Uxbridge Council, on December 11, denied York Durham Heritage Railway’s (YDHR) request for a lease extension.
Consequently, effective December 31, 2023, the lease agreement between the Corporation of the Township of Uxbridge and YDHR will expire.
The decision to deny a lease extension resulted after multiple unsuccessful attempts to resolve outstanding issues and timelines for compliance were not met, explained a township statement.
“The township provided ample opportunity and warning to the lease holder that failure to act would result in the expiration of the lease agreement. Should YDHR resolve all outstanding matters, the township will engage in discussions regarding a new lease at that time,” the statement said.
Uxbridge said it regrets that this action will impact ticket holders who were planning on attending scheduled YDHR events after December 31, 2023. However, the township said it assumes no responsibility for compensation to ticket holders as a result of this action.
Lease extension has been denied for train station and platform. Council has directed staff not to engage in any discussions surrounding a lease extension until the following outstanding matters are resolved:
- Full compliance with township orders.
- No funds in arrears.
- Removal of all four identified railcars, including any potentially contaminated substances.
- Site cleanup must be completed to the satisfaction of Building Services, Community Services, By-Law and Fire Department.
- Failure to fulfill conditions, as per the recommendation, YDHR is to deliver vacant possession of the premises effective December 31, 2023.
- Should YDHR comply with all conditions, the township will entertain negotiations on a further lease extension.
The York-Durham Heritage Railway line between Uxbridge and Stouffville offers heritage train rides to the public.
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