The Chisholm tartan was selected to honour the Chisholm family as one of the founding families of the Town of Oakville. The Chisholms were of Norman stock and were first recorded in Roxburghshire in the Borders region of Scotland circa 1250 AD. During the 14th century, the Chisholms gained greater influence in the north when they became Constables of Urquart Castle on Loch Ness. The family became supporters of the Jacobite cause and clan members were involved in both uprisings in 1715 and 1745.

The clan fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie under the command of Roderick Chisholm who was killed by cannon fire before the final charge. After the battle his body was recovered and protected by his two elder brothers who were officers in the Royal Scots, who were on the side of the government. Jacobite honour was more than satisfied afterwards as three of the eight men who sheltered and guided Bonnie Prince Charlie's escape in the summer of 1746, were Chisholms.

The clan chief is known as The Chisholm. Perhaps only a subtle coincidence, but in view of the clan's historic role as Constables, it is more than fitting that our tartan represents the founding of Oakville and the traditions of community policing.