London, Ontario - Community Overview

London’s history dates back to 1793 when it was suggested by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe as the site for the capital of Upper Canada. The Old World influence is still strong, with many landmarks still maintaining the historical names of London, England, such as Hyde Park, Pall Mall and Victoria Park. The Court House, built in 1831, was fashioned after Malahide Castle in Ireland. In 1878 it was enlarged and a third tower added.

London was incorporated to town status in 1840. Following fires in 1844 and 1845 the town was rebuilt and the population grew to 4,584. In 1855 London achieved city status with the first mayor being Murray Anderson. Huron College was established in 1863 and the University of Western Ontario was established in 1878.

London dominates the Western Ontario region as the centre of commerce, industry and finance. It is the market centre for the prosperous surrounding agricultural community - one of the richest agricultural areas in Canada - for more than 100 years, a factor of great significance to its continuous growth.

London’s importance as a financial centre is due primarily to its well-known and long established Canadian firms in the trust, securities and insurance fields. It has always had a well-balanced manufacturing industrial base, with widely diversified industries that broadened the economic base of the whole community.

The City of London is located along Highway #401 - the MacDonald Cartier Freeway, with Highways #402, 2, 4 and 7 also accessing the city. London is approximately 190 km west of Toronto and approximately 193 km northeast of Detroit, Michigan. The Thames River flows through the city. 

The population of London numbers approximately 352,395.

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