The Commercial Hotel in Uxbridge:

A Journey Through Time and Transformation

The Commercial Hotel on Brock St before it was moved to its present day location. Photographer Unknown, taken from the Growing Up In Uxbridge Facebook Group.

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Nestled in the heart of Uxbridge, Ontario, The Commercial Hotel stands as a symbol of resilience, history, and community transformation. With roots dating back to 1868, this iconic building has undergone dramatic changes over the decades—each chapter telling a unique story about Uxbridge’s evolving culture and heritage.

From Humble Beginnings: The Original Commercial Hotel (1868)

The story of The Commercial Hotel begins over 150 years ago on Brock Street East, just east of Main Street. Built in 1868, the structure quickly became an integral part of town life, initially functioning as a hotel, a livery stable, and later a home. It was more than just architecture; it was a cornerstone of the community’s daily rhythm. This location served as a bustling hub for travellers and townsfolk alike, offering lodging and care for horses—an essential service in a pre-automobile era.

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The Commercial Hotel on Brock St before it was moved to its present day location. Photographer Unknown, taken from the Growing Up In Uxbridge Facebook Group.

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A Monument on the Move: Saving a Historic Landmark (1981–1982)

By the early 1980s, the building faced demolition. But in an extraordinary act of preservation, the town chose to relocate the entire structure in November 1981 rather than lose it forever. The move was nothing short of a feat—raising the historic building and transporting it to its current location at 37 Main Street North.

By 1982, the site began a new chapter with the development of Trinity Manor Apartments,—a 40-unit apartment complex designed specifically for independent senior living. Though the building had moved, its spirit and historical integrity remained intact.

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Photo taken Al Dunlop, photographer for the Toronto Star shows the building being moved west along Brock Street

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Trinity Manor Apartments,

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The Hobby Horse Arms Era: A Beloved Local Pub and Scotch Haven

For many years, the Commercial Hotel building housed one of Uxbridge’s most cherished establishments: The Hobby Horse Arms. This venue wasn’t just a pub—it was a community cornerstone and a destination for scotch lovers across the GTA, boasting one of the largest single malt scotch collections in the region.

Visitors could enjoy a cozy meal at the pub located on the lower level, complete with a sun-soaked patio during the summer months. Upstairs, a Wine Bar offered a more refined ambiance and could be reserved for private parties and special events, making it a beloved venue for celebrations of all kinds.

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The Commercial Hotel – 1868 in its present day location on Main Street.

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A New Chapter: Main Street Pools (2020–Present)

In 2020, after many decades of vibrant service to both locals and visitors, the building turned another page in its story. It was sold and transformed into Main Street Pools, which now occupies this landmark space. Today, Main Street Pools continues to serve the community, albeit in a very different way—offering high-quality pool products and services from the very location that has witnessed more than a century of local evolution.

Escaping Destruction a Second Time

Then, in May of 2022, the Commercial Hotel once again proved its resilience. When a tornado tore through Uxbridge, leaving destruction in its wake, the historic building narrowly escaped serious damage. It stood tall amid the chaos—a testament to its enduring structure and the care taken to preserve it over the years.

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Why The Commercial Hotel Matters

What makes The Commercial Hotel so special isn’t just its age or its unique journey across town. It’s the way this building has continuously adapted to meet the changing needs of the Uxbridge community. Whether it was hosting weary travelers in the 1800s, offering fine scotch and warm meals in the 2000s, or helping families build backyard oases today, the building has always been more than just bricks and mortar.

FAQs about The Commercial Hotel in Uxbridge

1. When was The Commercial Hotel originally built?
It was built in 1868 on Brock Street East, just east of Main Street.

2. Why was the building moved in 1981?
The building was moved to avoid demolition and to preserve a piece of Uxbridge history.

3. Where is The Commercial Hotel located now?
It currently sits at 37 Main Street North in Uxbridge.

4. What was the Hobby Horse Arms?
It was a popular pub and wine bar known for having one of the largest single malt scotch collections in the Greater Toronto Area.

5. What is the building used for today?
As of 2020, it houses Main Street Pools, a business offering pool services and products.

6. What are Trinity Manor Apartments?
They are a 40-unit apartment complex built behind the relocated Commercial Hotel, designed for seniors living independently.

Conclusion: A Legacy Still Standing

The Commercial Hotel may no longer host guests under its original name, but its legacy endures in the walls of 37 Main Street North. Through every transformation—from hotel to a home, pub to pool shop—it has reflected the heartbeat of Uxbridge. It reminds us that while times may change, the soul of a community is often rooted in the stories and structures of its past.

Learn more of Uxbridge’s History by checking out of Uxbridge History Blog

Photographer Unknown,  taken from the Growing Up In Uxbridge Facebook Group.