The Reports of Bronte's Demise are Greatly Exaggerated

One of the most iconic structures in Bronte is the Walton.

You can't live in or visit Bronte without this glorious structure being part of the vista in the community. Whether you attend services or not, the Walton is more than just a place of worship.

When you pass by on the street; in a way, the life of the community is on display. There is the obvious and expected functions, church, funerals and weddings. But there is far more. Many days there is a notice on the sign of a meeting or an inspiration. There are groups of all kinds who meet in the facility and community events such as the recent markets and day care.

I was baptized at the Walton, but sang in the choir at the Epiphany (largely because that's where my best friend went) and I was married at St. Dominic's; where we continue to attend.

Yet, the Walton still feels part of my community, my family. Over the years, I have attended weddings and sadly too many funerals where I said goodby to Bronte friends far too soon.

The Walton is where you went to vote, to hear candidates speak and attend a vast array of public meetings. In my youth, Bill Hill used to hold the Lakeside Marketeria Christmas Party in the hall.

There was the legendary CAVE. In the mid 60s, the hall functioned as a teen coffee house and the basement a small show case for local bands.

If you were at all involved in scouting, it is likely your meetings would be held in the basement.

There were charity bazaars, Christmas bake sales and so much more. That tradition continues with the Annual Auction and the Markets held the last few months.

I still have a faded memory of hearing church bells playing on a cold, snowy evening in December skating on the old marsh where the Harbour Club now stands. In the background were the lights and shadows of the Walton.

As a community grows and changes its human fabric expands and becomes broader and more diverse. This richness is to be celebrated.

The Walton has been home to and a place where we can celebrate life of Bronte. It has been a welcoming community place for everyone.

Over the last 70+ years, which each new development proposal we would hear about the potential threats to the community, traffic, too many people, loss of village feel and the impact on the community. Physically there has been change, very little of what existed when I grew up remains.

However, the community still exists, people continue to define it as special, as home. Buildings are not the fabric of the community, but they can house the fabric. The fabric is created by the people and the degree to which they engage.

The Walton has played a big role in defining Bronte, but more importantly providing a home for the community of life. At the same time, you will find the other places of worship dotted through out the community playing a similar role.

Bronte will continue to grow and change, there will be new residents. Contrary to the fears and pronouncements about change, look inside, no visit, meet the people in the Walton, the Bronte Legion, Epiphany, St. Dominics, Vaishno Devi Temple, Halton Sikh Cultural Association or the Halton Islamic Association and you will find a rich tapestry of community life that extends beyond a place of faith.

Bronte, is alive, vibrant and well.