Uxbridge pivots focus on vacant railway station

DAN CEARNS The Standard

UXBRIDGE: The Township of Uxbridge is amending their plans for the municipality’s currently vacant train station, in Uxbridge.

The change was announced, in a statement, on the Township’s website, posted on Monday, December 2nd.

“Metrolinx has indicated, any new lease for rail operations will contain substantial changes to the liability and obligations of the Township, in addition to, numerous new fleet acceptance requirements, for a rail operator. With the significant new obligations for oversight, insurance, and liability, the Township has decided not to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a rail operator,” the statement reads. “The Township is in discussions with Metrolinx, to identify alternative uses for the site, as well as the trail which runs alongside the tracks, from Stouffville Go Station to Main Street, in Uxbridge. The train station and rail yard are key areas in our Downtown Revitalization Plans. Ensuring this space supports our vision and a vibrant and active downtown, which is essential to any next steps for the use of this precious heritage asset.”

The site has been without an operator since York-Durham Heritage Railway left, in 2023. A request for proposal process had been planned, to start this autumn, and a recommendation was to be brought forward to council by the end of this year.

“Our goal is to have a tourism heritage rail operating, to provide a unique rail experience [which] drives tourism to our community and local economy. While we will contemplate alternative proposals, a safe and reliable rail operator is the primary objective and the evaluation criteria will prioritize accordingly,” Township CAO, Kristi Honey told The Standard earlier this year.

In the statement, the Township noted, the train station is still “available for short-term rental opportunities.”