Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park Set to Grow by 23 Acres Under Ontario Expansion Plan

Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park Expansion Supports Conservation and Tourism

UXBRIDGE, ON — The Ontario government is proposing to expand Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park by 23 acres, adding ecologically significant land along the Oak Ridges Moraine and creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation in one of the Greater Toronto Area’s closest provincial parks.

The proposed expansion, announced by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, would add approximately 23 acres of land — roughly the size of 12 Canadian football fields — to the park’s northern boundary. The lands were recently transferred to the province by Metrolinx and could eventually support new trail connections, improved access points and a future parking area.

“We want Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park to be a place where families and future generations can connect with nature close to home,” said Environment Minister Todd McCarthy in a statement. “Expanding parks and protected areas helps preserve more green space, supports active and healthy communities, and boosts local tourism and jobs.”

Ontario’s First Urban Provincial Park

Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park officially opened to the public on July 1, 2024, becoming Ontario’s first urban provincial park. Located approximately 50 kilometres northeast of downtown Toronto and 40 kilometres northwest of Oshawa, the park provides easy access to nature for residents across Durham Region and the broader GTA.

The park currently offers approximately 16 kilometres of free-to-use trails for hiking and cycling and was reclassified as an urban class provincial park in December 2025.

The proposed expansion is part of Ontario’s three-year, $19 million investment in the park, which supports planning, operations, consultations and future growth.

Almost two years ago we officially opened Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park. Today, I was incredibly proud to stand with our conservation partners to unveil its new park crest and announce our plans to further expand the park.

Learn more: https://t.co/BxhxlIrbmY pic.twitter.com/jFcmUQSBI0

— Todd McCarthy (@ToddJMcCarthy) May 29, 2026

Protecting Habitat and Supporting Recreation

According to the province, the additional lands would help protect grassland habitat within the Oak Ridges Moraine while strengthening connections between the park and the Town of Uxbridge.

Before the expansion can proceed, the province will undertake public consultation and develop site-specific management policies to guide future use of the land.

Potential improvements under consideration include expanded trail networks and infrastructure designed to support sustainable outdoor recreation.

Tourism and Economic Benefits

Local officials say the expansion could further strengthen Uxbridge’s reputation as a destination for outdoor recreation and nature tourism.

Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge, said the investment supports both environmental protection and economic development.

“Each milestone in the expansion of Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park reflects not only a commitment to conservation, but a continuation of the Township’s legacy as the ‘Trail Capital of Canada,’” Bethlenfalvy said.

Mayor Dave Barton described the project as another step in positioning Uxbridge as a recreation hub for GTA residents.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Province of Ontario and our partners for turning lands once hidden behind ‘No Trespassing’ signs into spaces where families can hike, bike, explore and connect with nature,” Barton said.

New Park Crest Unveiled

To mark the park’s continued growth, Ontario Parks also unveiled the official Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park crest. The design features accessible trail themes, coniferous tree silhouettes and an urban skyline inspired by the Town of Uxbridge.

The proposed expansion forms part of Ontario’s broader urban parks strategy, which aims to increase access to protected green spaces in fast-growing communities. The initiative is guided by the Urban Parks Conservation Working Group, which includes representatives from municipalities, conservation organizations, tourism groups and environmental partners.

If approved following public consultation, the additional lands would further enhance one of the province’s newest and most accessible park destinations for residents of the Greater Toronto Area.

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