Skip to content
Great Canadians & Great Neighbours

The people who make us, us.

A bright gallery of Canadians who inspire us — and a place to celebrate the great neighbours living a few houses down.

Terry Fox

Children

Marathon of Hope Runner

At just 21, Terry ran a marathon a day across Canada on one leg to raise money for cancer research. He didn’t finish — but his courage lit a fire in millions of Canadians that still burns today.

Viola Desmond

Builders & Inventors

Civil Rights Pioneer & Businesswoman

In 1946, Viola refused to give up her seat in a segregated Nova Scotia theatre. Her quiet bravery helped shape Canada's human rights legacy. Today she smiles back at us from the $10 bill.

Tommy Douglas

Politicians & Leaders

Father of Medicare

The Saskatchewan premier who believed every Canadian deserved healthcare, no matter their wallet. Voted the ‘Greatest Canadian’ — because he made us look after one another.

Chris Hadfield

Explorers

Astronaut & ISS Commander

The first Canadian to walk in space, Chris showed us that wonder and science go hand in hand. He sang David Bowie from orbit and reminded the world that exploration starts with curiosity.

Tom Longboat

Children

Onondaga Champion Runner

Born on the Six Nations reserve, Tom won the Boston Marathon in 1907 in record time. His strength and humility made him one of the greatest athletes of his era — and a source of pride still.

Roberta Bondar

Explorers

Canada's First Female Astronaut

A neurologist who reached for the stars, Roberta became the first Canadian woman in space. She brought science, art, and an unshakable sense of wonder with her.

Lester B. Pearson

Peacekeepers

Nobel Laureate & Prime Minister

He won the Nobel Peace Prize for inventing modern UN peacekeeping, then gave us our maple-leaf flag as Prime Minister. A quiet diplomat who changed the world with patience and principle.

Wayne Gretzky

Children

‘The Great One’

Hockey’s most generous genius, Wayne held or shared 61 NHL records when he retired. He made the impossible look effortless — and made every kid in Canada believe they could be great too.

Margaret Atwood

Poets & Artists

Novelist, Poet & Storyteller

One of Canada’s most beloved literary voices, Margaret has spent a lifetime telling truths through fiction and poetry. Her words challenge us, comfort us, and stay with us long after the last page.

Frederick Banting

Builders & Inventors

Co-discoverer of Insulin

In a small Toronto lab in 1921, Frederick and his team unlocked the secret of insulin — a discovery that saved millions of lives. Canada chose to share it with the world, not patent it for profit.

Mark Carney

Politicians & Leaders

Prime Minister of Canada

A steady hand through global financial storms, Mark served as Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England before answering the call to lead his country home.

Anita Anand

Politicians & Leaders

MP for Oakville East & Minister of Foreign Affairs

A proud voice for Oakville on the world stage, Anita brings fierce intellect and deep compassion to everything she does. She reminds us that leadership is about service — to neighbours and to nations.

Rob Burton

Politicians & Leaders

Mayor of Oakville

A long-serving champion of our town’s parks, trails, and neighbourhoods, Rob has spent years making Oakville greener, kinder, and more connected. He shows up for the community, rain or shine.

Nominate a Great Neighbour

Anyone who's made our street a little brighter. A teacher, a kid, a friend, a parent — anyone.