Binbrook, Ontario

Binbrook is a community in southeastern Hamilton, Ontario, in Canada. It was amalgamated into the city of Hamilton in 2001. Since then, hundreds of new homes have been built in Binbrook, which is separated from Hamilton by conservation and agricultural lands. As of the 2021 census, Binbrook has a population of 10,791 residents.

Binbrook Township on an 1818 map, highlighted in green

History

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.

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 called 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.

Glanbrook Arena in Binbrook

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.

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.

The Hamilton Public Library opened the Binbrook branch in April 2018. The community also has a community centre, arena, soccer fields, and the Binbrook Conservation area.

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. Recently, the Park has added Wakeboarding, allowing area residents to enjoy the surf at this otherwise quiet and serene lake.

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.