Brock Street East (South Side)

The heart of Uxbridge has always been its downtown, and few streets capture the community’s character and resilience like Brock Street East. Here are two photographs—one from 1970 and another from 2022—we can step back in time and watch over half a century of transformation unfold.

A Bustling Scene in 1970

The first image provides a window into the past, revealing the bustling storefronts lining the south side of Brock Street, just west of Bascom Street, in 1970.

• Canadian Tire proudly anchors the left side of the scene,

• followed by Davie Rexall Drug Store,

• and the newly reconstructed Moore’s Pro Hardware Store, standing tall after rising from the ashes of a devastating fire.

Between these shops, a vacant space once housed Uxbridge Cleaners and Dyers, while Len’s Convenience Store and Dyson’s Meat Market rounded out this vibrant block.

Photos courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: J. Peter Hvidsten

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The 1969 Fire

Just a year earlier, in March 1969, a fierce blaze engulfed Moore’s Hardware Store. As captured in the dramatic photo of the fire, flames threatened to erase a cornerstone of Brock Street commerce. Thanks to the swift and courageous efforts of the local fire department, the surrounding buildings were spared, allowing the community to preserve its essential charm and spirit.

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Brock Street Today

Fast forward to the photo taken in 2022, and the same block of stores shines in the warm glow of a summer afternoon.

• On the left, Getaway Travel, Uxbridge Tailoring, The Lemonade Stand, Cycle Solutions, and Mondo Hair Salon welcome visitors with a fresh energy.

• On the right side, Royal LePage Frank Real Estate and Col. McGradys Pub & Grill anchor the evolving streetscape.

The once-central building has made way for progress, with space cleared for a new culvert beneath Brock Street—an upgrade ensuring that the heart of Uxbridge continues to thrive for decades to come.

Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future

These photographs side by side tell more than the story of buildings; they illustrate the perseverance of a community. Brock Street East remains a place where history and progress meet—a reminder that while storefronts change, the spirit of Uxbridge endures.

Want to learn more about the history in Uxbridge?  Follow our blogs Uxbridge History and Uxbridge Historic Homes