When our family moved to Ontario, we expected colder weather, beautiful parks, and a lot more snow-related Googling (“how to shovel without dying” was a popular search in our house). What we didn’t expect was how quickly Oakville would wrap us in a sense of belonging, not just for us, but especially for our daughters.

One of the first signs, literally, happened before we ever stepped foot inside her new school. We drove by what would soon become her elementary school and right there under the Canadian flag was a Pride flag flying proudly. I pleasantly surprised (and somewhat shocked) as celebrating diversity is something you’d never see at a Texas public school (sad, I know). So, I slowed down, parked in the front of the school and behind the flag pole, grabbed my phone, and took a picture. It was one of those small moments that told us, “Okay… this place is different.” It made me grateful that we had moved our family somewhere so openly welcoming and it gently reminded me how much some places still struggle to embrace that same spirit.

Her school soon confirmed what that flag hinted at. Pride displays (all photos in this article were taken from her school). Inclusive artwork. Positive messages. The message was everywhere: Celebrate Diversity. Teachers who seemed determined to make every child feel like they truly fit in. Coming from a school where none of this existed, it was a meaningful change. Our daughter noticed it. We noticed it. And frankly, it made us deeply grateful to call this community home.

As we walked the hallways on our way for a parent/teacher conference, we saw displays celebrating diversity, kindness, acceptance, and community spirit. I took pictures, a lot of pictures, partly because it was refreshing and partly because a tiny voice inside me whispered, “Wow… this is different in the best way.”

As we waited for our turn to speak with the teacher, I noticed a sign on my daughter’s classroom door that read, “This is a safe space,” written with a rainbow-colored heart. It was such a simple message, but it said so much about the environment she’s learning in.

And that’s what makes Oakville and all of Canada special.

It’s a place where families don’t just live, they thrive. Where schools try to teach kids not just math and reading, but how to treat others with dignity and respect. Where you can feel the difference the moment you step into a classroom, attend a local event, or see the community come together.

At Oakville Maids, we love being part of a town like this. A positive space that values kindness and inclusion is a place we’re proud to serve. After all, we’re invited into people’s homes, their safe spaces, and that’s an honor we don’t take lightly. Being in a community that believes everyone belongs only strengthens our commitment to serving people with care, respect, and the same warmth Oakville showed us from day one.

So here’s our little love letter to Oakville: Thank you. Thank you for welcoming newcomers. Thank you for respecting human rights. Thank you for creating an environment where every child, including ours, can walk into school and feel like they belong.

And thank you for being the kind of community where even a house cleaning company can say, with complete sincerity, “This place feels like home.”

We appreciate this town, this community, and the people who make it what it is. We are thankful to be welcome here. We’re grateful to serve Oakville, one home, one family, and sometimes one rainbow-decorated hallway at a time.

Gratefully,

~ Greg