Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government has announced plans to create Ontario’s first urban provincial park in the Township of Uxbridge.
The government says the proposed park in Oak Ridges Moraine may include up to 532 hectares of provincially owned lands.
It’s still unclear what exactly the park will look like as the government says it will be working on a feasibility study and consultations on the proposed protected area in the months ahead.
“I’m thrilled to be making today’s announcement on Earth Day,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Creating the province’s first urban provincial park in Uxbridge would be a major step forward for conservation and biodiversity protection in Ontario.
“We look forward to working with the public and local stakeholders to make this vision a reality for residents and visitors to get out and enjoy nature near this rapidly growing region.”
The provincial government says it is working with various levels of regional government, along with conservation groups, to identify the full potential of a park in the area. The study area for the park may include the 598-hectare Durham Regional Forest, and a possible 123 hectares from the Township of Uxbridge.
First announced in the 2023 budget, the proposed urban park may include up to 532 hectares (1,315 acres) of provincially owned lands. That is 50 per cent larger than New York’s Central Park. The province is also working with the Township of Uxbridge, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, The Schad Foundation, the Regional Municipality of Durham and Green Durham Association, to identify the full recreational and protection potential of an urban provincial park in this area. The study area may include the Durham Regional Forest, a 598 hectare (1,477 acres) mixed wood and conifer forest area, owned by the Region of Durham, and a possible 120 hectares (300 acres) from the Township of Uxbridge.
“These lands are situated on an ecologically important and gorgeous section of the Oak Ridges Moraine,” Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton said in a statement. “They are near major urban centres in the GTA and perfect for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
“I am so proud to be part of the team acting to protect and conserve this unique habitat and greenspace and I am excited for the recreation and tourism benefits this brings to the Township.”