New Strawberry Festival & LCBO

Your backyard has more potential than you think.

That open yard could be a patio, a garden, a fire pit corner, or a full backyard retreat. With the right materials, it starts this weekend.

At Van Beek's, we have everything you need to build it: pavers and decorative stone, soil, mulch, sod, aggregates, and more.

We've spent years helping local homeowners tackle their own backyards, so bring us your project and your questions.

And you don't need a truck. Order online and we'll deliver straight to your driveway, or drop by the yard for pickup.

New to Van Beek's? Save 10% on your first order with code FIRSTBUY10.
Terms and conditions apply.

Visit us in-store or shop online.

📍 2410 Lower Base Line W, Oakville

The LCBO on Cornwall Road has wrapped up months of renovations and officially reopened Monday with a brand new look, including a Vintages Rare & Collectibles section, one of only four LCBO locations in Ontario with this feature, and a small tasting bar at the back of the store.

The store stayed open during construction but now features updated interiors, a curated selection of high-end wines, and a space for staff to introduce new products to customers.

The tasting bar hosts special vintage wine tastings every Saturday from noon to 5 pm, with vintages making up about 14% of what's on the shelves.

📍 321 Cornwall Rd

Did you know that Oakville was once the Strawberry Capital of Canada?

This weekend, downtown leans into that sweet history with the town's first-ever Strawberry Festival.

Lakeshore Road East goes car-free for the day, closed from Thomas Street to Dunn Street and turned into a pedestrian street party. Expect a day of shopping, dining, entertainment, and strawberry treats all along the strip. It runs Saturday, July 18 from 2 to 9 PM.

There's a full lineup on the stage too. The Super Sonic Hearts Band kicks things off at 2 PM, followed by dance lessons with Fred Astaire Dance Studios, a set from the Oakville Symphony at 5 PM, and one more round on the dance floor. DJ Clymaxxx closes out the night with a dance party from 7 to 9 PM.

The province is looking for Halton's next regional chair. They are searching for someone with previous political experience, leadership skills, and a strong grasp of regional and provincial priorities.

Current Oakville mayor Rob Burton says the job is not of interest to him. In a May interview, he said he only ever wanted to be mayor of Oakville.

The successful candidate will chair Halton Regional Council and oversee water, roads, waste, paramedics, and social services for more than 650,000 residents. The four-year commitment starts November 15, with a salary set by Halton council. Current chair Gary Carr earned $269,561 last year.

The move to appointed chairs has been publicly opposed by local councillors and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, which argues voters, not Queen's Park, should decide who leads their region.

🚗 Union, Ford employees in Oakville, reach tentative deal

⛈️ Clean-up continues across town from Thursday's storm

Oakville hosted its first Asian Night Market this past weekend at Sheridan College's Trafalgar campus, drawing packed crowds all three days.

The outdoor event ran July 10-12 and featured Asian street food vendors, local artisans, live entertainment, and lasted until 11 p.m. each night.

The market is part of a touring series making stops across the GTA this summer, including Mississauga, Niagara Falls, Barrie, and Scarborough.

Organizers say the goal was bringing together residents of different cultures, and the turnout suggests they hit the mark.

Double-Double is a 5-month-old Siamese kitten looking for a patient family to call his own. He's a little on the shy side right now, still learning that people can be trusted.

For now, he likes to spend his days tucked away in cozy hiding spots where he can watch the world from a safe distance. He's not quite ready for pets and cuddles yet, but he's making progress every single day. What he needs is a quiet home that will let him come out of his shell at his own pace.

He might also do well with a confident cat already in the home. Watching a braver feline show him the ropes could help him build up his own courage and learn that people aren't so scary after all.

Like a good cup of coffee, Double-Double takes a little time to warm up. But once he does, we think he'll become an essential part of your daily routine. If you've got patience and a soft spot for shy kittens, he's ready to start his next chapter with you.

Wednesday, July 15
⛅ Mix of sun & cloud
High: 32°C | Low: 19°C

Thursday, July 16
⛅ Mix of sun & cloud
High: 30°C | Low: 18°C

Friday, July 17
🌦️ Cloudy, chance of showers
High: 28°C | Low: 17°C

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~ Nick