Introduction

Forrest Moore Coat of Alarms

Title: Aylmer Town Council - New Coat of Arms
Date:
1971
Part Of:
St. Thomas Times-Journal fonds- Aylmer Town Council file
Caption:
In 1971, the Town of Aylmer, as part of preparations for its centennial the following year, had the town's coat of arms made by Mullins of Dublin Ltd., Ireland. The crest is that of Baron John Frederick Whitworth Aylmer, a former Governor General of Canada. Seen here selecting a good location for displaying the plaque is Aylmer Mayor Forrest Moore and Clerk's Stenographer Mrs. Jim (Phyllis) Ketchabaw
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The formal history of Aylmer can be traced back to 1835 when the hamlet, then known as either Hodgkinson's Corners or Troy, was re-named Aylmer in honour of the Governor of Canada.

The community grew and in 1852 was designated a Police Village, and then formally incorporated as a Village in January 1872. Between 1872 and 1880, Aylmer's population increased from 850 to 1400, while the total assessment of the village rose from $38,500 in 1865 to $410,000 in 1877.

By 1886, the village had exceeded a population of 2,000 residents and therefore had qualified to be incorporated as a town. The Act of Incorporation was put into effect on January 1st, 1887. Increasing numbers of businesses began to open in Aylmer, although some industries, such as canning and tobacco grew and then declined. The town's ever-increasing population resulted in the creation of local schools and churches. The Second World War saw the coming of The Royal Canadian Air Force to Aylmer as they established a training centre within the town, which later became the site of the Ontario Police College.

The town now has 7,151 residents according to the 2011 census and in 2007 Aylmer was a finalist winner of the national Communities in Bloom competition. This exhibit aims to celebrate the 125 year history of the Town of Aylmer and look forward to the next 125 years.