Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park Preliminary Management Plan

Following the establishment of Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park on July 1, 2024, we have prepared a preliminary park management plan that outlines the policies we are proposing to guide the park’s long-term protection, development and management.

Ensuring that Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park has a management plan that includes necessary direction to protect nature and biodiversity is part of the government’s ongoing work to manage provincial parks and conservation reserves effectively, and to help provide more opportunities for Ontarians to get outside and enjoy nature.

Park Location and General Information

Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park is a 532-hectare (1,350-acre) operating, recreational class park, located in the Township of Uxbridge, 25 kilometers east of Newmarket and 50 kilometres northeast of Toronto. The park is located on the Oak Ridges Moraine and protects provincially important habitats and areas of high cultural heritage value. The park is also located in an area of high recreational use.

Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park is located within the areas of the Williams Treaties (1923) and the Gunshot Treaty (Johnson-Butler Purchase) of 1787-1788.

Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park Preliminary Management Plan

Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park was established on July 1, 2024. We have prepared a preliminary management plan that presents proposed policies to guide the park’s long-term development, protection, and management.

The Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 requires the preparation of a management plan for any new protected area.

Indigenous communities, stakeholders and members of the public are invited to share their thoughts on the proposed policies for the park.

Stage 1 of the management planning process (previously released bulletin – see ERO 019-8727)

From June 13 to July 28, 2024, we invited you to review and provide feedback on the park background information document that would inform the development of the new management plan.

We received 15 comments through email, mail or phone. We also received almost 63 submissions through the comment card.

Overall, we heard that the information we collected was reflective of the park. A low number of respondents suggested further research on recreation, ecology and cultural history, although no specific sources were recommended.

Although not considered in scope for the background information document consultation period, we did continue to hear that that there is support for:

• Accessible trails
• Improved access via adjacent trails and public transportation
• Permitting access to non-motorized users only
• Providing educational on ecology and cultural history

These themes were first communicated in responses to the Exploring the creation of urban provincial parks survey, conducted in summer 2023.

In-scope comments were considered when preparing the preliminary management plan for review.

Stage 2 of the management planning process (current stage)

We are now seeking your review and comment on the preliminary management plan for Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park.

The preliminary management plan presents draft policy direction for the protection, development and management of the park, and includes:

• A guiding vision and objectives
• Zoning policies
• Resource management policies
• Recreation management policies
• Operation and development policies

As we enter this stage of consultation, your input on the preliminary management plan is important in refining our park planning efforts. Ontario Parks envisions a future that adapts to the evolving needs of our community. With a firm commitment to inclusivity, the park will cater to changing demographics, diverse visitor dynamics, and the growing demand for nearby outdoor experiences.

Our final management plan will be refined to incorporate your input and new information as it becomes available.

Regulatory Impact Analysis

There are no direct compliance costs or benefits to regulated stakeholders.

Opportunity to provide feedback

The preliminary management plan is currently available for review and comment for a 60-day period. After reviewing the document, we want to know what you think about the management direction for Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park.

Other Public Consultation Opportunities

The ministry will be mailing Indigenous communities, provincial and regional stakeholders, and the local community directly to advise them of the release of the preliminary management plan.

If you would like to be kept up to date on Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park planning, please email planning.sez@ontario.ca to be added to the project mailing list.

An open house will be held on January 16, 2025 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Uxbridge Seniors Centre (75 Marietta St, Uxbridge, ON).

This is the last opportunity for comment on the management direction for Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park.

The last stage of management planning is the release of the final management plan, which will take place after comments on the preliminary management plan are considered.