Leila Elizabeth Hare was the first baby born in London in 2018. Photo courtesy of the London Health Sciences Centre. Leila Elizabeth Hare was the first baby born in London in 2018. Photo courtesy of the London Health Sciences Centre.
London

London's New Year Baby One Of Eight

With seven older siblings, the first baby born in London in 2018 will have to get used to big celebrations.

Leila Elizabeth Hare joined her five brothers and two sisters, in addition to the rest of the world, at 12:20am on Monday at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). She weighed 8lbs, 15oz, despite being born nearly three weeks early to parents Esther Varfee and Ian Hare.

As the New Year's baby, Leila received a large gift basket from the pharmacist-owners of London and area Shoppers Drug Mart stores. A teddy bear, a handcrafted baby blanket, and a certificate for a free photo shoot were also given to the family by the Children’s Health Foundation, the London Health Sciences Foundation, and the volunteers at Debut Baby Photos.

Roughly 5,800 newborns are delivered every year at the LHSC.

Read More Local Stories

New military crosswalk rendering. (Image courtesy of the Sarnia Legion Branch 62)

New military crosswalk in Sarnia to be unveiled

As part of a partnership between the Sarnia Legion Branch 62 and City of Sarnia, an unveiling ceremony will be held at the corner of Christina Street and Wellington Street on Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m.

Members of the Sarnia Police Service entering a Tashmoo Avenue residence on June 4, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Sarnia Police Service)

Two men arrested in Tashmoo Ave. standoff

Sarnia police said the investigation began on May 29 after the victim was allegedly attacked by acquaintances at a residence near Tashmoo Avenue and Christopher Drive at Aamjiwnaang First Nation.