Vision
Our Downtown is London’s first neighbourhood, a vibrant mix of history, commerce, residents, visitors, and unique experiences.
MainStreet London (MSL) is a non-profit downtown revitalization organization. Our goal is to help you transform your great idea into a great business in Downtown London. Whether it is through our programs, or working with partners like London Economic Development Corporation, London Small Business Centre, the City of London, and many others, we have the resources, knowledge, and supports to ensure that your business can thrive in Downtown London.
If you are a downtown property owner interested in improving your building and/or attracting new tenants, or helping your existing tenant to grow their businesses, we are here to help you too!
Key Stats and Facts
Over the last five years, the population of London, Ont., grew at the fastest rate in Ontario and the fourth fastest in the country, Statistics Canada reported, a remarkable uptick fuelled primarily by increased international migration and intra-provincial migration.
Currently there are over 58,000 (33,700 households and growing) people living, or within a 15 minute walk of the downtown core area. There are another 2,100 units under construction in the downtown core that will be completed by the end of 2023 with an additional 1,200+ new units that are proposed to start by 2024, with many more units planned and additional announcements to come.
London is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada.
It brings the city’s population to 422,324 in 2021, up 10 per cent from 383,822 when the last census was conducted in 2016, with notable population growth of 12 per cent specifically in the city’s downtown.
(CBC News, February 2022)
Downtown Residents
Downtown residents are segmented into three broad categories: young professionals, empty nesters, and young families.
Median household income: $71,873.
48% are 20-39 years old.
What attracts this group: unique events and experiences such as our amazing festivals, street parties on Dundas Place; great places to eat and relax; the vibrant nightlife; and the easy access to green spaces and bike trails. Downtown London is surrounded by amenities that are enjoyed by everyone in London and especially those that live in the core.
Downtown Workers
Largest sectors: Municipal, Finance, Insurance, Technology, Education, and Real Estate.
What attracts this group: both traditional and creative office spaces; plenty of after work options for dining and entertainment; grab-and-go meals; easy access to parks and greenspace; and wonderful patios and places to eat outside.
Downtown Students
Fanshawe College: 2,500+ students; 300+ faculty.
London International Academy: 350 International secondary students.
Western University: opening a new satellite campus downtown with 13 different programs, scheduled to open in fall 2023.
What attracts this group: original places to eat; vibrant nightlife; social hubs and study spaces.
Downtown Visitors
Downtown London attracted 2.7 million visitors pre-Covid. Now that we are seeing an increase in conventions, public events, festivals, concerts, and sporting events return in a big way, visitors love our unique and authentic restaurants, shopping, and extraordinary entertainment found only in the Downtown core.
What attracts this group: a vibrant nightlife, unique events and experiences; amazing restaurants; destination stores and one-of-a-kind retail.
Downtown London is diverse, growing, and welcoming. This is the location for your business.
Work with us
MainStreet London is focused on a single mission – to grow a diverse mix of new and existing businesses in London’s downtown. Whether you need a few contacts or full-service mentorship, we’re here for you.
Starting or expanding a business is complex. We can help simplify it, with everything from big picture support to the fine details. Our services include:
- Facilitating access to grants and loans to improve and beautify your new space
- Referrals to supports and resources for business owners
- System navigation and roadblock removal
- Professional Development and learning
- Peer-to-peer networking
- Connect you with a local entrepreneurial ecosystem and community of entrepreneurs
When you choose a downtown location you become a member of the Downtown London BIA and its vibrant business community. For more information about the advantages to being a downtown business owner, click here to visit downtownlondon.ca