Oakville Santa Claus Parade marks 78 years with 2026 return

Insauga.com reports that the Oakville Santa Claus Parade is scheduled to return Nov. 14 for its 78th anniversary. This year’s event will use the theme “North Pole Sweets and Treats!” and begin at 9 a.m.

The parade was first organized in 1948 by Bill Hughes, then president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, to encourage shopping downtown. It is now organized by the Town of Oakville with help from a volunteer committee, local businesses, sponsors and community groups.

Organizers are seeking volunteers, floats, marching bands and community groups. Volunteer applications close Oct. 26, while entries for bands, floats and walking groups close Nov. 1. The parade is scheduled to proceed rain or shine.

Reported by insauga.com

Jeff Knoll announces campaign for Oakville mayor

Oakville News reports that Jeff Knoll is seeking the mayoralty after more than 25 years on Oakville Town Council. He says his campaign will focus on managing growth, public safety, fiscal responsibility, economic development and public engagement.

Knoll says he supports Oakville’s locally developed OPA 70 plan and opposes provincial MZOs imposed on Midtown. He also opposes hyperscale data centres, while supporting smaller conventional facilities within communities.

The campaign says Knoll has chaired the Halton Police Board and Oakville Public Library. He also founded Film.Ca Cinemas in 1998, a family business that he says has employed more than 1,000 people over 28 years.

Reported by oakvillenews.org

Oakville event celebrates Islamic art, prayer and culture

Oakville News reported that Islamic Heritage Month began with a community gathering at the Oakville Town Hall atrium, featuring Islamic art, prayer and cultural activities.

ISNA Canada organized the event, which included vendors, a prayer area and keynote speakers. Local attendees included Oakville West MP Sima Acan, Oakville–North Burlington MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos, Mayor Rob Burton, Coun. Nav Nanda and Milton MPP Zee Hamid.

Artists, food vendors, games and community organizations were also part of the gathering. Anan ElGaml, 20, displayed prints of acrylic paintings featuring figs, pomegranates and dates, while Pillars representatives described the organization’s role in connecting young Muslims with community entrepreneurs.

Reported by oakvillenews.org