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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Field Notes • Canada Places

Oakville, Ontario

Oakville is a town in Halton Region, Ontario, Canada, on the north shore of Lake Ontario between Toronto and Hamilton.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

It is part of the Greater Toronto Area and had a population of 213,759 in the 2021 Canadian census.

What it is

Oakville is a town on the north shore of Lake Ontario, between Toronto and Hamilton. It serves as the seat of Halton Region and is part of the Greater Toronto Area.

Why it matters

Oakville is Ontario’s largest town by population, with 213,759 residents in 2021. It is a major suburban and commuter hub in the GTA.

Key details

Incorporated in 1857, Oakville expanded in 1962 through amalgamation with Trafalgar Township and the Village of Bronte, forming its present boundaries.

In short

  • Oakville is Ontario's largest town by population (213,759 in 2021).
  • It is located on Lake Ontario between Toronto and Hamilton.
  • Incorporated in 1857, amalgamated in 1962.
  • Serves as seat of Halton Region.
Canadian angle

Oakville is a major suburban municipality in the Greater Toronto Area and a significant commuter, residential, and business centre for Canadian readers in southern Ontario.

Quick questions

Where is Oakville, Ontario located?
Oakville is in Halton Region on the north shore of Lake Ontario, between Toronto and Hamilton.
What is Oakville’s population?
Oakville’s population was 213,759 in the 2021 Canadian census.
When was Oakville incorporated?
Oakville was incorporated as a town in 1857.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakville,_Ontario
    Supports: population, land area, location, incorporation year, and amalgamation history
  2. The Canadian Encyclopediahttps://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/oakville
    Supports: municipal status, location, population, and amalgamation history
  3. Town of Oakvillehttps://www.oakville.ca/community-events/community-resources/about-oakville/
    Supports: town profile and founding/incorporation context
  4. Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/place/Oakville
    Supports: geographic location, founding, incorporation, and historical context