Downtown is the City of London’s dynamic core offering everything from a vibrant cultural and entertainment district, scenic parks and beautiful Thames River views to a robust business ecosystem and diverse talent pool that offers an unparalleled quality of life. London’s downtown is one of the city’s rapidly growing areas with a population of 11,513, a 15.34% increase from 2023. Additionally, downtown has more than 1400 businesses, employing over 40,000 employees in the areas of retail, food service, hotels, personal care, medical technologies, creative and digital technologies and is a regional hub for financial, legal and professional services. Downtown is made up of a diverse mix of small, medium, and large businesses, from large employers, like Canada Life to award-winning small businesses, like London Bicycle Cafe.
Known as the Forest City and designated as UNESCO’s City of Music, the City of London’s downtown is home to four parks (Victoria Park, Harris Park, Ivey Park, and Ann Street Park) offering spaces for hiking, relaxing, and events. Downtown is a significant contributor to London’s reputation as a City of Music, offering both large and small music venues (Canada Life Place, London Music Hall, Centennial Hall, Rosewood Room, The Holy Diver, Poacher’s Arms, Richmond Tavern, Toboggan Brewing Co and Winks) as well as hosting major cultural and musical festivals, such as Rock the Park in Harris Park and Sunfest in Victoria Park. With hundreds of thousands of visitors downtown each year and a diverse population that includes young families, seniors, newcomers, immigrants, students, and employees, Downtown London stands out as one of the city’s most unique and exciting places. It offers one-of-a-kind shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, reflecting the vibrant and inclusive spirit of the community.
