A Look Back at the Uxbridge Municipal Office

Located at 51 Toronto Street South, right in the heart of Uxbridge, the current Uxbridge Municipal Office is a building that carries with it a rich history of education, architecture, and civic pride.

From Schoolhouse to Town Hall

The building we know today as the municipal office was originally constructed in 1958 as St. Joseph’s Separate School, serving generations of local students. As Uxbridge grew, so did the school population, and in 1990, St. Joseph’s relocated to its new home on Quaker Village Drive. With the school vacated, the building was given a second life.

Extensive renovations and a thoughtfully designed addition transformed the old school into the beautiful Town Hall we see today. The redesign preserved elements of the past while making room for a modern municipal facility to serve the community’s needs.

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The above photo courtesy of the Uxbridge Times-Journal taken in 1961 shows the newly constructed St Joseph’s Separate School.

Honouring Joseph Gould

The original school playground, located to the north of the school, is now the location of the council chambers. Before becoming part of the school grounds in the early 1960s, this land was the site of the stately home of Joseph Gould, a significant figure in Uxbridge’s early development. The home was demolished in 1961–62 to make room for the growing needs of St. Joseph’s School.

Read about the Home of Joseph Gould in our blog.

The Home of Joseph Gould

Photo courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days, by Peter Hvidsten

An Artistic Landscape

Over the years, the grounds surrounding the Uxbridge Municipal Office have seen extensive landscaping, including lush greenery, seasonal plantings, and a rotating display of sculptures by local artists. These public art installations add character and charm, creating a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.

Past Homes of Uxbridge Council

Before settling at 51 Toronto Street South, the Township of Uxbridge’s administrative offices had several other homes:

• 20 Bascom Street: After the Times Journal newspaper moved out in 1975, the township took over the building. The main level housed the township offices, while the lower level became home to the local police department.

• 12 Spruce Street: Prior to Bascom Street, the municipal offices were located at this address, though few traces of that era remain today.

• Market Hall: In the late 1800s, council meetings were held on the upper level of the Market Hall, a prominent building that once stood at the northeast corner of Brock Street and Toronto Street—a location central to Uxbridge’s early civic life.

A Living Piece of Uxbridge History

Today, the Uxbridge Municipal Office stands as more than just an administrative building. It’s a place where history, community, and civic engagement come together. From its origins as a school to its transformation into Town Hall, and with roots reaching back to prominent residents like Joseph Gould, this building reflects the spirit and evolution of Uxbridge itself.

Read more about the History in Uxbridge by visiting our Uxbridge History Blog.

Source and Photos

Uxbridge Times-Journal

Uxbridge The Good Old Days, by Peter Hvidsten