From the Archives
Woodbridge: Seven Decades of Growth and Transformation
The City of Vaughan’s archives house more than 600 collections dating from the early 1700s to the present day. Within these files are the stories of how Vaughan evolved from the traditional territories of the First Peoples of Turtle Island to the bustling city it is today.
Let’s look back at our history and share the stories of the people, places and moments that helped shape the city we know today. This month’s feature looks back on more than 70 years of growth and transformation in Woodbridge, tracing the community's evolution from a historic village into one of Vaughan's largest and most vibrant communities.
Long before European settlement, the area was home to Indigenous Peoples. Beginning in 1802, the British Crown granted land in Vaughan Township to early settlers, and a community gradually developed around several mills along the Humber River. In 1837, Rowland Burr – often referred to as the founder of Woodbridge – laid out the village plan. The community adopted the name Woodbridge in 1855, replacing the earlier name of Burwick. Local lore attributes the name Woodbridge to a wooden bridge crossing the Humber River.
Woodbridge continued to grow throughout the 19th century. By 1882, the community’s population had grown to more than 1,000 residents and was incorporated as a village. The arrival of the Toronto, Grey and Bruce Railway in 1870, along with the expansion of local industries, helped establish Woodbridge as a thriving economic centre.
The community faced one of its greatest challenges in 1954 when Hurricane Hazel devastated the Humber River Valley, the natural river corridor that runs through Woodbridge. Despite this tragedy, the community demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebuilding and continuing to grow. As the population increased, major infrastructure improvements supported development, including enhancements to Highway 7 and the construction of new residential subdivisions.
The decades that followed marked a period of significant growth and transformation. Residential neighbourhoods expanded, local businesses flourished and Woodbridge evolved into a thriving urban community. In 1971, Woodbridge became part of the newly formed Town of Vaughan, which was incorporated as the City of Vaughan in 1991.
Today, Woodbridge is home to more than 100,000 residents. Looking back on 70 years of change offers an opportunity to reflect on the people, perseverance and shared history that have shaped its past and continue to inspire its future.
VIEW VAUGHAN'S ARCHIVES ONLINE!
Looking for more information about the history of Vaughan? The City's Archival Collection is on digital display for all to explore! The following galleries are available in the City's online gallery on Flickr:
From Township to City: The Evolution of Vaughan
Historical Families of Vaughan
Historical Photography
Past Mayors of Vaughan
Prohibition in Vaughan
Recollections of Rural Vaughan
The Great Depression in Vaughan
The Mary Wood Collection
The Way We Were: Representations of Vaughan's Past
Vaughan’s Forgotten Heroes
Vaughan Lodge Fonds
Vaughan Working Environments
Vaughan Through the Ages: Medicine, Music and Sports and Recreation
and more!
A personal Flickr account is not required to access the City's online gallery, which contains only a small selection of the full archives collection. If you are looking for a particular image, original file, primary source record or more, please visit the Archival Database or contact the City by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing archives@vaughan.ca.
By managing and preserving both City and community records, the City’s Enterprise Information Management Services team ensures that Vaughan's rich and varied history will continue to be available for future generations. Learn more at vaughan.ca/archives.
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