The Ontario Government announced this morning that they will be creating the province’s first urban provincial park in the Township of Uxbridge. This seems very fitting as Uxbridge is already known as the “Trail capital of Canada”. This proposed park in the Oak Ridges Moraine would provide opportunities for people and families to enjoy the area’s natural beauty, including hiking and birdwatching, while strengthening the long-term protection and health of local wildlife. Areas regulated as provincial parks can also contribute to scientific research and environmental monitoring.

“I’m thrilled to be making today’s announcement on Earth Day. 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.”

— David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

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.

“Opening a new provincial park in Uxbridge would give families and people in the community new ways to enjoy the great outdoors all year around. A strong Ontario includes a strong provincial park system, made up of the most beautiful and scenic parts of the province, that will be enjoyed for many generations to come.”

— Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering—Uxbridge

Over the coming months, the government will be conducting site assessments and evaluations to measure the feasibility of creating an urban provincial park in Uxbridge. These assessments will involve consultation with Indigenous communities, the public, local stakeholders, partners and environmental organizations, to help inform the government's final decision.

“Thank you to the Premier, Minister Piccini and Minister Bethlenfalvy for making this vision a reality. These lands are situated on an ecologically important and gorgeous section of the Oak Ridges Moraine. 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.”

— Dave Barton Mayor of Uxbridge

By exploring the creation of Ontario’s first urban provincial park, the government is making progress on its commitments to ensure access to recreational opportunities for families to enjoy, while boosting local tourism and strengthening the protection and health of local wildlife and the environment.

Just as a point of clarity, an urban park will not have any campsites.

Banner image from Dave Barton Mayor of Uxbridge Township.