Lower Brock Street downtown properties in Uxbridge are being sold, under a land sale agreement, to One Horizon inc., according to the Township of Uxbridge.
The conditional purchase agreement for the downtown lands is going for $2.5 million.
The township owns 23/31 Brock Street West, which was purchased for $3 million as a part of the culvert project. Through the purchase of 12 Main Street North and the expropriation of 43, 45, and 47 Brock Street West, at an additional cost of some $4 million, the township successfully assembled approximately 1.9 acres of land.
To support the land sale agreement, the township sought financial investment through the Region of Durham’s Regional Revitalization Program (RRP). In recognition of the economic and social impact, the region has approved a maximum of up to the lower amount of $3 million and 50 per cent of the township’s cost for this project minus the final sale price of the subject lands.
Horizon’s plans for the downtown
One Horizon’s proposed redevelopment envisions a dynamic, mixed-use downtown that will:
- Include an additional investment of up to $2.5 million by the developer to construct a new Town Square for residents and visitors, featuring community space, patios, and public art.
- Provide new public washrooms to support increased downtown activity.
- Introduce a blend of residential and commercial spaces.
- Encourage more people to live, shop, and gather in the downtown core.
- Enhance the visual appeal of the area while maintaining Uxbridge’s historic charm.
This investment by One Horizon Inc. is expected to generate more than $90 million in meaningful long-term economic benefits, including commercial and residential rentals, development charges, increased property tax revenue, a significant rise in tourism and visitor spending, and growth in job creation.
Early preparatory activities
As the project progresses, residents and businesses may notice early preparatory activities in the downtown area. Construction fencing (hoarding) will be installed along street frontages, and there will be demolition of existing buildings, ongoing environmental testing, surveying, and the presence of tradespeople on site.
While there is strong momentum, project timelines are being developed as due diligence and planning processes continue.
The land sale agreement follows the successful completion of a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) process which identified a developer that shared the community’s vision for a vibrant and sustainable downtown core, said a township announcement.
In December 2020, council had approved the downtown vision statement: “Uxbridge features a vibrant and thriving downtown that is rich in history and recognized as an inclusive and accessible community”.
In 2022, with input from over 2,000 residents, visitors and business owners, a strategic plan was developed to enable the township to achieve the downtown vision. The redevelopment of Lower Brock was considered one of the four priorities.
Following the completion of the Brock Street Culvert Replacement Project, the township said it recognized the opportunity to revitalize Lower Brock Street through a land assembly initiative.
- This project represents a major step toward building a vibrant and connected downtown that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Uxbridge community, said the township.
“This marks a major milestone for our downtown,” said Mayor Dave Barton. “The Mirkopoulos family has a proven track record of delivering projects in complex environments, and they are now bringing that experience back home to Uxbridge. Their vision reflects the voices of more than 2,000 residents and visitors who helped shape what this space can become. We are incredibly grateful for their investment and for embracing our community’s vision. Their commitment is already making a difference, with a $1 million donation to the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation and $2 million to our new Aquatic and Sports Complex. This is what it looks like when local pride meets world-class experience.”
Below are the latest renderings of the proposed redevelopment. Please note that all renderings are conceptual and subject to change as the project evolves.
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