The most commonly seen squirrel in the Oakville region is known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel. The name is somewhat misleading however, since the coat colour most often seen in Oakville and the rest of southeastern Ontario is black.  There are grayish brown variants of the the Gray Squirrel and these may often be seen cavorting with their black cohorts. The Eastern Gray Squirrel is native to eastern Canada and to eastern and midwestern USA.Squirrels are food hoarders and each squirrel makes several thousand food caches during the gathering seasons.Eastern Gray Squirrels are able to descend a tree head first and are one of the few mammals who are able to do this.They do not hibernate, contrary to what is commonly believed.Eastern Gray Squirrels build nexts, called dreys, in the forks of t... 03/14/2010

Natural Oakville - Bloodroot Bloodroot is a perennial, flowering plant native to Eastern North America as far south as Florida.Bloodroot flowers in woodlands from March to May. The underground root systems, known as rhizomes, branch out and can form a large colony. The plant roots and stems contain a reddish-orange sap which is highly poisonous.Ants feed on the fleshy part of the Bloodroot seed, thereby propagating future generations of Bloodroot.Natives used the reddish sap as a dye and also as an herbal tincture for various ailments of the skin. Bloodroot sap can be highly disfiguring to skin cells and it is recommended that the plants be handled with gloves.Visit the various woodland parks in the Oakville region in early to late spring to see the beauty of Bloodroot in bloom.©2010JoS... 03/14/2010

Natural Oakville - The Mute SwanIt may seem like the Mute Swan has been in the Oakville area for as long as humans have inhabitated the region, however this is not the case. The Mute Swan was deliberately introduced to North America in the late 1800s by newcomers who admired the birds for ornamental purposes.Today the Mute Swan can be found throughout North America and is increasing it's population at roughly 10% per year in the Great Lakes area. Mute Swans can be distinguished from the native Trumpeter Swans by the colour of their bill. Mute Swans have orange bills whereas Trumpeter Swans have black bills. Young Mute Swans are called cygnets. During their first year their feathers range in colour from white to grey to beige and their bills are greyish-black. Mute Swans are monogamous a... 03/14/2010

Oakville, Ontario is Committed to Earth Hour 2010, Is Your Community?Global warming is the most serious issue facing every single living being on the planet today and as awareness increases, more and more communities are taking action to combat the continuing degradation of our planet's atmosphere. Sydney, Australia demonstrated just how much of a difference one hour and one city can make in 2007 when the residents turned off all of their lights for just 60 minutes. How much of a difference? The amount is staggering when you consider how many cities there are on earth and how many hours in a day, month, year. By turning off their lights for just 60 minutes, Sydney was able to stop 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the earth's atmosphere. What began in Sydney, Australia, has ... 03/14/2010

March 17th will be here in no time so make sure you have some green food colouring on hand.  St. Patrick's Day brings out the green in both the Irish and Irish wannabes.  Yes long before we decided to go green to help our planet Earth, we had green beer, green leprechauns, green shamrocks and green cabbage and corned beef.  The Irish have observed March 17th as a religious holiday for over a thousand years.  Today St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in many parts of the world besides Ireland, with Canada and the United States having the largest parades and celebrations. Canada is well represented by Irish immigrants and descendants.  The 2006 census by Statistics Canada stated that the Irish were the 4th largest ethnic group with over 4 million Canadians with full or partial Irish descent. ... 03/12/2010

Maple Syrup Festival at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, OakvilleIt's Maple Syrup Festival time again at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. The Maple Syrup Festival runs on March weekends and every day during March break.To enter Bronte Creek Provincial Park, follow Burloak Drive to #1219. Once in the park, follow to Lot F for parking.Clothed in dress from the turn of the century, guides will take you on a heritage interpretation tour of Maple Lane.Plan on staying long enough to visit the pancake house for a delicious breakfast and stop by the candy shanty for some mouth-watering maple fudge and candy.The gift shop will be selling maple syrup. The little ones will enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and visiting with the farm animals.For more information, call 905-827-6911 For excellent maple syrup b... 03/12/2010

Mike Funston Urban Affairs Reporter Oakville has put a temporary roadblock in the way of plans for a 900-megawatt gas-fired power plant that is opposed by the town and a coalition of citizen groups. But it won't stop TransCanada Energy from ultimately building the plant, according to company spokesman Chris Breen: "We remain fully committed to bring this clean energy project to Oakville." This week, the town's committee of adjustment turned down a request by TransCanada and Ford Motor Company, the landowner, for variances to reduce the parking standards and setbacks from railway tracks at the Royal Windsor Dr. site. (Ford Oakville plant, one of the sites considered for the facility) Current zoning requires 214 spaces. TransCanada wants 24 because there will only be about 20 employees wo... 03/11/2010

The Oakville real estate market continues to impress with both the number of sales and the sale prices exceeding those of February a year ago.  The total number of sales in Oakville for the first two months of 2010 are up 101% over the same time period in 2009. The average sale price year to date is $572,812,  up 27% over the first two months of 2009 while the median price for the same two months is up 31% to $498,800.  Here is a breakdown of the types of home sales in Feb. 2010.   Sales Statistics - Oakville, Ontario - February 2010 Compared to February 2009 Number of Sales:  293 - Up  85% from 158 in 2009 Average Sale Price: $586,031  - Up 32% from $442,792 in 2009   Median Sale Price: $498,900 - Up 31% from $380,000 in 2009   Sales Statistics Source: OMDREB Tarasoft Matrix For more ... 03/10/2010

For 25 years the Town of Oakville has had a twin sister city in Neyagawa, Japan.  In 1984 officials in Neyagawa were looking for a city to twin with and Oakville was suggested by a former resident then living in Japan.  The two mayors at the tiime signed a declaration in April 1984 and the bond was formed. Neyagawa is a suburb of Osaka much like Oakville is to Toronto with many residents commuting to work in the nearby cities.  This relationship was established to promote international understanding, cooperation and friendship.  To enhance this cultural link many exchanges have taken place with teachers, students, service clubs and sports organizations.   The 25 year sisterhood between Oakville and Neyagawa was commemorated by the unveiling of Moose and Wolves, created by local artists ... 03/10/2010

The Halton Regional Police Service has opened the doors of the new Oakville 2 District station at 95 Oak Walk Drive.  The new facility located south of Dundas Street between Oak Park Blvd. and Sixth Line began welcoming the public on March 8th.    Oakville 2 District station on White Oaks Blvd. will be closed permanently effective the same date.  The new facility is situated on 4.3 acres and  the three levels including basement consist of 70,000 square feet of state of the art construction.  The anticipated budget for construction was $14.1 Million.  Check out www.haltonpolice.ca for more information and dates for public tours.    03/09/2010

I'm sure when this Tim Hortons coffee commercial was filmed prior to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, there was no notion that Sidney Crosby would become a National hero for scoring the winning goal for Canada's Olympic men's hockey team.  That overtime goal against an outstanding U.S. team resulted in an Olympic gold medal for Canada. But perhaps the advertising/marketing team that put this commercial together for the Canadian coffee giant had vision.  You take a product, in this case young hockey phenom Crosby, match it up with another successful product, Tim Hortons coffee, of course and you get win, win right? Tim Hortons have always sponsored sports teams for youngsters and not just hockey.  My daughter was a soccer "timbit" in her first couple of years on the field.  Road hocke... 03/09/2010

East Fourteen Mile Creek Trail, West Oak Trails, Oakville, OntarioToday was a beautiful, late winter day that gave a glimpse of the spring nature has in store for us.  Warm and sunny, it was the perfect day for a hike down East Fourteen Mile Creek Trail.My brother Clayton and his family visited with children in tow and off we went, exploring this bit of beauty just a stone's throw away from where I live.The trails is well groomed and wide, perfect for biking or a casual stroll. Running along Fourteen Mile Creek, it meanders behind houses and overlooks wild fields and forested areas.East Fourteen Mile Creek Trail is just one of hundreds of trails within the City of Oakville. East Fourteen Mile Creek Trail is located within the West Oak Trails area of Oakville and can be entered off of We... 03/07/2010

Bronte Real Estate Market Report, Oakville - February 2010Situated in the south-west corner of Oakville, the historical Village of Bronte can be found. Bronte is one of Oakville's oldest inhabited regions. Bronte began as a village on the mouth of 12 Mile Creek in 1834. Over time it developed into a thriving small lakeside community boasting many fine lakeside estates, residential neighbourhoods, high-rise condos, marinas, schools and thriving businesses. Although the Village of Bronte has amalgamated to become a part of the City of Oakville, it's small village atmosphere and charm remain. The summer months bring thousands of tourists from all over the world to walk along it's historical streets and stroll through it's beautiful lakeside parks.Bronte Outer Harbour Marina, one of the fin... 03/07/2010

Old Oakville Real Estate Market Report, Oakville, Ontario - February 2010 Oakville's oldest community, Old Oakville was the first area to be settled due to it's natural harbour at the mouth of Sixteen Mile Creek. With the proximity to the harbour, early settlement flourished.Today, Old Oakville encompasses the Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District, consisting of 162 residences that were built in the 19th century. Using river and lake stone for the foundations, many of these homes have since been recognized with plaques near their entrances. The plaques indicate the original owner (and often the original owner's occupation) and the year in which the house was built. Residents and tourists alike enjoy taking a stroll through the streets of Old Oakville to view these unique and beaut... 03/06/2010

Glen Abbey Real Estate Market Report, Oakville - February 2010Glen Abbey, one of Oakville's most affluent neighbourhoods, is located in the west central part of the City of Oakville.It is world reknowned for it's famous golf course, Glen Abbey. Designed by Jack Niklaus, Glen Abbey Golf Course, with it's picturesque landscaping along Sixteen Mile Creek, hosts the Canadian Open.The community of Glen Abbey was originally a large tract of farmland which began development in the early '80s. Today Glen Abbey consists of a wide variety of residential homes, businesses, churches, schools and parks. With it's amenities and extensive system of walking trails, it is one of Oakville's most desirable communities.View Glen Abbey Community - Oakville in a large map Property sales were very active for ... 03/06/2010

River Oaks Community in the City of Oakville is located in the north central region of Oakville. It is a residential neighbourhood consisting of a wide variety of detached homes, freehold townhouses, condominium townhouses and apartments.A family friendly neighbourhood, River Oaks boasts beautiful parks, forested areas and trails that wander along the many creeks.Shopping and business facilities are numerous, as are schools and recreational facilities.View River Oaks Community, Oakville, Ontario in a large map.Property sales were very active for the month of February, this year, with 31 sales at an average sales price of $433,548 . This is quite a jump over the average sale price in February 2009 which was $362,532 .  Homes in River Oaks are selling much quicker this year than in 2009 w... 03/05/2010

West Oak Trails is a residential area in north west Oakville consisting of newer townhouses and detached homes. It's reknowned for it's many walking trails that border along picturesque creeks and wooded areas. West Oak Trails has numerous shopping plazas and professional businesses within it's boundaries to meet the diverse needs of the people who call this area home. The wide variety of schools in the area make West Oak Trails a highly desirable area of Oakville for families with children of all ages. February was a busy month in West Oak Trails on the real estate front. There were 33 sales with an average sale price of $440,990 . This is a sharp increase over February of 2009 when there were only 18 sales and the average sale price was $363,483 .With interest rates being extremely lo... 03/05/2010

It was bound to happen sooner or later.  Winter that is.  I mean the calendar said it officially began on December 21st.   In three weeks spring will have sprung. This afternoon's rain turned to snow as soon as the temperature dipped below the freezing mark.  Tonight the trees are sagging under the weight of the white stuff and there is some serious driveway shovelling going on.  I had to show a house this afternoon so my son chauferred me due to my broken ankle and afterwards I asked him to take me to the harbour so I could take a few photos.  This cast has slowed me down and the past 10 days I have been bored and cranky. I was happy to breathe in some fresh air and my client wants to put an offer on the house we saw.  All of this lightened my mood.  Getting groceries afterwards was pr... 02/26/2010

Natural Oakville - The Mallard DuckThe Mallard Duck compensates for it's abundance with it's great beauty and curious personality. Commonly found in waterbodies throughout the Oakville region, it's adaptability has made it the most commonly seen duck in the Halton region. Mallards are capable of interbreeding with 63 other species of ducks worldwide. It is found on 6 continents and is the most widespread duck in the world. Male Mallards, known as drakes, only have their bright green head during the breeding season. In the eclipse season, their plumage becomes a dull brown similar to the females. Female mallards are known as 'hens'. Male mallards can be distinguished during the non-breeding season by their yellowish bills. The females have a more brownish bill. During the non-breeding se... 02/26/2010

Effective February 15, 2010 a new 9 Metre ( approx. 30 Foot) Smoking By-law came into effect in Oakville and all of Halton Region.  This  increased restriction prohibits smoking within a 9 meter area from any entrance or exit of  all buildings owned or leased by the Regional Municipality of Halton or its Local Municipalities.  By-law No 24-09 Examples of buildings Municipally owned or leased  community centres & municipal offices libraries & indoor pools arenas & museums art galleries &  public washrooms police stations, firehalls & ambulance stations There will be a 3 month grace period to educate the smoking public and promote the new by-law after which violators may be issued an offence summons to appear in court. The major reason for the amended by-law?  Second hand smoke.  Here are... 02/24/2010