Old South / Wortley Village
The neighbourhood of Old South/Wortley Village
In 2014, Old South was the feature neighbourhood for the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario’s (ACO) annual Geranium Walk house tour. The walking tour encourages people to observe and admire the streetscapes and the exterior and interior of featured heritage homes in the district.
 
There are great restaurants and shopping Wortley Village. Among the highlights are:
 
  • Curiosities Gift Shop 147 Wortley Road – specializing in Canadian made and handmade jewellery, clothing, and gifts. Also, one of the best card selections in the City

  • Black Walnut Bakery Café 134 Wortley Road – amazing locally roasted coffee, light lunches, and treats

  • Old South Village Pub 149 Wortley Road – a great gathering place for friends and families to enjoy a meal and drink. They have a great pizza oven and good selection of beers

  • Quarter Master Natural Foods 176 Wortley Road – the place to buy health food and natural care products

  • Yoga Shack 154 Bruce Street – the most inviting and friendly yoga studios you will ever encounter
 
Home to Wortley Road Public School among other great schools and Early Childhood Learning facilities, Old South/Wortley Village is a wonderful neighbourhood for growing families.
Old South is a beautiful character neighbourhood that was voted “Best Neighbourhood in Canada” in 2013 by the Canadian Institute of Planners. The area spans from Wellington Road to Wharncliffe Road and from Commissioners Road to the Thames River is considered Old South. Wortley Village is contained within Old South near the corners of Craig Street and Bruce Street.
The homes of Old South are typically early 20th century brick homes with a good assortment of local yellow brick and imported red brick. The neighbourhood has a beautiful old growth tree canopy and plenty of green space for families and for those who like to walk.
 
It borders on the Thames River which connects to bike lanes that run throughout the city along the river and through the woods. It is likely one of the most dog friendly neighbourhoods in the City. Also within it’s boundaries is Thames Park and Pool which is a wonderful play area for children with an amazing outdoor public pool, diving well, and wading pool.
 
One of the great features of the Village is the Normal School which was built in 1898 as a teachers college. This beautiful building dominates over the expansive Village Green where favourite annual Gathering on the Green is held every summer.
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