Good morning Oakville. Happy Monday!

Here is what to expect in today’s issue:

  • 📚 School Rankings, Humane Society, & Police Budget

  • ⚾️ Baseball Star & Hospital Fundraiser

  • 📅 Some exciting events to keep you busy!

Thanks for being part of our growing community, let’s dive in!

~ Nick

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🎓 Oakville Schools Rank Among Province’s Best

Oakville continues to stand out in education, with three local high schools tying for third place in the Fraser Institute’s 2023-2024 provincial rankings. Abbey Park, Iroquois Ridge, and École secondaire Gaétan-Gervais were among the top performers out of nearly 750 schools evaluated across Ontario.

The report looked at EQAO test results and other academic indicators over five years. No Oakville schools were listed among the bottom-ranked.

🐾 Humane Society Expands, Plans New Shelter

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society has rebranded as the Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton, a change that reflects its growing role across the region. This is part of a broader transition that also includes plans for a new, modern shelter to meet rising community needs.

Already active throughout Halton with services like emergency sheltering, a pet food bank, youth programs, and volunteer support, the organization says the shift will help it reach more people and animals in the years to come.

🚓 Halton Police Budget Increase Proposal

Halton police are proposing a $252.4-million budget for 2026, marking an 8.33% increase that slightly exceeds the region’s target. The bump includes a last-minute $250,000 addition to help fund a new public order unit, aimed at improving police response to large gatherings and public disturbances, like the Canada Day fireworks chaos in Bronte.

While some community members question the need for the unit given past peaceful protests, police say it will enhance safety for both officers and the public. The 25-officer team would be trained and equipped by late 2026, pending approval from Halton Region council on Dec. 10.

More News 📰

⚾ Oakville’s Emily Baxter Joins Pro Baseball League

photo by Baseball Canada

Emily Baxter of Oakville has been drafted 84th overall by Boston in the new Women’s Pro Baseball League. A former TMU hockey captain and Team Canada outfielder, she helped Canada win bronze at the 2024 Women’s Baseball World Cup.

Baxter now turns pro on the diamond while continuing her hockey career in Europe, where she’s scored 14 points in nine games with MAC Budapest.

🏥 OCRA Raises $11K for Hospital

The Oakville Chinese Realtor Association raised $11,200 at its fourth annual charity dinner on November 20, supporting the Oakville Hospital Foundation. Despite a sluggish real estate market, nearly 100 guests, including realtors, lawyers, and sponsors, attended the fundraiser, which featured a bazaar and lively auction with unique contributions from Mayor Rob Burton and MPP Stephen Crawford.

OCRA has now contributed over $50,000 to OHF since 2022, helping fund new equipment and support hospital expansion. The group held a check presentation ceremony on November 26 at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, marking the event’s continued impact on the community.

Monday, December 1
🌤️ Some sun, then turning cloudy
High: –1°C | Low: –3°C

Tuesday, December 2
🌨️ Morning snow, then mostly cloudy
High: 0°C | Low: –5°C

Wednesday, December 3
☁️ Cloudy and breezy
High: 1°C | Low: –5°C

👭 Women’s Social Gathering
Mon 12/1 @ 6PM
The Women's Centre of Halton

🧘 Sahaja Yoga Meditation Class
Mon 12/1 @ 7PM
Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre

🎬 Love Actually – Classic Christmas Screening
Mon 12/1 @ 7:30PM-10PM
Film.Ca Cinemas

🛍️ Shop & Cheer Holiday Market
Tue 12/2 @ 10AM-2PM
Delmanor Glen Abbey

🧘 Gallery Flow Yoga
Tue 12/2 @ 5:30PM-6:30PM
Joshua Farm Gallery

🎄 Local Love Christmas Market
Wed 12/3 @ 12PM-8PM
Lakeshore Road

💃 Dance Essentials Class
Wed 12/3 @ 6:30PM-7:30PM
67 Bronte Rd #2

🎸 KUNÉ World Orchestra
Wed 12/3 @ 8PM
AEG Liebherr Auditorium

📚 Winter Book Sale
Wed-Fri 12/4-12/6
Central Branch

Thursday Coffee & Conversation
Thu 12/4 @ 1PM
The Women's Centre

🎷 Hot Chocolate & Holiday Jazz
Thu 12/4 @ 6PM
Sheridan College Trafalgar Campus

🎨 Holiday Printmaking Workshop
Thu 12/4 @ 6:30PM
Oakville Galleries in Gairloch Gardens

🎸 JTBDuo Live
Thu 12/4 @ 6:30PM
The Boot Social Pizzeria

🤝 The Gathered Edit – Networking Night
Thu 12/4 @ 7PM
Figaro Coffee House

🎸 Colin James Trio
Thu-Fri 12/4-12/5 @ 8PM
AEG Liebherr Auditorium

🏒 Brad May Celebrity Hockey Classic
Fri 12/5 @ 8AM
Sixteen Mile Sports Complex

🎨 Square Treats Art Show – Preview
Thu 12/4 @ 6PM-8PM
334 Lakeshore Road E

🎨 Square Treats Art Show
Fri-Sun 12/5-12/7 @ 10AM-2PM
334 Lakeshore Road E

❓ Trivia

Thank You!

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NICK POLLOCK
Founder / The Oakville Digest
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