Oakville Special Events Plan
The Special Events Plan will provide a roadmap to guide future planning and decisions relating to special events in the community.
The Town of Oakville has approved its new Special Events Plan, setting a clear direction for how events will be supported, delivered, and funded in the years ahead. It outlines a community-first approach to celebration, supporting diverse groups, empowering community-led events and introducing a framework that is transparent, equitable and outcome-driven.
More than 1,450 contributions from residents, organizers, staff, and representatives from Business Improvement Areas helped shape the plan. The 2025 validation survey showed strong support for the plan’s direction, with 87 to 97 per cent endorsement of top priority actions.
Highlights from the plan include:
- Key objectives: Strengthen internal systems and staff capacity while expanding and balancing the event calendar to better meet community needs.
- Priority actions: Explore a Community Events Grant Program, streamline permitting and evaluation processes, enhance event promotion, support signature events such as Canada Day, and invest in upgraded parks and a potential new outdoor venue.
- Funding model: Consolidate multiple funding streams into a single transparent program, with five-year agreements for legacy and BIA-led events already integrated into the Town’s base budget.
The plan reflects Oakville’s commitment to building a vibrant and inclusive community through events that bring people together and celebrate the town’s unique character.
Key dates
Expedition Management Consulting was hired to work closely with the town to develop the plan and coordinate a variety of community engagement opportunities.
Consultation occurred with elected officials, community stakeholders and residents during the spring and summer of 2024. Preliminary findings were shared with staff that fall.
A draft plan was shared in early 2025. A council workshop and further public consultations followed in February and March.
The finalized Special Events Plan was approved by Council fall 2025.