The home of the Whitby Dance Academy at 58 Baldwin Street was once known as the Balfour Building. Since its construction in 1878, it’s been a cornerstone of Brooklin’s history. Built for prominent merchant Robert Balfour (1848–1898), it became a central hub for local commerce, not only
providing goods and services to the community but also playing a significant role in the economic development of Brooklin. At the time, it was the largest store in the village, showcasing impressive brick arches above the windows and doors that combined structural integrity with visual appeal. Immediately north of the store, Balfour built his two-story brick home which was demolished in 1995.
On September 8, 1881, the Whitby Chronicle reported: ‘The large and handsome new store of Mr. Balfour is completed and occupied. It has quite an imposing appearance.’ From its construction onward, the main floor was used as a dry goods and grocery store. In December, 1950, high winds damaged the brickwork, necessitating the complete removal and rebuilding of the third floor’s front facade.
Various owners
Balfour operated the store for only four years. From approximately 1884 to 1912, the business was subsequently run by various proprietors, including
Thomas J. Holliday, William Holliday, William Lawrence, Fred Ormiston, artist and sign painter Harry Lade and his son, butcher Arthur Cook. Merchants Wes Piatti, and Fred Brown (Brown’s Marketeria) both occupied the building at separate times during the 1950s and early 1960s. Another business, Kennedy’s, was in operation there around the same time. In the mid-1960s, Mrs. Bibeau and her mother, who both lived on Way Street, operated a Stedmans store at the location, then Brooklin Pro Hardware, followed by The Video Image.
Thomas J. Holliday, William Holliday, William Lawrence, Fred Ormiston, artist and sign painter Harry Lade and his son, butcher Arthur Cook. Merchants Wes Piatti, and Fred Brown (Brown’s Marketeria) both occupied the building at separate times during the 1950s and early 1960s. Another business, Kennedy’s, was in operation there around the same time. In the mid-1960s, Mrs. Bibeau and her mother, who both lived on Way Street, operated a Stedmans store at the location, then Brooklin Pro Hardware, followed by The Video Image.The building’s upper floors also had an interesting history. In 1884, it became home to the Beethoven Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), which used the space until 1954, when they constructed their own building on Bagot Street. Those floors also housed the Whitby Council Chambers and Municipal Office prior to 1920 and the Patterson sisters operated a dressmaking and millinery shop. Eventually the upstairs rooms were renovated into apartments.
Heritage District
The building is situated within the Brooklin Heritage Conservation District, established by Bylaws 6085-08 and 6086-08 and is recognized for its historical significance. It is listed in the Town of Whitby’s Municipal
Heritage Register, which includes both designated and non-designated properties of cultural heritage value. This district designation, enacted in 2008, aims to preserve the unique heritage character of Brooklin’s main street and surrounding areas. While the Balfour Building itself may not have an individual designation date, its inclusion in the Brooklin Heritage Conservation District provides it with heritage protection under the Ontario Heritage Act. Today, it reflects Brooklin’s deeply rooted commercial heritage with the architectural style and community spirit of the late 19th century.
Heritage Register, which includes both designated and non-designated properties of cultural heritage value. This district designation, enacted in 2008, aims to preserve the unique heritage character of Brooklin’s main street and surrounding areas. While the Balfour Building itself may not have an individual designation date, its inclusion in the Brooklin Heritage Conservation District provides it with heritage protection under the Ontario Heritage Act. Today, it reflects Brooklin’s deeply rooted commercial heritage with the architectural style and community spirit of the late 19th century.