The Town of Oakville

Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario,

Oakville is a vibrant and impressive

community within the Greater Toronto Area.

Oakville is a city with a strong heritage that is

preserved and celebrated by residents and visitors

alike. Founded in 1827 by Colonel William

Chisholm, this town has become one of the most

coveted residential and business centres in Ontario.

Chisholm purchased nearly 1,000 acres of Crown

land at the mouth of Sixteen Mile Creek. There he

established the first privately owned harbour in Upper

Canada, which soon thrived.

Oakville was declared a port of entry into Canada in

1834, with Chisholm serving as the first customs

inspector. Chisholm's son, George King, became

Oakville's first mayor following its incorporation as a

town in 1857. In 1962, the surrounding townships of

Trafalgar and Bronte were amalgamated to form the

modern Oakville.

This thriving municipality of about 145,000

provides all the advantages of a well-serviced urban

centre while maintaining its small-town ambience.

A 30-minute drive from downtown Toronto and an

hour's drive from the US border, Oakville boasts an

$88-million tourism industry, with over 1.4 million

visitors annually.

Oakville offers accessible, unique shopping in

three distinct and charming districts-downtown,

Bronte West Oakville, and Kerr Village-as well as

excellent malls. The historic downtown offers a mix of

converted 19th-century buildings, which accommodate

over 400 shops, services, and restaurants.

Residents and visitors enjoy theatre, dance, music,

and comedy at the Oakville Centre for the

Performing Arts. They can visit the museum

at Erchless Estate, the former home of the

Chisolms, or tour galleries, historical societies, and local architecture in heritage neighbourhoods.

Among the many special attractions and family

activities are Oakville's annual Waterfront Festival,

Festival of Classics, and Jazz Festival. The community

also provides plenty of recreational opportunities.

Golfers can play at one of seven golf courses, including

PGA-recognized Glen Abbey Golf Course, which has

hosted the Canadian Open for many years.

Enjoy over 2,400 acres of park space, many with

groomed hiking trails, or join a recreation centre that

offers programs for all ages. Spend the day at Bronte

Creek Provincial Park-Ontario's gateway to the

provincial park system-or enjoy one of two picturesque

harbours with docks and slips for sail- and powerboats.

Oakville's strong and diversified economic base

offers an excellent location for both new and

expanding businesses. Currently, over 260 national and international corporate headquarters representing the

automotive, technology, business service, aerospace,

pharmaceutical, and tourism sectors call Oakville home.

The average household income in Oakville is

estimated at $89,000, about $25,000 more than

comparable GTA figures. People who live here are

proud of the quality of life this great community has to

offer. In a recent survey of residents, 86 per cent said

Oakville is a better place to live than anywhere else in

the GTA. Ideally located in a beautiful natural setting,

Oakville offers first-rate facilities and amenities. The

outstanding range of lifestyle choices will continue to

make this growing community one in which residents

and businesses feel a sense of pride and connection.

Community Resources

General information

905-845-6601

Oakville Transit

905-815-2020

Oakville Fire Department

905-845-7115

Parks, Recreation, Culture

905-338-4250

Oakville Public Library

905-815-2042

Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts

905-815-2021

Oakville Galleries

905-844-4402

Oakville Tourism

905-815-6055

Peel District School Board

905-890-1099

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District

School Board

905-890-1221

Visit the Town of Oakville's website at www.oakville.ca