One of London's most popular neighbourhoods, Oakridge is located in west London.
Oakridge was one of several new suburban neighbourhoods that grew out of London's annexation with several surrounding areas in 1961.
Many residents of Oakridge have owned the same properties since the 60's and would never consider living anywhere else. And who could blame them? Their homes are typically updated, well maintained and located on sprawling lots with large mature trees. There are several areas within Oakridge including Oakridge Acres, Oakridge Park, Hazelden Park, Hunt Club (because of its proximity to the exclusive London Hunt and Country Club), Hunt Club Green and more.
Homes in Oakridge range in price from the low $200's to almost $1 million.
Oakridge is reknown for being a great neighbourhood for families, excellent schools, and close to shopping and recreational facilities.
Schools
Attractions
A little history of Oakridge
The Thames Valley Golf Course was established in 1924.
Oakridge High School was built in 1959 as a Middlesex County school. It was renamed Oakridge Secondary School when Oakridge was annexed in 1961 by the City of London.
In the 1960's, a London Free Press columnist wrote, "there seems to be an Irish flavor here, what with (streets named) Solway, Dolway, Kildare, Dunedin and to be sure, dear old Donegal".
In 1961, Oakridge saw its first major commercial development with a 34-store shopping mall constructed on the northwest corner of Oxford and Hyde Park roads; the centre was anchored by Loblaws and Woolworth stores. The developers planned to add a liquor store and Brewers Retail outlet if they could get the existing liquor laws changed.
In 1962, the Oakridge pool and arena were built. The building cost $112,000.
In spite of protests by a large number of area residents, the Ontario Municipal Board approved Oakridge's first multi-family housing project in 1972. The project included 143 townhouses and 56 apartment units at the corner of Riverside Drive and Everglade Crescent.
Between 1952 and 1967, London builder-developer Mowbray Sifton started on an 830-acre housing development in Oakridge. As early as the 1970's, Mr. Sifton planned to build a totally-planned, privately-gated residential and recreational complex that would include a golf course. In the 1990's, this became a reality when Sifton Properties began development of the 400-acre Riverbend Community (with its own golf course) just west of Oakridge for 50 plus "zoomer" home buyers.
Bus routes serving Oakridge were increased from one to three in 1975.
In 1977, the Guy Lombardo bridge was opened to connect Wonderland Road south of the Thames River to Hutton Sideroad (renamed Wonderland) north of the river. (Guy Lombardo, a native of London, often performed at Oakridge's Wonderland Gardens. Hutton House is located on Wonderland Road North.
Although the London Hunt Club has existed since 1885, the golf course in its present location first opened in 1959.
In 1957, a movement was started to preserve the area now known as the Sifton Botanical Bog. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority acquired the property from Sifton Construction in 1967.
If you have anything to share about the history of Oakridge, please let me know.
budloughlin@royallepage.ca
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