The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Canada›Town›Oakville, Ontario
Canada • Town

Oakville, Ontario

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Oakville is a town in Halton Region, Ontario, Canada, located on the north shore of Lake Ontario between Toronto and Hamilton. As part of the Greater Toronto Area, it had a population of 213,759 in the 2021 Canadian census, making it Ontario’s largest town. The town was incorporated in 1857 and was expanded through amalgamation in 1962.

Geography

Oakville lies on the north shore of Lake Ontario between Toronto and Hamilton, west of Mississauga and east of Burlington. Its land area was 138.94 km² according to the 2021 census. The waterfront location and proximity to the Greater Toronto Area are central to its identity.

History

Oakville was incorporated as a town in 1857. The current municipal boundaries were established in 1962 through the amalgamation of the original Town of Oakville with Trafalgar Township and the Village of Bronte.

Demographics

The 2021 Canadian census recorded a population of 213,759 in Oakville, residing in 73,558 of 76,179 private dwellings. The population density was 1,538.5 people per square kilometre.

Municipal role

Oakville is the seat of Halton Region and a major municipality within the Greater Toronto Area. Although it is the largest town in Ontario by population, it retains the town designation.

Key facts

  • Oakville is a town in southern Ontario and the seat of Halton Region.
  • It is part of the Greater Toronto Area.
  • The 2021 census recorded a population of 213,759.
  • Oakville is Ontario’s largest town by population.
  • The town was incorporated in 1857 and expanded through amalgamation in 1962.
🍁
Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked 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.
Why is Oakville notable in Ontario?
It is Ontario’s largest town by population and serves as the seat of Halton Region.
Was Oakville formed by amalgamation?
Yes. In 1962, the Town of Oakville was formed through amalgamation with Trafalgar Township and the Village of Bronte.

References

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