Exploring the Creation of Urban Provincial Parks

Ontario is providing families with more opportunities to get outside and enjoy more time in nature.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is exploring the creation of the province’s first urban provincial park in the Township of Uxbridge, 25 kilometers east of Newmarket and 50 kilometers northwest of Toronto (see map in the Supporting materials section of this notice).

An urban provincial park could:

• provide opportunities for the community and visitors to enjoy the area’s natural beauty, including hiking and birdwatching
• strengthen the long-term protection of the area’s biodiversity

We are also interested in learning what you think about urban provincial parks in general, including:

• what an urban provincial park could include and how it could be used
• the types of activities you would like to see in an urban provincial park
• the types of programming you might enjoy

You can share your feedback about creating a new urban provincial park, and on urban provincial parks in general, by completing this survey. The survey will be open until September 4, 2023.

Upcoming opportunities for public consultation

In 2023, we will begin to conduct assessments and evaluations of the proposed site near Uxbridge to learn more about:

• ecological values and conditions
• significant features
• current uses

We want to hear what you think about urban parks. If a decision is made to create a new urban provincial park, the Ontario government will provide additional opportunities for public and Indigenous consultation on proposals to regulate and establish the lands as a provincial park.

Consultations will be done through Environmental Registry of Ontario and Ontario’s Regulatory Registry.

Your privacy matters

Your personal information is being collected under the authority of Ontario’s Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 to help us understand the public’s needs and expectations for a proposed new urban provincial park near Uxbridge. All submissions received are considered public information. They will be reviewed and may be used by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).

Your information will not be placed on mailing lists or released to any third party.

Comments (not including personal information) will become part of the consultation record and may be shared with the general public. Personal information may be used by MECP to follow-up with you upon request or when required. It will also be used to send you information about future MECP initiatives involving this proposed provincial park. Please indicate in your response if you do not wish to be notified of new initiatives.