New ‘comprehensive’ Official Plan in the works for Uxbridge
Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In the first step of a 10-month long process, Township planning consultant Elizabeth Howson opened discussions Monday night on a new Official Plan for Uxbridge.
"This is an exciting project for the Township," Howson said, adding the revisions will set out a plan for the next 30 to 40 years. She said changes have been made to the plan over the years but not in a comprehensive manner.
Howson said the Uxbridge Official Plan has, up to now, incorporated the Durham Region Official Plan (DROP) for land outside the urban area. However, provincial legislation now makes DROP in its entirety part of the township's official plan. But Uxbridge cannot make changes to DROP that would affect other municipalities. She said when the new plan is in effect, the township will not see "wild growth" because of limited sewage capacity.
Howson said there will be a number of public hearings during the process (which is expected to last until June 2026) adding she hoped the high school would be able to engage students in the process.
She said when the new Official Plan is adopted, the Region of Durham can only comment on it but approval can only come from the province.
When asked whether council could set up an advisory committee similar to the age-friendly and active transportation committees, Howson said she would prefer to hear from everyone, not just committee members.
"It's important for residents to see what's going on," she said.
She stressed that she would like to see Uxbridge residents engaged in the process by attending future public sessions and giving their input. She said a list of meetings will be available on the township web page, but indicated that there will be no separate meetings for the hamlets.
When asked what challenges will be faced in bringing forth a new plan, Howson said "the devil will be in the details. One thing can lead to another."
Taking questions from the public, Howson responded to one resident complaining about aggregate trucks rolling through the downtown by saying: "That's been an issue for a long time. That's a separate process from the Official Plan."