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September 10, 2026Sources cited
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Hornby

Hornby is a place name used in Canada, most commonly referring to a community in Halton Hills, Ontario, and to Hornby Island in British Columbia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hornby is a place name used to refer to multiple localities in Canada. The name is most commonly associated with a community in Halton Hills, Ontario, and with Hornby Island in British Columbia. Because it is shared, the term Hornby requires additional context to identify the specific location.

Ambiguity of the name

Hornby is a shared place name in Canada, so identification depends on context. The main Canadian references are Hornby, Ontario, and Hornby Island, British Columbia.

Hornby, Ontario

Hornby is a community in the town of Halton Hills, Ontario, within Halton Region. It is located in the Trafalgar Township area and described as a small settlement.

Hornby Island, British Columbia

Hornby Island is one of the northernmost Gulf Islands in British Columbia, near Vancouver Island. It had a population of 1,225 in the 2021 census. The island was renamed in 1850 to honour British Rear Admiral Phipps Hornby. It is known for beaches and arts-related tourism.

Key facts

  • Hornby is not a single uniquely identifiable Canadian town name; it refers to more than one place in Canada.
  • Hornby, Ontario is a community in the town of Halton Hills, in Halton Region.
  • Hornby Island, British Columbia is a Gulf Island near Vancouver Island in the Strait of Georgia.
  • Hornby Island had 1,225 residents in the 2021 census.
  • Hornby Island was renamed in 1850 to honour British Rear Admiral Phipps Hornby.
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Canadian context

Hornby is relevant to Canadian readers because it is used for two Canadian localities: Hornby, Ontario, and Hornby Island, British Columbia.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hornby in Canada?
Hornby is a place name used for more than one Canadian location, including a community in Halton Hills, Ontario, and Hornby Island in British Columbia.
Is Hornby a town?
Not uniquely. The name refers to multiple Canadian places, so it is not a single distinct town without additional context.
Where is Hornby, Ontario?
Hornby is a community in the town of Halton Hills, in Ontario’s Halton Region.
Where is Hornby Island?
Hornby Island is in British Columbia, near Vancouver Island, in the Gulf Islands of the Strait of Georgia.
How many people live on Hornby Island?
The 2021 census gave Hornby Island a population of 1,225.
Why is Hornby Island called Hornby?
It was renamed in 1850 to honour British Rear Admiral Phipps Hornby.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornby
    Supports: Lists Canadian uses of the place name Hornby, including Hornby, Ontario.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornby_Island
    Supports: Identifies Hornby Island as a British Columbia Gulf Island and gives population context.
  3. Mindat.org — https://www.mindat.org/feature-7871324.html
    Supports: Provides Hornby, Ontario location coordinates and classification as a populated place in Ontario.
  4. Visit Halton Hills — https://www.visithaltonhills.ca/en/index.aspx
    Supports: States Hornby is located at the south end of Halton Hills.
  5. Islands Trust — https://islandstrust.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/01hocommunityprofile.pdf
    Supports: States Hornby Island was renamed in 1850 to honour Rear Admiral Phipps Hornby and provides community profile details.