Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park Preliminary Management Plan

We received 104 comments on the preliminary management plan from the public and stakeholder groups. In addition to written public and stakeholder comments, four Indigenous communities submitted comments on the proposal.

As a result of consultation with the public and stakeholder groups, a few small changes were made to the policies presented in the preliminary management plan. The comments submitted by Indigenous communities did not result in any changes to policy.

Degree of support for proposed policies

Overall, 42% of comments were supportive or partially supportive of the policies presented in the preliminary management plan.

Partially opposed comments (31%) pertained specifically to equestrian related policies: not all trails being available for equestrian use, and the requirement that horses be equipped with manure bags while in the park.

One comment (one %) opposed the preliminary management plan.

The remaining 25% of comments were either out of scope/off topic, the opinion was unclear, or no opinion was expressed. Comments in some cases asked questions, made comments regarding the municipality, requested operational restrictions, or were made in error.

Summary of the comments and associated responses

A variety of comments were submitted during the consultation period. The most common themes are presented below.

Trail Use and Management

Comments submitted regarding trail use and management included comments regarding specific types of uses (e.g., mountain bike, equestrian), support for excluding motorized use, support for designating trails as multi- or single-use, and future arrangements with partnership groups to assist with trail management.

• many of the comments included topics that were already addressed by trail use and management policies in the management plan. No significant changes were made to the management plan as a result; ecological integrity remains the top priority and Ontario Parks will manage ecologically sustainable recreational uses and trails at Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park with ecological integrity in mind

Ecology Related

Comments submitted relating to ecology included comments on the need to prioritize protection and maintenance of ecological integrity, the importance of managing certain species and invasive species, importance of ecological linkages and plantation management, and the need to remove the extractive commercial operations from the park.

• many of the comments included topics that were already addressed by ecology related policies in the management plan. No significant changes made to ecology related wording. As a result of comments, additional detail was added to some policies (e.g., plantation management, domestic animal waste management)

Use of Manure Bags by Equestrians

Comments were submitted in opposition to the proposed policy that horses be equipped with a manure bag. Respondents indicated that the manure bags were a hindrance to animal movement and protection (i.e., from bugs), and that riders and horses could be injured because of their use. Comments also indicated that manure was a helpful addition to natural spaces due to fertilizing qualities.

• in addition to preventing manure being left on-trail, the proposed manure management policies were primarily in support of maintaining ecological integrity within the park lands (e.g., minimizing the spread of invasive species). Changes to policy were made regarding how equestrians manage manure produced by their horses. Equestrians may manage their horse manure as they decide, as long as the manure does not remain in the park as per Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 Ontario Regulation 347/07, section six

Involvement of Indigenous Peoples

Comments were submitted regarding promoting Indigenous heritage within the park (both pre- and post- settlement by Europeans), fully engaging Indigenous communities in planning and management of the park, involvement of Indigenous communities during any population management projects, and ensuring that respectful consultation takes place.

• no changes were made to the proposed policies as a result of comments made. Ontario Parks respects Aboriginal and treaty rights recognized and affirmed by section 35 of Canada’s Constitution Act, 1982, and is committed to meeting its constitutional obligations in respect of Indigenous peoples. Policies were drafted given this consideration. An engagement summary is included in the final management plan, which outlines degree of support expressed by communities as well as their general interests. Indigenous consultation will be ongoing now that the park management planning process has concluded, as park operations are initiated as well as during any future proposals to expand the park boundary

Bicycle Related

Comments were submitted in support of mountain biking, as well as relating to e-bike classification (i.e., which classification will be permitted within the park) and how they are used.

• no changes were made to the proposed policies as a result of comments made. Mountain biking is a popular recreational activity in the area and if trails remain in good condition (e.g., no or minimal erosion), the use will be permitted within Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park. E-bikes will be permitted

Less popular comment topics included support for no hunting, impact to adjacent landowners, washroom and parking facilities, and fees for accessing the park.

Small editorial changes and clarifications were made to several policies throughout the management plan, however no fundamental change to policies resulted from these changes.