The rural town of Uxbridge, Ont., is renowned for its vast outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking trails and biking routes. However, for decades, six parcels of land in the township spanning roughly 1,300 acres have been inaccessible to the public. Through the advocacy of the local mayor and community, plans are underway to transform this land into Ontario’s newest provincial park. The lands were previously owned by Infrastructure Ontario, who decided to sell them in September 2021. The Township of Uxbridge made a bid for the land, offering a nominal fee in hopes of creating a sprawling new municipal park that would benefit the local economy and provide recreational options for residents.
The proposal for the creation of the provincial park gained traction with Ontario officials, who decided to keep the land and convert it into Ontario’s first urban provincial park. With the support of key government figures, including the environment minister, finance minister, and premier, the plan moved forward swiftly. The budget tabled in March 2023 included a promise to explore the creation of the park in Uxbridge. While the province is still technically considering the park proposal, consultations and public comments have been solicited, with overwhelming support for the project. The government plans to designate the land during the summer, initiating the development of a park management plan that will dictate the park’s amenities and operations.
The creation of the provincial park in Uxbridge is seen as a significant opportunity for economic growth in the small town. The mayor believes that the park will attract tourists, benefiting local businesses such as restaurants within the community. The proposed park is not expected to offer overnight camping, and there will be limited access and development during the planning process. Once the park management plan is finalized in 2025, a gradual and phased approach to operations and development will be implemented. The government aims to support the local economy while preserving the natural landscape and providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
The land acquisition and development of the park are part of a broader effort to expand protected areas in Ontario and create more urban green spaces. The provincial government has committed to bearing the costs of maintaining the land and conducting studies to support the establishment of the park. Indigenous stakeholders have also been consulted, indicating a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration in the park’s planning process. The transformation of the previously restricted land into a publicly accessible provincial park represents a significant achievement for the community, signaling a new era of outdoor recreation and environmental conservation in Uxbridge.
The proposed provincial park in Uxbridge has the potential to become a focal point for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers in the region. The vast expanse of land, once restricted from public access, will now offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and other recreational activities. The park’s development will be guided by a comprehensive management plan that considers the needs of the community, the protection of natural habitats, and sustainable tourism practices. As the province moves forward with consultations and regulatory steps to designate the land, the anticipation for the park’s opening continues to grow among residents and stakeholders. Mayor Barton’s vision for a bustling, tourism-driven economy supported by the provincial park showcases the transformative impact of nature-based initiatives on small communities.
