On January 28, 2026, Ricky Brooks from the Ontario Festival Group presented the Uxbridge RibFest Application to the local council, requesting permission to hold RibFest at Elgin Park on June 19-21. The application was met with mixed reactions.
Mayor Dave Barton acknowledged receiving concerns from local groups about how RibFest has been managed in previous years. However, Brooks highlighted the event’s positive impact, noting that RibFest had donated $6,000 to local charities in 2025, including $2,500 to the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation.
Councillor Willie Popp questioned the logistics of the donations, specifically asking how the small staff at the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation would be able to provide volunteers for the event. Following the discussion, the council decided to refer the Uxbridge RibFest Application to staff for a report and the BIA (Business Improvement Area) for their input.
