Binbrook, Ontario

History

The community of Binbrook has a rich history of agriculture and First Nations peoples. Evidence has been found of Algonquin tribes inhabiting this area.

The first registry of Binbrook was in 1791 when it was named Township #11 in the District of Nassau. The plan can be found in the Department of Lands and Forests, Toronto, dated October 25, 1791, where it lists four concessions and blocks divided amongst several families. Township #11 was renamed to Binbrook after the same town in Lincolnshire, England, in 1792. Binbrook was then grouped with 4 other counties into the District of Niagara in 1798. 18 years later, in 1816, the new Gore District was divided into two new counties known as Wentworth (which comprises Binbrook, 4 other townships, and part of the county of Haldimand) and Halton.

Armstrong's General Store was a longtime centre of community activity as was the feed mill. In the 1960s, Cybulski's Grocery Store became a hub for the small community. Knox Presbyterian Church, as well as a Baptist church, and Anglican Church all are near the centre of the village.[[File:Glanbrook Arena - Binbrook, ON.jpg|thumb|left|Glanbrook Arena in Binbrook]]The Binbrook Little Theatre, across from the Agricultural Hall, is home to local productions that highlight the area's creativity and culture. The theatre gives opportunities to those wanting to explore their acting potential on the stage and puts on three productions a season.[[Image:BinbrookTownshipLocatorMap1818.jpeg|right|thumb|Binbrook Township on an 1818 map, highlighted in green]]The Hamilton Public Library opened the Binbrook branch, which was established in 1966. The current, open concept design building opened to the public in 1982, and was renovated in April 2018. The community also has a community centre, arena, soccer fields, and the Binbrook Conservation area.

Binbrook Agricultural Society

The Binbrook Agricultural Society (BAS) is a volunteer-run organization established in 1854.

Open seasonally, the Binbrook farmers' market has become a highly anticipated event highlighting local growers and artisans. The Market takes place at the Fairgrounds, which holds a special place in Canadian history as the host of one of North America's oldest Fall fairs. The Fairgrounds and Agricultural Hall are home to many community events and lie at the centre of the community.

Binbrook Conservation Area

The Binbrook Conservation Area is a 396-hectare (978-acre) tract of land owned and operated by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. Of this area, 174 hectares (430 acres) are covered by picturesque Lake Niapenco. The area was purchased by the NPCA in 1968. The lake was formed after the completion of the 1971 dam. The dam was built to augment the Welland River's summer water flow and provide seasonal flood control.

The lake is surrounded by open meadows, hardwood forests, and reforested areas. At one time, there were campgrounds in the conservation area. The old campground access roads now provide the basis for many hiking trails at the Binbrook Conservation Area.

Demography

The population of the Binbrook population centre was 10,791 at the Canada 2021 Census.

The community still has its roots in farming, and new residents continue to support the local farming community while encouraging the vitality and growth of the village.

Education

The town of Binbrook is home to three elementary schools. Bellmoore is run by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) while St. Matthew and Our Lady of Hope are run by the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB).

Bellmoore Elementary School

Originally founded by Dr. Leslie Bell in 1955, Bellmoore Elementary School was reopened in 2012 and currently serves students from junior kindergarten through grade 8. Bellmoore is home to the Bellmoore Bulldogs.

St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School

St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School was opened on May 3, 2010 and was blessed by The Most Reverend Anthony F. Tonnos on June 13 the same year. The elementary school was the first elementary school in Hamilton and one of the first in Ontario to be employed with a Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED). St. Matthew is home to the St. Matthew Mustangs.

Our Lady of Hope Catholic Elementary School

Our Lady of Hope Catholic Elementary School was opened on March 9, 2021. It welcomes students from junior kindergarten through grade 8. Our Lady of Hope is home to the Our Lady of Hope Hawks (OLH Hawks).

References

References

1. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. (February 9, 2022). "Profile table, Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population - Binbrook [Population centre], Ontario".
2. "Our Roots / Nos Racines". ourroots.ca.
3. "Digital Collections - History & Heritage of Binbrook".
4. "Club DSM Canada Home Page".
5. "Official grand opening of the new Binbrook Library". [[Hamilton Public Library (Ontario).
6. {{SCref. (2021)
7. (2012-06-26). "Bellmoore open house a time to reminisce". The Hamilton Spectator.
8. Oviedo de Valeria, Jenny. (1994-08-02). "SCHOOL PROFILE ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL". Educación matemática.
9. "Our Story".