Oakville Youth Awards

The nominees were announced in advance

A community advisory was released on April 15 to officially announce the list of nominees.

Date and location of the Youth Awards event

The Youth Awards Night is happening on Tuesday, May 7 at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts (OCPA). Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts promptly at 7 p.m. Only nominees and one guest are invited at this time due to capacity limits.

Length of the event

The awards presentation will run approximately 60 to 90 minutes. We encourage guests to stay for the full event to support all the amazing nominees being recognized.

Ticket information

All attendees require a ticket. Nominees will receive one ticket for themselves and one for a guest (such as a parent, caregiver or nominator). Tickets can be reserved using the link provided by email to nominees.

Capacity restrictions re: extra guests

Unfortunately, due to limited capacity, we can only accommodate each nominee and one guest. If space becomes available closer to the event date, we’ll post an update on the Youth Awards web page.

Seating arrangements

Seating is general admission, by invite only. The lobby doors will open at 6 p.m. for light refreshments. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Theatre doors will open 15-20 minutes before the start time.

Who is being recognized

We received 195 nominations across several award categories, representing 109 incredible youth. Every nominee will be recognized with a certificate. Two winners — one from each age group per category — will be recognized on stage and take home a special award.

Dress code

Think business casual — or go all out and get fancy! Whether you're rocking a blazer, dress, or something uniquely you, we want you to feel comfortable and confident as we celebrate Oakville's amazing youth.

Photography and livestreaming of the event

We’ll have a photographer onsite and will also be livestreaming the event, so friends and family can join the celebration from home. A recording will be shared on our YouTube channel after the event.

While we encourage you to be in the moment, personal photos and videos are welcome from your seat. A professional photographer will also be capturing the evening, and we’ll share highlights after the event. No flash photography, please.

Food and drinks

Light refreshments will be available when we open our doors at 6 p.m. Please note that outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the theatre.

News release details

A news release will be issued after the event to recognize the award recipients and share highlights from the evening. It will be posted on the Town of Oakville website and shared with local media.

How we’ll be celebrating

Get ready for a high-energy show featuring a live band, walk-up music, and more! It’s going to be a fun and memorable night to celebrate youth excellence.

Thank you to the organizers of this event

The Youth Awards are brought to you by the Town of Oakville, Oakville Youth Action Committee (OYAC), and our event sponsor, Halton Muslim Youth Association.

Parking at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts

Located at 130 Navy Street in downtown Oakville, the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts offers convenient parking options nearby. Public parking lots and street parking are available within walking distance of the venue. Please allow extra time to find parking, especially during busy events. The Oakville Centre is also easily accessible by public transit.

Venue accessibility

The Oakville Centre faces accessibility challenges due to its design and age and does not have an elevator. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact the Box Office at 905-815-2021.

Where to get the latest event updates

Keep an eye on this web page for updates, including livestream links, photo galleries, and any changes to ticket availability.

Two nominees are awarded in each category, one for ages 11 to 14 and the other for those between 15 and 19.

Youth Artist Award

Recognizes youth who demonstrate a passion for the arts, whether through music, theatre, or other cultural talents, and who positively represent and dedicate their talents to raising awareness of arts and culture among the youth community.

Youth Emerging Leader Award

Recognizes youth who positively influence their peers, demonstrate leadership qualities, and make a positive impact as role models through motivation and mentoring, while showing a true passion for helping others.

New! Youth Environment Award

Recognizes youth who demonstrate a passion for environmental stewardship and sustainability through active participation in community initiatives that protect, preserve, and support the environment, and contribute to a greener future through innovative solutions, advocacy, and sustainable education.

Youth Involvement Award

Recognizes youth who dedicate their time and efforts to local organizations or events, actively engaging in their community through volunteerism, employment, participation, and demonstrating a passion for helping others.

Youth Sport Award

Recognizes youth who demonstrate a passion for sports and portray a positive image through their participation, volunteerism, or coaching within their chosen sport.

New! Youth STEM Award

Recognizes youth who demonstrate a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through innovation, creativity, and critical thinking, inspiring others and advancing STEM in the community through mentorship and knowledge-sharing.

Nominees should contribute to the Town of Oakville’s vision of being a vibrant and livable community for all and demonstrate at least one of the values of the town (leadership, inclusivity, fiscal responsibility, sustainability, excellence and quality of life).

A selection committee made up of OYAC members will review each nomination and select the recipients. The selection committee reserves the right to move a nomination to a more appropriate category, if necessary. All decisions made by the selection committee are final.