Mayor Dave’s Q&A Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_1XH9769L0
In this month’s video, Mayor Dave discusses the progress of Downtown Revitalization efforts, the next phase of the new animal shelter, and the new pool grant submission. He also answers residents' questions about grocery store developments, pothole repairs, and talks about the Canadian flags displayed around town.
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 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:
Despite, or perhaps because of, a cold and snowy February, transit ridership reached a record high with 4,480 individual trips! More and more residents are discovering the benefits of the two local buses and the on-demand service. Efforts continue to encourage even higher ridership. DRT, in partnership with Uxbridge’s Age-Friendly Committee, is hosting two events in April to seek input from local residents aged 60+. In addition, attendees will have an opportunity to learn about DRT’s services, how to arrange rides, and experience the ease of taking a bus trip within town. Further information can be found here: https://www.durhamregiontransit.com/en/news/durham-region-transit-hosts-a-meeting-for-uxbridge-seniors.aspx
Efforts to raise awareness of the Regional Family Services available in Uxbridge continue. Watch for social media updates showing how people seeking help with family counseling, addictions, anxiety, grief, and much more can get help in person or remotely. Additionally, a connection has been made with the Canadian Mental Health Association, which is working to raise awareness of the support available to agricultural workers and their families. The mental health of Uxbridge residents is a priority, and efforts will continue to ensure that those who need help are able to access it. Families can always call 311 to speak with Family Services. In an emergency, call 911.
Spring is here! Be ready for regional road construction. Work on Durham 1 to Leaskdale will soon continue as planned. Zephyr Road East will see long-awaited construction this summer. So too will Durham 8 near Siloam.
Regional Emergency Management Services (EMS) will be making the Uxbridge Fire Hall their home for at least the next two years. The move facilitates the removal of the station located where the hospital and LTC home construction will soon begin. The Township of Uxbridge is working with Durham Region to build EMS a permanent home.
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:
Promoting the upgrading of roads and improving safety continues to be one of my top priorities for Ward 2. I'm happy to report that the following road resurfacing projects were approved in the Township of Uxbridge's 2025 Budget:
For Leaskdale:
- The completion of the subdivision paving project is planned for this year and will involve work on Harrison Drive from Regional Road 1 to Regional Road 13, along with Oxtoby Lane from Avonlea Road to Harrison Drive.
- Also scheduled is the resurfacing of Foster Drive from Regional Road 1 to Mayfair Road.
- After two years of gravel preparation, Fowlers Road from Regional Road 1 to Kydd Road and Kydd Road from Regional Road 23 to the south end are now ready for paving.
For Zephyr:
- Zephyr Road from Regional Road 39 to the west limit will be resurfaced, which will be welcomed, especially by pedestrians who look forward to their daily walks.
For Sandford:
- Concession Road 5 from Sandford Road to Davis Drive will be paved following two years of gravel preparation.
In the April edition of this newsletter, I will highlight some of the plans to revitalize our parks and recreational equipment. Thank you to my fellow residents as we work together to make Ward 2 one of the best places to live in Uxbridge Township!
Lastly, the fourteenth annual Uxbridge Prayer Breakfast will be held on May 14th at Mill Run Golf Club, starting at 7:00 a.m. The event will include entertainment from local artists and feature Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling as the guest speaker. Tickets for the breakfast are $25 and can be purchased at Blue Heron Books and Brian Evans Financial Services.
Ward 3 Councillor, Zed Pickering:
Happy Spring and Happy One-Year Anniversary to Little Forests Durham! In 2024, the first Mini-Forest in Durham Region was planted in Ward 3’s Fields of Uxbridge, thanks to this incredible group and many dedicated volunteers. It was an honour to be part of this project. A total of 600 native trees and shrubs, representing 22 species, were planted. Mini-forests grow 10 times faster, sequester carbon dioxide up to 30 times better, and are 20 to 100 times more biodiverse than conventionally planted forests.
With Spring upon us, the trails are starting to look and feel different with increased use! Thanks to funding from the Parking Permit Program, we were able to reinvest approximately $87,000 into trail infrastructure, equipment, and ongoing maintenance for the 2025 season and beyond.
Here are some of the biggest upgrades:
- Mobile restrooms installed at all locations.
- Winter grooming at all locations to keep trails accessible year-round.
- Three new trailhead kiosks for improved navigation and visitor information. (Houston Road/East Gate, Towers/West Gate, Durham Forest, and Skyloft/Trail Hub, East Duffins Headwaters)
- Regular trail mowing to maintain accessibility. (Durham Forest, East Duffins Headwaters)
- Two parking lot gate replacements. (3 Rocks – Con. 7 and Townline, Buzek Lane/Skyloft, East Duffins Headwaters)
- A new Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid kit for safety. (Durham Forest)
- Two new bike repair stations for cyclists. (Durham Forest and East Duffins Headwaters
Lastly, I want to highlight our amazing Library staff. Our libraries are much more than a place to find your next great read, they are community hubs that offer so much to the residents of Uxbridge and serve as tourist information spots. Last month, during March Break, the Uxbridge branch hosted many little faces, offering opportunities to explore, create, and imagine. There was even a Stuffy Sleepover!
Happy Spring, Uxbridge! As we thaw out from a cold winter, I encourage you to explore the trails in your own backyard, learn more about our heritage at the museum, and support our local economy by shopping in our beautiful downtown. See you out there!
Ward 4 Councillor, Willie Popp:
Hello Ward 4! As the warmer weather arrives, there's plenty happening in our community. Here's a quick update:
First, the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Campbell Drive Playground has been published and will close on April 15th.
While you're out soaking up the sunshine, don’t forget to visit Elgin Park to check out the two new blue Durham Region Muskoka chairs. Grab a seat and take in the beautiful surroundings!
Next, the BIA’s Easter Eggstravaganza is back on Saturday, April 19th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Residents, mark your calendars, and head downtown for this free event!
Lastly, a quick reminder: street sweeping is expected to begin in mid-April, weather permitting. Keep an eye on the Township’s website at for more updates.
Ward 5 Councillor, Todd Snooks:
Hi Ward 5, here are some updates on upcoming activities in the area this Spring!
The 2025 Horseshoe Season at the Uxbridge Museum pits kicks off on April 29th and will run weekly through October. The season pass is $35 and includes a membership to the Uxbridge-Scott Historical Society (USHS), granting access to all USHS events throughout 2025, including their Speaker Series.
Bird Friendly Uxbridge Upcoming Activities:
Bird Friendly Uxbridge is excited to relaunch the ‘Lights Out Uxbridge’ campaign, a voluntary pledge to reduce light pollution from April 1st to November 1st. You can sign up for the pledge here: https://forms.gle/SgdQDGz49q3cexUE9. Plus, don’t miss World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 10th! Join the group for a Dawn Chorus event in partnership with North Durham Nature at Secord Forest from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. followed by lunch at Second Wedge Brewery at 11:00 a.m. See you there!
New Animal Shelter Construction Budget Costs Approved
The Township of Uxbridge and Scugog are pleased to announce that on March 24th, Uxbridge and Scugog Councils approved a Class C estimated budget of $3.8 million for the New Animal Shelter Project. This approval allows the Townships to proceed to the next phase, which involves creating construction drawings to meet building permit requirements and finalizing the project's total cost.
The project manager for the new shelter presented to Council, sharing renderings and additional details about what the new facility will offer. Learn more here: https://www.uxbridge.ca/en/news/townships-of-uxbridge-and-scugog-councils-approve-the-next-phase-for-the-new-animal-shelter.aspx
New Pool Grant Submitted
The Township of Uxbridge submitted an application on February 21st, 2025, for the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), Stream Two, aiming to secure funding for a new community pool. The proposal includes a Myrtha/Sprung structure with an 8 x 25-meter pool, a 10 x 15-meter therapy/teaching pool, and a multi-sport space. The Township is optimistic about the application and hopeful for success in securing funding.
View the report here: https://pub-uxbridge.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=23186
View concept drawings here: https://pub-uxbridge.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=23187
Mayor & Council Egg Hunt
Join Mayor and Council for an Egg Hunt, Friday, April 18th at 12:00 p.m. in Elgin Park!
Click here https://forms.gle/9YrtYhsn4DL2Ri1Y6 to register to attend this event.
Uxbridge Visitor Guide Now Available
Exciting news, Uxbridge! The Uxbridge Visitor's Guide is now available in both digital and print. Discover the best local trails, top dining spots, unique shops, and must-visit attractions in town.
Pick up a print copy at any town facility or check out the digital version here. https://discoveruxbridge.ca/discoveruxbridgeguide/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR13td0ezKWjJA-OpqbzP5reCvO_LWdz-1CNaqqqhA6jupaDljvxgkYP0Lk_aem_PizrgwdJy2WKBTdkORoLyw
Earth Day Clean-Up Events
For more information, contact a Trail Coordinator at trails@uxbridge.ca or 905-852-9181 ext. 506.
Uxbridge Seniors’ Transit Meeting
Durham Region Transit (DRT) invites Uxbridge seniors to a community meeting to learn about local transit services and help shape the future of transit in Uxbridge. Join us in person on April 23 at 10 a.m. at the Uxbridge Arena, or attend a virtual session on April 24 at 11 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. Share your ideas and ask questions. Light refreshments will be available at the in-person event. RSVP here: https://www.durhamregiontransit.com/en/news/durham-region-transit-hosts-a-meeting-for-uxbridge-seniors.aspx
Public Works Reminders
Report a Pothole:
Reminder residents, drive with caution on roads as potholes may have developed over the winter. Our public works team monitors the conditions and repair potholes as soon as possible. To report a pothole, email roads@uxbridge.ca
Uxpool Updates
Programming Updates:
- Youth Safety Awareness Course: Monday, March 31st. Register here: http://www.uxbridge.ca/uxpool
- PD Day Public Swim: Monday, March 31st from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Upcoming Uxpool Closures:
- Closed April 11th, 12th, and 13th for swim meet.
- Closed April 18th, 20th, and 21st for Easter Weekend.
Uxbridge Public Library Activities
Battle of the Books – Coming Soon!
Join the library on April 8th at the Uxbridge Music Hall! Stay tuned for more details.
The library is buzzing with exciting programs, including:
- Junior Scientist Club geared for children born in 2021, along with a caregiver. Registration opens on April 9th.
- Meet local author Dr. Vi Tu Banh on Tuesday, May 13th. Pre-registration is required.
- Uxbridge Public Library Summer Camp – Registration is now open!
This is just a glimpse of what’s happening at the Uxbridge Public Library. For more details on upcoming events, visit our calendar of events page here: https://uxlib.insigniails.com/Library/Event
Arena and Recreation Updates
UxCamps is hiring for summer positions! For all job opportunities and descriptions, click here: https://www.uxbridge.ca/en/your-local-government/careers.aspx Resumes will be accepted until March 31st!
Spring Public Program Schedule: March 31st – April 25th. Visit www.uxbridge.ca/recreation for details.
Updates from the Treasury Department
Reminder residents, next property tax installment is due April 28th! Learn more at https://www.uxbridge.ca/en/living-here/property-taxes.aspx
Uxbridge Residents Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medals
Several Uxbridge residents were honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medals on Saturday, March 22nd. Recognized for their outstanding contributions in fields ranging from military and public service to health and the arts, these individuals have made a significant impact on our community. Congratulations to all the recipients!
Federal News
Canada’s 45th federal election will take place on April 28th, 2025. Click here (https://www.elections.ca/home.aspx) to learn more about key dates, registration information and ways to vote.
Contact Us