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Deep in the heart of Ontario lies a small community rich with history and Canadian heritage. Woodbridge, Ontario was officially established in 1855 when the post office first opened as a result of growing population and industry. The settlement was developed around the Humber River, with perfect conditions for agriculture, which resulted in a thriving farming community.

In its early days, Woodbridge was mainly centred around farming and the Rowland Burr’s Mill. After the success of the mill, the owner later built two more mills, and the community began developing. In 1874, John Abell settled in the community and established the Abell Agricultural Works. This factory proved to be successful, and at its peak, it employed over 200 people. As the success of the factory increased, the community developed, and in the early 1880’s, the town was the site of two general stores, a watchmaker, two newspapers, the Burwick Hotel, and many other businesses. By 1882, the town of Woodbridge had established a local government, and was able to boast a population of over 1000. This success, however, was severely hit in the late 1880’s, when the Abell Agricultural Works plant was moved closer to Toronto.

The decline in population after John Abell moved his factory was significant, but the town’s economy fought to stay alive, and after the first World War, with the development of new roads, it was able to survive the slight recession. The replacement of the old toll roads, and the development of the new Highway 7 in the 1930s made the town more accessible, as well as the development of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1908, which included a railway station right in the town.

In the 1950’s, the push for Toronto suburban development made Woodbridge an ideal location for new housing.These housing developments were a popular trend, and resulted in 10 new sub-divisions in the area that stretched north up to Langstaff Road, and as far south as where the current Highway 407 is located.

Today, Woodbridge remains a diverse community, with a mix of history and hope for the future. With companies like Falconcrest Homes contributing to the development of communities with their high demand homes, such as the latest “sold out” community The Residences at Pebble Creek, and many more of their successful, and highly popular communities, it is proof that you can take a tiny little settlement in the early 1800’s to an amalgamation of 5 former hamlets, and survive through the decades.

For more information about the past and present communities Falconcrest Homes has and continues to build, be sure to check out their website here.