Uxbridge, Ontario
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the township. For the former town, see Uxbridge, Ontario (town).
Uxbridge is a township in south-central Ontario, in the Regional Municipality of Durham in the Greater Toronto Area. The main centre in the township is the town of Uxbridge. The township has a population of 17 377 comprised into 6094 dwellings. The population has increased 9.4% since 1996, to a population density of 41.3. The township is 420.65 km² (StatsCan Census 2001), encompassing eight hamlets: Coppins Corners, Goodwood, Leaskdale, Sandford, Sandy Hook, Siloam, Udora and Zephyr.
| North: Georgina | ||
| West: East Gwillimbury, Whitchurch-Stouffville |
Uxbridge | East: Brock, Scugog |
| South: Pickering | Southeast: Whitby |
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[edit] History
The first settlers in the area were Quakers who started arriving in 1806 from the Catawissa area of Pennsylvania. The community's oldest building, the Uxbridge Friends Meeting House, was built in 1820 and overlooks the town from Quaker Hill, a kilometer to the west. The Uxbridge-Scott Museum provides a focal point for the Township's history.
The Toronto and Nipissing Railroad arrived in Uxbridge in 1871, and for over a decade Uxbridge was the headquarters of the railway. Uxbridge became a village in 1872, and reached town status in 1885. When the Region of Durham was created in 1973, Uxbridge Town became a part of Uxbridge Township, along with Scott Township. In 1954, Uxbridge became the second town in Canada to receive an official coat-of-arms.
Sir John A. MacDonald held the first of his huge picnics when seeking re-election in a park named Elgin Park beside Elgin Pond, named after Lord Elgin.
Among the early industries were the Uxbridge Piano and Organ Company, and the Gold Medal Radio and Phonograph Company.
Uxbridge Public Library was erected in 1887 from funds provided by entrepreneur, politician, and businessman, Joseph Gould. It's centennial in 1987 was celebrated with the opening of a large addition.
The Thomas Foster Memorial Temple, erected in 1935-36 by the former mayor of Toronto, is situated a short distance north of town. Inspired by Foster's visit to India, the Temple was designed by architects J.H. Craig (1889-1954) and H.H. Madrill (1889-1998).
The former home of L. M. Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables is also situated just north of Uxbridge. Montgomery lived in the area from 1911 to 1926, and wrote half of her books at what is now the site of the Leaskdale Manse Museum.
[edit] Religion
Christianity is the predominant religion in Uxbridge. About 3/4 of Uxbridge residents consider themselves to have a religion, with the majority reporting Roman Catholic or Protestant (StatsCan Census 2001).
[edit] Christian Churches
- Family Worship Centre
- Living Waters Church
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church
- St. Andrews-Chalmers Presbyterian Church
- St. Paul's Anglican Church
- St. Paul's Presbyterian Church
- Trinity United Church
- Uxbridge Baptist Church
- Uxbridge Free Methodist Church
[edit] Attractions
The Uxbridge-Scott Museum and Archives possesses a number of artifacts, mostly related to the township's agricultural heritage and the genealogy of its residents. The Musuem also includes nine heritage buildings as well as heritage herb and flower gardens.
The Uxbridge Trail System includes a number of trails that explore the outdoors, connecting residents to the Oak Ridges Trail and the Trans-Canada Trail systems.
Since 1995, the Lions Club has hosted Art in the Park, held the second week in August. Also known as Summerfest, this juried art show attracts artists from across the province.
The Uxbridge Fall Fair is annually during the second week in September. Events include a tractor pull and a smash-up derby. The Uxbridge Studio Tour and Sale is also held in September, giving visitors an opportunity to meet with local artists in their studios and explore the creative process.
Since 1988, Uxbridge has hosted an annual Heritage Christmas Craft Show, held the second Saturday in November. A Santa Claus Parade is also held annually in late November.
Throughout the year, a number of theatrical and musical productions are held at the Music Hall. Movies are shown at the Roxy, the local movie theatre.
[edit] Recent articles
The Toronto Star ran an article about the town on February 4, 2006. It indicated that Uxbridge is a town of transition that still maintains a "small town" feel. However, it also criticizes the sprawl-like development on the outskirts of the town.
