COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
To help slow the spread of COVID-19 and support Public Health officials, the Town of Oakville has joined the Province of Ontario and Halton Region in declaring a State of Emergency. Facilities and parks remain closed. Only essential services are being delivered.
Recreation and Culture facilities closed in response to COVID-19.
Youth Centres
We offer drop-in and pre-registered programs, training and volunteer opportunities for youth ages 11 to 19 at various locations.
Show us your special skills! Submit an audition video for Oakville Talent Starz today.
Do you dance, sing, perform standup or with a band?
We’re looking for youth ages 11 to 19 to showcase their abilities at the Oakville Talent Starz show on Saturday, May 2 at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC).
Performers have a chance to win a free two-hour recording session in the QEPCCC Recording Studio!
To audition, email a video featuring your talent to oakvilleyouth@oakville.ca by April 17. Selected artists will be invited to rehearsals on April 28 or 30.
Everyone is welcome to join us for the show in the Black Box Theatre on May 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. Free admission for youth! $6 admission for ages 19+.
Youth artists can exhibit their original works at QEPCCC for free!
Are you a young artist between the ages of 11 and 19 looking for space to exhibit your work? The Youth Corridor Galleries at QEPCCC provide a platform for emerging youth artists and students in the community at large.
We are interested in showcasing original artwork, and giving youth the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the exhibition process, to install and display their works, and even opportunities to sell their artwork.
For more information, please contact the Recreation Assistant at QEP Youth Centre at oakvilleyouth@oakville.ca or 905-845-6601, ext. 4681.
Nottinghill Youth Centre
1131 Nottinghill Gate
905-845-6932
oakvilleyouth@oakville.ca
QEPCCC Youth Centre
2302 Bridge Road
905-815-5979, ext. 4681
qepyouth@oakville.ca
Mobile Youth Centres
Hey Oakville! We’re coming to you!
Our Mobile Youth Centres are designed to bring activities to youth in our community. We will be popping up around Oakville at various locations to bring the best experience for youth. Check out our calendar for specific places, dates and times.
Mobile Youth Centres
Active Oakville
Drop-in program finderWe're a Play Works Youth Friendly Community
Oakville was recognized as a Youth Friendly Community and received Play Works gold designation for its outstanding commitment to providing young people with opportunities to play, participate in and contribute to their community.
Play Works is an independent group of organizations committed to encouraging and promoting a greater investment in youth play.
The Youth Friendly Community program celebrates Ontario communities that provides youth ages 13 to 19 with diverse play opportunities – in arts, recreation or civic leadership.
Each centre offers:
- Opportunities to earn volunteer hours
- Homework help
- Computers
- Job searching resources
- Resume writing assistance
- On-site library
- Internet
- Movie nights
- Video games (XBox One, PS4 and Nintendo Switch)
The Town of Oakville offers several training and volunteer opportunities for youth ages 13 to 19.
Learn to Lead (ages 13-17) is the start of the intake process for youth volunteers in summer camps, as well as the spring and winter program sessions. A mandatory pre-camp training session is scheduled in June.
Volunteer hours can be earned at one-day special events (such as Family Day, the Oakville Children's Festival, or Culture Days), in our programs and facilities, or through opportunities provided in our youth centres.
Looking to get your 40 hours or just want to give back to the community? Please visit our online Volunteer Opportunities Tool for details or to apply.
Looking for a part-time job? For more information about current employment opportunities and deadlines, please visit the Town of Oakville's Employment page.
Following are some key phone numbers and links to organizations that offer support services in a variety of areas. Download the complete Youth Services list (pdf, 343 kB) from Halton Region.
Danielle's Place (Eating Disorder Support and Resource Centre) – 1-866-277-9959
Drug and Alcohol Helpline – 1-800-565-8603
Halton Family Services – 905-845-3811
Halton Region Pregnancy Support – Dial 311 or 1-866-442-5866
Halton Women's Place – 905-332-7892
Kids Help Phone (24 hours) – 1-800-668-6868
Legal Aid – 1-800-668-8258
Lesbian/Gay/Bi/Trans Youth Line – 1-800-268-9688
Oakville Distress Centre – 905-849-4541
Ontario Works (help with cost of living) – Dial 311 or 1-866-442-5866
ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids) – 905-878-9785
SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services of Halton) 24 hour help line – 905-875-1555
Sexual Health Clinics, including Health @ 232 in Oakville – 905-825-6000, ext. 6065
Volunteer Halton – 905-878-0955
Youth, your good deeds are noticed and appreciated!
The Town of Oakville and Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) have launched a positive ticketing initiative to recognize youth for performing good deeds in their community.
Starting the week of May 1, 2018, HPRS community officers will be looking for kids committing random acts of kindness or exhibiting positive behaviours that enhance the community. The positive tickets they'll be rewarded with include a complimentary pass to one of the town’s drop-in youth programs.
The tickets also give officers a chance to interact positively with youth by recognizing a variety of good deeds and behaviours including:
- practicing personal safety such as wearing bicycle helmets
- doing various good deeds
- participating in community activities
- demonstrating community pride (e.g., picking up trash)
- deterring crime
- observing school crossing rules
- assisting an officer
“This initiative is a great opportunity to encourage young people in Oakville to make healthy, safe and positive choices, and to introduce them to the excellent youth programs and services the town offers,” said Mayor Burton.
Check out the Town of Oakville’s registered programs for youth in the Parks, Recreation & Culture Guide or using the online registration system. Centre staff can also provide youth with referrals to other agencies.
Students (ages 14+) receive a 35 per cent discount on most fitness membership types. Students must show proof of age and full-time student status. Visit the Fitness Centres page for more information.
For information on the Oakville Public Library Youth Programs visit the Oakville Public Library site.
Oakville Youth Action Committee (OYAC)
The Oakville Youth Action Committee (OYAC) is a group of local volunteers ages 13 to 19 who actively work to shape the future of our community by fostering meaningful youth participation in events and initiatives around town.
Youth Week
Every year, Oakville celebrates National Youth Week from May 1 to 7 with FREE activities, learning opportunities and events for youth ages 11-19.
Throughout the week, youth will have FREE access to all drop-in youth programs, open houses at all Town of Oakville youth centres, creative activities with the Oakville Public Library, and so much more!