Get to know Ontario, CA

Ontario is a San Bernardino County city 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.  In 1881, brothers George and William Chaffey purchased the land and water rights to the land of present day Ontario.  They named the new town in honor of the Canadian province where they were born.  The area attracted farmers and settlers looking for a drier climate.  A fountain was placed at the Southern Pacific station and turned on when passenger trains approached.  This Chaffey fountain was meant to impress and attract potential settlers.  It would be turned off once the passenger train departed.  The Chaffey brothers left to found settlements in Australia and left Charles Frankish to continue the work in Ontario.  The early economy relied on agriculture.  The city was incorporated in 1891 and experienced rapid growth in the 20th century.  It developed a strong manufacturing base during World War II.  Today service industries and warehousing dominate the economy.  Ontario is also the home of The Icee Company, and the largest employer is the Ontario International Airport.

Quick Facts

Population: 168,218

Median Household Income: $54,114

Median Property Value: $268,500