Connecting with the Region
with Regional Councillor Bruce Garrod
An update on regional projects
It’s surprising that this is already the sixth “Connecting with the Region.” The goal continues to be to communicate Durham Regional initiatives and how Uxbridge Township is impacted. With Q1 complete, the following information updates important regional projects.
Homelessness support Forty-five additional shelter-beds, located in Whitby, were made available in March. These rooms are located in a former long-term care home purchased by the region, and the bright, clean bedrooms and common areas bring much needed additional capacity. The Beaverton Supportive Housing complex is expected to activate within 90 days. Uxbridge residents needing accommodation are welcomed at both locations.
Road construction The long-awaited repairs to Durham 1 toward Leaskdale will proceed this summer. Other infrastructure investments include:
• Hwy. 47 east of Reg. Rd. 30 to west of Reg. Rd. 21
• Brock Rd. from north of the Uxbridge/Pickering Townline Rd. to Reg. Rd. 5
• Reg. Rd. 13, Zephyr Rd. from Conc. 3 (Reg. Rd. 39) to Conc. 4
Although outside of Uxbridge Township, it’s worth noting that Reg. Rd. 13 east of Lake Ridge to west of Sideroad 17 is being considered for rebuild this summer as well.
Transit Based on ridership data and public input, the new Route 605 is now active and connects riders to common shopping destinations in the south end of town. This scheduled service has reduced demand for on-demand vehicles. Pending regional council budget approval, additional on-demand vehicles will be activated in 2024 to better serve all areas of the township.
DRPS The new superintendent has assumed command of North Division and new recruits have joined North Division. DRPS leadership is aware of Uxbridge’s desire for increased visibility of officers.
To debunk a myth, there are not only two active officers in North Durham at any given time. Typically there are two in each of Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock. Officers overlap and support each other as needed. In the event of an emergency, immediate assistance is also provided from southern divisions.
Planning, economic development & tourism The transition of the regional responsibility for land division functions to area municipalities is complete. This change has improved response times on applications and allowed Uxbridge staff to increase involvement in local projects.
Regional economic development and tourism continues to develop the Uxbridge economy by strengthening partnerships with Durham Farm Fresh. These efforts support our agricultural sector, and promote culinary and tourism industries. Economic Development also provides excellent support to the agri-food sector through programming and events, as well as Uxbridge businesses in their plans to grow, expand, retain and hire new staff.
The region’s Family Physician Attraction and Recruitment Program will be critical to supporting Uxbridge’s new hospital and LTC home.
Health and Social Services A local initiative has begun to review the social services being provided in Uxbridge. This includes both those offered directly by Durham Region as well as regionally funded agencies. The intent is to diagnose what is currently offered and then recommend potential adjustments to ensure maximum benefits are received from the regional investments. This initiative will dovetail with a broader regional initiative that involves developing a Durham Region Poverty Prevention Strategy. This important work will include areas of education, housing/homelessness, income/employment, food security, health equity and children/youth and seniors.
Kindred Works While not specifically a regional project, the building of 104 units on the Trinity United Church property on Main St. does involve a grant request from Durham Region. The region is involved to support the inclusion of 30 per cent of the units being deemed affordable. Pre-construction will begin in June; full construction starts later in the summer.
Blue Box Program Effective July 1, Durham Region will no longer manage the Blue Box program. In response to a provincial mandate, the Blue Box program will transition to Circular Materials, a not-for-profit that represents the producers and importers of the products and packaging collected in the blue box. No changes are planned to the collection schedule or the materials being recycled. Customer service and bin replacement will be handled by the recycling contractor.
Compostable Waste Management (green bins). An expanded program, which takes affect July 1, will permit items such as diapers, pet waste/litter and other items to be discarded in green bins.
Approximately 58 per cent of residential property taxes are collected on behalf of Durham Region. A key responsibility of the regional councillor and mayor is to communicate where that money is spent, and to advocate for maximum return on those dollars.