Residents have mixed reactions to downtown plans

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative

Reactions of members of the public to the Township's vision for the downtown, presented at a public viewing last Thursday evening, appear to generally be favourable, but a few reservations have also been expressed.

The Uxbridge Seniors Centre was packed almost to over-capacity as residents crowded around a number of conceptual renderings of what the downtown area could look like when the revitalization project is complete.

Residents attended the open house that revealed plans for the downtown revitalization last Thursday evening. Photo by John Cavers

Barb Pratt, founder and former owner of Blue Heron Books, said "any step forward is a good step. From what I've seen, I'm impressed."

However, sculptor and local resident Wynn Walters was more skeptical.

"I've seen so many conceptual renderings," he said "(but) once the developer owns the land, he can do whatever he wants."

He was not, however, entirely disappointed.

"I'm happy it's got this far," he added. "It's good to have enthusiasm."

A 35-year resident of Uxbridge (who asked that we withhold his name) said he is not unhappy with the concepts but thinks the final product will be different than presented. John Goodyear, a brand new Uxbridge resident, wondered if the downtown redevelopment "will be as presented or will it be much lower quality?" Goodyear also wondered whether stores in the new buildings will be filled "or will we have more vacant stores?"

Michele Varela was more enthusiastic.

"It will bring the community together," she said. "It's a wonderful opportunity for the community. It will have a downtown city feel, but still be a rural community."

Mayor Dave Barton told the crowd that about 2,000 responses were received to a Township survey on the planned revitalization.

He said he then met developer Michael Mirkopoulos and his family, who donated one million dollars to the new hospital and two million dollars to the new Uxpool.

"We were told these are the best people to do business with," he said. "They're making our vision for downtown a reality."

Two days earlier, an invited crowd of Downtown Revitalization Committee members and stakeholders was given an opportunity to view the presentation. Chief Administrative Officer Kristi Honey said they all had input into the project in some way.

Reactions to the reveal were mixed on Facebook. Among the comments: "When I see those drawings, all I think is that it will end up being so developed that it'll look just like all the other towns around us" and "the new vision totally removes that old Ontario small town feel."

Others were less critical.

"The current downtown is an embarrassing eyesore in many places. This design can re-energize it," said one post, while another said: "The renderings look satisfactory and the plans have tried to keep the architectural details in place with an updated look. Anything will be better than what it looks like currently! My approach is, let’s give them a chance!"