In the early 1900's the Independent Order of Foresters or I.O.F. chose Oakville as the location for their orphans' home. It was located at 53 Bond Street. The home was part of their plan to care for children of deceased members.

It later became the "Ortona Barracks", the headquarters of the Canadian Army in World War II. It is presently the Oaklands Regional Centre, a school and home for the developmentally handicapped.