From Oakville to The Amazing Race

Step into a space that feels like it’s an hour away from everything.

Our Salt Cave offers a deeply restorative escape designed to calm the mind, relax the body, and support natural wellness. Surrounded by mineral-rich Himalayan salt, you’ll breathe in micro-particles that will help promote clearer airways, reduce inflammation in the respiratory system, and encourage full-body relaxation. Often said to mimic the effects of three days spent by the seaside, our Salt Cave creates a calming environment designed to support relaxation, respiratory wellness, stress relief, improved sleep, and a healthier looking complexion.

Enhance your experience by pairing with one of our signature treatments. Enjoy a therapeutic massage or a customized facial performed inside the cave, where the tranquil salt environment helps deepen relaxation and elevate results.

Or, unwind in a private salt cave session designed for pure rest and reset. Complete with soft pillows, cozy blankets, and a quiet, cocoon-like setting perfect for meditation, recovery, or simply disconnecting from the outside world. 

A sanctuary for stillness, healing, and restoration, nestled just beyond the rush of everyday life.

Twin sisters Christina "Tina" Liao and Elizabeth "Liz" Liao are finally living out a childhood dream. The pair, who now live in Oakville and Waterdown, are competing on season 12 of The Amazing Race Canada, which premiered last night on CTV.

The sisters have been applying since the show's first Canadian season after falling in love with the U.S. version when they were ten. "We're really just enjoying every single moment, savouring it," Liz said.

Both say the experience reinforced how strong their connection is. Tina, a corporate lawyer, and Liz, a family doctor, grew up as figure skaters and share a love for dance and mental challenges. They're also running the race to honour their parents, who immigrated to Canada in their twenties.

Tune in and watch the pair represent Oakville as they conquer the Amazing Race! (streaming on Crave)

An inspiring story coming from one of our Oakville cafes has been gaining widespread recognition recently for creating real job opportunities for people with disabilities.

Karen Drexler watched her son Jacob Stretton, who has down syndrome, struggle to find work despite having the skills. He applied to countless jobs and received no calls back. Knowing what he was capable of if given an opportunity, Drexler decided to take matters into her own hands.

BU Cafe & Market opened in January at 77 Lakeshore Rd. W. The cafe was built around a simple goal: give people with disabilities a place to work, learn, and be part of the community.

The cafe now serves coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches, with a market side featuring products from entrepreneurs with disabilities. The wider Oakville community has embraced the space with long lineups and repeat customers. The story has been widely shared across media outlets and social media, with outpouring support for Karen, Jacob, and the message that their cafe is spreading.

⚖️ Halton Region Seeks New Regional Chair

Oakville’s Nick Lardis is back in Oakville for the summer after wrapping his first pro hockey season with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 21-year-old played exactly half a season in the NHL and 35 games with Chicago's AHL affiliate, splitting time between leagues as most rookies do.

His callup in December came mid-bus ride to a road game. Rockford turned the buses around so he could grab his gear and get to Chicago for his debut against Detroit, where he faced Patrick Kane. Four days later in Ottawa, he scored his first NHL goal in front of former Hamilton Bulldogs teammates who happened to be in town.

Now he's training in Oakville with one goal: making the Blackhawks roster out of camp this fall.

Calling all students who want to make a local impact while earning volunteer hours.

The town is looking for 13- to 18-year-olds to join the Oakville Youth Action Committee for the 2026, 2027 school year. If you're interested in planning events, advocating for youth voices, and earning volunteer hours, applications are due by Monday, August 10.

Past projects have included creating public art murals at local community centres, organizing Youth Week activities, and supporting events like Family Day and Culture Days. Members serve a one-year term from September to June, with monthly meetings held at the Youth Centre at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre.

Those interested can apply online on the OYAC page, selected applicants will be contacted directly.

Wednesday, July 8
☀️ Sunny to partly cloudy
High: 27°C | Low: 21°C

Thursday, July 9
⛅ Partly sunny, chance of thunderstorms
High: 30°C | Low: 19°C

Friday, July 10
🌦️ Partly sunny, showers possible
High: 27°C | Low: 18°C

Oakville Digest is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (written by me).

Your contributions go directly towards keeping this newsletter going so we can have more fun and build more community.

Thank you for your support!
~ Nick