Beaverton Town Hall transforms into a hub for local support and services

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: There are exciting changes underway at the historic Beaverton Town Hall, as the community prepares to welcome refreshed spaces and improved access to local services.

Service Ontario has officially relocated to the north side of the building, with the new office opening for regular business, on Monday, November 3rd. The public can now access the office conveniently from the Simcoe Street side of the building, marking the first visible phase of ongoing updates to the Town Hall.

This move has paved the way for a new chapter for the Brock Community Food Bank which now occupies the former Service Ontario space along with the former Brock Board of Trade meeting room. Situated in the heart of downtown Beaverton, the Food Bank’s new home offers improved accessibility and a welcoming environment for clients.

The Food Bank will celebrate its official re-opening on Friday, November 7th, at 10 a.m. Community members are encouraged to stop by with non-perishable items or donations, to support local families.

“This collaboration really reflects the spirit of our community,” said Mayor Mike Jubb. “By working together with our partners in the Beaverton Town Hall, we’re ensuring essential services remain close to home and accessible for everyone.”

A special thank you has been extended to the Brock Board of Trade (BBOT) which graciously vacated its former office space to make room for the Food Bank’s expansion. The BBOT will continue its important work, supporting business development and community growth, from elsewhere within the Beaverton Town Hall.

For residents like Helen McDonald, who has lived in Beaverton for more than 20 years, the upgrades are a positive sign but also a reminder of the need for further investment in the community.

“It’s great to see the Town Hall so active again,” Ms. McDonald said. “But I hope the next step is addressing the need for more housing, especially for seniors. That’s the real issue facing Beaverton right now.”

Other residents echoed her excitement about the revitalized landmark and its role as a community hub. James Porter, who visits the downtown area regularly, said, the changes are breathing new life into Beaverton’s core but he hopes to see even more growth in the future.

“It’s nice to see so much happening in one place,” Mr. Porter said. “Between the Food Bank, the Town Hall Players, and the other services, it feels like there’s a stronger sense of community again. I’d love to see that momentum continue, with more commercial development and some new stores downtown. More places which bring people in and keep Beaverton growing.”

The Beaverton Town Hall remains a vibrant hub of community life, home to a range of local partners and organizations, including: the Durham College Employment Resource Centre, the Brock Board of Trade, the Beaverton Town Hall Players, and the First Act Youth Company. Together, these groups form the backbone of what’s being called Brock’s new community resource centre, supporting employment, business, the arts, and essential services under one historic roof.

Residents are encouraged to stop by, throughout November, to see the changes and experience the renewed energy within one of Beaverton’s most cherished landmarks.