The Victorian Village of Waterdown is a historical village dating back to the 1790s that has grown to include modern amenities and services. Situated on top of the Niagara Escarpment, it has easy proximity to the Greater Toronto Area and transportation hubs. Major events are staged each year by service clubs, Waterdown Village Theatre and agricultural groups.
There is a long First nations history in the region as far back as 7,500 BCE. Neutral First Nations occupied the area until they were decimated by European diseases and also the Huron-Iroquois War of 1650.
The American Revolution brought an influx of United Empire Loyalists to the area in the late 1700s. The first settler in Waterdown was Alexander Brown. He built a sawmill at the top of the Great Falls, also known as Grindstone Creek Falls or Smokey Hollow Falls in 1805. In 1823, Ebenezer Griffin purchased half of Brown’s property. He had the property surveyed into village lots in 1830. Griffin is also credited with giving Waterdown its name. Several mills sprang up along Grindstone Creek. It was this early industrialization that spurred Waterdown’s growth in the 19th century.
In 1879, Waterdown was severed from the Township of East Flamborough and it was incorporated as a Village. It remained its own municipality until it was absorbed into the Township of Flamborough in 1974. In 2001, the City of Hamilton absorbed its outlying communities including Waterdown.
Natural attractions include the Great Falls, wetland trails, and the Bruce Trail. Other attractions and events are the Rotary Haunted House, Village Theatre, and Rib Fest. There are many historical buildings such as the American House, Library / old Town Hall, and private residences.
Convenient shopping is found in the Village core and also at Clappison’s Corners. The North Wentworth Community Centre provides hockey rinks.
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The Grindstone Creek Falls at Smokey Hollow once powered mills in the 19th century and created economic growth in Waterdown. They are easily accessible from Waterdown Road. |
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Memorial Hall was constructed at the end of World War I. Today it houses the Waterdown Village Theatre. Village Theatre (Waterdown) Inc. 317 Dundas Street East, PO Box 1330 Waterdown, Ontario, L0R 2H0 Phone: 905-690-7889 |
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The American House is an important historic landmark dating to the mid-nineteenth century. Today it is a popular restaurant sitting in the heart of Waterdown. The American House 324 Dundas Street East Waterdown, Ontario, L0R 2H0 Phone: 905-690-1058 |
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Waterdown boasts many churches. This photo is of Knox Presbyterian Church at the corner of Mill and Church Streets. Knox Presbyterian Church 80 Mill St. North Waterdown, Ontario, L0R 2H0 Phone: 905 689-8115 |
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Grace Anglican Church situated between Mill and Main Streets. Grace Anglican Church 157 Mill Street North, P.O. Box 727 Waterdown, Ontario, L0R 2H0 |
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Hamilton Public Library Waterdown branch is located in the former East Flamborough Town Hall. Hamilton Public Library Mill Street (just north of Dundas Street) Waterdown, Ontario |
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There are dozens of heritage buildings throughout the core area of Waterdown. This cluster houses modern businesses. |
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Many venerable heritage homes are still in use today. They contribute to Waterdown’s reputation as a Victorian Village. |
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For the book lover looking for something unique, Pickwick Books features new, used and collectible books. Pickwick Books 325 Dundas St. E, Waterdown Ontario, L0R2H5 Phone: 905-690-0632 |
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Traditional British pub fare is found at the Royal Coachman on Dundas Street at Main Street. The Royal Coachman 1 Main Street North, Waterdown, Ontario, L0R 2H0 Phone: 905-689-5952 |
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Casual dining is available at the Village Fish & Chips shop on Main Street next to The Royal Coachman Pub. |
