Ontario Opening Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park on Canada Day

Uxbridge, ON — In a celebratory gesture this Canada Day, the Ontario government is unveiling Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park, its latest addition to the provincial parks system. On July 1st, the public is invited to explore the park’s existing trails free of charge, marking the park’s soft opening ahead of a full development plan.

Located just 50 kilometers northeast of downtown Toronto, the new park aims to provide a green haven for the region’s urban population. “With 83 percent of Ontario’s growing population located in urban centres, it’s imperative that we build more provincial parks closer to home,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks. “The establishment of the Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park marks a significant step in our government’s commitment to expanding our park system.”

New @OntarioParks alert!

Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park will open to the public on July 1, 2024.

As we build Ontario to support a growing population, 83% of which is located in urban centres, our govt is creating parks closer to home.

ℹ️: https://t.co/KdKuIwkKzj pic.twitter.com/t6lw4FqnM5

— Andrea Khanjin (@Andrea_Khanjin) June 14, 2024

The park’s opening aligns with the government’s broader strategy to enhance green spaces and recreational facilities for Ontario’s residents. This initiative is particularly crucial for those living in the Greater Toronto Area, offering a nearby retreat for nature enthusiasts, families, and outdoor adventurers.

Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge, highlighted the park’s potential to enrich the local community. “The Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park will offer countless opportunities for families to connect with nature while boosting the local economy. I am excited to see this vision come to life, enhancing both our community’s prosperity and Uxbridge’s environmental legacy for future generations,” Bethlenfalvy stated.

In the coming months, the government will release a preliminary park management plan, outlining future recreational opportunities, facilities, and conservation efforts. Public consultations on this draft plan are set to begin in the fall. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to contribute their ideas and feedback on a background information document available on the Environmental Registry of Ontario until July 28, 2024.

The creation of the Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park is a result of collaborative efforts from various local and regional partners, including the Township of Uxbridge, The Regional Municipality of Durham, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, The Schad Foundation, and Green Durham Association. This partnership aims to identify additional lands that could be incorporated into the park, ensuring its growth and sustainability.

As Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park opens its doors, Ontario residents have a new destination to celebrate Canada Day and beyond, reconnecting with nature and enjoying the outdoors right in their backyard.

For more information and to provide feedback on the park’s development, visit the Environmental Registry of Ontario.