Uxbridge infrastructure is at the centre of Dave Barton’s stated priorities as the incumbent mayor seeks a third term in the October 26 municipal election.
Barton outlined his positions in an October 22 DurhamRegion.com questionnaire covering budgets, downtown renewal and transportation. The newspaper also approached mayoral candidates Ian Giffin and Ted Eng; it says Giffin declined to comment and Eng did not respond to repeated requests.
The responses are Barton’s campaign priorities, not a new council-approved capital plan or confirmation that proposed projects have secured all funding.
Roads, facilities and major projects
Barton identified maintenance of roads, bridges, culverts and municipal facilities, together with emergency preparation, as budget priorities.
He also pointed to continuing work on the hospital and care home, a new UxPool, an animal shelter and downtown revitalization. His response emphasizes partnerships and financial support from other governments as ways to advance local projects.
Asked about strong-mayor powers, Barton said he has not used them and does not believe they are needed for the way Uxbridge council works together. He described discussion and finding solutions collectively as his preferred approach.
Downtown accessibility and small-town character
Parking, accessibility, business access during construction and protecting the township’s character were the main downtown concerns he identified.
His vision includes a town square for gatherings and events, accessible shops and sidewalks, heritage-style materials and additional rental housing and business opportunities. These are the elements he supports, not an announcement that a particular final design or construction schedule has been adopted.
More useful connections
Barton said improving Durham Region Transit routes and On Demand service, strengthening GO connections and making walking and cycling more practical could reduce some households’ reliance on cars.
He acknowledged that transit will not suit every trip in a rural township. Older residents and students were among the groups he identified as potential beneficiaries of more useful services.
The new Uxbridge infrastructure questionnaire covers specific budget, accessibility and transportation priorities beyond earlier coverage of the candidates’ regional-representation forum. Township election pages list the candidates and provide voting information for residents ahead of October 26.
