This report on Scugog Real Estate 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
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
From the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Watch Report – December 2022
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Watch Report – December 2022
The photo above is a post card showing the view of the pond looking north from Main Street, taken in 1905. You can see the Oatmeal Mill at the north end of the pond beside the dam. If you look closely you can see the Library Tower and the Bell Tower on Toronto St. The photo below was taken in December 2021 showing the same view.
The above photo shows the Oatmeal Mill on the north end of the pond which was build by Isaac J. Gould in 1885. The building to the right of the mill is the Gould saw mill. The building to the left is the Oatmeal Kiln which is still standing today and has been converted to a home (shown below)
This photo shows the pond looking north towards Elgin Park from Mill Street. The docks in the above photo were located to left the of this photo.
Summer On The Pond
Through the 1950’s to 70’s Uxbridge residents cooled off in the waters of Elgin Pond during the hot summer months. Quite often children would first dunk themselves in the spring fed water trough and then jump in the pond. This would make the pond water feel warmer.
View of the dam and waterfall under Mill Street taken from the approximate location of the old beach and docks.
Winter on the Pond
Another memory of our youths is the “Old Man Winter” van on the ice (I believe it was called). They would place a van (stripped of all its parts of course) on the north end of the pond. You could purchase tickets and guess when you thought the van would fall through the ice. There was a clock mounted in the windshield that would stop the moment it hit the water. In the spring we would make mom and dad drive by everyday so we could see how far it had sunk into the ice until it was gone.
Elgin Pond in winter, viewed from Mill Street.
The above photo was taken just west of the dam. You can see the barricades that would keep skaters away from the thin ice near the dam. In winter sections of the pond are cleared for skating and hockey. The township monitors the ice safety using flags. A red flag means the ice is not safe to use, while a yellow flag means skate with caution.
Elgin Pond Today
Even though the pond has changed over the years and is not the swimming hole it used to be it still has its share of community fun. Every spring for the last 18 years it has been the location for the Huck Finn Youth Fishing Day and in the winter it becomes a favourite spot for a game of hockey or just some leisure family skating.
Poster advertising the 2022 Uxbridge Huck Finn Youth Fishing Days.
Below are some photos taken of the pond in the summer of 2020
Looking across the pond from Main Street. This would have been the approximate location of the dock.
This housing report for 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, Uxbridge, Scugog and the Kawartha Lakes
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
From the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Watch Report – December 2022
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – December 2022
Standing at the intersection of Brock Street and Bascom Street, the Bascom House Hotel has been a quiet witness to over a century of change in downtown Uxbridge. Built in 1884, this distinctive building has worn many hats—beginning as a hotel, evolving into a bustling newspaper office, transforming into a local restaurant and inn, and now serving as a home to modern-day retail and residential tenants.
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The above photo (date unknown) shows the Bascom House when it was operated as a hotel. Photo Credit: Uxbridge The First 100 Years by: J. Peter Hvidsten
A Hotel with Prime Real Estate
Strategically located on the north side of Brock Street, where it meets Bascom Street, the Bascom House was ideally situated to welcome visitors arriving by stagecoach or, later, rail. Its doors first opened in 1884, offering weary travelers a place to rest and recharge in the heart of a growing town. For over three decades, it operated as a hotel, becoming a familiar sight to residents and newcomers alike.
Photo Credit: Uxbridge The First 100 Years by: J. Peter Hvidsten
Photo courtesy of J. Peter Hvidsten
The Press Moves In
In 1920, the building transitioned from hospitality to headlines. Harold Cave, owner of The North Ontario Times, purchased the Bascom House and moved his printing presses and editorial offices into the space. A decade later, in 1930, Cave acquired the Uxbridge Journal and merged the two newspapers to form the Uxbridge Times-Journal. Under his stewardship, the paper thrived, becoming the voice of the community until Cave sold it in 1951 to Per and Leila Hvidsten.
The Times-Journal continued to operate from the old Bascom House until November 1957, when it moved to a new location at 20 Bascom Street. For the first time in nearly 75 years, the building sat empty.
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The above photo courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: J. Peter Hvidsten shows the building in 1954 when it was the home of the Uxbridge Times-Journal.
A New Chapter: Evelyn’s Grill and Hotel Evelyn
In the early 1960s, Jack and Evelyn Morrison saw potential in the dormant building. They purchased the property and breathed new life into the main level with Evelyn’s Grill, a cozy local restaurant. By 1960, they had also transformed the upper floor into four guest rooms, reopening the building as Hotel Evelyn—an echo of its original purpose.
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Jack and Evelyn Morrison (shown above) where the owners of the Hotel Evelyn and Evelyn’s Grill. Photo courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: J. Peter Hvidsten
Photo Credit: Uxbridge The First 100 Years by: J. Peter Hvidsten
A Legacy of Change
Like many buildings in Uxbridge’s historic core, the Bascom House has adapted to the times. Over the decades, a number of businesses have come and gone, each adding a new layer to its storied past. Today, the upper floor houses apartments while the main level is home to two retail spaces, continuing its legacy as a vibrant part of the community.
While it no longer serves guests checking in for the night or churning out newspaper headlines, the Bascom House remains a proud fixture in Uxbridge. Its ability to evolve with the needs of the town is a testament to the enduring character of this historic building.
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The Bascom House/Hotel as it is seen today. Photo was taken in January 2023
Heritage Uxbridge plaque on the outside of the building
The Changing Face of a Corner — Brock Street West and Spruce Street, Uxbridge
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At first glance, the corner of Brock Street West and Spruce Street may look like just another busy intersection in downtown Uxbridge — but this spot has seen more than a century of change, growth, and community life. From a grand department store to the old post office, a bowling alley, and now a mix of thriving local businesses, this corner has always been at the heart of town.
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Photo courtesy of www.scugogheritage.com
William Henry’s Grand Department Store (1885–1902)
The story begins in 1885, when William Henry built an impressive structure on this very corner to house his department store. The interior was said to be patterned after Simpson’s in Toronto, bringing a touch of big-city sophistication to small-town Ontario. Henry’s store quickly became a local landmark, and as business flourished, he expanded the block to the east.
For nearly two decades, it stood as one of Uxbridge’s most impressive commercial buildings — a symbol of progress and prosperity in a growing community. Sadly, that grandeur was short-lived. In 1902, a devastating fire destroyed the building, erasing one of the town’s early architectural gems.
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Photo courtesy of Uxbridge The First 100 Years, by J. Peter Hvidsten
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The Old Uxbridge Post Office (1911–1971)
Almost a decade later, the site would take on new life. Around 1911, construction began on the Uxbridge Post Office, a handsome stone and brick building that took three years to complete and was officially opened in 1914. For more than half a century, this post office was a cornerstone of the community — a place where neighbours crossed paths, mail arrived from afar, and town life unfolded daily.
In 1969, the Town of Uxbridge purchased the old post office from the federal government. However, in a controversial move, the town sold it just a year later, along with two other municipally owned properties. The building was demolished in 1971, paving the way for a new commercial complex that reflected the modernization of the era.
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Uxbridge Post Office – Photo courtesy of www.scugogheritage.com
Uxbridge Post Office – Photo courtesy of www.scugogheritage.com
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The Modern Era — Bowling, Business, and Community
The new building that replaced the post office was designed with versatility in mind. It featured five business spaces on the main floor, a bowling alley and arcade upstairs, and parking underneath — a forward-thinking layout for its time.
Over the years, these storefronts have been home to a number of well-remembered Uxbridge businesses. For many longtime residents, a few stand out in particular:
Evans Fine Jewellery & Gift Shoppe, located right on the corner, sparkled with timeless pieces and gifts for every occasion.
J.B. Variety, the classic go-to convenience store for generations of Uxbridge kids — and still proudly serving the community today.
Uxbridge Electronics, once located where Coldwell Banker R.M.R. Real Estate now operates, was the place to go for televisions, stereos, and all the latest gadgets. Many households in town bought their entertainment systems from Bob Jamieson, who became a familiar face to countless customers.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Uxbridge Electronics also became the place to rent movies — first on the short-lived RCA VideoDisc (yes, that was a thing — look it up, kids!) and later on Betamax andVHS tapes. Many a neighbourhood birthday party or family movie night began with a trip to that very store.
Upstairs, the bowling alley was a lively gathering spot for birthday parties, league nights, and evenings out with friends. It was a beloved part of the Uxbridge social scene for decades until it sadly closed in 2024, marking the end of another era for this well-known building.
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Today’s Corner — A Blend of Past and Present
Today, the building continues to serve the community, housing a vibrant mix of local businesses:
Though the architecture and occupants have changed, the spirit of this corner remains the same — a place of connection, commerce, and community. From William Henry’s elegant department store to the familiar hum of the post office, the laughter from the bowling alley, and the modern mix of today’s shops and offices, this intersection tells a story of Uxbridge’s enduring evolution.
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A Corner Through Time
This corner has seen more than just buildings rise and fall — it has witnessed the life of Uxbridge itself unfold. Each new chapter adds to the town’s tapestry, reminding us that history isn’t just found in museums or books — it’s right here, built into the streets we walk every day.
The above photo courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days By J. Peter Hvidsten shows what the theatre looked like in 50’s
History of the Roxy Theatre
The quonset-style building was originally built in 1949 at the corner of Brock Street and Toronto Street. It opened as the RIO Theatre and in 1951 the name was changed to the ROXY when the Theatre Amusement Company purchased it. In the 1970’s the theatre was closed and then reopened as a drug store. All of our youth we remember it as a drug store. Half of the building was a drug store/pharmacy and the other half was a souvenir/gift store. Not sure of the year but the outside was used in a Guardian Pharmacy Christmas commercial. First there was the excitement of watching them film a snowy commercial during the summer months, and then watching it on TV.
The above photo courtesy of the Uxbridge Times-Journal shows the building after it was renovated and converted to Davie Pharmacy in the 1970’s
Reopening of the Roxy
The entire building was renovated, restored and reopened again as The Roxy Theatre on December 13th 1996. Until it was reopened as a theatre we would have to travel to Oshawa, Newmarket or Pickering to watch a movie. Now thanks to Cathy and Mark Christoff, Uxbridge residents could watch first run movies on two different screens with state-of-the-art digital projection and sound equipment all while enjoying movie theatre popcorn and being surrounded by movie nostalgia.
This housing report for 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
Above: View of Wixan’s Bridge, the Lt. Col. Samuel Sharpe memorial and Post Office as seen today (2022).
History
Below is Brock Street W from a similar vantage point taken in the early 1900’s. At the time this photo was taken the house was owned by Michael O’Neil a local blacksmith. In the next photo you can see his blacksmith shop located just west of his home.
Both photos are courtesy of Uxbridge: The First 100 Years by: J. Peter Hvidsten. (page 148 and 96)
Below is another similar view taken during the Santa Claus Parade in 1961. The two houses in the background where torn down and replaced with the Post Office, Wixan’s Bridge and the parking lot. The billboard is the approximate location of the Lt. Col. Samuel Sharpe memorial.
The above photo is courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days, by: J. Peter Hvidsten (page 95)
Lost Landmark: The Remarkable Story of the Mansion House in Uxbridge
Photo Courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: by J. Peter Hvidsten (Martin’s Hotel, IGA)
A Proud Beginning: Joseph Gould’s Vision in 1871
In the heart of Uxbridge, at the prominent corner of Brock Street and Toronto Street, stood a symbol of civic pride and Victorian charm—the Mansion House Hotel. Built in 1871 by Joseph Gould, one of Uxbridge’s most respected and influential figures, this red-brick, three-storey building quickly became a focal point of community life.
The Mansion House Hotel was designed by Architect John T. Stokes of Sharon, a skilled designer who had earlier crafted Joseph Gould’s own home on Toronto Street. Stokes’ architectural influence extended beyond private homes—he was likely also responsible for designing the local Uxbridge library, showcasing his deep involvement in shaping the town’s architectural landscape.
Joseph Gould wasn’t just any local. He was a visionary landowner and public servant who saw Uxbridge as a growing hub of commerce and connection. With that in mind, he commissioned the Mansion House to serve both as a place of lodging and a center for social gatherings.
The above photo courtesy of Uxbridge – The First 100 Years 1800-1900 by: J. Peter Hvidsten shows the Mansion House circa 1914.
Architectural Highlights of the Mansion House
Though modest in style, the Mansion House had several notable architectural features that made it stand out:
Three-storey red brick construction, typical of 19th-century Ontario towns.
Main entrance on Brock Street, welcoming travelers and locals alike.
Second-floor balconies on both the east and north sides, offering views of bustling town life.
A distinctive third-floor portico on the north side, adding a touch of grandeur.
To the west of the entrance, a discreet alleyway led to the back of the hotel where stables and storage sheds awaited guests traveling by horse.
This clever layout accommodated not only visitors staying overnight but also those arriving for banquets, political events, or a quick stop in town.
Growth and Expansion in the Late 1800s
As Uxbridge grew, so did the Mansion House. In the late 1800s, the hotel underwent renovations and expansions, growing to offer 70 guest rooms. These updates didn’t just make it larger—they made it more central to town life.
Even though Joseph Gould retained ownership, the building was frequently leased to various operators, reflecting its role as a practical and profitable enterprise.
A Hub for Gatherings and Politics
From the late 1800s into the early 20th century, the Mansion House was more than just a hotel. It served as a lively social hub where Uxbridge’s residents came together for:
Banquets and formal dinners
Family celebrations and dances
Political meetings and community planning sessions
At a time when newspapers and face-to-face meetings were the main forms of communication, spaces like the Mansion House played a vital role in shaping community identity and local governance.
Martin’s Hotel Era: 1930 Onward
In 1930, a new chapter began when Jim and Jean Martin purchased the building. They continued to run it as a hotel, and under their stewardship, it became affectionately known as Martin’s Hotel. The name change reflected both a new era and a continuation of its tradition as a place of welcome and warmth.
The End of an Era: Demolition in 1963
As time moved on, so did the needs of the community. In 1963, the Mansion House was demolished to make room for a modern, one-storey commercial building.
While its loss was felt by many, the new building soon found new life. In 1964, it became home to an IGA grocery store, operated by John and Evelyn Hockley. This marked another generational shift, from communal gatherings to daily commerce—a symbol of how towns evolve.
Here in this photo courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: by J. Peter Hvidsten taken in November 1963 you can see the hotel being torn down.
Uxbridge IGA Store
New IGA store
The new IGA store was opened in 1964 by John and Evelyn Hockley (shown above) and featured 4000 square feet of shopping space with large merchandise aisles, refrigerated space for produce and fresh meats. Photo courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: by J. Peter Hvidsten
Remembering the Mansion House Today
Though the Mansion House no longer stands, its legacy lives on in the memories of older residents, family photographs, and the stories passed down through generations. It reminds us of a time when hotels were more than places to sleep—they were the heart of a town.
Whether you walked through the front doors on Brock Street, tied your horse in the alleyway, or attended a community banquet under its roof, the Mansion House was a place where life happened.
Present Day Photo – 2021
Learn more about Uxbridge’s History by checking our blogs
The above two photos show the original corner stones. The 1888 stone is located on the north east corner of the church and the Methodist Church stone is located on the south east corner with the main entrance to the church in between them.
History Of Trinity United Church Uxbridge
The congregation of the Methodist Church was founded in 1858. On July 21, 1888 the corner stone of the Methodist Church was laid in a ceremony by Mrs. Hon. John A. Macdonald and Mr. Wm. Gooderham. The church built on First Avenue on a piece of property donated by John Plank was opened in February 1889. In 1925 the church became a member of the United Church of Canada, creating Trinity United Church Uxbridge
The bell in the tower was ordered from McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore and was the heaviest bell in town, weighing 1200 pounds or 550 kilos.
Photo Courtesy of Uxbridge The First 100 Years by: J. Peter Hvidsten
Photo Courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by; J. Peter Hvidsten
Photo Courtesy of www.scugogheritage.com/postcards/uxbridge.
Downtown Uxbridge
In the above photo courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by; J. Peter Hvidsten taken in the mid 1950’s you can see the Church from Downtown Uxbridge. The Church continued to look over downtown until November 2022 when it was torn down.
Trinity Hall
The Rose Window
Uxbridge Trinity United Church – Rose Window
The building houses many beautiful stain glass windows including the Rose Window (shown above) located over the entrance on the east wall, which was given and dedicated by the Sunday School on 1906.
Centre of the Rose Window
During the demolition of the Church the demolition company managed to save the centre of the Rose Window along with the bell and many other items that can be used in the building of the new Church.
The following is taken from the Trinity United Church website and gives a descriptive tour of the building and chronological order of events and renovations.
The Palmer Piano Factory and Gold Medal Radio & Phonograph Company in Uxbridge
Tucked in the industrial memory of Uxbridge lies the fascinating story of a once-grand building that served multiple roles through the early 20th century. What began as a promising piano factory would become a hub for furniture, radios, phonographs—and ultimately, a tragic reminder of Uxbridge’s ever-changing landscape.
According to Tales From The Uxbridge Valley by Alan McGillivray, the story begins in 1907 with a devastating fire that destroyed the Uxbridge Piano and Organ Company. Seizing the opportunity to continue local manufacturing, the Palmer Piano Company constructed a massive new factory by the railway tracks, just south of where the Co-op once stood. While the facility held great promise, Palmer Piano’s operations were short-lived.
Above is a post card showing the Palmer Piano Co building in Uxbridge.
The above photo taken from “Downright Upright A History of the Canadian Piano Industry” by Wayne Kelly shows the Palmer Piano Factory located beside the train tracks, just south of where the Co-op was located.
By 1912, a new chapter began when the Gold Medal Furniture Company took over the factory. Quickly employing a staff of ninety, the company outfitted the plant with modern woodworking machinery and began making a name for itself in local manufacturing circles. But progress didn’t stop there.
In 1922, responding to the booming popularity of home audio entertainment, the company rebranded as the Gold Medal Radio & Phonograph Company. It specialized in producing Quadradyne Radios and Gold Medal Phonographs, aligning with the technological enthusiasm of the Roaring Twenties. These products brought music into homes across the region, further establishing Uxbridge as a center of innovation and craftsmanship.
However, by 1926, production came to a halt, and the factory sat silent for years—until it was repurposed again during World War II.
The map below is a section from the Uxbridge Insurance plan drawings from 1910 showing the corner of Brock St and Victoria Ave.
Map showing the location of the Palmer Piano Co building in Uxbridge.
In 1942, Textile Dyers and Finishers of Toronto relocated to the site, having moved from the old McGuire piano factory on Franklin Street. The new site offered ample space and infrastructure, but the revival was tragically short-lived. In 1944, fire struck again, and the entire building was destroyed.
For years, remnants of the factory lingered—its brick foundations and a solitary boiler chimney hidden in the forest at the end of Collins Street. These silent remains stood as a ghostly reminder of Uxbridge’s industrious past before finally giving way to residential development.
Today, nothing remains of the Palmer Piano Factory or the Gold Medal Radio & Phonograph Company, but their stories live on. They speak to Uxbridge’s resilience, its creative energy, and its ability to adapt through the ages—from the musical tones of pianos and phonographs to the hum of wartime industry.
Below is an ad from the Toronto Star advertising the Gold Medal Radio Phonographs built in Uxbridge from Nov. 7, 1924.
Click the link above to see more ads and photos of the Phonographs that are on display at the Uxbridge Historical Centre (Uxbridge-Scott Museum and Archives)
Ad from the Toronto Star advertising the Gold Medal Radio Phonographs built in Uxbridge from Nov. 7, 1924
The photo below was captured from the Youtube video about the The Gold Medal Radio Phonograph Corp. Ltd.
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.
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.
Above: View of Wixan’s Bridge and Post Office as seen today.
Below: Similar view during the Santa Claus Parade in 1961. The two houses in the background where torn down and replaced with the Post Office, Wixan’s Bridge and the parking lot.
Located in Veterans Memorial Park on the shores of Elgin Pond.
The cannon sits on display near the old location of the beach, swimming area and docks of Elgin Pond where during the 50s, 60s & 70s it was a favourite spot for swimmers to hang their towels or lay on while drying off after a swim in the spring-fed water.
History of the Cannon
According to Military History Books by Harold A. Skaarup this cannon is a German First World War 15-cm schwere Feldhaubitze 1902 (15-cm sFH 02), (Serial Nr. 911), Fried Krupp
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