From Mayor Dave’s Desk: July 2025 Newsletter

This month’s edition features information on recent announcements, upcoming events, and much more! Not yet signed up? Subscribe here!

This month’s edition is filled with exciting updates from the Township, including upcoming community events, new programs and services, grand openings, and much more as summer unfolds in Uxbridge!

Mayor Dave’s Q&A Video

July 2025 Newsletter Video

This month Mayor Dave shares updates on local road construction, the new pickleball and tennis court facility, the latest in downtown revitalization, current film initiatives, and answers your questions.

 

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 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:

While many of us take advantage of summer for rest and relaxation, Regional projects pick up the pace.  In particular Regional Roads construction. 

  • Durham 1 to Leaskdale is very close to being complete.  
  • Durham 8 near Siloam will be ongoing for 4-5 months. 
  • Sandford Road and Zephyr Road plans are progressing as planned. 
  • Regional Highway 47 west of Goodwood is in-progress. 
 
The Region recognizes the travel disruption these projects cause.  At the same time the Township is thankful for the major investment the Region continues to make in our infrastructure.
 
Speaking of Regional Highway 47, I was on-site last week to meet with the team that decides speed limits.  After walking the site, we are aligned on adjusting the limits higher westbound.  Further details will follow but, once clear of the hamlet, the limit will be raised to 70kmh sooner.  These changes will take place after the repaving from Goodwood to Paisley Lane is complete.
 
Earlier in July I spent a day with Regional EMS staff.  I listened to how callers needing help receive compassionate support while involved in emergency situations.  Immediately beside the call takers, sat the dispatch team who make critical decisions regarding which ambulance will be dispatched to provide care.  At the same time the dispatchers reposition other vehicles to ensure optimal coverage across all of Durham Region.  I also witnessed first-hand the challenges of off-loading patients at hospital sites. Recent changes have significantly reduced these delays which allows vehicles to return to service quicker.  I am now even more appreciative of the coordinated efforts of Regional and Provincial staff who respond to our residents on the most difficult of days.
 
On a related note, the Uxbridge EMS team is now sharing space with Uxbridge Fire. The old station on Campbell Drive has been demolished as part of the exciting work taking place related to our new hospital and long-term care home.
 
Finally, while many of us enjoy the sometimes-slower pace of the summer, others may struggle with mental health challenges that are exasperated by various events.  Durham Region Social Services has highly trained staff that are available to help.  Not sure where to start?  A confidential call to 311 from anywhere in Durham Region will start the journey to connecting to support.
 

Ward 1 Councillor, Pam Beach:

I want to remind residents that construction continues on Durham 8 at Uxbridge-York Town Line. As well, the Construction on Highway 47 to Durham-York Line 30 also continues to progress. Thank you for your patience during all of the road work, remember to drive safe and make space for construction crews on the roads.
 
There are plenty of ways to stay active in Ward 1 and throughout the Township this summer. The Harold Bell Memorial Park offers volleyball, tennis, baseball facilities as well as a playground for the youth. You can also take a walk on our trails, the Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park is a beautiful area and the Township is currently offering guided trail walks at the property. Get outside, get active, and utilize the many resources the Township offers.
 

Upcoming Event:

  • Goodwood Community Garage & Market Sale

Saturday, September 13 from 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

  •  
    • Location: Goodwood Community Centre
    • Calling all vendors and community members. Do you have items you don’t use or are looking to sell? Book a table while spaces last. $25 inside, $15 outside.
    • Call 289-221-9505 for more details.

 

Ward 2 Councillor, Gord Shreeve:

Summer is well underway and I hope that many of you have been able to share special times with family and friends. I have enjoyed visiting our local farm markets and taking home some fresh produce, meat, and delicious baked goods!
 
The next Leaskdale Loop is scheduled for Saturday, August 9th from 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. It's always a good time following the Loop's self-guided tour of farms, studios, and historical sites and meeting the amazing vendors and hosts.
 
Mark your calendars for the Zephyr Family Fun Day planned for Saturday, August 23rd from 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
 
Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns that I, along with our terrific staff team, can address. I have been very busy this month, answering resident calls and emails. Reach out to me at gshreeve@uxbridge.ca or call me at: (647) 324-8464.

 

Ward 3 Councillor, Zed Pickering:

 

Exciting Summer Updates from Ward 3

After fantastic feedback from pickleball players during their time at the Uxbridge Arena and following productive discussions and an agreement with both the Uxbridge Tennis Club and Uxbridge Pickleball Club, the Township of Uxbridge is thrilled to officially open the new Pickleball and Tennis Courts at the Fields of Uxbridge. These courts are now available to both club members and Uxbridge residents.

 

Fun FYI: The Mini Forest prep takes place tomorrow at 721 Ball Road. If you’ve been following this project, you’ll know Mini Forests are a beautiful addition to our community. They help sequester carbon, support biodiversity, and provide vital green space for both residents and our feathered friends.

 

At the other end of Ward 3, a new initiative is budding at Herrema Fields. In June, the Uxbridge Community Garden Committee presented a proposal to Council to build a community garden in the area. The vision includes a mix of raised and traditional garden beds, a shed, and seating. This could become a welcoming space for community programming and green thumbs of all ages.

 

Wishing everyone a wonderful summer. See you out and about in Uxbridge.

 

Ward 4 Councillor, Willie Popp:

I’d like to start this month’s update by offering a big thank-you to the Canada Day Committee, staff, volunteers, community groups, local organizations, and partners who helped make this year’s event another success. It was wonderful to see the community come together for such a great night of celebrations. Your hard work and dedication is so appreciated.

 

Starting Monday, July 21st, road work will begin on Mill Street. For about 8 weeks, the section from Bascom Street to just past Pond Street will be closed to through traffic, but local traffic will still have access. You might hear some noise from the construction equipment during this time. Thanks so much for your patience while we get this work done!

 

The annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament is coming up soon, and we’d love to see you there! It’s happening on September 30, 2025, at Wyndance Golf Club with a shotgun start at 8:30 AM. It’s a great chance to enjoy a fun day of golf while supporting the Uxbridge Hospital Redevelopment and local community groups. If you or someone you know would like to take part, send an email to mayor@uxbridge.ca for more details.

 

Ward 5 Councillor, Todd Snooks:

 

Notice of Tree Removal at the King Street Parkette

As prep work for the pocket forests at King Street Parkette has just been completed, I want to inform local residents that tree removal will be taking place in the area soon. Please be advised, as part of preparations for the pocket forests coming to King Street Parkette this fall, a large Norway Maple tree will be removed to protect surrounding trees and allow the new forest to thrive. The Township is exploring options for the stump, including full removal or partial retention for features like a sculpture or lending library, with a focus on safety and maintaining the area's visual appeal.

 

For more information contact:

Trails Department

Township of Uxbridge

trails@uxbridge.ca

 

Pickleball and Tennis Courts Grand Opening

Exciting news: the new Pickleball and Tennis Courts are now complete!
 
Located at the Fields of Uxbridge, this brand-new facility was built in response to strong community feedback requesting permanent courts.
 
We hope everyone enjoys the new courts and expect them to be busy!
 
Join us for the Grand Opening of the brand-new Pickleball & Tennis Courts at the Fields of Uxbridge!
📅 Monday, July 28th
📍 355 Main St. N., Uxbridge
🕒 10:00 a.m.
Be one of the first to play on the new courts and help us celebrate this exciting addition to our community! 🏓🏆

 

Bird Diverter Installation

On July 7th, the Township of Uxbridge installed Bird Diverters around the powerlines over Elgin Pond.

 

These diverters will help increase visibility of powerlines to birds, decreasing the amount of  incidents that come from birds running into powerlines. This will not only increase the safety for birds, but also decrease the amount of safety issues that could be caused by broken powerlines.

 

New Sculpture Survey Results

Last month, the Township launched a survey to gather your input about the new sculpture that will be installed in front of Town Hall and the results are in….
 
With the majority vote, the winner is:
The Swan Sculpture
 
Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey, we hope that this sculpture will symbolize the beauty and spirit of our community. The Township is excited to move forward with this beautiful addition to our public space.
 
Stay tuned for updates on the installation!

 

Mini Forest Site Prep

The site preparation project for the second mini forest is taking place tomorrow, July 26th, at 9:00 a.m. at the Fields of Uxbridge (335 Durham Regional Road 1).
 
 
For more information about this project, please email trails@uxbridge.ca.

 

Swim and Skate Pass

The new Swim and Skate Pass initiative was created to reduce the financial and logistical barriers for getting involved in local recreation.
 
How it works:
Uxbridge residents ages 19+ with a library card in good standing will be able to borrow this special pass for free drop-in swims all summer and public skates starting in the fall. Each pass admits up to five people, making it perfect for families.
 
You can borrow the pass for up to seven consecutive days at a time, but there are limited quantities, so get it while you can.
 
The passes will be tracked and activated by Library staff through the Township’s ActiveNet account.

 

Downtown Revitalization Open House

On Tuesday, July 22, an Open House was hosted by several Councillors, the Uxbridge Downtown Revitalization Advisory Committee and Township staff.   The purpose of the Open House was to provide the public with an opportunity to learn of the work that has been done to date and what is planned for the upcoming year to realize the Downtown Revitalization Strategic Plan.
 
The Strategic Plan was developed in 2022 based on the input from over 2,000 residents, business and property owners and visitors to the downtown. Attendees were provided an opportunity to ask questions pertaining to the Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) that the Township recently issued for the purchase and redevelopment of key properties in Lower Brock as well as the anticipated development of a plan for Centennial Park and the current discussions between the Township and Metrolinx regarding the future of the Heritage Railway Area.
 
Following the Question and Answer session, individuals were encouraged to visit the various tables that featured information pertaining to the downtown revitalization project, the BIA and the Heritage Committee.
 
Downtown Revitalization is an on-going project. The community can follow this project through the www.uxbridge.ca/myuxbridgedowntown web page.
The Animal Shelter Receives Major Donation
The Councils of Uxbridge and Scugog joined staff from the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter on  Saturday, July 12th to announce a significant donation made towards the new animal shelter project.
 
This contribution of $84,579 is the third installment made by the estate of Marlyn Ruth Rennie since the fall of 2023, bringing her total amount of contributions to $1,100,674.
 
These generous donations will play a major role in the development of a new animal shelter, and improving facilities for the betterment of animals that visit the shelter. The Townships of Uxbridge and Scugog thank Marlyn Rennie and her family for their continued support.

Activity Registration Fair – Call for Vendors

On Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 the Township of Uxbridge will be hosting an activity registration fair from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Uxbridge Arena Community Centre (291 Brock St. W.). 

This is an opportunity to sign your children up for youth or family-oriented programs organized in Uxbridge. There will be programming for sports, arts and music, clubs, educational enrichment, and more.

If you are a local organization interested in participating, please complete the online application form at: Vendor Request Form.

As an exhibitor, you will have the opportunity to showcase your program directly to local families, distribute information, answer questions in person and accept on-site registrations for your activity or club.

 

Please note that submission of the form does not guarantee a spot, as space is limited. The exhibitor application period will remain open until August 1st, 2025. All applicants will be notified of their status by August 14th, 2025. A nominal $5 fee will apply to confirmed exhibitors. 

For more information or inquiries, please email arena@uxbridge.ca.  

Trail Volunteers Wanted

Looking to complete volunteer hours? Or simply trying to give back to the community? Well— you’re in luck! The Uxbridge Parks and Trails Department is looking for volunteers to help build, improve, and maintain the Uxbridge Town Trail Network.

 

You can sign up by emailing trails@uxbridge.ca.

 

Township Launches New Online Permit System

The Township of Uxbridge is pleased to announce the launch of Permit 
Central, a new online permit registration system for a variety of public works permit applications.

Permit Central is currently the only method for submitting public works requests. This platform will provide efficient, accessible, and intuitive steps towards securing a permit. Permit Central allows users to submit requests, track approvals, pay online and receive updates with ease.

In an effort to support users during this transition, the Township has provided detailed instructions, support materials, and FAQs. To learn more click here.

 

 

Accessibility Advisory Committee Application

Looking to make a difference within your community?
 
The Township of Uxbridge is looking for members of the community who identify as a person with a disability to join the accessibility advisory committee.
 
If you’re interested in applying, please submit the following materials to eelliott@uxbridge.ca:
  • A completed Committee Member Application Form
  • Your resume
  • A brief letter of interest outlining your qualifications and why you would be a strong fit for the role
 
For more information on the position and how to apply please check out our website.

Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park

If you are a nature enthusiast or simply love going on walks in the Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park, please help the Ontario Parks staff learn more about the biodiversity in the area by photographing the nature you see.
 
As you are walking you may stumble upon creatures, plants, or other species that the Ontario Parks staff have not yet witnessed. Help build the life science inventory for the park and get photographing!
 
To upload your photos to their system please visit Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park on the iNaturalist App!
 
While you are photographing in the area, show off your photographic talents and enter your nature shots into the Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park Fall Fair Photo Contest!
 
You can enter your photos anytime this year until September 4th, 2025. This contest is free to enter, and open to all ages. There are great prizes up for grabs, so don’t miss out.
 
For more information on the park visit www.ontarioparks.ca/uxbridgeurban.

 

Super Pet Calendar

Is your furry friend ready for the spotlight? For $10, you can submit adorable photos of your pet for the Uxbridge Scugog Animal Shelter’s 2026 Super Pet Fundraising Calendar.
 
All submitted photos will be featured in the calendar, but thirteen pets will be selected as “Super Pet of the Month” winners.
 
Calendars will also be for sale for $15 each.
 
Entry and calendar pre-order forms are available for pickup at various locations, click here for the full list.
 
The deadline for photo submissions is September 12th, 2025, at 4:30 pm.
 
Proceeds from the Super Pet Calendar sales will help cover the costs of caring for animals at the Uxbridge Scugog Animal Shelter.
 
For more information about the project contact Animal Services at (905) 985-9547.
 

Clerk’s Department Updates

Recent Updates from the Legislative Services Department

The Legislative Services Department has been actively advancing several key initiatives in support of the Township’s operational goals and strategic development. Notable recent developments include:

  • Property Acquisitions: The Township has successfully acquired 43, 45, and 47 Brock Street, as well as a portion of 12 Main Street. These acquisitions are significant steps forward in facilitating the redevelopment of Lower Brock Street as part of the Downtown Revitalization Project.
  • Electronic Burial Permits: Beginning August 1, the Township will transition to the electronic issuance of burial permits.
  • AODA Compliance Audit: The department has recently completed and submitted a response to an Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) audit on behalf of the Township. This ensures continued compliance with provincial accessibility standards and reflects the commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible community for all residents.

Uxbridge Public Library Activities

Upcoming Events:
 
Preschool
  • Jungle Playtime | Monday, July 28th from 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m.
  • Magic Playtime | Monday, August 11 from 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m.
 
Kindergarten
  • Become a Jungle Explorer | Tuesday, July 29 from 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m.
  • Make your own Dragon Egg | Tuesday, August 12 from 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m.
 
Grades 1-3 (As of fall 2025)
  • Robot Fun | Thursday, July 31 from 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m.
  • Make your own Fairy House | Thursday, August 14 from 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m.
 
Grades 4-6 (As of fall 2025)
  • Escape the Jungle | Friday, August 1 from 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m.
  • DIY Bracelets, Keychains, and Jewelry | Friday, August 15 from 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m.
 
Canadian Red Cross
  • Stay Safe Alone at Home Course | Tuesday, August 26 from 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
  • Babysitting Course | Thursday, August 28 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30a.m.
 
More information regarding events at the Uxbridge Public Library can be found on their website.

 

Uxbridge Historical Centre Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events:

  • Horseshoes | Every Tuesday at 6:00 PM

No Pre-registration required

  • Herb Harvest | August 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Ghost Tours | August 8 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
  • Letterpress Workshop | August 9 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

Tax Update

Did you know the the Township  offers pre-authorized payment plans? Learn more here: https://www.uxbridge.ca/en/living-here/property-taxes.aspx
 
Residents are also encouraged to sign-up for eSend, to receive tax bills by e-mail, which can be done online at Uxbridge.ca or at Town Hall (51 Toronto St. S.).

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