COURTNEY McCLURE The Standard
UXBRIDGE: Did you know Uxbridge has a new, urban, provincial park?
As of July 1st, the Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park is the newest year-round-day-use provincial park in Ontario. The park covers about 1,300 acres of land which is “ecologically significant” to the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt.
On July 1st, over 1,300 acres of Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt land was placed into permanent conservation protection, by Ontario Parks. This land became the urban provincial park in Uxbridge.
“This is something to celebrate because those lands will now be there for our children and grandchildren to experience,” said Colleen Baskin, the Provincial Park Project Manager, at the Township of Uxbridge.
The “geological features” of the park protect the quality of the Township’s drinking water and provide a permanent green space, added Ms. Baskin. The park will also provide protection for rare and endangered species.
Creating the park has also increased the amount of visitors coming to Uxbridge. Ms. Baskin said, as amenities are added and opportunities develop, at the urban provincial park, the Township expects visitation, to rise and “boost” the local economy.
“I visit the new park often, to ride my mountain bike,” said Uxbridge Mayor, Dave Barton. “This place is special because most of the current trails are constructed of flat, interlocking stones, making it very easy for those of all-abilities to cycle and walk.
The park includes dense forests, “old growth” trees and some open meadows.
“It is very peaceful and quiet,” said Mayor Barton. “I like that. If I want a more challenging ride, I have options for longer and more technically difficult trails.”
He also enjoys how close the park is to “urban” Uxbridge. According to Mayor Barton, the provincial park is about a five minute drive from his house.
The distance, between the park and the urban areas of Uxbridge, means it is easier to “welcome” visitors to the new, urban, provincial park. It also makes it easy for visitors to find local shops, restaurants and other services the town offers.
“[The park] offers fantastic potential, to create more trail connections between urban Uxbridge and the existing world-class trails and conservation areas surrounding us,” added the Mayor. “My vision is to support a robust tourism market by connecting the Rouge National Park to Uxbridge, and beyond, with green spaces Although the park currently has “limited operations,” it can be used for daytime self-guided tours, biking, walking and more.
You can park at these two locations, 565 Old Stouffville Road, limited to 6 parking spaces, and 579 Old Stouffville Road, limited to 4 parking spaces.
However, motorized vehicles, camping, hunting and campfires are NOT permitted.
“The new Uxbridge Provincial Park is fabulous news for conservationists, our local economy, and everyone in Uxbridge who enjoys the outdoors,” said Mayor Barton. “As this park develops, over time, and becomes more connected to our existing trail networks, we will have a tremendous asset which residents of the Township of Uxbridge can be very proud of. Congratulations, to everyone involved, for making this happen in record time!”
If you would like to learn more about the Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park, please visit discoveruxbridge.ca.
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