Revitalization plans to cost thousands
Tue Dec 04, 2007

By: By Jeff Hayward

UXBRIDGE -- Before the revitalization of downtown Uxbridge can begin, thousands of dollars need to be spent on a plan outlining how it can be done.

In the 2008 capital budget for development services, reviewed by councillors Dec. 3, a downtown revitalization study at a cost of $80,000 was a major topic of discussion. The plan, to be drawn up by consultants, will outline the direction for the entire downtown, including the section of Brock Street slated to be reconstructed by the Region in 2009, said Richard Vandezande, manager of development services.

The plan will assist in a "visioning" process, as he put it, involving the creation of policies and official plan amendments. Mr. Vandezande had previously recommended to council that a Brock Street construction committee be expanded to look at all of downtown. Councillor Gordon Highet said the revitalization plan will lay down technical groundwork for the committee to follow.

But the $80,000 includes no money for implementing the plan, councillors heard.

Mayor Bob Shepherd released his vision for downtown at the start of November. It includes his desire to open up the Uxbridge Brook that runs under Brock Street, a project he says will require acquiring and removing buildings. The mayor also expressed interest in developing the northeast corner of Toronto and Brock streets.

Meanwhile, council also examined $70,000 in spending over the next two years for a new strategic plan. The current strategic plan for Uxbridge, drafted in the late 1990s, was to guide the Township until 2020. "(Uxbridge) is entering into a new phase, we have to recognize the realities of (limited growth due to) the Oak Ridges Moraine," explained Mr. Vandezande. He noted it's also wise to revisit the strategic plan with a new council recently elected, and a new CAO coming on board in January.

Coun. Jack Ballinger spoke in favour of renewing the strategic plan. "We have the Oak Ridges Moraine on one side, the Greenbelt on the other, and limited sewer hook-ups... we have to know what direction we're going," he said.

Ingrid Svelnis, director of parks and incoming chief administrative officer, said an updated strategic plan will better define where the Township concentrates financial resources. "If the plan doesn't speak to it, it's not in the budget," she said.