Oakville’s 2026 budget proposes a modest 1.96% property tax increase, but residents will soon notice a new charge on their bills. A separate stormwater management fee will shift costs off the tax base, with most homeowners paying between $60 and $273 annually depending on property type. This change helped reduce the town's operating budget by over $12 million and avoided a previously expected 3.5% tax increase.

The new fee sparked concern from the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, which warned it could strain local businesses. Despite this, the budget committee chose to proceed, introducing phased discounts through 2029. Non-residential properties will start with a 75% discount next year, and residential ones with 50%. Mayor Rob Burton will present his full budget vision on December 4.

Oakville-born meteorologist Rachel Modestino is forecasting a classic Canadian winter for our area, with colder-than-normal temperatures and frequent snow expected through December and much of January. Speaking from The Weather Network, Modestino says we should brace for a stronger start to winter than in recent years, with conditions easing slightly later in the season.

While the risk of a major snowstorm is higher than usual, exact predictions remain tricky until days before. Modestino, who found her calling after a grade school personality test suggested “meteorologist,” says the unpredictability is part of what makes the job both challenging and rewarding.

Given Rachel’s forecast, here are some things you might want to note about snow clearing in Oakville:

Oakville clears roads in priority order after snowfalls, starting with major routes like Trafalgar and Upper Middle, which are usually cleared within 4-6 hours. Secondary roads like Glenashton and West Oak Trails follow, cleared in 6-12 hours, while residential streets can take 12-24 hours. Sidewalks take up to 48 hours, and windrow clearing may take up to 36 hours after snow ends.

If you’re curious, you can check your road’s clearing priority here and get snow removal status updates at 9am and 4pm during storms. The town also offers a live plow tracker to follow progress in real time, as well as updates on the town’s website.

🗳️ Collard, Oliver Reacclaimed as HDSB Leaders

🤸‍♂️ Oakville Gymnastics Club Awarded 150k Grant

The 17th annual Miracle on Main Street toy drive kicked off Monday at Halton police headquarters, led by the Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation and co-founder Tiger Ali Singh Jr. This year’s campaign, in partnership with Halton Police, aims to gather toys and donations for children’s hospitals, women’s shelters, schools, and families in need.

The initiative has grown to include food support, with help from corporate sponsors and volunteers. A carnival-style event will follow this Saturday in downtown Milton.

Kerr Village lit up with holiday cheer on Saturday, Nov. 29, as crowds packed Westwood Park for the 31st annual tree lighting and market. Santa made an appearance (Mrs. Claus had the night off), while live tunes from local acts like Eunice Keitan and Circle of Harmony filled the air. Kids dropped off wish lists, danced to festive hits, and even snapped selfies with the Grinch.

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Wednesday, December 3
🌨️ Cloudy and breezy; late snow shower
High: 1 °C | Low: –4 °C

Thursday, December 4
🌤️ Breezy morning, then increasing sunshine
High: –4 °C | Low: –10 °C

Friday, December 5
⛅ Morning clouds, then sun and clouds later
High: –2 °C | Low: –4 °C