Brooklin, Whitby Neighbourhood Guide: A Vibrant Village

Brooklin is a rural community situated just south of Hwy. 407 at the intersection of Highways 12 and 7. The historic Brooklin is a mecca of historic buildings, restaurants, retail shops, spas, and unique specialty stores, with the main gathering hub being Grass Park, located in the centre of the community. Grass Park rolls out year-round events, festivals, and activities for local families and residents to enjoy.

This tight-knit community, with historic buildings and a thriving arts scene, will appeal to those seeking a small-town community within the larger region of Durham, with surrounding shopping malls and a major highway close by.

Downtown Brooklin, with its historic buildings and rich history, has been designated a Heritage Conservation District under the Ontario Heritage Act. This is not surprising given the town’s rich history, which began in 1840 when a flour mill was built on Lynde Creek, creating economic opportunities in the area. 

Originally named Winchester in 1847, the town was renamed Brooklin, possibly after Brooklyn, New York, or Brooklin, Maine, after the early New England or New York immigrants who migrated to the region.

Brooklin Village proper, located on Baldwin Street North, features unique heritage homes with Victorian architecture. In the 1950s, the Meadowcrest subdivision was built featuring ranch-style bungalows on large lots. 

More recent construction includes the Village of Brooklin and The Old Winchester subdivisions. Many of the residents living in these newer subdivisions commute to Toronto for work and enjoy lower-priced homes and more green space compared to Toronto.

The Brooklin Spring Fair is a historic event that brings together the community. It began in1911 as a one-day event in Grass Park in downtown Brooklin. These days, the fair is a lively four-day event, which includes a midway, demolition derbies, a truck and tractor pull, and other entertainment.

This annual event attracts over 30,000 people per year. Join the pie-eating contest, watch the spelling bee, or take in the carriage-racing derby, baby show, and pet show. Adults can enjoy the fair for just $12 and children under 12 are only $5.

Brooklin Towne Centre is a local shopping hub for residents. Situated on Baldwin Street South, the mall contains over 30 stores, restaurants, and services, including a Shoppers Drug Mart, Pizza Nova, FreshCo, LCBO, Dollarama, Pet Valu, and various eateries, such as Shoeless Joe’s, Sunset Grill, Tim Hortons, and Subway.

The Brooklin Pub and Lounge is a recently opened gathering spot for locals situated in the heart of Brooklin’s historic neighbourhood. Drop by and watch your favourite games on the big screen and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and tantalizing dishes, including Brooklin Curry Poutine,  Grilled Vegetable and Goat Cheese Salad, and Mediterranean Nachos. The owners are hoping that the newly opened Brooklin Pub will become a cultural landmark in this historic town.

Also located in Brooklin Village, Baldwin Bistro offers comfortable surroundings and features a creative range of menu items, including vegetarian options. From grilled veggie wraps to blackened Cajun salmon, the Bistro offers delectable food in a charming and unique environment.

Grass Park is centrally-located and is a scenic landmark in the town, situated across the street from an ice cream parlour. The park provides residents with a relaxing spot for a stroll or for enjoying live music in the summertime evenings at the small bandstand. A commemorative bench carved from logs and a carving of a bear inside a tree trunk lend artistic charm to this iconic landmark.

The park is beautifully landscaped with gardens and flowers, and a large gazebo lends character to this scenic green space. At the end of the summer, residents can kiss summer goodbye with the Harvest Festival in the park.

The Brooklin Community Center and Library rolls out a range of recreational activities and offers educational programs for inquiring minds. This neighbourhood hub, situated at the corner of Church Street and Castles Road, was originally a Bible Christian Church from 1876 to 1920. In 1920, the building was renovated into a township hall. In 1966, it was transformed into the Brooklin Community Center and has been a meeting place for generations of local residents.

The centre offers a library, gym, and meeting rooms in a historical building. Local residents can gather for such programs as the Thursday Night Brooklin Woodcarvers Club, and the library offers various youth, children, and seniors’ programs.

Highway 407 offers convenient access into northern Toronto and is located just south of Brooklin. The Whitby Go station is situated a short drive away at Hwy. 401 and Brock Street, and offers easy access to downtown Toronto.

The town of Brooklin is a historic hub featuring unique shops and restaurants, lively festivals, and a beautiful, centrally-located park rolling out entertainment and live music. The newer subdivisions in Brooklin attract Toronto residents who are drawn to the affordable real estate, vibrant, close-knit community, and parks and green space. Come for the day or settle down here for a lifetime!