Waterdown, Ontario, a charming village nestled approximately 60 km west of downtown Toronto, is a community that beautifully blends history and modernity. Since 2001, it has been a part of the city of Hamilton, Ontario. As of 2021, Waterdown is home to approximately 24,400 residents.
Perched atop the Niagara Escarpment, the area that is now Waterdown has been inhabited for thousands of years. Evidence of Algonquin-speaking Aboriginals dating back to 7,500 BCE has been discovered by Professor John Triggs of Wilfrid Laurier University. The area was later inhabited by the Haudenosaunee following the Beaver Wars.
In 1669, French explorer Robert de la Salle followed Spencer Creek towards the Indigenous settlement of Tinawatawa, near present-day Waterdown. After the fall of New France, the region became part of the Province of Quebec, created by the British Crown. The area remained largely unaffected until the American Revolution, which led to an influx of Loyalists fleeing the American republic.
The first land grants in the area were given to Lt. Alexander MacDonell of Butler's Rangers. However, it was the arrival of entrepreneur Ebenezer Culver Griffin in 1823 that marked the true beginning of the Village of Waterdown. Griffin had his property surveyed into village lots in 1830, and the post office dates from 1840.
Waterdown was born out of the Industrial Revolution. Thanks to the plan drawn up by Ebenezer Griffin, settlers and industrialists rooted themselves in village life. Mills grew along the banks of Grindstone Creek, especially in the area known as Smokey Hollow.
Waterdown has seen significant commercial development, including the opening of an expansive YMCA facility. The population growth was approximately 28.9% between 1996 and 2001. In 2012, the average house price in Waterdown was nearly $400,000.
In 2001, Waterdown was amalgamated into Hamilton with the rest of Flamborough. Despite a local campaign to sway the government, Waterdown was amalgamated into Hamilton with the rest of Flamborough.
On August 21, 2014, the Souharissen Natural Area was dedicated in Waterdown by the Honourable David C. Onley, 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Chief Bryan Laforme and Council of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.
On September 9, 2015, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, 29th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, visited Waterdown to unveil the Queen's Bench in Memorial Park.
Waterdown, and its associated Great Falls, are located on the local portion of the Bruce Trail System in Ontario. Many national and regionally rare flora species grow in the natural areas of Waterdown.
Waterdown is also home to a hockey arena, Harry Howell Arena, which is home of the Flamborough Hockey Association, the Flamborough Girls Hockey Association, and the Flamboro Skating Club. Each July 1 weekend Waterdown hosts the Oh Canada! Ribfest, a community-focused event sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Flamborough AM and Waterdown.
