LOCAL HISTORY

During its earliest years, the Bawcutt Centre served as a multifunctional space, housing both the town hall and a bustling market, following a pattern observed in similar buildings during the latter half of the century. The ground floor accommodated a covered marketplace and the council chamber, as well as the magistrate and treasurer offices. The upper floor was a grand “Opera House” In the basement, one would find a "lower market" along with cells designed to hold two prisoners Notably, during the First World War, the building played a significant role as a gathering place for soldiers embarking on their overseas journeys..

As the town's economic and social center shifted downtown, the council chamber and municipal offices were eventually relocated, leaving the original building to undergo a transformation into an industrial site.

Throughout the years, the historic structure found itself repurposed as a First World War shell factory, a needle manufacturing plant, a retail craft store, and an auction house.

In 1954, the property was acquired by the Mary Maxim company, renowned for its needlework and wool products. In 1964, they expanded the site with a two-storey addition.

The diverse threads of the building's history converged in 2015 when Skystone Media, led by

Stephen Stohn and Linda Schuyler, known for their work on the beloved Degrassi TV show, joined forces with Brant County. They generously donated $1 million to acquire the property and restore it as the Bawcutt Centre, now under county ownership. The name "Bawcutt Centre" was chosen by Linda Schuyler in honor of her parents, Jack and Joyce Bawcutt. Jack Bawcutt had not only been associated with Mary Maxim but had also served as a dedicated mayor of Paris.

Further accolades followed, cementing the venerable building's significance. In November 2017, the Brant Heritage Committee and the County of Brant organized a celebration to mark the Bawcutt Centre's designation as a heritage structure under the Ontario Heritage Act. John MacAlpine, then chair of the heritage committee, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It has been repurposed several times, but now it will be restored to its former glory."

In July 2020, the Bawcutt Centre received national recognition as a designated National Historic Site. Brant Mayor David Bailey, during an interview remarked, "This designation helps ensure the preservation and improvement of an incredible part of the County of Brant's history."

September 2021 witnessed the approval of county council for the construction of the new library branch at the site of the Bawcutt Centre. Anticipated to be completed by 2025, this project will breathe new life into the cherished structure, safeguarding its historical significance for generations to come!