Four candidates seek Ward 2 council seat as Cathy Duddeck retires

Oakville News reports that four candidates are seeking the Ward 2 Town and Regional Councillor position in Oakville’s 2026 municipal election. Incumbent Cathy Duddeck is stepping down after 23 years on council, and none of the candidates has previously held elected office.

The published responses focus on managing growth, expanding housing choices, maintaining infrastructure, improving transit and street safety, and ensuring public spending produces measurable results. Candidates also address e-scooter rules, potential AI data centres, consultation and support for community organizations.

Oakville News interviewed three candidates for the article. Desmond Jordan agreed to participate but had not submitted answers by the publication deadline. Election Day is Monday, October 26.

Reported by Oakville News · also carried by CHCH News, Inside Halton (via Google News) · follows a story briefed 2026-10-19

Oakville mayoral candidates take part in two debates on Oct. 18

Oakville News reported that all five mayoral candidates participated in two debates on Oct. 18, with an afternoon event at Unifor 707 Union Hall and an evening debate at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church in Ward 2.

Incumbent Mayor Rob Burton, councillors Jeff Knoll and Sean O’Meara, Julia Hanna, and Arvind Chaudary discussed housing approvals, public transparency and the use of strong mayor powers. Candidates also addressed regional government changes, town finances and Midtown development.

Housing supply and permitting were major topics at the Unifor event. Candidates also discussed making council votes easier to track, including proposals for a lobbyist registry and publicly recorded votes.

Reported by Oakville News · follows a story briefed 2026-10-19

Fire prompts evacuation at Queens Avenue high-rise

Oakville News reports that a fire broke out at a high-rise apartment complex on Queens Avenue in Oakville. Smoke was seen on the seventh, eighth and ninth floors, prompting residents to leave their units.

Fire crews extinguished the blaze and ventilated the building. Residents were eventually able to return to their units.

The article does not confirm the cause of the fire or provide an update on injuries or victims.

Reported by Oakville News · also carried by Oakville News (via Google News)

Police seek help locating missing Oakville teen

The Halton Regional Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Lily Schmitz, a 15-year-old Oakville teen. She was last seen on foot near Sheridan College in Oakville on the morning of October 18.

Police said Schmitz was wearing a black hooded sweater, ripped black jeans and all-black shoes. She is known to visit South Oakville Centre and Oakville Place Mall and may be using public transit.

Anyone with information is asked to call 9-1-1 or the HRPS non-emergency line at 905-825-4777. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

Reported by Halton Regional Police Service · also carried by BurlingtonToday.com (via Google News)

Oakville man among 10 charged in GTA carjacking investigation

Oakville News reports that an Oakville man is among 10 people arrested in an investigation into violent carjackings and high-end vehicle thefts across the Greater Toronto Area. Police laid 128 charges following the eight-month investigation.

Peel Regional Police said investigators recovered 15 stolen vehicles valued at approximately $1.4 million, along with four illegal firearms, ammunition and magazines. The investigation examined 21 incidents between June 2025 and April 2026, affecting about 40 victims.

Police allege suspects used knives and firearms to threaten victims and that some people were physically assaulted. Search warrants carried out on Sept. 3 led to the arrests, including two 17-year-olds. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Reported by Oakville News

Laureate College expands Junior School to include Kindergarten to Grade 3

Oakville News reports that Laureate College is expanding its elementary program to serve students from Kindergarten through Grade 3. The school currently offers high school and elementary programming for Grades 4 to 8.

The Junior School combines the Ontario curriculum with hands-on learning, arts, athletics, STEAM clubs, leadership opportunities and outdoor experiences. The school says its approach includes individualized learning and a focus on creativity, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking.

Laureate College has listed a Curriculum Night and Open House for Oct. 21, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., along with additional events on Jan. 23 and April 24, 2027. Private campus tours and trial days are also available.

Reported by Oakville News