Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
Tucked just off Brock Street, the building at 20 Bascom Street has been a quiet but important fixture in Uxbridge’s downtown for nearly seven decades. Over the years, it has transformed to meet the needs of a growing community — housing everything from a bustling local newspaper to township offices, a police department, a charitable thrift shop, and now a new downtown convenience store.
From Printing Press to Pressroom Apartments
In November 1957, the Uxbridge Times Journal — the town’s trusted source for local news — moved from its former Brock Street location into a brand-new building at 20 Bascom Street. At the time, the newspaper was owned by Per and Leila Hvidsten, who oversaw both the publishing operations and the day-to-day business.
The new building was thoughtfully designed for both work and home life. The main floor featured a showroom for office supplies and typewriters, as well as office space for the newspaper staff and an apartment for the Hvidstens. Down below, the lower level buzzed with activity — home to the heavy printing presses that produced the weekly newspaper read by so many Uxbridge residents.
Township Offices and the Local Police
When the Times Journal relocated to a new home at 191 Main Street in 1975, 20 Bascom Street found new purpose. The Township of Uxbridge took over the building, transforming the main level into municipal offices while the Uxbridge Police Department operated out of the lower level.
This dual role placed 20 Bascom at the heart of community life — a hub for local governance and public service.
From Law Office to “Chances Are”
In later years, the building became home to a lawyer’s office, before transitioning once again into one of Uxbridge’s most beloved community enterprises: Chances Are.
Operated by the Uxbridge Hospital Auxiliary, Chances Are became a true recycling success story — giving new life to donated clothing, housewares, and more, with all proceeds supporting the Uxbridge Hospital.
After decades at 20 Bascom Street, Chances Are moved to its new and larger location at 2 Elgin Park Drive in December 2024, continuing its important charitable mission.
A New Chapter for 20 Bascom Street
In October 2025, 20 Bascom Street welcomed a new tenant and a new chapter: Shah’s Super Mart. This addition brought something many residents had missed — a downtown convenience store once again serving the heart of Uxbridge.
From its printing press roots to its modern role as a convenient local shop, 20 Bascom Street stands as a reminder of how Uxbridge continues to evolve — adapting its spaces to meet the needs of its people while preserving the community spirit that defines the town.
Photo Source and Credits
Historic photo courtesy of:
Hot Off The Press – History of Uxbridge Print by: J. Peter Hvidsten
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
Pictured above in 1968 is the Fred Cook Real Estate Office. The office was located behind the Library on the site of the old Bell Tower. The site is now the location of the Library addition. My parents bough the home I grew up in; in 1971 from Morley Bruce from this real estate office. In the aerial photo below, taken by Uxbridge Times-Journal reporter Graham Lightfoot in 1968 you can see the location circled behind the Library.
Toronto Street – Looking South Towards Brock Street.
In this picture of a parade proceeding down Toronto Street in 1966 you can see to the right the sign for office.
Read more on the history in Uxbridge in our Uxbridge History blog.
Source and Photo Credits: Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: J. Peter Hvidsten
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
This housing report for Kawartha Lakes includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Kawartha Lakes.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Durham, Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock.
CREA HOUSING MARKET REPORT – DECEMBER 2023
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – December 2023
This housing report for Township of Uxbridge includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Township of Uxbridge.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Durham, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
CREA HOUSING MARKET REPORT – DECEMBER 2023
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – December 2023
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
This housing report for Township of Scugog includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Township of Scugog.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Durham, Uxbridge, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes
CREA HOUSING MARKET REPORT – DECEMBER 2023
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – December 2023
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
This housing report for Durham Region includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Region of Durham.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
CREA HOUSING MARKET REPORT – DECEMBER 2023
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – December 2023
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
This housing report for Township of Brock includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Township of Brock.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Durham, Uxbridge, Scugog and the Kawartha Lakes.
CREA HOUSING MARKET REPORT – DECEMBER 2023
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – December 2023
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
This housing report for Kawartha Lakes includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Kawartha Lakes.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Durham, Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock.
CREA HOUSING MARKET REPORT – NOVEMBER 2023
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – November 2023
This housing report for Township of Uxbridge includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Township of Uxbridge.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Durham, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
CREA HOUSING MARKET REPORT – NOVEMBER 2023
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – November 2023
*Some values may vary slightly based on the exact date and time the reports were generated.
In November 2023, the real estate market experienced a shift with 39 properties listed—a 13.33% decrease from the 45 properties listed in November 2022. However, the year-to-date volume for 2023 increased to 558, reflecting a 2.01% rise from the 547 recorded in 2022.
As for property sales, November 2023 saw 19 properties changing hands—a 24.00% decrease from the 25 listings sold in November 2022. The year-to-date sales volume for 2023 decreased to 264, reflecting a 7.69% decline from the 286 transactions in 2022.
The average sales price in November 2023 surged to $1.46M, marking a substantial 21.71% increase from November 2022’s $1.20M. However, the year-to-date average sales price for 2023 is $1.33M, reflecting a modest 0.77% decrease compared to the $1.34M recorded in 2022.
Examining market dynamics, the average ask-to-sell ratio for November 2023 is 0.925, indicating a 4.46% decrease from November 2022’s 0.968 ratio. The year-to-date average ask-to-sell ratio for 2023 is 0.990, showing a 6.50% decrease from the 1.058 ratio in 2022. These figures highlight the evolving trends in both listing and selling dynamics within the real estate market.
Quick Review
New Listings – November 2023
New Listings – Year-To-Date
Average Asking Price – November 2023
Average Asking Price – Year-to-Date
Number of Properties Sold – November 2023
Number of Properties Sold – Year-to-Date
Average Sold Price – November 2023
Average Sold Price – Year-to-Date
Days on Market – November 2023
Days on Market – Year-to-Date
Average List Price to Sell Price Ratio – November 2023
Average List Price to Sell Price Ratio – Year-to-Date
*Information is believed to be accurate at time of posting but is not guaranteed to be correct
This housing report for Township of Scugog includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Township of Scugog.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Durham, Uxbridge, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes
CREA HOUSING MARKET REPORT – NOVEMBER 2023
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – November 2023
*Some values may vary slightly based on the exact date and time the reports were generated.
In November 2023, the real estate landscape witnessed a shift with 36 properties listed, marking an 18.18% decrease from the 44 properties listed in November 2022. However, the year-to-date volume for 2023 increased to 599, showing a 12.17% rise from the 534 recorded in 2022.
As for property sales, November 2023 saw 11 properties changing hands—a 31.25% decrease from the 16 listings sold in November 2022. Nonetheless, the year-to-date sales volume for 2023 increased to 291, reflecting a 3.19% rise from the 282 transactions in 2022.
The average sales price in November 2023 surged to $1.05M, marking a 21.18% increase from November 2022’s $867K. However, the year-to-date average sales price for 2023 is $999K, reflecting an 11.56% decrease compared to the $1.13M recorded in 2022.
Examining market dynamics, the average ask-to-sell ratio for November 2023 is 0.940, indicating a 3.46% decrease from November 2022’s 0.973 ratio. The year-to-date average ask-to-sell ratio for 2023 is 1.002, showing a 5.25% decrease from the 1.057 ratio in 2022. These figures highlight the evolving trends in both listing and selling dynamics within the real estate market.
Quick Review
New Listings – November 2023
New Listings – Year-To-Date
Average Asking Price – November 2023
Average Asking Price – Year-to-Date
Number of Properties Sold – November 2023
Number of Properties Sold – Year-to-Date
Average Sold Price – November 2023
Average Sold Price – Year-to-Date
Days on Market – November 2023
Days on Market – Year-to-Date
Average List Price to Sell Price Ratio – November 2023
Average List Price to Sell Price Ratio – Year-to-Date
*Information is believed to be accurate at time of posting but is not guaranteed to be correct
This housing report for Township of Brock includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Township of Brock.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Durham, Uxbridge, Scugog and the Kawartha Lakes.
CREA HOUSING MARKET REPORT – NOVEMBER 2023
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – November 2023
*Some values may vary slightly based on the exact date and time the reports were generated.
In November 2023, the real estate market witnessed a shift with 32 properties listed, marking a 17.95% decrease from the 39 properties listed in November 2022. The year-to-date volume for 2023 is 483, reflecting an 11.05% decrease from the 543 recorded in 2022.
As for property sales, November 2023 saw 7 properties changing hands—a 50.00% decrease from the 14 listings sold in November 2022. The year-to-date sales volume for 2023 is 196, showing a 13.27% decline from the 226 transactions in 2022.
The average sales price in November 2023 is $692K, indicating a 4.12% decrease from November 2022’s $722K. The year-to-date average sales price for 2023 is $798K, reflecting a 14.09% decrease compared to the $928K recorded in 2022.
Examining market dynamics, the average ask-to-sell ratio for November 2023 is 0.949, a slight 0.09% decrease from November 2022’s 0.950 ratio. The year-to-date average ask-to-sell ratio for 2023 is 0.970, showing a 6.09% decrease from the 1.033 ratio in 2022. These figures underscore the evolving trends in both listing and selling dynamics within the real estate market.
Quick Review
New Listings – November 2023
New Listings – Year-To-Date
Average Asking Price – November 2023
Average Asking Price – Year-to-Date
Number of Properties Sold – November 2023
Number of Properties Sold – Year-to-Date
Average Sold Price – November 2023
Average Sold Price – Year-to-Date
Days on Market – November 2023
Days on Market – Year-to-Date
Average List Price to Sell Price Ratio – November 2023
Average List Price to Sell Price Ratio – Year-to-Date
*Information is believed to be accurate at time of posting but is not guaranteed to be correct
This housing report for Durham Region includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Region of Durham.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
CREA HOUSING MARKET REPORT – NOVEMBER 2023
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – November 2023
*Some values may vary slightly based on the exact date and time the reports were generated.
November 2023 brought notable shifts in the real estate market, with 1.39K properties listed—an impressive 23.80% increase from the same month in 2022. However, the year-to-date volume for 2023 stands at 16.8K, reflecting a 10.82% decrease compared to the 18.9K recorded in 2022.
In terms of property sales, November 2023 saw 575 properties changing hands, indicating a 2.04% decrease from November 2022. The year-to-date sales volume for 2023 is 8,484, showing a 15.01% decline from the 9,982 transactions in 2022.
The average sales price in November 2023 reached $903K, marking a 1.29% increase from November 2022’s $891K. However, the year-to-date average sales price for 2023 is $942K, reflecting an 8.64% decrease compared to the $1.03M recorded in 2022.
Examining the market dynamics, the average ask-to-sell ratio for November 2023 stands at 0.994, indicating a 1.26% decrease from the 1.007 ratio observed in November 2022. The year-to-date average ask-to-sell ratio for 2023 is 1.047, reflecting a 7.06% decrease from the 1.127 ratio in 2022. These trends highlight the evolving landscape of the real estate market, influencing both listing and selling dynamics.
Quick Review
New Listings – November 2023
New Listings – Year-To-Date
Average Asking Price – November 2023
Average Asking Price – Year-to-Date
Number of Properties Sold – November 2023
Number of Properties Sold – Year-to-Date
Average Sold Price – November 2023
Average Sold Price – Year-to-Date
Days on Market – November 2023
Days on Market – Year-to-Date
Average List Price to Sell Price Ratio – November 2023
Average List Price to Sell Price Ratio – Year-to-Date
*Information is believed to be accurate at time of posting but is not guaranteed to be correct
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
A Look Back at 12 Spruce Street, Uxbridge: From Dairy to Demolition
At the corner of Spruce and Albert Streets once stood a modest but hardworking building that played many roles in Uxbridge’s civic and commercial life. Though it is no longer standing today, 12 Spruce Street carries a long legacy shaped by local enterprise, municipal service, and community evolution.
A Dairy Start: Silverwood’s Arrives (1945)
The story begins in 1945, when the building became home to Silverwood’s Dairy. Known across Ontario for its milk and dairy products, Silverwood’s chose this location to expand its presence in the region. For about a decade, the building also functioned as an egg-grading station, serving local farmers and supplying fresh, graded eggs to the community.
One of the unique features of the structure was its two-level access:
A main entrance on Spruce Street, and
A lower-level entrance on Albert Street.
This split-level design would later make the building perfectly suited for a variety of uses.
A New Civic Purpose (1954–1974)
In 1954, seeing the need for a permanent municipal home, the Township of Uxbridge purchased the building. For the first time, the township had a dedicated space for town offices and its council chamber, anchoring local government in the heart of the community.
Just two years later, in 1956, another important public service moved in: the Uxbridge Police Department. The basement level—accessible from Albert Street—was renovated to include holding cells, transforming the lower floor into a fully functional police station. For nearly two decades, the building housed both the township administration above and the police force below.
This arrangement continued until 1974, when the creation of the Region of Durham prompted a move to a larger municipal facility at 20 Bascom Street. With the upper level vacated, the entire building was sold, and the police department expanded to occupy both floors.
The above Google street view image shows the building in 2016 before it was demolished.
A Police Headquarters (1974–1999)
From 1974 to 1999, 12 Spruce Street served solely as the town’s police headquarters. Generations of residents came to know the building not as a dairy or municipal office, but as the place where local law enforcement operated. By the end of the 20th century, however, the department had outgrown the aging structure and moved to a new facility.
A New Chapter: Vintner’s Nook
After the police relocated, the building was purchased and reinvented as Vintner’s Nook, a retail shop where customers could craft and bottle their own wine. It brought a new kind of foot traffic to the corner, offering a blend of creativity, community, and commerce.
But when Vintner’s Nook eventually closed, the future of the aging structure came into question.
Heritage Efforts and Environmental Challenges
There were community-driven attempts to have the building added to Uxbridge’s heritage register, recognizing its long and varied history. However, during this process, a serious obstacle emerged. Contamination from the adjacent long-standing gas and service station had migrated beneath the building, raising concerns about long-term environmental safety.
Despite efforts to preserve it, the site’s condition ultimately prevented heritage designation from moving forward.
The Final Chapter (2016–2017)
In 2016, the property was purchased by Shell Canada, owners of the neighbouring gas station. The environmental findings sealed the building’s fate. In 2017, after more than 70 years serving Uxbridge in multiple capacities, the building at 12 Spruce Street was demolished.
Remembering 12 Spruce Street
Although the building is gone, its history remains an important part of the story of downtown Uxbridge. From dairy operations and egg grading to local government, policing, small business, and community debate over heritage preservation, 12 Spruce Street reflected the evolving needs and character of the town.
Its absence today reminds us that even the most unassuming structures can hold decades of community memories—quietly supporting everyday life until the day they make way for something new.
In March 1960 Uxbridge curlers formed a committee to look into selecting a site and building a curling rink. 3 weeks later a site behind the old arena (now the site of the Seniors Centre) was selected. At the time the club had 129 curlers signed up for membership. In August the footings were poured and the new rink opened in November.
Below you can see the walls going up on the new rink and the finished building