ARRC Project Area: Ontario California

Founded as a Model Colony, based on innovation, planned development, community service and family values, the City of Ontario has become the economic heart of the region. The City Council is committed to maintaining Ontario's leadership role in the Inland Empire by continuing to invest in the growth and evolution of the area's economy while providing a balance of jobs, housing, and educational and recreational opportunities for our residents in a safe, well-maintained community.!

Ontario was first developed as an agricultural community, largely but not exclusively devoted to citrus. A few of the lovely Victorian "grove houses" still survive, relics of the days when growers could pretend that they were living the graceful lives of the old Spanish dons—until it came time for harvest. Even though the groves have gone from the West End, Ontario is still close to the "ton-mile center" of the industry. In addition to oranges, the production of peaches, walnuts, lemons and grapes was also important to the growth of Ontario and the adjoining city of Upland.

Ontario offers a variety of entertainment options for the entire family to enjoy. Ontario is home to the 1.7 million square foot Ontario Mills— Southern California’s largest outlet shopping mall and entertainment center and one of its largest tourist attractions.Ontario’s brand new, state-of-the-art 11,000-seat Citizens Business Bank Arena features concerts, family shows and a variety of sporting events. The new arena is situated adjacent to Piemonte at Ontario Center, Ontario’s new lifestyle center which will incorporate luxury retail, dining and hospitality options in additional to urban living components.

Young, Affluent Community

  • Population: 173,690
    47.0% Hispanic
    30.9% Caucasian
    3.9% Asian
    0.5% African American
    0.4% Pacific Islander
    0.1% Native American
    17.2% Other
  • 2010 Population - 163,924
    2000 Population - 158,007
    1990 Population - 133,170
  • Area: 50 sq miles
  • Location:

Location, Location, Location

  • 35 miles East of Los Angeles

Education & Workforce

  • Proximity to 22 colleges/universities

Quality of Life

  • Close to 600 acres of parkland
  • Miles of hiking and riding trails
  • Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve
  • City/community events