Are you considering moving to one of Ontario's pretty communities to relocate your family? Perhaps you are looking for a wonderful place for a holiday? Take a look at the many great Ontario communities as we explore this area of Ontario.
Many people who emigrate to Ontario think of moving to a big city such as Toronto or Hamilton.
However, it has been my experience that choosing a smaller town, such as the city of London, Ontario, in which to settle, would be a better choice - not that I have anything against Toronto - I don’t, but it is so easy to get lost in a city of 5,000,000 people.
In a smaller town, such as Kitchener (pop 414,500), Brantford (pop 90,000) or St Thomas (pop 33,236), the opportunities for housing and employment are still excellent, and you will find the people friendly and approachable.
Here, in small-town Ontario, apartment buildings are not as tall, folks are more neighbourly, businesses are more accommodating, streets are not as congested, store clerks are not as busy and generally, there is not the same hustle & bustle that you get in a great big city.
Some communities in Southern Ontario are geared to particular industries, for example the city of
St Thomas
is home to the Ford Automotive plant in Talbotville which employs 2,400 people, and also to other manufacturing plants connected with the auto industry. This community is a thriving, energetic city with lovely parks and lots of open spaces and great community facilities.
The city of St Thomas is in the heart of
Elgin County.
Similarly,the city of
London,
Ontario is known as a "white collar" city, with head offices of the London-Life Insurance Company here and the offices of banks and other insurance companies. London, which sits on the Thames River, is the home of the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College.
There are also Aircraft manufacturing, Auto repair & Sales, the Kellogg factory, the Canadian Head offices of 3-M the scotch-tape people. The Labatt and Carling beer companies were both founded here.
Another one of my favourite Ontario communities is the city of
Brantford
which was known for many years as the home of the Massey-Fergusson plant, which made tractors for the farming industry.
Now with a population of 86,400 people, the pretty city of Brantford was where my family spent our first Canadian winter - for those who lived through the snowy winter of 1977-78 you may remember that there were snow drifts up to the tops of front doors during that winter. I had never seen so much snow in my life! What a shock for a girl from England's industrial north.
One of my favourite cities to visit in this area has always been
Stratford
, Ontario, on the banks of the peaceful River Avon. Like it’s namesake in England, you will find here, all things Shakespeare!
Not far away from Stratford, is pretty
St Marys
which is a lovely town with an abundance of Limestone architecture.
This is a quaint small town with an old-fashioned feel.
In the summer months there are lots of activities going on in and around this community.
Just to the west of London you will find
Strathroy
which is a community of around 13,000 people, and it is the largest community in Middlesex County. If you like Turkey, this is the place to visit during the June for their annual Turkey-Fest celebrations! This is a week-end of live entertainment, rides and fun.
Between St Thomas and Tillsonburg, on Highway 3, is the town of
Aylmer
where my family have always enjoyed going on Tuesday mornings, to the Farmer’s Market which is held once a week, all year round.
On the main street you will find "Victorian Elegance", a store that is wonderful, both inside and out! There are two floors of Victorian Gift ware & Collectibles.
In the fine weather there is also a garden and Tea Room for your enjoyment, serving light lunches, afternoon tea and desserts.
With the arrival of the Cami automotive plant, the town of Ingersoll has seen an economic revival. Set in the lovely Southern Ontario countryside, Ingersoll is a great place to live and work.
When you reach
Windsor
, Ontario, you have gone just about as far south as you can go, and still be in Ontario! Set on the bank of the Detroit River, this vibrant, international city is the home of the head offices of the Chrysler Corporation of Canada.
Links For Communities
London - the largest of the communities in this area
The city of London Ontario, known as the "Forest City" for all its graceful, tree-lined streets and city parks, London is one of Ontario's growing communities
St Thomas
Located just 20 minutes south of the city of London, home of the Ford plant in Talbotville, the Elgin County Railway Museum, statue of Jumbo and beautiful city parks, St Thomas is a great place to live and work
St Marys
This is a pretty, historic town with great limestone architecture, and the largest swimming pool in Canada!
Stratford
With the Shakespeare Festival each summer, boating on the River Avon, this town has lots to offer to residents and visitors
Strathroy
Don't miss the festivities at Turkey Fest, held each summer here in the Turkey Capital of Ontario!
Brantford
The home of Wayne Gretzky and Alexander Graham Bell, the scenic Grand River runs through this lovely city
Aylmer
Home to a small population of Amish and Mennonites, the Ontario Police College and some great residential architecture, Aylmer is a really pretty town
Windsor
One of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada, located just across the river from Detroit, Michigan, Windsor is a busy University city with a thriving economy
Many people who emigrate to Ontario think of moving to a big city such as Toronto or Hamilton.
Some communities in Southern Ontario are geared to particular industries, for example the city of
Not far away from Stratford, is pretty
Between St Thomas and Tillsonburg, on Highway 3, is the town of
