This month’s edition includes information regarding upcoming March break programming, camp registration and more!
Mayor Dave’s Q&A Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPsAUrtH7LY
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 (mailto:mayor@uxbridge.ca?subject=&body=) 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:
February was a busy month across the Region and here at home.
Transit ridership continues to grow. Building on nearly 25% growth through 2025, January boardings were already 12% higher than the same time last year. That tells us that residents are increasingly recognizing that transit can help with daily life. I’ve asked Durham Region Transit management to investigate expanding on-demand service availability for residents beyond urban Uxbridge so more of our rural community can benefit as well.
While not a Regional initiative, I attended the federal Alto High-Speed Rail open house in Pickering. It was fascinating to learn more about the evolving plans to connect Toronto to Ottawa and Quebec City. Major infrastructure projects like this take years to plan, but they shape how our communities grow and connect in the long term.
Locally, my primary project remains the construction of the new animal shelter. Despite the tough winter weather, work continues steadily and the project remains on target for completion in late 2026. It’s great to see progress each time I visit the site.
Finally, I had the chance to sit down for coffee with a group of retired men who described the discussion as “unfiltered conversation.” It was thoughtful, honest, and enjoyable. I’m always happy to meet residents , whether in a group setting or one-on-one, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Ward 1 Councillor, Pam Beach:
The Goodwood Hall Board has been busy getting ready for some exciting events:
Next up is the Goodwood Easter Egg Hunt on April 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Bring the little ones out to find some eggs and enjoy some refreshments, face painting and coloring with friends. This promises to be an exciting time for the children!
On June 27, we will be hosting the 2^nd annual Goodwood Community Garage and Market Sale. Currently we are advertising for vendors to reserve a spot. If you would like to join in, please book soon as spaces are getting booked up fast. Last years event was a great success and this year promises even greater interest!
We are also planning a community clean-up sometime around the end of April and the beginning of May. Stay tuned for further details as we will be looking for volunteers to clean up our parks!
The Hall Board is still looking for new members to round out our team. The commitment is for one evening meeting a month except in the summer and to help out with our planned events. Please call 647-467-3105 if you would like more information about joining.
Ward 2 Councillor, Gord Shreeve:
On this morning after another significant snowfall, let me begin by thanking the amazing Township and Region Public Works teams for their consistent efforts to keep roads in the northern hamlets clear and safe to travel! In the March edition, I will outline some road construction projects that will be taking place in 2026-Spring cannot arrive soon enough so that work can begin.
There are many events happening in Ward 2. I will highlight two of them. This Friday evening, the Udora-Leaskdale Lions will be hosting another delicious spaghetti dinner at the St. Paul's Leaskdale Church.
In Zephyr, a new season of Cornhole kicked off this past Wednesday evening with over twenty registered to play. There is still time to get involved in this fun social and exercise opportunity.
Should you have any concerns or questions, please contact me via email at: gshreeve@uxbridge.ca (mailto:gshreeve@uxbridge.ca) or by phone at: (647) 324-8464. It is a privilege to continue to serve as your representative on Uxbridge Council.
Ward 3 Councillor, Zed Pickering:
As winter begins to ease in Uxbridge, March gives that moment in between seasons. The fields are still quiet and planting is weeks away, but for our farming community, the work has never paused. While it may not be harvest time, farmers have spent the winter maintaining equipment, planning crops, caring for livestock, and preparing for the year ahead. I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to our agricultural community for their year-round work to provide for our families.
That same spirit of dedication carries through our wider community. At the Uxbridge Farmers’ Market indoor winter market, residents can continue to support local producers and small businesses even before spring arrives. And just beyond the market doors, many of us have been enjoying snowy walks and rides along our local trails which are made possible by the volunteers and crews who maintain them and keep them safe and accessible throughout the winter months.
To our farmers, local producers, and trail stewards…thank you for the work you do in every season.
Ward 4 Councillor, Willie Popp:
Stormwater Ponds
As we move through late winter and early spring, I want to remind residents that stormwater ponds in our community can be especially dangerous this time of year. Freeze–thaw cycles create thin, unstable ice that may appear solid but is often weakened by flowing water beneath the surface. Snow cover can also hide open water. Even when ice has melted, water temperatures remain near freezing and can cause cold-water shock within minutes.
Stormwater ponds are engineered with steep banks, deep centres, and fluctuating water levels, making them far more hazardous than natural ponds. They are not safe for skating, walking, wading, or pet access.
Safety Tips to Remember:
- Keep children well back from pond edges
- Keep dogs leashed near ponds
- Never attempt an ice rescue — call 911 immediately
Your safety is our priority. Thank you for helping keep our community safe during this transitional season.
USS Youth Summit
I was pleased to attend the recent Youth Summit hosted by Uxbridge Secondary School. The event brought together engaged and thoughtful students committed to strengthening our community and developing their leadership skills.
A special thank you to members of the Downtown Revitalization Committee, Mary Bridger and Don Andrews, for leading an engaging and insightful session with students. Their guidance helped spark meaningful conversations about local growth, civic engagement, and the importance of youth voice in shaping our downtown and broader community. It is inspiring to see so many young people stepping forward as leaders and taking an active interest in the future of Uxbridge. It was great to see Landscape Planning, the architectural firm conducting the Centennial Park Master Plan, also in attendance at the event gaining insight from the youth. Thank you to the staff, organizers, and students who made the summit such a success.
Lastly, warmer weather is on the horizon and so too is Canada Day in Elgin Park! Mark your calendar for July 1st for an evening of fun, food and fireworks! Interested in sponsoring the event? Contact me at wpopp@uxbridge.ca or 416-735-4851.
Ward 5 Councillor, Todd Snooks:
As the snow continues to fall, don’t let that keep you inside and missing out on all the activities going on in Uxbridge in March. Just to name a few:
- Uxbridge Farmers' Market (Indoor) (https://uxbridgefarmersmarket.ca/) : March 15 and March 29, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Uxbridge Arena. Features 30+ vendors, including local farmers and bakers.
- Book Drunkard Festival (https://blueheronbooks.com/book-drunkard-festival/book-drunkard-festival-homepage) : Blue Heron Books
- + Janie Chang & Kate Quinn: March 5th, 7:00 PM at the Uxbridge Music Hall.
- + Brunch with Sadeqa Johnson & Tara Gereaux: March 8th, 11:00 AM at Wooden Sticks Golf Club.
- Plant Bingo (https://bountyfromtheboonies.com/products/plant-bingo?srsltid=AfmBOorOxvQY_9GPtvSltrI29Ob4W9GTL9C-Gw5w7yJbGl357FeCGVUj) : March 7th, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Bounty from the Boonies at 18 Brock St W.
- Country Night at Trail Hub (https://www.trailhub.ca/events/category/country/) : March 13th (and others), 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM. Featuring line dancing, BBQ, and music.
- Maple Syrup Festival (https://www.brooksfarms.com/maplesugarfestival) : It’s maple syrup season at Brooks Farms. Take a tour, sit by their fire and enjoy some freshly tapped maple syrup. Maplefest begins in March. Only open on weekends.
Always Keep an eye on Discover Uxbridge for more events and activities: https://discoveruxbridge.ca/
As the Chair of Uxbridge Council’s Planning and Development Committee, this year in the township e-newsletter, I started including notice of any upcoming scheduled Public Planning meetings. There is only one scheduled for March during the General Purpose and Administration Committee meeting on Monday March 2, 2026, for a land division application (LD 01/25). Residents can attend the meeting in person, or view the meeting livestream by visiting: https://www.uxbridge.ca/en/your-local-government/council-meeting-calendar.aspx
Durham Greener Homes Presentation
A free workshop in Uxbridge about energy upgrades to improve energy efficiency.
The workshop originally scheduled for February 24th has been rescheduled to Tuesday March 10^th at 6:30pm in council chambers at the township offices. Register at their Eventbrite link:
From Drafty to Cozy: Practical Energy Upgrades for Durham Homes (Uxbridge) Tickets, Tuesday, Mar 10 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm | Eventbrite From Drafty to Cozy: Practical Energy Upgrades for Durham Homes (Uxbridge) Tickets, Tuesday, Mar 10 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm | Eventbrite
Camp Guide Now Live!
Check out the newly released Uxbridge Camp Guide. In the guide you will find all the information you need on every camp hosted by UxCamps, the Uxbridge Public Library, and the Uxbridge Historical Centre. With registration information, camp explanations, age details, prices, swim dates, and more!
Explore the amazing summer camps offered in Town by clicking the link here https://online.flippingbook.com/view/671873331/
Camp Registration Coming Soon
March 3rd at 12:00 p.m. registration opens for all Township summer camps.
The Township will be running camps for children ages 5-15. Explore a variety of camps that cover many different interests such as sports, art, dance, acting, and more!
Check out the recently released Camp Guide for more details!
Recreation Programming
March Break Camps Registration Now Open!
Two popular camps return this March Break (March 16th - 20th).
- Jr. Variety Camp, Ages 5-8yrs
- Sr. Variety Camp, Ages 9-13yrs
Click here to register
Indoor Walking Trail
Enjoy another season of indoor walking until April 15, 2026! Join us on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Uxbridge Secondary School.
- Membership: $40 – purchase online using your ActiveNet account or by calling Uxpool at 905-852-7831.
- Drop-ins: Welcome anytime for a $5 fee.
Snow Removal Reminder
Remember to clear snow and ice from around nearby fire hydrants so they are easy to locate in emergency situations. If you are able, please clear a 3-foot area around the hydrant, as well as a path from the hydrant to the street, to provide even easier access for firefighters. Your attention to these details helps emergency responders do their work efficiently. During an emergency, every second matters!
Themed Skates at the Arena
Join the Uxbridge Arena at their last few themed skates of the season:
- Roots and Roads Folks Skate | February 28 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Uxbridge Arena (291 Brock St. W.) Lace up and prepare yourself for a night of acoustic tunes.
- Tik Tok Trending Skate | March 7 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Uxbridge Arena (291 Brock St. W.). Dance the night away to TikTok’s top trending songs that you are sure to recognize!
- Spring Break Skate | March 14 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Uxbridge Arena (291 brock St. W.). End off the skate season and welcome the incoming warm weather at the Spring Break Skate. Scheduled over March Break, it is the perfect activity to enjoy with the family.
March Break Aquatic Programs
This march break the Uxpool is offering four exciting opportunities to certify your aquatic leadership. Registration is now open for all these programs and can be completed here https://www.uxbridge.ca/en/explore-and-play/swimming-and-aquatics.aspx
*Please note, full attendance is mandatory for all programs.
Bronze Medallion
- Pre-requisites: 13 yrs of age (minimum)
- Dates: March 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Cost: $283.00 (includes materials and exam fees)
- Location: Uxpool - 1 Parkside Dr, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1K7
Bronze Cross
- Pre-requisites: 13 yrs of age (minimum), Bronze Medallion.
- Dates: March 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Cost: $275.00 (includes materials and exam fees)
- Location: Uxpool - 1 Parkside Dr, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1K7
Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard
- Pre-requisites: 15 yrs of age (minimum), Bronze Cross, and Standard First aid (need not be current).
- Dates: March 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Cost: $350.00 (includes materials and exam fees)
- Location: Uxpool - 1 Parkside Dr, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1K7
- Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Instructor
Pre-requisites: 15 yrs of age (minimum), Bronze Cross, and Standard First aid (need not be current).
- Dates: March 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Cost: $422.00 (includes materials and exam fees)
- Location: Uxpool - 1 Parkside Dr, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1K7
Library Programming
The Uxbridge Public Library has some exciting programs coming up! Check out this list of fun programming and see www.uxlib.com for more information and registration details.
Artsy Afternoon | Tuesday, March 10th from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Join the fun with Ethan and learn to create a beautiful landscape.
- Grades 3-5
- Register at uxlib.com
- Price: $10.00 per person
Storytime Stars
- Read aloud and drama program for Grades 1 & 2 students.
- Mondays in April and May. Join us for stories that leap off the page and onto the stage.
- Registration begins March 23rd.
March Break Programs
Step into a Story | Monday, March 16th from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- JK-Grade 3
- Drop in!
Robot Playtime | Tuesday, March 17th from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Grades 3-5
- Drop in!
Puzzle Races | Wednesday, March 18th from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Grade 3+
- Groups of 4 race to complete a 500 piece fairytale themed puzzle.
- Each team must be accompanied by 1 adult.
- Call us at 905-852-9747 to pre-register
Young Engineers | First session: Thursday, March 19th from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Second session Thursday, March 19th from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Ages 6-13
- Pre-register online at www.uxlib.com
- Price: $35.00 per child
Castle Escape Room | Friday, March 20th from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Grades 4-6
- Pre-register online at www.uxlib.com
- Price: $2.00 per person
Thanks for reading this month’s edition. See you next month for more updates!
Contact Us