The Uxbridge Farmers Co-op

A Legacy of Community and Change

For nearly a century, the Uxbridge Farmers Co-op stood as a vital hub for the agricultural and local community. What began as a modest initiative by local farmers in 1915 eventually became a bustling complex of services that supported the town’s growth through much of the 20th century.

Uxbridge CO-OP PHOTO CREDIT: Jill Denovan Photography

Humble Beginnings

Formed in 1915 under the name Uxbridge Farmers’ Co-operative of Ontario, the organization began with a single coal shed at the corner of Brock and Victoria Streets. This original building was eventually purchased from Harvey J. Gould and served as the foundation for what would become a much larger enterprise.

History of the Uxbridge Farmer’s Co-op

Uxbridge Farmer’s Co-op got its start in Uxbridge in 1915 as the Uxbridge Farmer’s of Ontario (UCO).  During the 50’s and 60’s the Co-op seen its biggest growth.  In 1951 a building at the corner of Brock Street and Victoria was opened. Then in 1957 the Co-op opened its largest expansion, which included 6 grain silos, a feed mill and a feed warehouse.

Uxbridge Farmer’s Co-operative. Photo courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: J. Peter Hvidsten Page 98

A Period of Rapid Growth

The 1950s and 1960s marked a golden era for the Co-op. In April 1951, construction began on a new building, and by October, a new store was officially opened. This was just the beginning. In 1956, a major expansion added six grain silos, a feed mill, and a feed warehouse near the railway tracks—essential infrastructure that opened in May 1957 and significantly boosted local agricultural productivity.

Then, in 1960, the Co-op underwent further renovations and expansions, opening a larger grocery and hardware store in partnership with the Red & White food store franchise. This move solidified its place not only as a resource for farmers, but also as a convenient shopping destination for the wider Uxbridge community.

Adapting to the Times

In 1965, members voted to integrate more closely with a broader network by becoming a branch of the United Co-operatives of Ontario. A few years later, in 1968, the facilities underwent a facelift, and the grocery store re-opened under a new name: the Super Save Market—reflecting the shifting trends of the retail world.

Uxbridge Farmer’s Co-operative. Photo courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: J. Peter Hvidsten Page 98

A Quiet End and New Beginnings

Despite its long and successful history, the Uxbridge Co-op eventually succumbed to the changing times. It closed and was abandoned in 2005. By 2010, the once-busy buildings were demolished. Although initial plans called for an office complex, financial difficulties stalled progress.

Finally, in 2015, the property found new life when it was purchased again. Construction began in 2019, giving rise to the building that stands on the site today—a quiet yet enduring testament to the land’s long legacy of serving the people of Uxbridge.

The following photos taken from Google Street view taken in July 2009 show the structures just before they were demolished in 2010.

Remembering the Co-op

The Uxbridge Farmers Co-op was more than just a store or a mill—it was a cornerstone of community, cooperation, and rural resilience. While the physical structures may be gone, their story remains a lasting part of Uxbridge’s rich and evolving history.

Source and Photo Credits

Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: J. Peter Hvidsten

Uxbridge Landmarks Past and Present by: J. Peter Hvidsten

Jill Denovan Photography