About Woodfield

London, Ontario

2016 Great Places in Canada Winner – Great Neighbourhood
2012 People’s Choice – Neighbourhood

Jury Statement
Woodfield is a vibrant historic Victorian neighbourhood located in the heart of London. The picturesque neighbourhood showcases many homes and rustic Ontario cottages, many built in the 1840s. Woodfield features walkable and well-frequented commercial and public spaces, including Victoria Park, and is the location of many community events including a street fair, plant exchange and Harvestfest. The balance of historic preservation and community vibrancy made this a unique entry.

Introduction
Woodfield is a Victorian neighbourhood located in the heart of London, Ontario. This historic community is bordered by Richmond, Dundas, Adelaide and the CPR tracks to the north. Woodfield’s roughly 1400 households fall mostly within two Heritage Districts (East and West Woodfield). Homes in Woodfield date from the 1840s, with most homes built between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Woodfield is one of the largest and finest examples of intact Victorian streetscapes in Canada.
What do you see in this space? How do people in the community enjoy it?:

  • Located in the heart of London, Ontario
  • Victorian Neighbourhood
  • Borders: Richmond, Dundas, Adelaide, and the CPR tracks to the north
  • 1400 households
  • Heritage district
  • Most homes built between the late 1800s and early 1900s

Events and Festivals:

  • 2016 Historic Woodfield Street Fair – June 18th
  • The AGM – Thursday, April 14, 2016
  • The Plant Exchange – Saturday, May 21, 2016
  • 2016 Harvestfest – Date: TBA
  • 2016 Caroling – Date: TBA

Economic and Retail Activities:

  • A few shops

Historic or Heritage Features:

  • Two combined Heritage Districts
  • Queen Anne style mansions
  • Rustic Ontario cottages
  • Well preserved, and not gentrified
  • Victoria Park is found within the borders of Woodfield

Memorable or unique characteristic(s):

  • Victorian neighbourhood
  • Porches with neighbours who know each other well
  • Bustling, historic community
  • The Woodfield Association is strong and vibrant
  • Most homes built between late 1800s and early 1900s
  • Numerous annual events
  • Two published books involving the neighbourhood: “Residential to the Core” and “Woodfield Cooks”

Development:

  • A few new buildings have emerged
  • Encouraging developers to incorporate new structures while maintaining the uniqueness of the existing neighbourhood

Demographics:

  • Lord Roberts French Immersion School exists in the heart of the community, thus an increasing amount of families choose Woodfield
  • “The Children of Woodfield” was recently launched, which encourages children to work with the existing council, but have a separate budget/meeting/events for themselves
  • Woodfield residents vary in age, income, gender, etc – making it a great place to live

Additional Comments:
http://www.historicwoodfield.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HistoricWoodfield/
https://twitter.com/WoodfieldLdn

Submitted by: Lincoln McCardle

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rj5hMHKjFs

Map: http://bit.ly/2cIwBZE