Good morning! This is The Oakville Digest, your trusted guide to everything happening in the beautiful town of Oakville, Ontario.

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Here is what to expect in today’s issue:

• 🗳️ Oakville has new federal ridings this year!

• 🎨 Calling all local artist for Culture Day

• 📅 A list plans 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 by replying to this email, and….

Let’s dive in!

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News

🗳️ Oakville’s New Federal Ridings Debut This April

Get ready to vote in a whole new way. On Monday, April 28, Oakville residents will cast their ballots in two newly created federal ridings: Oakville West and Oakville East. This marks the first time the town will have two full MPs in Ottawa, replacing the long-standing Oakville and Oakville North–Burlington boundaries.

The town is now split along Sixteen Mile Creek—residents west of the creek are in Oakville West, while those to the east fall under Oakville East. The updated map reflects Oakville’s rapid growth and shifts the town from a north-south to an east-west political layout.

The Federal Electoral Boundary Commission says the new ridings are more balanced, both socially and economically, offering “a better blending of differential north-south population growth.” It’s a historic change—and one that could reshape local representation for years to come.

🦷 Federal Dental Care Expanding to More Adults

Starting this June, the federal dental care program will expand to include Canadians aged 18 to 64. Health Minister Kamal Khera says the move could make up to nine million more people eligible, with applications opening in May.

To qualify, applicants must live in Canada for tax purposes, have no private dental insurance, and earn less than $90,000 in family income. The program, which has already helped over 1.6 million people access dental care, is aimed at reducing emergency visits and improving long-term health outcomes.

📦 Oakville Backs Local Biz with New Buying Rules

Oakville is stepping up for Canadian and Ontario businesses. In response to growing trade tensions with the U.S., the town has revamped its purchasing rules to give local suppliers an edge. Council unanimously approved changes that prioritize buying from Canadian sources, raise purchasing limits, and make it easier to team up with other municipalities for better deals.

The move comes from Oakville’s Tariff Task Force, formed to tackle rising costs from cross-border tariffs. While most town purchases already come from Canadian suppliers, many still feel the squeeze of international trade. Mayor Rob Burton says the goal is simple: protect local business and keep Oakville’s economy strong.

Community Spotlight

🎨 Artists Wanted for Culture Days 2025

Oakville, along with Burlington, Halton Hills, and Milton, is calling on artists, teams, and collectives to submit ideas for a fun, interactive arts activity as part of Culture Days 2025.

The chosen project will explore themes of home and belonging and be hosted across the four municipalities this fall. Artists will receive $4,000 to bring their idea to life, with events running on select weekends from September 19 to October 12.

Activities must be free, indoors, and open to drop-in participation. Think hands-on workshops, group art projects, or performances — anything that gets people involved.

Apply by April 24 at 4 p.m.. Full details and how to submit are on the Halton Hills Call for Artists page.

🎉 Halton Region Hits Big for United Way!

Halton Region employees went all in this year, raising an impressive $92,470 for United Way Halton and Hamilton! From golf tournaments to pickleball showdowns, the fundraising fun brought people together for a great cause.

At a recent council meeting, United Way CEO Brad Park applauded the team’s dedication, calling it an “incredible success.” With local programs under pressure, the funds will go a long way in supporting food banks, housing, and mental health services across the region.

Since 1991, Halton Region staff have contributed over $3.6 million—proof that giving back is part of the community spirit.

Weather

Wednesday, March 26
🌤️ Partly cloudy with a chance of morning snow showers.
High: 3°C | Low: -3°C.

Thursday, March 27
☁️ Mostly cloudy and breezy.
High: 9°C | Low: 1°C.

Friday, March 28
🌧️ Cloudy with afternoon showers; cooler temperatures.
High: 3°C | Low: 1°C.

Events

Wed-Fri:

• FREE Robotics Workshop for Gr.1 to Gr.3 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | March 26 (more info)

  • Location: Zebra Robotics, 407 Iroquois Shore Road Unit #10, Oakville

  • Description: Kids in Grades 1–3 can build and code their own robots in this fun, hands-on STEM workshop. Parent or guardian must attend. Free with registration; Oakville residents only.

• Fitness Class: Dance Essentials 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | March 26 (more info)

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

  • Description: Strengthen your body and posture using ballet-inspired movement, barre work, and core exercises. Great for dancers and non-dancers alike. Regulars of El Salon classes get 50% off with code.

• Oakville Speed Dating (Ages 28-39) 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | March 26 (more info) 

  • Location: Harpers Landing, 481 Cornwall Road, Oakville

  • Description: Meet up to 15 new people in one exciting night of speed dating, hosted by Single in the City! Enjoy appetizers, fast-paced conversations, and a seamless digital matching process. Check-in starts at 7:15 PM, with dating beginning promptly at 7:30 PM.

• Bronte Book Club: Night of Power by Anar Ali 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | March 27 (more info)

  • Location: Taste of Colombia Café, 67 Bronte Road, Oakville

  • Description: Join fellow readers for a lively discussion of Night of Power in this cozy café setting. Hosted in partnership with Bronte BIA, registration is required. Books available at the Woodside Branch.

• Thursday Coffee & Conversation Oakville 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | March 27 (more info)

  • Location: The Women's Centre, 1515 Rebecca Street #229, Oakville

  • Description: A welcoming weekly meetup for women to connect over coffee, make friends, and learn about programs at The Women’s Centre of Halton. Great for newcomers or anyone seeking community.

• Oakville After 5 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | March 27 (more info)

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

  • Description: Join local entrepreneurs for a fast-paced hour of networking, sharing, and collaboration. Hosted by LeadTribes, this event is ideal for building connections in a supportive, community-driven space.

• Oakville Networking Social – March 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | March 27 (more info)

  • Location: Monaghan's Sports Bar & Grill, 1289 Marlborough Ct, Oakville

  • Description: Connect with local professionals in a fun, casual setting. Hosted by The Oakville Networkers, this monthly social is a great way to mingle, make connections, and kick off spring.

• Pasta Making with Chef Enzo Campisi | Ravioli 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM | March 27 (more info)

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

  • Description: Learn to make handmade cacio e pepe ravioli in this hands-on class with Chef Enzo. Includes pizza, wine, salad, dessert, and your freshly made pasta. A delicious night out to welcome spring.

• Speak & Succeed: First Oakville Toastmasters Meeting 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | March 27 (more info)

  • Location: Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, 3070 Neyagawa Boulevard, Oakville

  • Description: Discover public speaking and leadership skills in a welcoming, growth-focused setting. This free guest meeting includes speeches, evaluations, and impromptu speaking. Open to all—no experience needed.

• Ladysmith Black Mambazo 8:00 PM | March 27 (more info)

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

  • Description: Experience the legendary South African a cappella group live in concert. With five Grammy wins and a powerful legacy, Ladysmith Black Mambazo brings harmony, history, and inspiration to the stage. Sponsored by Chartwell Retirement.

• WEST – Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike 7:30 PM | March 27,28 (more info)

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

  • Description: This Tony Award-winning comedy by Christopher Durang brings sibling chaos and Chekhovian charm to the stage. Expect laughs, drama, and an eccentric mix of rivalry and romance.

• Historical Fiction Book Club: Violeta by Isabel Allende 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | March 28 (more info)

  • Location: Central Branch, 120 Navy Street, Oakville

  • Description: Join fellow book lovers for a lively, staff-led discussion of Violeta by Isabel Allende. Held in the 3rd floor magazine section, this drop-in club is open to adults—no registration required. Copies available while supplies last.

• Oakville Titans 2025 Season Kickoff Fundraiser 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM | March 28 (more info)

  • Location: Galaxy 707 Club, 475 North Service Road East, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate the new season with the Oakville Titans at this lively fundraiser featuring guest speakers, raffles, games, and a silent auction. Hosted by Toronto Argonauts announcer Mike Hogan. All are welcome to support the team and enjoy a fun night out.

• Paint Your Pet for Canada Dog Guides 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | March 28 (more info)

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

  • Description: Create a custom pet portrait in this beginner-friendly painting workshop—no experience needed. All supplies provided, with step-by-step guidance from an instructor. A portion of proceeds supports the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

• Dance Into Confidence: A Self-Discovery Through Bachata 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | March 28 (more info)

  • Location: iGita Hot Yoga Studios, 467 Speers Road #2nd Floor, Oakville

  • Description: Boost confidence and self-love through beginner-friendly Bachata and mindset coaching. Led by a dance instructor and transformation coach, this uplifting workshop helps you reconnect with your body and embrace your feminine energy. Includes a free boundary-setting guide.

This Weekend:

• Welcome Spring Pop Up Market 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | March 29 (more info)

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

  • Description: Celebrate spring with local vendors, handcrafted goods and delicious treats at this community market. Free parking available.

• The Romantic Piano Benefit Concert 7:30 PM | March 29 (more info)

  • Location: St. John’s United Church, 262 Randall St, Oakville

  • Description: Enjoy an evening of Brahms, Rachmaninoff, and Gershwin performed by pianist Anne Marie Leonard.

• Brett Kissell Performance 8:00 PM | March 29 (more info)

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

  • Description: Experience an intimate acoustic night with Canadian country star Brett Kissel. Featuring hits from his Platinum/Gold catalog, this special "Side You've Never Seen" tour blends music and storytelling.

• Abaton's Family Ice Skate 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | March 30 (more info)

  • Location: Joshua's Creek Arenas, 1663 North Service Road East, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate Abaton’s 10th anniversary with family-friendly skating, hot chocolate, and face painting. Bring your own skates—no rentals available.

• Parent & Kid Cooking Class at Mercato Sociale 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM | March 30 (more info)

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

  • Description: Learn to make gnocchi and farfalle from scratch, then enjoy a shared meal featuring your handmade pasta and dessert. Includes pizza, a drink, and a nut-free menu.

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!

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