Volunteer Opportunities

Are you looking to learn new skills and volunteer in a meaningful way? Now is your chance!

Parks and Open Space

The town has developed the Urban Forest Health Monitoring program where residents can volunteer to assist in monitoring neighbourhood street trees for invasive insects, disease, and other issues related to forest health.

Volunteer while learning about the urban forest and our woodland renewal efforts.

Located at 1100 Cornwall Road, the Oakville Municipal Greenhouse and Conservatory is the perfect all-season setting for special occasion photographs, small wedding ceremonies, gardening seminars and group tours.

Greenhouse volunteers help our staff transplant and place trays of small plants in to designated areas, carry potted plants, and assist in the Door’s Open event to show visitors around.

Volunteer opportunities with the Municipal Greenhouse are currently full. We are no longer accepting applications for the 2024 year. 

Help keep our parklands and trails tidy. 

With more than 340 active parks, playgrounds and sports fields; three harbours; and 280 woodland parks and trails, there are plenty of opportunities for citizens, schools, youth groups and corporations to get involved and lend a helping hand.

For more information visit the Park Ambassadors page.

Recreation and Culture

There are no volunteer opportunities available in this area at this time. Please check back again later.

When needed, volunteers assist centre staff with recreation programs, equipment cleaning and occasional special events. Please call the centres directly for more information about how you can help.

The Recreation and Culture department operates six community centres:

  • Glen Abbey, 905-815-5950
  • Iroquois Ridge, 905-338-4255
  • Oakville Trafalgar, 905-338-4728
  • Queen Elizabeth Park (QEPCCC), 905-815-5979
  • River Oaks, 905-338-4186 and
  • Trafalgar Park, 905-338-4406

Volunteer Opportunities: September to June

We are looking for individuals with a passion for the performing arts with time to help deliver a welcoming environment for our patrons. 

Volunteer opportunities are available with our Front of House Team.  

Current roles available are coat check attendants and greeters. 

(Must be at least 18 years old)

Student Volunteers: May and June Only

If you are a student looking to complete your 40 hours of community involvement for your high school diploma, our student program runs during May and June. 

(Must be at least 16 years old and parental consent is required).

Visit the OCPA website for more information.

Visit the Oakville Galleries website for information about their volunteer opportunities. 

The Oakville Museum preserves and interprets the town's history through the heritage and home of Oakville's founding family - the Chisholms. 

Volunteers assist museum staff with school programs, workshops and special events. Visit the Support the Museum page for more information.

Aquatic volunteers (Pool Pals)

Aquatic volunteers provide support to swimming instructors on deck and in the water. They assist reluctant children, demonstrate skills, help with class control and provide one-on-one support for children with additional needs or additional needs classes, as well as helping with special events.

Pool Pal volunteers must:

For more information, please contact aquaticvolunteers@oakville.ca.

More volunteer opportunities will be offered when available. Please check back later, follow us on social media, or subscribe to the Recreation and Culture newsletter for updates.

Summer camp volunteers

Summer camp volunteers provide support to our day camp programs.

Volunteers must:

  • be at least 13 years old
  • successfully complete a Learn to Lead workshop (includes an interview and introduction to volunteering at summer camp)

For more information, please contact volunteersrecreation@oakville.ca.

One sure way to meet new people, have fun and use your skills is by volunteering at our seniors centres. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available, including:

  • front desk reception
  • committee work
  • helping in the café and kitchen
  • greeting and driving participants in the Friendship Luncheon programs
  • cooking at the barbecues
  • helping arrange for guest speakers

We can always use your help! For more information, please contact or drop by your local Seniors Centre.

Culture Days

Support your local community and earn volunteer hours by helping out at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre.

Volunteers will greet visitors, provide directions to activity rooms, and assist with monitoring doors/attendance numbers. Email events@oakville.ca for more information.

Family Day

Support your local community and earn volunteer hours by helping out at the following locations:

  • Glen Abbey Community Centre
  • Iroquois Ridge Community Centre
  • Joshua's Creek Arenas
  • Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre
  • River Oaks Community Centre
  • Sixteen Mile Sports Complex
  • Trafalgar Park Community Centre

Volunteers will greet visitors, provide directions to activity rooms, and assist with monitoring doors/attendance numbers. There are also opportunities at some locations to volunteer in costume as a mascot! Email events@oakville.ca for more information.

Oakville Santa Claus Parade

The Oakville Santa Claus Parade is organized by a volunteer committee in partnership with the Town of Oakville and the business community. Committee volunteers work year-round in areas including sponsorship, promotion and organizing volunteers.

Adult volunteers assist the police and security officers at manned barricades during the parade. Marshals walk the parade to ensure steady movement.

For more information, please contact the volunteer coordinator at events@oakville.ca.

Oakville Youth Action Committee (OYAC)

We want to engage youth and provide opportunities for them to have a voice in our community. The Oakville Youth Action Committee (OYAC) is a dynamic group of local volunteers ages 13 to 18 with a mission to empower their peers and help shape the future of our town.

Recruitment for this committee takes place at the beginning of each school year.

As a member of this youth council, you have the ability to:

  • plan events and impact youth programming
  • help your community
  • represent your peers
  • meet new people
  • have fun and learn new skills
  • earn volunteer hours towards your high school diploma

OYAC typically meets at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC) for two hours once per month. Committee members may need to participate in more than one meeting per month depending on the specific events and programs.

Visit the Youth Services page for more information.

Oakville Public Library

Through its seven branches, Oakville Public Library builds community by connecting people and ideas. With innovative programs for all ages, expansive collections of books, ever-growing digital media offerings and town-wide outreach endeavours, OPL is committed to community development and providing learning opportunities for all.

Visit the Oakville Public Library website for more information.