From Mayor Dave’s Desk: Uxbridge Updates - February Newsletter

Mayor Dave’s Q&A Video

Updates from Council

Mayor, Dave Barton:

I’d love to hear from you! If you have questions about local issues, upcoming events, or anything else on your mind, send them my way. Just email mayor@uxbridge.ca with the subject line "Mayor's Q&A." If your question is for a specific councillor, I'm happy to have them to join the next video segment as well! I’ll be answering selected questions in a video next month. Looking forward to your submissions. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Regional Councillor, Bruce Garrod:

Transit ridership continues to grow, with year-end statistics showing that over 50,000 trips were taken in 2024. This includes the 905 route, which connects to Port Perry, Whitby, and Oshawa; the local 605 route, which serves the areas in town with the highest ridership; and the on-demand service, which covers all of Uxbridge, including rural areas and hamlets. This record-breaking 126% increase in ridership over 2023 reflects the improving and expanding service that DRT is providing to Uxbridge Township. Plans are underway to further expand on-demand service this year. In addition, expanded service is being explored, with an economic development perspective, to better serve the industrial park and the Health Care Campus.

Regional Social Services continues to improve. The action plan based on the Social Services survey, completed in September 2024, is actively being implemented. Specific deliverables are now in-place to maximize the benefits North House provides through the $750K Regional funding. Discussions have also begun on addressing food insecurity. A communications blitz will begin in March to ensure those seeking mental health and addiction assistance are aware of the related Regional services that are available.

Special thanks to the Regional snowplow operators who worked around the clock to keep Regional roads as clear as possible. Appreciation also goes to the women and men of DRPS and Emergency Management Services for their endless work this winter.

Ward 1 Councillor, Pam Beach:

Join us at Goodwood Community Hall for an exciting Easter Egg Hunt on April 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.! Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled morning of egg hunting and celebration. Children of all ages are welcome. Donations are appreciated. We can't wait to see you there!

Ward 2 Councillor, Gord Shreeve:

The recent snowstorms revealed the generous, caring spirit of Ward 2 residents. Story after story was shared on our community Facebook pages about neighbours helping neighbors—shoveling sidewalks and plowing driveways. From Zephyr to Sandford, and Udora to Leaskdale, countless examples of people helping people demonstrated the strong bond that exists among those who call rural Uxbridge Township their home!

Speaking of service to others, the Udora-Leaskdale Lions Club, along with the newly formed Zephyr Scott Lions Club, has been holding very successful events, such as spaghetti dinners and pancake breakfasts, to build community and raise funds for projects like local food banks and the soon-to-be-developed Oak Valley Health Uxbridge Hospital. Thank you, Lions members, for these important contributions!

Not to be overlooked are the dedicated efforts of our local churches, including St. Paul's Leaskdale, Zephyr Missionary, Udora United, and Sandford/Zephyr United. These churches serve as gathering places for all ages, fostering real friendships, creating a sense of belonging, and exploring answers to some of life's most important questions.

Coming next month, watch for details on some exciting road resurfacing projects happening in 2025!

Ward 3 Councillor, Zed Pickering:

Hi, Uxbridge.

On February 11th, I joined tourism partners and business leaders from our region at the 2025 Central Counties Tourism Symposium. It was a wonderful event that focused on topics such as knowledge sharing, the power of digital storytelling, and creative collaboration with other stakeholders. I returned with valuable insights that I am excited to bring to Uxbridge’s Tourism Committee.

Speaking of committees, it was great to see many of our committee members at this year’s Committee Open House, hosted at Ward 3's Seniors Centre. I am incredibly proud of the hard work done by all our volunteers. Your dedication in helping to guide important initiatives across the Township is invaluable and deeply appreciated.

A quick thank you to everyone who helped keep Ward 3 (and beyond) sidewalks and fire hydrants clear of ice and snow. We had significant snowfall recently, and Township plow operators did a fantastic job responding quickly. Regional crews also played a key role in clearing regional roads and our BIA’s parking spaces.

Lastly, I joined Councillor Willie Popp on a recent edition of Township Talk on Hits 105.5. You can watch the video on the Uxbridge Facebook Page. We discussed trails, shopping local, and dedication plaques. Check it out!

See you out there, Uxbridge.

Ward 4 Councillor, Willie Popp:

Exciting news from the Uxbridge BIA! New BIA banners are coming soon to our downtown streets. Local artist Tracy Walker designed them with input from the BIA Board.

More news from the business realm! As a member of the BIA and Ward 4 Councillor, I’m excited to share some fantastic developments happening with our local businesses. I recently attended the grand opening of Lakeview Health and Wellness, located at 170 Reach St, Uxbridge.

Coming up is the grand reopening of The Little Massage Company at its new location, 8 Church Street, in downtown Uxbridge! Doors open at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 31st, 2025. Be sure to check them out!

Another new addition to the BIA is Joy’s Fish & Chips, now open at 307 Toronto St S., Uxbridge. Make sure to support these businesses and explore all the wonderful local shops we’re so lucky to have in our town!

As the Council representative for the Accessibility Advisory Committee, I’m pleased to share that the 2024 Accessibility Progress Report was presented to Council earlier this month. This report highlights significant accessibility milestones achieved over the past year. Here’s what I had to say about the great work achieved over the last year: "I am very proud of the progress the Township has made in removing barriers and making Uxbridge a more accessible place for everyone. These improvements are the result of hard work and collaboration with key partners, including the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Abilities Centre through their LEAD Program. None of this would have been possible without their strong support and commitment to creating a more inclusive community." Check out the full release here!

Ward 5 Councillor, Todd Snooks:

Hey Ward 5,

Just a quick reminder for you and all Uxbridge residents, the Uxbridge Farmers’ Market Indoor Markets are taking place every other Sunday until April 13th at the Uxbridge Arena from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars:

Sunday, March 2nd
Sunday, March 16th
Sunday, March 30th
Sunday, April 13^th

The market has over 30 amazing vendors to choose from. Make sure to stop by and support local. See you there!

Accessibility Achievements

On February 10th, the 2024 Accessibility Progress Report was presented to Council, highlighting significant accessibility milestones that have been achieved over the past year. These efforts reinforce the Township’s ongoing commitment to creating an accessible and inclusive community for all residents. Through a combination of program participation, facility improvements, and community partnerships, Uxbridge continues to make strides toward a more accessible future. With the support of our dedicated Accessibility Advisory Committee and staff, here is a look at some of the many achievements completed in 2024.

Completed the LEAD Program
Initiated and completed significant facility improvements
Celebrated National AccessAbility Week

Learn more about the great work accomplished last year, by visiting the full press release here.

Downtown Revitalization Update

On behalf of the Uxbridge Downtown Revitalization Advisory Committee (UDRAC), I’m happy to share a bit more about our work and what we’re looking forward to in 2025. The UDRAC is made up of a dedicated group of citizens, local business owners, and the Township. Each member selected for their unique skills and backgrounds, we advise council on ways to ensure Uxbridge has a revitalized downtownthat is fit for purpose and reflects the needs and identity of the town we live in. We don’t do this alone though! We work hand in hand with other similar committees including Heritage, Accessibility, Tourism and others.

In 2024, we supported a few key projects including:

A Parking Study that assessed the downtown parking needs today, and in the future,
An Environmental Study of Centennial Park, assessing the impacts and potential of this community space
Commissioning new visualizations of a revitalized downtown to entice partners and developers to collaborate on our shared vision.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about 2025 being a big year for our downtown! Keep an eye out for shovels in the ground very soon on some key sites... In the meantime, we continue to make progress behind the scenes on the town square space and supporting businesses that are reviving Lower Brock.

If you want to stay tuned in to what’s happening, we’re also making that even easier for you! Connect with us out in the community this year, including public information sessions for you to share your feedback. Details will be available on our website here. We’ll also be sharing more updates in this space, so make sure you’re subscribed!

Mary Bridger,

Chair, UDRAC

BIA Annual General Meeting

Are you a BIA member? Join the BIA for their Annual General Meeting on March 24th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Wixan's Bridge (65 Brock St W., Uxbridge). Connect with fellow business owners, engage with board members, and get the latest updates on exciting plans for 2025!

Parking Study Draft Recommendations Now Available

Thank you to everyone who attended the Uxbridge Downtown Parking Study Public Information Centre on February 5th! If you couldn’t make it or would like to review the presentation materials and draft recommendations, they are now available on the Township’s website. Click hereto view materials.

A final report regarding these recommendations will be brought before Council in the coming weeks.

Trail Sustainability Project Update

The Township is excited to share the success of the Trail Sustainability Project, funded by the Parking Permit Program in partnership with Durham Region and TRCA. In 2024, $87,000 was reinvested into our trails for improvements like:

Mobile restrooms
Winter grooming
3 new kiosks
Trail mowing
New garbage bins
Parking lot updates
AED & first aid kit
Bike repair stations

Thanks to our partners on this project for their ongoing support. View the full release here.

Public Works Reminders and Snow Removal Updates

Snow Operation Update:

Township crews are actively clearing roads and sidewalks to ensure safe travel and minimize disruptions for residents. Our current focus is on maintaining safe roadways, clearing sidewalks, and improving visibility.

This winter has brought an unusually high volume of snow, resulting in larger windrows and snowbanks as storage space becomes limited. We appreciate your patience as we work to manage these challenges efficiently.

If your mailbox has been damaged during snow removal, please email us at roads@uxbridge.ca for assistance.

Snow Safety Reminder:

Ensure your kids stay safe while playing in the snow. Snow forts and tunnels can collapse unexpectedly and building them near roadways or driveways is extremely dangerous. Snowplow drivers and loaders may not always see children, even if they can see the vehicle. Always know where your children are playing and talk to them about snow safety.

Summer Camp Registration

Summer Ux-Camp Registration

Summer Camp Registration opens March 5th at 7:00 a.m.

Learn more at www.uxbridge.ca/recreation

Museum Summer Camp Registration

Registration opens March 5th at 7:00 a.m.

Suitable for children ages 5-9

Upcoming Public Skates

Join Uxbridge Recreation for a FREE Public Skate at the Uxbridge Arena on Sunday, March 2nd, from 12:15–1:05 PM! This event is sponsored by The Mad Accountant.

Then, lace up your skates and join the Uxbridge firefighters and Sparky on Friday, March 14th, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Uxbridge Arena! Admission is a donation of non-perishable food or cash in support of our local food bank.

Uxpool Updates

Career Opportunities at the Uxpool

Uxpool is still seeking applications for swim Instructors. The deadline to apply is March 3rd at 4:00 p.m. Visit www.uxbridge.ca/careers to submit your application today.

Looking ahead to summer? Keep an eye out for summer job applications. Deadline to apply is the end of March! Check our website for details.

March Break Free Public Swims
Join us for free public swims on Tuesday, March 11th and Thursday, March 13th from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. sponsored by The Cindy Wood Team.

The full March Break schedule is now live on the Township website, ww.uxbridge.ca/uxpool

Uxbridge Public Library Activities

The Library has many programs running and upcoming, including:

Seedy Saturday

Saturday, March 1st, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Uxbridge Public Library for free seeds, free gardening advice, and then stay for an incredible lecture by Sara May, PhD, about plant genetics.

‘Herstory’ in Uxbridge, Celebrating Two Trailblazing Women Mayors

Join Julia from the Uxbridge Historical Centre as she guides a discussion on the impact and legacy of two of our towns most impressive women. Thursday, Mar. 13th, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. This is a free event. Call 905-852-8747 to register.

Reading Buddies Registration

A reading program that fosters a love of books through one-on-one reading, literacy-based activities, and fun! Available for children grades 1-3 (English or French). Tuesdays April 1 - May 20th or Thursdays April 3rd - May 22nd, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Registration opens March 3rd. To register, email andrea.stewart@uxlib.com

This is only a sneak peek at what the Uxbridge Public Library has to offer. Check out their calendar of events (www.uxlib.com) for more information on upcoming programs.

Arena and Recreation Updates

Saturday Night Themed Public Skates

The Uxbridge Arena is now offering Themed Saturday Night Public Skates until the end of March. All ages welcome. Regular public skating rules and rates apply. Here’s a preview of the upcoming themes and dates:

Disney Night Themed Skate - Mar. 8th, 7:00 - 7:50 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Themed Skate - Mar. 15th, 7:00 - 7:50 p.m.
Taylor Swift Themed Skate - Mar. 22nd, 7:00 - 7:50 p.m.

Updates from the Treasury Department

The first property tax installment for 2025 was due Wednesday, February 26, 2025. If you have not yet submitted payment, please make sure you do as soon as possible!

We continue to encourage residents to sign-up for eSend which can be done through the Township website or at Town Hall (51 Toronto St. S., Uxbridge).

Regional News – Family Services Durham Resources

Counselling and psychotherapy

FSD’s services include counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families. We can help with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, emotion management, relationship challenges, stress and parenting.

Sessions can be attended in-person across Durham Region – including within Uxbridge, Port Perry and Cannington – or by telephone or video.

Outreach programs

FSD provides outreach services to those who are unsheltered and who may be struggling with mental health and/or substance use concerns.

The Primary Care Outreach Program (PCOP), a service provided by paramedics and mental health counsellors, offers immediate access to medical, mental health and addictions care, and also provides support navigating other resources.

The Mental Health Outreach Program (MHOP) provides outreach counselling/psychotherapy and service coordination, to help individuals address a variety of mental health and substance use issues and access services to meet their basic needs.

Support for older adults

In partnership with Durham Regional Police Service, FSD’s Older Adult Safety Advisor (OASA) program offers information, support, advocacy, and service navigation for older adults who are at risk due to abuse, neglect, fraud, or other types of harm. Inquiries are accepted directly from older adults in need of assistance, and from members of the public or other organizations.

Other programs and services

FSD offers case management for adults with developmental disabilities, counselling for those impacted by abuse, and education and support for those with a current charge of intimate partner violence or domestic violence.

Click here to learn more about FSD’s programs and services.

To get support on your mental health journey, call 311 or toll-free 1-888-721-0622
(Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Provincial News

The 2025 Ontario general election took place last night, February 27th. View the results here.