Mayor Dave and Council January 2025 e-Newsletter

Thanks for joining us! The first edition of our e-newsletter has been released. You can expect to receive these communications at the end of each month, keeping you up to date with the latest Council news, projects, programs, events, and more.

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This first edition includes a look back at 2024 accomplishments, 2025 goals, messages from Council and updates from Township departments.

2024 Accomplishments:

2024 was a year of major milestones, community events, and completed projects. We’re proud of all we’ve achieved together. While not an exhaustive list, here are some highlights:

Mayor’s Recognition Program:

29 certificates presented to local businesses, groups, and residents
9 proclamations for significant dates
Long-term service awards to staff and firefighters
Celebrated the Township’s 50th anniversary
Organized a successful Mayor’s Golf Tournament raising over $20,000 for Uxbridge Hospital
Hosted a Regional Mayor/CAO Roundtable discussion with Durham’s CAOs and Mayors
Attended AMO and ROMA conferences to advocate for community needs and critical funding

New and Renewed Programs / Services:

Expanded swimming lessons to Sundays
Launched Youth Safety Awareness and Seniors First Aid programs
Renewed Indoor Walking Trail
Developed fitness programs for parents and babies
Offered Cybersecurity seminars for seniors
Hosted a Seniors Information Fair

Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter:

Promoted National Pet Week and launched foster programs
Implemented a new Doggie Daycare By-Law
Hosted a successful Microchip Clinic

Downtown Revitalization:

Uxbridge awarded $28,438 from the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program to promote Lower Brock Street as part of Downtown Uxbridge.
Began land assembly for Lower Brock Street
Released renderings and conducted parking studies
Conducted parking Strategy Study to assess parking needs in the downtown area

Community Engagement:

Issued 6 surveys including on Age-Friendly and Canada Day Fireworks

Cultural Services & BIA:

Unveiled new Tree Carving for School House’s 100th anniversary, ‘Legacy of Learning’
UHC and Tourism Collaborated with community partners for the 150th anniversary of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Birthday
Hosted BIA events, including Easter Eggstravaganza, Spooky Saturday and Ladies Night

Public Works & Parks:

Installed new sidewalks, tree plantings, and accessible pathways
Improved parks, trails, and traffic safety
Installed bike repair stations and port-a-potties at trailheads

Facility Improvements:

Goodwood and Zephyr Fire, CO and Defibrillator Monitoring System added
Upgraded electrical and lights to LED at Senior Centre
Renovated and Painted Goodwood Hall Kitchen
Improved and New drainage system outside of Senior Centre
and much more

These achievements were made possible by the hard work of our dedicated staff and volunteers —thank you!

See our 2024 Accomplishments Highlighted on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AhRGvYPEtM&t=6s

Goals for 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKjYDaG_CAY&t=1s

Updates from Council

Mayor, Dave Barton:

Mayor Dave Barton invites all Uxbridge residents to submit questions for inclusion in next month’s newsletter. If you have inquiries about local issues, upcoming events, or any other topics of interest, please email your questions to mayor@uxbridge.ca with the subject line "Mayor's Q&A." Mayor Barton will respond to selected questions in a video segment. We encourage your participation in this opportunity to engage directly with the Mayor.

Regional Councillor, Bruce Garrod:

Almost 60% of residential property taxes are collected on behalf of Durham Region. As the Regional Councillor, my role is to ensure as much of that $37Million is reinvested in Uxbridge. 2024 was another record year for increasing the return on investment. Some of the key accomplishments include 1) the first phase of the rebuild of Regional Road 1toward Leaskdale and replacing the bridge on Sandford Rd, 2) securing a $2.75Million dollar commitment in the Kindred Works (Trinity property) apartments to ensure 20% are deemed affordable, 3) assignment of an additional DRPS officer 7/24 to Uxbridge Township, 4) implementation of the 605 local bus and expansion of on-demand transit capacity, and 5) a thorough review of locally available social services and a review/survey of what residents would like to see provided. In addition, from an economic development and health perspective, commitment has been secured to move forward with BOTH the new hospital and a 192 bed long-term care home.

Ward 1 Councillor, Pam Beach:

2024 brought some great improvements to Ward 1. A new sidewalk was added from Harold Bell Memorial Park to Hwy 47, making it easier for people to walk or bike, while also improving accessibility. Within the park, a new walkway was installed, creating a safer and more pleasant space for visitors. To top it off, a new crosswalk was added on Hwy 47, along with other street calming measures, all aimed at improving safety for pedestrians.
I’m excited to share an early accomplishment for my ward in 2025. The new electronic sign at the Goodwood Community Centre is now up and running! Make sure to check it out next time you’re driving by.

Ward 2 Councillor, Gord Shreeve:

It was a big year for Ward 2, with several important improvements that helped enhance both safety and community spaces. We saw traffic calming measures and safety upgrades on Ashworth Rd. and Durham Rd. 30, making these areas safer for drivers and pedestrians alike. Additionally, a new all-way stop was installed at the intersection of Regional Road 39 and Zephyr Road, improving traffic flow and safety.
Looking ahead to 2025, even more exciting changes are on the way. One of the highlights will be the installation of a new swing set at Zephyr Park, providing more recreational opportunities for families. Along with this, there will be additional improvements to further enhance the park and make it a better place for the whole community to enjoy.

Ward 3 Councillor, Zed Pickering:

2nd Ave. Tree Removal and Restoration Project: In 2024, the meadow area on 2nd Avenue, between Rosena Lane and Bolster Lane, was restored. Manitoba Maples, which are invasive in Ontario, were removed, making way for native trees and shrubs. These new plantings will not only beautify the area but also help protect our natural spaces.
Uxbridge’s First Mini Forest: Ward 3 saw another green space improvement with the completion of Uxbridge’s first Little Forest, where 600 trees were planted. This project, a collaboration between the Rotary Club and Little Forest Durham, saw nearly 100 volunteers come together to help. The mini forest will grow up to 10 times faster, sequester carbon dioxide up to 30 times more effectively, and boast biodiversity levels 20 to 100 times higher than a traditional forest.'
“What a year in 2024! Uxbridge, Ontario, known as the Trail Capital of Canada, boasts an Urban Provincial Park, charming shops, and a thrilling Skate and Pump Park. But what truly makes Uxbridge special goes beyond these landmarks. It's the vibrant arts community and their rich cultural connections. It's the scenic beauty of family farms with tall crops lining winding roads as you drive through quaint hamlets. It's the friendly faces and welcoming hearts of the residents. Tourism in Uxbridge really took off in 2024, offering unique experiences for everyone. For those of us lucky enough to call it home, we get to be tourists every day, discovering nature, our community, and ourselves.” – Zed Pickering, Ward 3 Councillor and Tourism Advisory Committee Representative.
The traffic lights at the intersection of Brock Street and Herrema Boulevard/Nelkydd Lane were installed at the end of 2023, special thanks to Durham Region for this safety enhancement!

Ward 4 Councillor, Willie Popp:

As the Ward 4 Councillor and chair of the Public Works Committee, I wanted to provide an update on an important project that commenced in 2024, the South Balsam Storm Water Pond. Construction began in November 2024, and since then, work has been progressing with storm sewer installation and earthworks, including the excavation of the existing pond. Work will continue throughout the winter, with an expected completion date of June 30, 2025. This project is crucial because the pond, located south of South Balsam Street and east of Turner Drive, is no longer functioning as intended due to its age and the buildup of vegetation. The reconstruction will involve cleaning the existing ponds, installing a new storm sewer, building a pedestrian bridge, and improving the landscaping. These upgrades are essential to restoring the pond’s functionality and ensuring proper stormwater management for the area.

Ward 5 Councillor & Deputy Mayor, Todd Snooks:

I want to take the opportunity to highlight the great work by Arena and Parks staff in the continuing improvements to the berm along the west side of Centre Road with the new planting of trees and hedges as we continue to recover and repair and improve following the tornado.
From an active transportation and road Safety perspective, we will see improvements in the spring of 2025, including:

The intersection of Centre Road and Maple Street will see an upgrade to its current crosswalk to include the ability to activate flashing amber lights to indicate pedestrian presence at the crosswalk.
The sidewalk connection completed along the north side of Maple Street from the Centre Road crosswalk to the existing sidewalk at Beech Street North

Healthcare Development Breaking Ground this Year

On January 24th, the Ontario government, Oak Valley Health and the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation announced the approval to begin early works construction as part of our Uxbridge Hospital redevelopment, as well as an additional investment to support the new hospital site.

Early works construction will begin once a construction contract is awarded and is scheduled to be complete prior to main redevelopment construction commencing. Work will include construction of the east portion of the north service road and provision of a new mechanical generator.

Uxbridge Hospital's redevelopment will bring health care and community providers together across three facilities: a new hospital, a long-term care home, and an ambulatory care building.

On January 28th, the Ontario government approved the long-term care beds at the Uxbridge Hospital Redevelopment Site. The long-term care home, which will be run by UniversalCare Canada, will have 192 modern long-term care beds. Long-term care home projects have been fast-tracked with support from the Ontario government’s increased construction funding subsidy.

We’re Hiring

The Township is currently hiring summer students for a variety of positions.

Visit Uxbridge.ca/Careers to learn more!

Downtown Parking Study Public Information Centre

As part of the Downtown Revitalization objectives, the Township invites residents to join the Uxbridge Downtown Parking Study Public Information Centre on February 5th, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall Council Chambers.

Learn more about the study and share your thoughts on the study's recommendations. Your input is key to shaping a parking plan that works for everyone!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4jkvQEo

Animal Shelter Volunteer Opportunity

Calling all cat lovers! The Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter is looking for volunteers to help with feeding and cleaning in the cat adoption room.
Duties include:

Assisting with feeding cats
Cleaning kennels and litter boxes
Reviewing and updating animal health records
Socializing with our furry feline friends

Available time slots Monday - Saturday 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. for 1-3 hours.
We’re looking for animal enthusiasts who are:

18 years of age or older
Physically able to bend, kneel and use a step stool
Can reliably and regularly attend their pre-arranged time

Sound like a purrrfect fit? Then we want to hear from you!
To apply: email pound@uxsc.ca or call 905-985-9547 for a volunteer application!

Public Works Project Updates

South Balsam Pond Status Update:

Work is progressing
Earth excavation and storm sewer work are in progress

Townline Bridges Status Update:

Tender has been awarded, and work is scheduled to begin in early February.

March Break and P.A. Day Camps

The Township of Uxbridge has a variety of March Break and P.A. Day Camps available.

March Break Camps

Uxpool:

Bronze Medallion

Jr. Lifeguard Camp

Camps run Mon., March 10th - Fri., March 14th, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Library:

The Library is hosting a variety of camps this March Break.

Registration begins Feb. 18th at www.uxlib.com

Recreation Camps

Jr. Variety (5-8 year olds)

Sr. Variety (9-13 year olds)

Visit www.uxbridge.ca/recreation for details

P.A. Day Camps

Looking for a fun and educational way to spend PA Days? Join us at the Uxbridge Historical Centre for our PA Day Camps!

Dates: March 31, June 6, June 27

Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
Ages: 6-12
Entry Fee: $46.00 per person

Experience a day full of learning, laughter, and making new friends! Don’t miss out – spots are limited!

Uxpool Updates

Free Family Swim happening Feb. 17th from 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. at the Uxpool.

(Children 9 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).

Grade 5 Action Pass Offered at Uxpool

Do you have a student in Grade 5 or know any Grade 5 students in Uxbridge? Let them know about the FREE program. They can get their passes at Uxpool. The passes can be used in facilities throughout Durham Region!

Reminder: Registration for Spring Swimming Lessons begins Feb. 25th. Mark it in your calendars!

Uxbridge Public Library Activities

The Library has many programs running and upcoming, including:

Seedy Saturday

Saturday, March 1st, 11 a.m. - 2 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.

Card Crafting with Kristina

Join this fun new program for adults! All materials are provided. Friday, Feb. 7th, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Uxbridge Writers' Circle

Both experienced and aspiring authors are welcome to join the circle. This program runs the third Tuesday of each month from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

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

Activity Registration Fair
This is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn more about local sports organizations, clubs and activities. Register for spring and summer activities for the whole family!
Join us on February 4th from 6:30 – 8:30 at the Uxbridge Arena Community Centre.
Learn More: https://bit.ly/4gKH7MD

Free Family Day Skate