Newly acquired 23 acres would protect more greenspace, create new trail connections and parking for visitors to enjoy
UXBRIDGE — The Ontario government is taking steps to expand Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park by 23 acres — about the size of 12 Canadian football fields — to protect ecologically significant lands in the Oak Ridges Moraine. The expansion will increase local tourism and economic growth in the region by bringing the provincial park experience closer to home for more people.
“We want Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park to be a place where families and future generations can connect with nature close to home,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Expanding parks and protected areas helps preserve more green space, supports active and healthy communities, and boosts local tourism and jobs.”
Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park is Ontario’s first urban provincial park, which officially opened to the public on July 1, 2024. The expansion marks another milestone in the government’s three-year, $19-million investment in Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park to cover costs related to the creation and development of the park, such as planning and consultation, operations, and future expansions.
The 23 acres of new land, which was recently transferred to the province by Metrolinx, would be added to the park’s northern boundary, providing a greater connection with the Town of Uxbridge and protection of grassland habitat. Potential uses of the land include more trail connections and a parking area to support sustainable outdoor recreation, such as hiking.
To make this addition possible, the ministry is taking the necessary steps to support future planning, such as public consultation, which will inform the final decision to formally add the lands to the park boundary and develop site-specific policy to manage these lands.
“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’,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge. “These investments strengthen tourism, create jobs, and fuel sustainable economic growth, ensuring the park remains both an environmental treasure and a vibrant engine for the community’s prosperity.”
Additionally, to celebrate the park’s continued growth, Ontario Parks has released the official Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park crest — part of a popular tradition among visitors who collect crests from parks across the province. The crest’s design reflects the park’s identity and ongoing development, featuring accessible trail themes, distinctive coniferous tree silhouettes, and an urban backdrop inspired by the Uxbridge town skyline.
The proposed expansion is part of the Ontario government’s broader work to grow urban provincial parks in fast‑growing communities, supported by insights from the Urban Parks Conservation Working Group. The multi‑sector group includes members who represent municipal, conservation, industry, tourism, and other organizations, including the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, The Schad Foundation, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Conservation Ontario, the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, and other partners. The group was established to provide input and feedback on urban parks, including potential new sites that may be suitable.
Quick Facts
- Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park offers year‑round, self‑guided recreation, including hiking, cycling along 16 kilometres of trails that are free to use. It was reclassified as an urban class provincial park in December 2025 to improve access to compatible nature-based recreation in or near urban centres.
- The proposed expansion of the park is the result of the collaborative efforts of Uxbridge Partners’ Network which includes 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.
- The park is located just 50 kilometres northeast of downtown Toronto and 40 kilometres northwest of Oshawa, making it one of the most accessible provincial parks for residents of the Greater Toronto Area.