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:

• 🛒 Hudson’s Bay is going out of business + gas might be coming down

• 🏒 Should street hockey be allowed?

• 📅 Some events for the week and 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!

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News

🛒 The End of an Era: Hudson’s Bay Shutting Down

Hudson’s Bay, Canada’s oldest department store, is closing all its locations after years of declining sales and rising debt. Experts say it struggled to adapt to online shopping and competition from specialty stores, much like Eaton’s and Sears before it. With no buyer in sight, the retailer is moving forward with liquidation sales, which could start this week.

Shoppers can expect discounts of 10–20% at first, with deeper markdowns closer to closing—but stock may be limited by then. Along with its 80 stores, Hudson’s Bay owns Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Off 5th in Canada through a licensing agreement. While liquidation is expected at those locations too, there’s a chance they could be sold separately. If you’re looking for deals, now’s the time to check your local store before this Canadian retail giant disappears for good.

⛽ Up to 25-Cent Drop in Gas Prices Possible Across Canada

Starting April 1, Canadians could see gas prices drop by up to 25 cents per litre after Prime Minister Mark Carney scrapped the consumer carbon tax. Diesel prices are expected to fall even more, which could help lower costs on goods and transportation.

However, fuel expert Dan McTeague warns the relief may not last long. If the Liberals win the next election, they plan to replace the tax with an industrial carbon tax, which could push prices back up. With an election call expected soon, drivers might only get a short window of savings, so enjoy the lower prices while they last!

🚆 Shaping Midtown Oakville’s Future — Get Involved!

Big changes are coming to Midtown Oakville, and the town wants your input. Join a Public Information Centre (PIC) on March 27, 2025, to explore plans for transportation, stormwater, and urban design aimed at creating a vibrant, sustainable community.

Expect a quick presentation, followed by hands-on activities where you can ask questions and share your thoughts. Can’t attend? The session will be recorded and posted online.

📅 When: Thursday, March 27, 2025, 6:30–8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
📍 Where: South Atrium, Oakville Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road

Community Spotlight

🏒 More Street Sports in Oakville? Town Wants Your Input

Oakville is considering allowing more sports on town-owned streets and is asking residents for feedback. Following a September 2024 decision to lift the ban on street sports, town staff are now working on guidelines to ensure safety while promoting active outdoor play.

An online survey is open until April 7, and residents can also share their thoughts at in-person community sessions from March 24–26 at local community centers.

The town will review all feedback before presenting draft guidelines to Council in June 2025. Have your say on the future of street sports in Oakville!

⛳ Millcroft Golf Club Shrinks as Housing Development Moves Ahead

Millcroft Golf Club in Burlington is downsizing to nine holes this season after winning approval to build around 90 homes and a small apartment building on part of its land. The decision, backed by the Ontario Land Tribunal, faced strong opposition from residents and Burlington City Hall, who worry about lost greenspace, flood risks, and increased traffic.

Developers argue the smaller course suits modern demand for shorter play, but some golfers are calling for a boycott, fearing the entire site could eventually be redeveloped. Along with the course changes, Millcroft’s dining room will stay closed, offering only an outdoor snack hut and barbecue this year.

Weather

Wednesday, March 19
🌤️ Nice and warm with times of clouds and sun.
High: 17°C | Low: 9°C

Thursday, March 20
🌧️ Cloudy, windy, and cooler with a couple of showers.
High: 12°C | Low: -3°C

Friday, March 21
⛅ Partly sunny.
High: 8°C | Low: 3°C

Events

• Fitness Class: Dance Essentials 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | March 19 (more info)

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

  • Description: Strengthen your body, improve flexibility, and refine posture in this ballet-inspired fitness class. Using the ballet barre, core exercises, and posture techniques, this session is designed for both dancers and non-dancers. Wear workout attire, bring water, and wear runners or socks.

• Community Meditation Circle w/ Kale 7:15 PM - 8:30 PM | March 19 (more info)

  • Location: Justin Ellis PT, 5109 Harvester Road #14A, Burlington

  • Description: Join facilitator Kale Black for a guided meditation session designed to help you quiet your mind and relax into the present moment. Using singing bowls, drumming, rainsticks, and soothing music, this session is open to all experience levels.

• Oakville Speed Dating (Ages 38-48F/40-50M) 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | March 19 (more info)

  • Location: Harpers Landing, 481 Cornwall Road, Oakville

  • Description: Meet up to 15 new people in one exciting night with Single in the City! Enjoy a fun and fast-paced evening of dating, complete with appetizers and great conversation.

• Oakville After 5 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | March 20 (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 discover exciting collaboration opportunities. Whether you're looking to grow your business or build new relationships, this is a great way to expand your network in a supportive environment.

• Adult Book Club: Canary Girls 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | March 20 (more info)

  • Location: Sixteen Mile Branch, 3250 Neyagawa Blvd, Oakville

  • Description: Love it or hate it, come discuss it! This month’s book club pick is Canary Girls by Jennifer Chiaverini. Pick up a copy from the Sixteen Mile Branch and join fellow book lovers for a lively conversation. No registration required—just drop in and share your thoughts! Ages 18+.

• Pasta Making with Chef Enzo Campisi | 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM | March 20 (more info)

  • Location: Mercato Sociale, 257 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate the first day of spring with an unforgettable hands-on cooking class! Learn how to make butternut squash ravioli from scratch with Chef Enzo Campisi. Enjoy a welcome tasting of margherita and pear & prosciutto pizza with a glass of wine before diving into pasta-making at the pizza bar.

• Jimmy Rankin Performance 8:00 PM | March 20 (more info)

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

  • Description: Experience an unforgettable night of music with renowned artist Jimmy Rankin and a lineup of talented Atlantic Canadian songwriters. Set in the style of a Cape Breton Kitchen Party, this intimate songwriters’ circle will bring the rich melodies and stories of the Maritimes to life.

• March Meditation & Sound Bath with Crystals 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | March 21 (more info)

  • Location: Christ First United Church, 1700 Mazo Cres, Mississauga

  • Description: Experience crystal healing energy through a guided meditation with a soothing sound bath featuring singing bowls, chimes, and shakers. A relaxing and immersive way to restore balance and calm the mind.

• Foam Dodgeball 2v2 Tournament 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM | March 22 (more info)

  • Location: Glen Abbey Community Centre, 1415 Third Line, Oakville

  • Description: Team up and compete in an action-packed 2v2 foam dodgeball tournament! Open to all skill levels, with men's matches from 8:15–11:15 AM and women's from 11:30 AM–2:30 PM. Youth participants (16-18) get discounted registration.

• The Claddagh Ball 6:00 PM | March 22 (more info)

  • Location: St. Joseph's Banquet & Conference Centre, 300 River Oaks Blvd E, Oakville

  • Description: Join the Goggin-Stewart School of Irish Dance for a special fundraiser dinner dance. Enjoy a full dinner, open bar, silent auction, games, and performances by 21 World Qualifiers. A night of celebration and Irish tradition awaits!

• 2025 Maple Syrup Festival 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM | March 22,23 (more info)

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

  • Description: Celebrate the sweet taste of spring with guided maple syrup tours, fresh maple taffy, farm animals, live entertainment, and wagon rides to the pancake house. A fun, family-friendly tradition!

• 2025 Student Art Show & Sale 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | March 22,23 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Art Society, 560 Bronte Road, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate the creativity of Oakville Art Society students in this special showcase. Enjoy a variety of student artwork and live instructor demos throughout the event. Students can submit their work by March 12.

• Kaaba Abstract Art Painting Workshop 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | March 23 (more info)

  • Location: Peacock Lane, Milton, ON

  • Description: Explore your creativity in this abstract art workshop inspired by the Kaaba. No painting experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm! All materials, including a wood panel canvas and paint, are provided. Free street parking available.

• Those Were The Days 4:00 PM | March 23 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Conference Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville

  • Description: Enjoy a delicious dinner followed by timeless music from 60–70 years ago, performed in its original style by the Wintergarten Orchestra. A nostalgic evening of classic tunes awaits!

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].