Beaverton, Ontario, a community nestled in the Brock Township within the Regional Municipality of Durham, Canada, is a place where history and modernity coexist. This article explores the rich history, vibrant culture, and modern amenities that make Beaverton a must-visit destination.
Beaverton's history dates back to 1822 when it was first settled. Located on Lake Simcoe at the mouth of the Beaver River, it was initially known as Calder's Mills, named after early miller Duncan Miller and Alexander Calder. The settlement underwent several name changes, including Mill Town and Milton, before finally being renamed Beaverton in 1835 when the post office was opened.
By 1869, Beaverton had grown into a village with a population of 700 in the Township of Thorah Township in Ontario County. It served as the terminus of the Port Hope, Lindsay and Beaverton Railway in 1858. The steamer Emily May provided daily transportation between Beaverton and Bell Ewart station of the Northern Railroad. Stages to Whitby and Oshawa were also available daily. In 1884, Beaverton separated from the Township and was incorporated as a Village.
The creation of Durham Region in 1974 led to Beaverton's amalgamation with Thorah Township, the original Brock Township, and the Villages of Cannington and Sunderland, forming the newly expanded Township of Brock.
Today, Beaverton is the largest community in Brock. It boasts three elementary schools, an arena, a curling club, a public library, a small harbour, and a yacht club. The local economy thrives on providing services to the surrounding area, supplemented by some manufacturing, including car parts manufacturer Flex N Gate See burn.
Tourism also plays a significant role in Beaverton's economy. The Trent-Severn Waterway, which connects with Lake Simcoe a few kilometres north of Beaverton, attracts cottagers from other regions of the Province. Beaverton's downtown core is bustling with stores, services, and two bars, drawing people from around the local area.
Beaverton is also home to The Strand Theatre and The Old Stone Church, a National Historic Site of Canada built in 1853. The local post office services the town with lock boxes and rural routes.
Beaverton has served as a backdrop for several films. The 1973 Canadian horror classic, Cannibal Girls, was filmed in downtown Beaverton, featuring The Strand Theatre, King's Bishop Tavern, the library, and the bridge. The town also served as the setting for the fictitious town of Farnhamville in the film.
The 1984 comedy, Oddballs, was shot in the area just north along Lake Simcoe, and at the Trent-Severn Waterway's bridge entry into the lake. Other films shot in and around Beaverton include The Story of Life, Jasper, Texas, and the 1987 thriller Dead of Winter. In 2012, the Canadian music group The Strumbellas filmed the music video for the song "Sheriff" in Beaverton.
