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:

• 🐾 Tariffs and Coyotes…

• 🍽️ Chef Eric Chong’s top eats in Oakville

• 📅 An event filled week to keep you busy!

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 on Edge as U.S. Auto Tariffs Loom

Oakville is bracing for impact after Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imported cars, including those from Canada. With over 3,600 workers at the local Ford plant, uncertainty is growing fast.

Mayor Rob Burton, chair of the Auto Mayors Caucus, said he stands with fellow mayors “to support our workers and businesses during these uncertain times,” urging better solutions than tariffs.

The tariffs, set to begin April 3, will hit vehicles based on their “non-U.S. content.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said cars with more than 50% American parts may avoid the tax—but it’s unclear how Oakville’s plant will be affected.

🐾 Coyote Concerns Close Part of Sedgewick Trail

A stretch of Oakville’s popular Sedgewick Trail is now closed to dogs until July 31 due to increased coyote activity during denning and pupping season. The closure, from Sedgewick Crescent to Hixon Street, aims to prevent conflicts between dogs and local coyote families.

Off-leash dogs have been linked to coyotes relocating their dens—an issue the town hopes to reduce through a new pilot project. The initiative is focused on protecting wildlife, limiting encounters, and encouraging safe coexistence with Oakville’s natural residents.

“This is about balance,” the town said, noting coyotes play a key role in controlling rodent populations and maintaining a healthy urban ecosystem. The closure may be inconvenient for spring dog walkers, but it’s a move the town sees as vital to long-term coexistence.

Community Spotlight

🍽️ Chef Eric Chong’s Top Eats in Oakville

In a recent Toronto Life feature, MasterChef Canada winner Eric Chong took readers on a delicious tour of his hometown, spotlighting the Oakville restaurants he loves most. When he’s not running his Toronto spots, R&D and Akin, Chong heads west for comfort food, fine dining, and a taste of nostalgia.

At Cynthia’s Chinese Restaurant, he digs into sizzling garlic beef, crispy Cantonese fried noodles, and salt-and-pepper seafood—dishes that remind him of childhood and family dinners.

Adonis, a Mediterranean eatery near his old home, is a go-to for juicy chicken shawarma with pineapple, a hearty mezze platter, and house-made baklava ice cream. “Meals here deepened our family bond over food,” he shares.

For something upscale, Chong heads to Hexagon for bluefin tuna carpaccio, dry-aged duck with lacquered skin, and Wagyu beef tacos with bone marrow salsa—plus standout cocktails.

🎭 Local Theatre Groups Unveil 2025/26 Seasons on World Theatre Day

In celebration of World Theatre Day on March 27, Oakville’s Burloak Theatre Group (BOTG) and West End Studio Theatre (WEST) jointly announced their 2025/26 seasons, promising a mix of classic revivals and crowd-pleasing comedies.

BOTG is bringing four big shows to the Oakville Centre’s main stage, including The Play That Goes Wrong in September, their annual holiday pantomime, The Importance of Being Earnest in January, and the rock musical Rock of Ages in April 2026.

Meanwhile, WEST is reviving post-pandemic favourites like Twelve Angry Men and Home for Christmas in partnership with the now-closed Aldershot Players. Three new studio productions are also slated for next season, with details coming soon.

Weather

Monday, March 31
⛅ Partly sunny and cool.
High: 8°C | Low: 2°C.

Tuesday, April 1
🌥️ Mostly cloudy.
High: 7°C | Low: 1°C.

Wednesday, April 2
🌧️ Rain likely in the afternoon.
High: 6°C | Low: 3°C.

Events

• Leaders For Change Oakville Meeting 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | March 31 (more info)

  • Location: The Oakville Club, 56 Water Street, Oakville

  • Description: Community networking meeting connecting local leaders with organizations in need of support. Focused on helping underserved groups in Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga areas.

• Appleby College Stand-Up Comedy Showcase 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | April 2 (more info)

  • Locations: Yuk Yuks, Film.ca

  • Description: Student comedy showcase featuring Appleby College performers with 5-minute original sets. Hosted by Ronald Hae with headliner Ali Hassan. Doors open at 6:30 PM.

• Jack's Tuesday Night Trivia 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | April 1 (more info)

  • Location: Jack Astor's Bar & Grill, 3047 Vega Boulevard, Mississauga

  • Description: Weekly trivia night with questions displayed on TVs - answer using your mobile device (no app needed). Play solo or with a team for prizes and fun. Free event.

• Dyanne Dumas Trio 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | April 2 (more info)

  • Location: Figaro Coffee House, 350 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

  • Description: Live jazz and classics performance featuring vocalist Dyanne Dumas with piano, double bass and violin.

• Free Coffee 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM | April 2 (more info)

  • Location: Starbucks, 2055 Cornwall Road, Oakville

  • Description: Weekly meetup offering free coffee in exchange for conversation. Great opportunity to network and meet new people in Oakville. RSVP required.

• Adult Book Club: The London Séance Society 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | April 2 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Place Mall, 240 Leighland Ave, Oakville

  • Description: Monthly book discussion for ages 18+. This month's selection is "The London Séance Society" by Sarah Penner. Includes refreshments and door prize. Located on 2nd floor near Laura/Melanie Lyne stores.

• FREE Robotics Workshop for Gr.1 to Gr.3 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | April 2 (more info)

  • Location: Zebra Robotics, 407 Iroquois Shore Road, Oakville

  • Description: A hands-on robotics workshop introducing engineering and coding concepts. Students will build and program robots in this engaging STEM activity. Parent/guardian required for participants under 14.

• Free Oakville Business Forum Event 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | April 2 (more info)

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

  • Description: A free networking event to showcase and promote Canadian businesses. Features business tables (first-come, first-served), space for business cards/materials, and community networking. Organized with NOW7 RA and local councillors.

• Fitness Class: Dance Essentials 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | April 2 (more info)

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

  • Description: A weekly fitness class incorporating ballet barre, core exercises, and posture work to strengthen your body and improve technique. Open to dancers and non-dancers.

• Community Meditation Circle w/ Kale 7:15 PM - 8:30 PM | April 2 (more info)

  • Location: Justin Ellis PT, 5109 Harvester Road, Burlington

  • Description: A relaxing evening of meditation for all experience levels, guided by Kale Black. Features instruments like singing bowls and drumming. Bring cushions and a reusable cup. No shoes in the meditation area. Cost: $25.

• Meditation & Mindfulness 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | April 3 (more info)

  • Location: The Women's Centre of Halton, 1515 Rebecca Street, Oakville

  • Description: Learn stress-reducing mindfulness tools, breathwork, and meditation techniques. Includes guided practices and a take-home personal meditation plan.

• Local Love Market 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM | April 3 (more info)

  • Location: Verace Italian Restaurant, 312 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate women-owned businesses in wellness, fashion, beauty, and home decor. Discover unique products and support local entrepreneurs at this vibrant marketplace.

• Oakville After 5 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | April 3 (more info)

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

  • Description: Interactive one-hour networking event for entrepreneurs. Share your business, make connections, and explore collaborations.

• Oakville Toastmasters Meeting 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | April 3 (more info)

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

  • Description: Conquer public speaking fears at Oakville's longest-running Toastmasters club (since 1957). Features interactive speeches, skill-building exercises, and a supportive community.

• Halton Region Forum with Brad Pedersen 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM | April 4 (more info)

  • Location: Kerr Street Mission, 485 Kerr Street, Oakville

  • Description: Special breakfast with entrepreneur Brad Pedersen sharing "A Toy Maker's Tale: Business Lessons Learned Through Timeless Toys." Learn from the founder of iconic toy brands and sustainable startups.

• PA Day Mini-Me Spring Planter Set 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | April 4 (more info)

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

  • Description: Create matching spring planters with your child! Choose from seasonal blooms and plants to make unique sets. Perfect PA Day activity. Refunds available up to 7 days before event.

• Spring Fling 2025 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | April 4 (more info)

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

  • Description: Celebrate spring with music, food, and games! Dance, mingle and make memories at this fun annual event.

• Oakville Trivia for Singles 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | April 4 (more info)

  • Location: Figaro Coffee House, 350 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

  • Description: Test your knowledge and meet new people at our Singles Trivia Night! Features team rotations, mystery question categories, and prizes. Alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks available.

• House & Pizza Night with DJ KimVanity 10:00 PM - 2:30 AM | April 4 (more info)

  • Location: Fratellis, 316 Kerr Street, Oakville

  • Description: FREE pizza and house beats with DJ KimVanity! Enjoy mouth-watering pizza (first come, first served) and a killer mix of house, deep house, and tech-house. Ages 19+. Free entry with RSVP.

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 Wednesday!

P.S. Interested in sponsoring our newsletter? Email us at [email protected].