As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary of confederation, the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) wants to take a moment to celebrate our city as Canada’s London - to reflect on London’s history, to celebrate how it has grown, and to imagine what’s yet to come.
In January, 2017, the LEDC crafted a list of 150 London Facts based on our economic sectors, did-you-knows and conversation starters, such as:
- 45.3% of Londoners volunteer, contributing more than $600 million in value every year
- More than 15 festivals and events take place in London every summer, adding to the approximately $540 million the arts and culture industry brings to the regional economy
- Labatt Park opened in 1877 and is the world’s oldest operating baseball ground still in its original location
- Historic Woodfield, located in the heart of London, was declared best neighbourhood in Canada in a competition sponsored by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) in 2016
- As we near the ultimate celebration of Canada’s 150th on Canada Day, the LEDC wants to further highlight London’s rich history of achievements and new developments that are in the works.
Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to join the Canada 150 conversation online using #Canada150 and #Canada150London.
})
Reflect
Tradition and innovation go hand-in-hand in London. As you stroll through the city you’ll notice the union of old and new everywhere you look. Our story, however, begins with a river: the Thames River, well over 200 years ago. From taking shape as a small community with over 1,000 people, to being incorporated as a town in 1840, to incorporation as a city in 1855, London has a rich history of change, evolution, and progress. You can learn more about London’s history on the City of London’s website.
London is known for appreciating and preserving its unique history. Enjoy a stroll through designated heritage conservation areas, take in the sights at Museum London, or catch a live show at the majestic Grand Theatre. Explore Fanshawe Pioneer Village, an interactive museum which preserves the past and engages the community through living history experiences. The options for getting connected to our city’s past are endless.
Building a legacy
Our city has some long-standing anchors that have been in business more than a century.
- One of Canada’s oldest and most successful companies, Labatt Brewery was founded as a small craft brewery by John Kinder Labatt in 1847. Over the past 160 years, Labatt has evolved into an international corporation with a network of six breweries, 15 sales offices, and 23 warehouses and distribution centres stretching from coast to coast
- Founded in 1882, Jones is a London, Ontario success story of generational entrepreneurship, responsive innovation, and global leadership. Over the past century, the packaging industry has evolved to be more sophisticated, client-driven, and competitive, but London continues to produce unique business advantages that cannot be found elsewhere. Be it a box of candy, a blister pack of cold medicine, or a bottle of vitamins, Jones has found its way into millions of homes worldwide
- With long-standing roots, TD Canada Trust recognizes London’s supportive entrepreneurial spirit. It is the largest private sector employer in London, with over 3,500 people. The city has been a key driver of innovation for the company that recently celebrated 150 years of service in London. Initiatives such as TD’s first net-zero green energy branch and specialized technology for the hearing impaired are key examples of home grown innovation
})
Celebrate
From theatre and attractions, to music and tours, there’s lots to learn and celebrate about London. No matter where your interests lie - from outdoor activities, music, food or work life - you’re sure to discover exactly why more and more people choose to call London home.
There are many ways you can get involved and celebrate Canada’s London:
- Check out the Canada 150 London website to check out programming and events coming up
- View city-wide Canada 150 celebrations happening all year long on Tourism London’s listings
- Read about London’s community, economy, and discover facts and statistics you may not have known about the city in our free print and digital London Magazine
On a growth trajectory
With a rapidly growing job market from the digital creative sector to education, the benefits of living in this bustling Forest City continue to shine. Take a look at some local businesses and how they’ve grown so far this year:
- Voices.com is on track to grow by 50 per cent this year as it pushes further into global markets. The online voice-over talent company moved to its new headquarters on the seventh floor of 100 Dundas Street, also known as the Bell building. Founded in 2004, the company will add 50 staff to its current roster of 100 employees by the end of 2017
- Leading manufacturer Armo-Tool, who has supplied the province’s auto sector for more than 45 years, is expanding its operations and creating 15 new jobs. The company specializes in tooling, fixtures, stamping dies, custom automation, robotic equipment and tubing solutions
- Three London digital creative businesses recently celebrated business anniversaries. The LEDC talked with a representative from each company to learn more about how they’ve grown over the years and celebrated their milestones
})
Imagine
With a rich history of renowned achievements, London, Canada has built a solid economic foundation based on diversity, innovation, and forward thinking. As we look to the future and the next 150 years, there are exciting things in sight.
A number of infrastructure projects are on the radar for 2017 such as Dundas Place, Rapid Transit, Back to the River Project, and industrial land development. All will contribute to London’s economic front. Further developments in the manufacturing and digital creative sectors are expected, as well as an increase in jobs and student traffic in the core as a result of the Fanshawe College-Kingsmill renovations completing in 2017.
In-line with Canada 150, there are three signature projects happening across the city to celebrate, including the restoration of the Victoria Park Cenotaph, improvement of the main trail at Westminster Ponds, and renovation of Harris Park Pavilion. More information about these projects can be found on the City of London’s website.
Stay tuned and watch our news feed for all that’s yet to come.
})
