses are needed, and while a telescope can enhance the view, a dark, open space away from city lights is best. If the clouds cooperate, you’ll have a great chance to see it.

Community Spotlight

🌱 Honouring Douglas Guthrie: The Man Behind Oakville’s Farmers' Market

For decades, Douglas Guthrie was more than just the founder of Oakville’s longest-running outdoor farmers’ market—he was its heart. Always checking in on vendors and greeting shoppers with a smile, he created a welcoming space that brought the community together. As a longtime member of the Civitan Club of Oakville, he dedicated himself to helping others, often working behind the scenes to support local charities and initiatives.

"There are lives that give back, quietly, for years, without attention drawn to them," said Al McMullan of the Civitan Club. "Doug Guthrie was one such individual." That dedication is now being honoured through the Douglas Guthrie Legacy Fund, which will provide $120,000 to support adults with disabilities and expand mental health services in Oakville and Halton Region.

Even after his passing in 2024, Guthrie’s impact continues to be felt—proof that a lifetime of small, meaningful actions can leave a lasting legacy.

🇨🇦 Bronte Marina Searching for New Flag Caretaker

For the past two years, Jason and Angele Montplaisir have ensured the Canadian flag at Bronte Marina remained in top shape. Now, they’re stepping down and hoping someone will continue the tradition.

"We have a deep love for Canada and all that the flag stands for," said Jason. The flag became a special symbol for the couple during their walks by the harbour. Before retiring from the role, they replaced it one last time on February 26.

Anyone interested in maintaining the flag can contact Jason at [email protected].

Weather

Wednesday, March 12
🌥️ Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks.
High: 1°C | Low: -1°C

Thursday, March 13
⛅ Partly sunny and mild.
High: 7°C | Low: 3°C

Friday, March 14
☀️ Mostly sunny and warmer.
High: 13°C | Low: 6°C

Events

• Town of Oakville March Break Programs | March 10 - March 16 (more info)

  • Location: Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Rd, Oakville

  • Description: Various events and programs hosted by the Town of Oakville to keep you busy this March Break!

• March Break Events at Oakville Place | March 10 - March 16 (more info) 

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

  • Description: Enjoy a full week of family-friendly fun at Oakville Place! From exciting live shows to interactive activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout March Break.

• Maple Syrup Festival | March 10 - March 16 (more info) 

  • Location: Bronte Creek Provincial Park, 1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate the sweet arrival of spring at the Maple Syrup Festival! Take a guided tour of Maple Lane, watch fresh maple sugar or taffy being made, and enjoy farm animal visits. Kids will love the interactive Maple Show, and families can hop on a wagon ride to the pancake house for a delicious meal drizzled with fresh maple syrup.

• March Break at the Oakville Museum 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | March 10 - March 14 (more info) 

  • Location: Oakville Museum, 8 Navy St, Oakville

  • Description: Dive into a week of discovery and creativity at Oakville Museum! Kids will explore fascinating artifacts and uncover stories through themes like science, natural history, local heritage, design, and architecture. The week includes hands-on investigations, arts and crafts, and classic camp games, making for a fun and educational experience. Perfect for ages 6 to 10.

• Fitness Class: Dance Essentials 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | March 12 (more info) 

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

  • Description: Strengthen your body, improve flexibility, and refine your movement in this weekly class designed for both dancers and non-dancers. Using ballet barre, core exercises, and posture techniques, this session helps participants build strength and enhance technique.

• Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM | March 12 (more info) 

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

  • Description: Join Gobo Fraggle and his friends Mokey, Boober, Wembley, and Red on an exciting adventure to uncover the legendary Great Song Stone! Along the way, they discover that the greatest treasure of all is something even more special than they imagined. A delightful experience for Fraggle Rock fans of all ages.

• Chutney Dance Pop-Up Class 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM | March 12 (more info) 

  • Location: We Before Me Dance Studios, 1578 Finfar Court, Mississauga

  • Description: Get ready to groove to classic chutney and chutney soca hits in this high-energy dance pop-up class! Open to all skill levels, this fun-filled session is perfect for anyone looking to learn new moves, break a sweat, and enjoy a vibrant dance atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a beginner, come join the fun and dance the night away!

• Sound Bath for Deep Relaxation 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | March 13 (more info) 

  • Location: King's Christian Collegiate, 528 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Oakville

  • Description: Immerse yourself in a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating sound bath experience with Deb Taylor. The session blends the soothing tones of crystal singing bowls, guided meditation, and gentle somatic movement to release tension and promote inner peace. Chimes and rain sticks enhance the healing vibrations, helping to clear the mind and elevate energy.

• Oakville After 5 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | March 13 (more info) 

  • Location: The Gingerman Social Eatery, 416 Kerr Street, Oakville

  • Description: Connect with local entrepreneurs at this interactive networking event hosted by LeadTribes Networking. Share who you are, what you do, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Whether you're looking to grow your business or build new relationships, this event offers a welcoming space to network and engage with like-minded professionals.

• March Break at Film.Ca Cinemas 9:30 AM | March 14 (more info) 

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

  • Description: Walk the red carpet and enjoy a day of Hollywood-themed fun! Strike a pose in the photo op area with a director’s chair, create custom popcorn flavours in the Popcorn Lab, and enjoy face painting and nail art. A star-studded experience for all ages!

• March Break Kids' Moss Art Workshop 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | March 14 (more info) 

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

  • Description: Recommended for kids 10+, this hands-on workshop lets young artists explore their creativity using natural elements. Kids will design a 10x10 moss art piece using mosses, lichens, and colors of their choice. Please note that hot glue is used.

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].