Reaction to revitalization report mixed

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A public meeting Monday to discuss proposed amendments to the Official Plan and zoning bylaws that would affect downtown revitalization plans resulted in mixed reaction from members of the public.

In a presentation, planning consultant Elaine Leung said the amendments are needed in order to implement the downtown revitalization action plan. She said the amendments would lead to a new town square, new development featuring residential and commercial use, parks and a better streetscape. Leung said higher buildings, perhaps as high as six storeys, would be part of the mix. She then showed a series of photos illustrating how parts of the downtown look currently and how they might change with possible development. The illustrations of what is and what could be included an enhanced Centennial Park and streetscaping around the railway station to attract people and events.

Several members of the sizeable public gallery spoke to the issue, with one questioning what plans council has to tackle parking, which could be affected by the establishment of a town square. Mayor Dave Barton said underground parking would be encouraged, but added that underground parking would not be feasible unless buildings were allowed to reach six storeys. He said a study on underground parking is now underway. Resident Sarah Reid stated that six-storey buildings would turn Brock Street "into a tunnel." She also said all the proposed development appears to be focused north of Brock Street.

Another resident opined that an eventual town square should reflect a European-style approach to town squares with cafes and outdoor patios. Don Andrews, owner of the Tin Restaurant, added that people would not want to see chain restaurants or chain stores in such a square.

Former councillor Kathy Wasylenky said she had hoped to see better accommodation of seniors' needs, noting the urban area needs more public washrooms. She also questioned the need for higher buildings downtown, given the number of empty stores currently sitting in the downtown area.

Regional councillor Bruce Garrod noted that, "despite the lovely pictures," it will be hard to get developers to buy into the vision being put forth by the downtown revitalization committee, but councillor Willie Popp said the revitalization exercise will help the township find developers "who can work with us on our vision."

Not all members of the public were opposed to the proposals, however. Craig Marlatt said the proposals are a plan for Uxbridge's "inevitable" growth.

"I'm excited for Uxbridge," he said.