From Mayor Dave’s Desk: April Newsletter

April 2025 Edition

This edition features the latest on Huck Finn festivities, street sweeping schedule, spring recreation program registration, and more!

Mayor Dave’s Q&A Video

Mayor Dave April 2025 Newsletter Video

In this month’s video, Mayor Dave highlights recent successful events, shares updates on Earth Day Clean-Up initiatives, and answers residents' questions about Downtown, the proposed pool, and more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4IjLE6FV7M 

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:

The busy regional roads construction season has begun with the second phase of the reconstruction of Regional Road 1 to Leaskdale. The record-level regional investment in roads will continue throughout the summer, with ten projects scheduled. Durham Region Public Works is working with the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) to structure timing, wherever reasonably possible, to mitigate the impact on farm vehicle traffic. Keep an eye on the Township website for updates regarding road closures and lane restrictions.

Did you know the Durham Region 911 Centre receives over 280,000 calls from within Durham Region each year? Over 8,300 of those calls come from within Uxbridge Township, that’s an average of one per hour! It’s worth noting that thousands of these calls are accidental. If a call is made in error, it’s important to stay on the line and inform the agent that it was unintentional. This eliminates the need for call-backs or unnecessary emergency dispatches.

Efforts continue to raise awareness of the regional support available to Uxbridge residents dealing with grief, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Additionally, the Canadian Mental Health Association is working to better connect with Uxbridge agricultural workers, their families, and the organizations that support the farming community.

Circular Materials, in partnership with Miller Waste, has fully assumed responsibility for managing recycling. If you have service concerns or require additional blue boxes, please call 1-888-852-4723 or email area8@millerwaste.ca.

Ward 1 Councillor, Pam Beach:

I am happy to report that the Goodwood Community Hall Egg Hunt was a great success. Kids had a fantastic time searching for eggs, and adults enjoyed the fun just as much. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make it such a joyful community event.

Coming up is another exciting event — the Goodwood Car Boot Sale! Set up and sell goods right from the ‘boot’ of your vehicle. It’s happening on Saturday, June 28 at the Goodwood Community Hall. Stay tuned — more details coming soon!

Ward 2 Councillor, Gord Shreeve:

To begin with, let me extend a big thank you to the Township Public Works and Parks Department staff and contractors for their dedicated work in cleaning up the damaged and fallen trees in Ward 2 parks and parkettes. The ice storm and resulting power outages created considerable challenges for residents, who rallied together with practical concern for one another.

Spring brings with it the promise of some important upgrades to our parks. The installation of a new sign at the community centre in Zephyr has made such a positive difference! Also coming to Zephyr Park is a new swing set with two belt seats and two tot seats. Thank you to the 72 residents who participated in a community survey last September, resulting in the selection of this soon-to-be-installed addition to the playground.

Ward 2 residents have made many suggestions for revitalizing hamlet parks. I will continue to work and advocate to bring Uxbridge Township resources to parks in need of improvements. Over the past two years, I have greatly appreciated the support received from Mayor Dave, fellow councillors, and our amazing Township staff.

Ward 3 Councillor, Zed Pickering:

Well April flew by! What a busy month it was as we welcomed in Spring. Let’s jump into a bit of what is happening in Ward 3.

Ward 3’s UxPool saw a report received from Director Ferraro that spoke to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) application. The focus is on a Myrtha/Sprung structure that includes an 8 x 25-meter pool and a 10 x 15-meter therapy /teaching pool and a multi-sport space. Uxbridge would greatly benefit from having a brand new, larger pool with expanded functionality. A new pool would be great for our community and good for North Durham. The new pool would remain at the existing sight, allowing easy access for residents, students and members of the Legion and Seniors’ Centre. Click here to learn more on the new UxPool.

Speaking of the Senior’s Centre; those 55+ have an opportunity to join the Centre, gaining access to wonderful programming and social events.  Learn more here: https://sites.google.com/site/uxbridgeseniors/

I would like to take a quick moment to thank Peter of Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority for bringing a delegation to Council last month. The LSRCA provides tremendous support to many of our greener projects across the Township, including the mini-forest and 2nd Avenue restoration project. Both of these Ward 3 initiatives were made greater by the LSRCAs involvement.

Lastly, let’s all continue supporting local. From the Brock St. E. retailers up to our local brewery and out to all the corners of the Township, let’s look first at what’s available to us in Uxbridge.

Ward 4 Councillor, Willie Popp:

Spring street sweeping has begun across the Township. Public Works crews are now active in neighbourhoods, removing winter debris and improving road safety and cleanliness. To assist with this work, residents are asked to avoid on-street parking when sweepers are scheduled in their area. Your cooperation helps ensure an efficient and effective cleanup process. Please refer to the schedule here for details on when sweeping will occur in your neighbourhood.

This past weekend saw strong community engagement in our downtown core during the annual BIA Eggstravaganza. Congratulations to the BIA on another successful event. Thank you to BIA staff, board members, and participating businesses for their continued support. Events like these depend on the collective efforts and generosity of our local business community.

Ward 5 Councillor, Todd Snooks:

A quick reminder that the Uxbridge Farmers Market returns Sundays starting in May, right in front of The Second Wedge Brewing Co. on Victoria Street. It’s a great opportunity to support local growers and makers, connect with neighbours, and enjoy fresh, seasonal offerings.

As always, I encourage residents to tune in or attend council meetings to stay up-to-date on Township initiatives and decisions. Staying informed and involved helps keep our community strong and connected. View Council and Committee agendas and watch live streams here.

Huck Finn Returns!

The Uxbridge Huck Finn Youth Fishing Days are back this spring! Starting April 26th, families can enjoy fishing at Elgin Pond all season long, with exciting opportunities to win prizes and participate in monthly photo contests. The pond will be stocked with 500 Brook trout, courtesy of the Ministry of Natural Resources, ensuring plenty of fishing fun. Learn more here.

Street Sweeping Underway

Street sweeping is now underway in the Township. The schedule is as follows:

Northwest corner of town

Southwest corner of town

Southeast corner of town

Northeast corner of town

Rural subdivisions and hamlets

Town parking lots 

Click here to learn more: https://www.uxbridge.ca/en/news/2025-street-sweeping-set-to-commence.aspx

Uxbridge Downtown Parking Study – Interesting Facts

Have you had a chance to review the draft Parking Strategy Study that supports the Downtown Revitalization Strategic Plan & Action Plan? Here are a few interesting insights from the draft report:

There are currently 469 municipal parking spaces (on- and off-street parking) in the downtown

The study found that during the October survey period a minimum of 210 spaces were always available

Unless otherwise posted, parking on Brock Street West and Main Street is limited to a 2-hour maximum while downtown side streets allow a 3-hour maximum.

10-hour parking is permitted in the Coffee Time, Centennial Park, 17 Church Street, and Albert Street (north side) parking lots.

Learn more here: https://pub-uxbridge.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=23253

Check out more about parking analysis here: https://www.uxbridge.ca/en/explore-and-play/downtown-revitalization-project.aspx#General-Information

Township Taking Steps to Protect Birds of Prey

It’s not uncommon to hear the resonant call of a Great Horned Owl on a winter evening in Uxbridge, or to spot a Red-tailed Hawk perched above a hayfield. Our township is home to many raptors we coexist with—Barred Owls, Eastern Screech-Owls, Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, and American Kestrels, to name a few.

The use of rodenticides in our township is unintentionally killing raptors through secondary poisoning—this happens when raptors consume rodents that have ingested the poison. Apex predators like Great Horned Owls, whose populations are already declining according to the 2024 State of Canada’s Birds Report, are particularly vulnerable. It’s important to remember that we are part of these ecosystems, and the loss of apex predators disrupts vital ecosystem functions that we may not even realize we are dependent on.

Bird Friendly Uxbridge, a team of local volunteers responsible for Uxbridge’s certification as a Bird Friendly Rural Municipality, has been tirelessly advocating for other methods of pest control that are equally effective but do not pose this non-target lethal effect.

We’re proud to share a significant success: Courtney Clarke, Director of Public Works, Parks and Trails, has confirmed that rodenticide bait traps have been removed from all Township-owned facilities. This is a meaningful step toward a more sustainable and biodiverse community. We commend Township staff for their leadership and commitment to protecting Uxbridge’s wildlife and natural heritage.

Carly Davenport, M.Sc.

Member of Bird Friendly Uxbridge

Roadside Litter Clean-Up at Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park

The Township of Uxbridge will be working with Ontario Parks to clean up roadside litter outside Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park on Tues. May 13th from 10am to 12 noon. Sign in starts at 9:30am. For more information or to register to participate please email events@uxbridge.ca. There is more information on the township website here.

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

Summer Swimming Lessons Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on May 28th online at www.uxbridge.ca/uxpool

Uxpool Closed May 19th for Victoria Day.

Uxbridge Public Library Activities

New Assets Added to the Adult Dept. 

Be sure to ask about the new cognitive kits!

The library is buzzing with exciting programs, including:

Artsy Afternoon geared for children grades 3-5. May 29th 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. $10/child.

Meet local author Dr. Vi Tu Banh on Tuesday, May 13th. Pre-registration is required.

Poetry Aloud May 13th from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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: https://uxlib.insigniails.com/Library/Event

Arena and Recreation Updates

Registration now open for Spring Mini Session! 6 Week Session for $35

Sponsored by Canadian Tire Jumpstart

Dance Programs (May 6th – June 10th):

Bop & Beats (Ages 4-6)

Move 2 Groove (Ages 7-9)

Dance-Fit (Ages 10-13)

Sports Programs (May 7th – June 11th):

Ready, Set, Play! (Ages 5-8)

EnerGym (Ages 7-10)

Learn more here: https://www.uxbridge.ca/en/explore-and-play/recreation.aspx

Our drop-in skating programs have wrapped up for the season. We look forward to seeing everyone this Fall! Stay tuned for updates on our summer drop-in programs.

Updates from the Treasury Department

Reminder residents, next property tax installment is due April 28th! Learn more here.

Social Services

Outreach supports for those experiencing homelessness

As part of the Region of Durham’s Social Services Department, Family Services Durham (FSD) offers the Primary Care Outreach Program (PCOP), a collaboration between FSD and Region of Durham Paramedic Services. Established as a pilot program in 2019, the program now operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days per week across Durham Region. An Advanced Care Paramedic offers medical care and referrals to resources, including virtual medicine; a Social Worker provides assessment and counselling around mental health and substance use, and navigation to community resources.

Social workers from FSD’s Mental Health Outreach Program (MHOP) deliver clinical counselling and psychotherapy to vulnerable populations, including those living without shelter or who are recently housed, and face mental health and/or substance use challenges. MHOP services are available Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

PCOP and MHOP tailor services to each individual’s unique needs and goals. Both programs are mobile, travelling to accessible locations throughout Durham Region including homeless hubs and encampments. PCOP and MHOP staff work closely with a range of community partners to assist clients to connect with services, including housing support and, when needed, addiction recovery. Together, they work to build trust and a circle of support around some of the community’s most vulnerable members.

For more information or to request support for yourself or on behalf of someone else, contact PCOP at 289-979-9428 or RMD.PCOP@durham.ca, or MHOP at 311 or RMD.MHOP@durham.ca.

Support for older adults

To help increase the well-being of older adults, FSD works with the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) to offer an Older Adult Safety Advisor (OASA) program. OASA staff provide information, support and service navigation for older adults who are experiencing (or are at risk of) abuse, neglect, fraud or other types of harm.

Assistance may be provided directly to those at risk, or to members of the community with concerns about an older adult. Information and support may be provided by telephone or in person at various locations in the community as needed. In addition to providing direct support, OASA staff work closely with a range of community organizations to help clients make meaningful connections to other services to increase their safety and meet basic needs.

OASA staff are also committed to increasing community awareness about abuse against older adults and resources that can support them. OASA staff appear regularly on Rogers TV’s “Seniors Talk with DRPS,” where they discuss topics relevant to safety and well-being. You can view episodes at rogerstv.com. OASA staff were pleased to have the opportunity to speak to residents of 20 Perry Street in Uxbridge last month, to provide information about the OASA program and FSD’s other services.

For more information or to request services, contact OASA at 905-668-7711 ext. 2460 or RMD.OlderAdultSafety@durham.ca.

Federal News

Canada’s 45th federal election will take place on April 28th, 2025. Click here to learn more about key dates, registration information and ways to vote.