London, Ontario Guide

London, Ontario is situated between Lake Erie and Lake Huron and has a population of 378,000. The city is a manufacturing hub for different industries, including steel, automotive, and others.

History

The city grew in an area of three former villages, Ojibwe, Odawa, and Neutral, which were inhabited by Indigenous people. In the 18th century, the current Lieutenant-Governor John Simcoe chose the location of the settlement, which became an administrative center of Toronto (then York).

Doing Business in London

There are plenty of opportunities to do business in London, Ontario, with established businesses in the fields of biotechnology, medical research, information technologies, manufacturing, and others. Some 300 companies working in the technology sector also operate in London. The well-developed public transit and road transportation contribute to continuous growth and development.

 

Universities and Education

The University of Western Ontario was founded in London, Ontario in 1878. Today, the university offers graduate and undergraduate programs in a diverse array of disciplines and fields, including Nursing, Health Sciences, Engineering, and Arts and Humanities. Students can choose from various programs such as English Language and Literature, Classical Studies, Art History, Green Process Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and many others. Moreover, prospective students can choose between second-entry and first-entry programs. There are plenty of things to do and get involved while in college, from student clubs and fieldwork to externships and internships, international exchanges, and a lot more.
The Fanshawe College is also found in London, Ontario and offers part-time and full-time studies in a variety of disciplines such as Applied Mechanical Design, Agri-Business Management, Broadcasting, Broadcast Journalism, and Entrepreneurship and Management to name a few. Students can choose from degree and open programs while graduate studies are also offered.

Housing, New Starts, and Market Outlook

When it comes to housing in London, Ontario, prospective buyers can choose from condos and homes, and there is also social housing. According to reports, construction and new starts decreased in number in 2016 because of the larger number of unsold properties. The problem is partly related to the cost of mortgage carrying and the higher mortgage rates. Fewer borrowers are able to meet the criteria for mortgage financing which results in less demand on the housing market. This is the reason why builders are forced to decrease the number of new starts. At the same time, employment levels are stable in London which means that price levels will remain stable in the short term. Speaking of the rental market, research highlights the fact that there is a higher vacancy rate this year. A larger number of renters are expected to purchase a home and move from rented units.

What to do in London, Ontario

There is plenty to do and see in London, Ontario, from parks and gardens to museums, bookstores, restaurants, and a lot more. You can visit the Royal Canadian Regimen Museum, Wortley Village, the Banting House National Historic Site, or Museum London. Wortley Village, for example, is a neighborhood worth visiting, buzzing with eclectic cafes and stores. The Royal Canadian Regimen Museum features themed rooms such as the centennial and quiet rooms and exhibits dedicated to the World War I, the Cold War, Afghanistan, and other major events. The museum partners with different institutes and bodies such as the London Heritage Council, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, and others.

In addition to museums and historic sites, you can also visit parks and gardens such as the Storybook Garden, Victoria Park, or Springbank Park. There are plenty of green spaces that are family-friendly and are fitted with splash and play areas and rides and offer children the chance to see different animals. If you want to play golf, then you can visit the East Park Golf Gardens and Wally World. The facility includes waterslides, mini golf, driving range, and 18-hole golf course. Other places to visit in London, Ontario, include the Labatt Memorial Park, the Budweiser Gardens, the Original Kids Theatre Company, and many others. The Budweiser Gardens are the place to watch the games of the Ontario Hockey League team as well as theatre performances and concerts.

Restaurants and Cafes

London takes pride in having a busy and bustling food and bar scene, with plenty of cafes, diners, and fast food joints to frequent while in town. There are restaurants offering Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, Middle Eastern food, local, seasonal food, Korean and Indonesian cuisine, and a lot more. There is something for everyone, whether you are up for a hamburger and coffee, want to try new foods and tastes, or are looking for a fine dining restaurant to spend the evening with someone special. Pizza places, pasta bars, vegetarian restaurants, and vegan restaurants are also frequented by locals and visitors alike.