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:
🧑🚒 Blaze Fire Academy: an exciting youth opportunity
🧁 Kelly’s Bake Shoppe closes down in Burlington
📅 No shortage of events for 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!
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News
🔥 Blaze Fire Academy Opens Registration
Oakville's Abby Sokal is shown how to safely scale a roof by Halton Hills firefighter Christian Febel during a roof ops scenario. Graham Paine photo | Oakville News
Teens in Oakville and across Halton can now apply for Blaze Fire Academy, a two-day immersive camp designed to give youth aged 15 to 18 hands-on experience in fire services. Taking place August 13 and 14, 2025, the camp will be hosted at Oakville’s Fire Training Campus and is limited to 24 participants.
Organized by the fire departments of Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Halton Hills, the camp is part of the “Fire Services for All” initiative. Youth will explore everything from fire suppression and search and rescue to emergency communications and firefighter survival skills. The camp is gender-inclusive and encourages all interested teens to apply before the June 23 deadline.
Applications and full eligibility details are available online through the Blaze Fire Academy page. It's a rare opportunity for young people to discover career possibilities in fire services through real-world training and teamwork.
💰 $1.3B Tax Boost for Ontario Manufacturers
Lukas Bernasiewicz | Oakville News
Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy visited Oakville on May 5 to unveil a $1.3 billion expansion of the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit. The move is aimed at helping manufacturers recover from new U.S. trade tariffs.
The enhanced credit, part of the upcoming 2025 provincial budget, raises the rate from 10 to 15 percent for Canadian-controlled private corporations. It also extends eligibility to non-Canadian-controlled corporations through a non-refundable version of the credit. Qualifying companies could receive up to $3 million annually to support investments in buildings, machinery, and equipment.
“This is a challenge that no one wanted, but we are going to have to work together to overcome it,” said Bethlenfalvy. The announcement signals strong provincial backing for Ontario businesses, including those based in Oakville, as they navigate cross-border trade pressures.
Community Spotlight
🧁 Kelly’s Bake Shoppe Says Goodbye to Burlington, Hello to Oakville
Lukas Bernasiewicz | Oakville News
After 13 sweet years in downtown Burlington, the beloved mother-daughter duo behind Kelly’s Bake Shoppe has officially closed up shop—but they’re not done baking. Forced out due to a redevelopment plan, Kelly and Erinn are now fully focused on their new Oakville location at Trafalgar and Lakeshore, which quietly opened last December.
Known for their plant-based, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly desserts, Kelly’s had hoped to run both locations. But a sudden 60-day eviction notice from their Burlington landlord made that impossible. Fans lined up on the final day to say goodbye, leaving heartfelt messages on the shop walls.
“It’s a true testament to the love that we give and the love that our staff give to the customers,” said Kelly.
Now, they’re ready to bring that same magic to Oakville and are already feeling the love from the community.
🌱 Halton Scouts Plant 300 Trees for a Greener Future
Ramona Leitao | Oakville News
Nearly 150 local scouts and their families gathered at the Halton Waste Management Site on April 26 to plant 300 trees, celebrating Earth Day and Arbour Day with action. The annual event, supported by Halton Region and Scouts Canada, aimed to teach youth the value of environmental stewardship.
“This is important work,” said Chandra Sharma, CEO of Conservation Halton. “Trees cool cities, clean the air, and help regulate climate impacts like flooding.”
Now in its 25th year, the initiative has resulted in the planting of over 10,000 trees. Regional Chair Gary Carr emphasized the site’s significance, calling it a lesson in sustainability and the role of waste management in protecting the environment.
“These kids are going to grow up and become adults,” added Burlington Scoutrees Coordinator Bob Collison. “They’ll inherit this environment, so it's crucial they help shape it now.”
Weather
Wednesday, May 7
🌦️ Partly cloudy with a 30% chance of afternoon showers.
High: 19°C | Low: 7°C
Thursday, May 8
☀️ Sunny and cooler.
High: 14°C | Low: 2°C
Friday, May 9
☀️ Sunny and mild.
High: 18°C | Low: 6°C
Events
Thursday Coffee & Conversation Oakville 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | May 8 (more info)
Location: The Women's Centre, 1515 Rebecca Street, Oakville
Description: Weekly drop-in coffee meetup for women to connect, socialize, and learn about programs at The Women’s Centre.
Comedy Event 1:45 PM | May 8 (more info)
Location: 186 Morrison Road, Oakville
Description: Afternoon comedy show featuring stand-up, improv, and refreshments. Includes door prizes.
Oakville After 5 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | May 8 (more info)
Location: The Gingerman Social Eatery, 416 Kerr Street, Oakville
Description: One-hour interactive networking event hosted by LeadTribes Networking for local entrepreneurs. Bring business cards and a 60-second intro.
Oakville Networking Social – May 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | May 8 (more info)
Location: Monaghan's Sports Bar & Grill, 1289 Marlborough Court, Oakville
Description: Casual after-work networking hosted by The Oakville Networkers. Open to professionals looking to connect in a relaxed setting.
Mother’s Day Charcuterie Bouquet Workshop 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | May 8 (more info)
Location: Touchdown Coworking Space, 2030 Bristol Circle, Oakville
Description: Hands-on charcuterie bouquet workshop with wine, snacks, and a take-home edible creation. All materials included.
Mother’s Day Cookie Workshop 6:30 PM | May 8 (more info)
Location: Figaro Coffee House, 350 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
Description: In-person decorating workshop with step-by-step instruction for five Mother's Day cookie designs. Includes one beverage.
Thursday Night Trivia at The Hungry Italian 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | May 8 (more info)
Location: The Hungry Italian, 1911 Ironoak Way, Oakville
Description: Weekly all-ages trivia night featuring ruby PUB TRIVIA’s visual game format with digital scoring. Free to play with prizes awarded.
Speak & Succeed: First Oakville Toastmasters Meeting 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | May 8 (more info)
Location: Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, 3070 Neyagawa Boulevard, Oakville
Description: Public speaking and leadership development meeting hosted by First Oakville Toastmasters.
In Conversation with… Nita Prose 7:30 PM | May 9 (more info)
Location: Oakville Centre Auditorium, 130 Navy Street, Oakville
Description: Author talk featuring Nita Prose discussing her latest novel The Maid’s Secret. A literary evening with the bestselling author of The Maid and The Mystery Guest.
Mother's Day Sound Bath 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM | May 9 (more info)
Location: Saje Natural Wellness, 194 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
Description: A one-hour sound healing session led by Deb Taylor using crystal bowls and guided meditation. Held in-store as a relaxing Mother’s Day experience.
Story Slam 8:00 PM | May 9 (more info)
Location: Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, 130 Navy Street, Oakville
Description: Live storytelling event highlighting personal experiences and mental health advocacy. Presented in support of CAMH.
Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More 8:45 PM | May 9 (more info)
Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, 89 Dunn Street, Oakville
Description: Live string quartet performance featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and other classical works under candlelight.
SensoryLIS Art Class 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | May 10 (more info)
Location: Joshua Farm Gallery, 1086 Burnhamthorpe Road East, Oakville
Description: Mindfulness-based art class exploring sensory techniques like watercolor and collage. $50 per session. All ages welcome.
Taste of Colombia | Pop Up Market 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | May 10 (more info)
Location: Taste of Colombia, 67 Bronte Road, Oakville
Description: Pop-up market with food, drinks, local vendors, raffles, and samples. One-day event.
Spring Tour at Oakville Museum 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM | May 10 (more info)
Location: The Oakville Museum, 8 Navy Street, Oakville
Description: Guided tour of Erchless Estate followed by a takeaway treat box at the Coach House.
Afrofusion by CoNE 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM | May 10 (more info)
Location: Queen Elizabeth Park Centre, 2302 Bridge Road, Oakville
Description: Family-friendly marketplace celebrating African and Nigerian culture through food, music, and local vendors.
Kid-Friendly Puppy Yoga 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | May 10 (more info)
Location: MuddPuppyCo, 2359 Royal Windsor Drive Unit 210, Mississauga
Description: Family-friendly yoga session with adoptable puppies. Includes photo time and refreshments.
Boots in the Square 2025 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM | May 10 (more info)
Location: Towne Square, Oakville
Description: Free line dancing lesson followed by live country music from Andy Colonico. Registration required.
Unwritten (Senior & Intermediate Choirs) 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM | May 10 (more info)
Location: St. John's United Church, 262 Randall Street, Oakville
Description: Choir concert featuring Vibrant, Brave, Noble, United & Chamber Voices. A musical celebration of creativity and exploration.
Goat Yoga by 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM | May 10 (more info)
Location: Yoga Kawa, 1578 Finfar Court Unit 4, Mississauga
Description: Family-friendly yoga class featuring guided stretches and goat cuddles. Ages 5+ with adult supervision.
Toronto’s Largest Halal Speed Dating Event 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM | May 10 (more info)
Location: OE Banquet & Conference Centre, 2245 Speers Road, Oakville
Description: Eid social and speed dating night for Muslim singles ages 18–45. Includes brief meetups, a social mixer, and halal refreshments.
AGLS Gala Event 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM | May 10 (more info)
Location: Atrium Banquet & Conference Centre, 5420 North Service Road, Burlington
Description: Gala evening with red carpet, dinner, live music, and fundraising in support of SickKids and leukemia research. All ages welcome.
Red & White Gala 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM | May 10 (more info)
Location: Oakville Conference & Banquet Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Road, Oakville
Description: Evening gala with gourmet dinner, live music, Latin dance showcases, and world-class dance championships.
Another Way of Saying the Same Thing 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | May 10 (more info)
Location: St. Paul's United Church, 454 Rebecca Street, Oakville
Description: Brass band concert featuring transcriptions of classical works by Intrada Brass. Part of the 2024–2025 Intrada Brass season.
Notes of Generosity: A Benefit Recital 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | May 10 (more info)
Location: St. Andrew's Catholic Church, 47 Reynolds Street, Oakville
Description: Benefit concert featuring violist Eric Cheng and pianist Kevin Ahfat. Reception with food and wine follows for select ticket holders.
Mother’s Day at Pottery N Paint Cafe 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM | May 11 (more info)
Location: Pottery N Paint Cafe, 3513 Wyecroft Road, Oakville
Description: Paint custom pottery with your loved ones. $10 deposit and $30 minimum per person. Moms receive complimentary coffee, tea, and a treat.
Mommy & Me Princess Tea 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM | May 11 (more info)
Location: Joshua Farm Gallery, 1086 Burnhamthorpe Road East, Oakville
Description: Interactive children’s show with Snow White hosted by Duran Place for Kids. Includes a tea party with real tea cups, sweet treats, and photo opportunities.
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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