Downtown core of Ontario township set to be redeveloped

A major redevelopment plan for a portion of a GTA township’s downtown core is moving forward. 

This week, the Township of Uxbridge, a Durham region municipality east of Toronto, announced plans to sell the Lower Brock Street downtown properties to developer One Horizon Inc for $2.5 million. 

Arch Sign in the Town Square

One Horizon Inc., owned by the Mirkopoulos family, has supported other local projects in the past, contributing $1 million to the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation and $2 million to the Uxbridge Aquatic Centre & Sports Complex. 

According to a news release, One Horizon’s proposed redevelopment aims to create a “dynamic, mixed-use downtown” with a new Town Square featuring community space, patios and public art. The new Town Square will require an additional investment of up to $2.5 million from the developer to complete. 

The revitalization will also include new public washrooms, new residential and commercial spaces, and an overall visual enhancement of the area that will encourage residents and visitors to eat, shop, and spend more time in the area. 

Town Square looking up towards Toronto Street North

The township said the project is expected to generate more than $90 million in long-term economic benefits, including commercial and residential rentals, development charges, increased property tax revenue, increased tourism and visitor spending, and new jobs. 

“Our role is simple: cultivate community prosperity, and help build something special for Uxbridge. To be entrusted with this responsibility is both an honour and our commitment to you,” Mike Mirkopoulos, president & CEO of One Horizon, said in a statement. 

The latest announcement builds on redevelopment plans initiated in 2020. In 2022, the Lower Brock area was chosen as one of four downtown properties ripe for redevelopment and following the completion of the Brock Street Culvert replacement project, the Township moved to revitalize Lower Brock Street through a land assembly initiative. 

Storefronts on Brock Street West

The Township said it owns 23/31 Brock Street West, which was purchased for $3 million as part of the culvert project. In a news release, the town said Durham Region is expected to approve up to $3 million in funding for the project, as well as 50 per cent of the Township’s costs, minus the final sale price.

Uxbridge has assembled about 1.9 acres of land by purchasing 12 Main Street North and expropriating 43, 45, and 47 Brock Street West, at an additional cost of approximately $4 million. 

Looking north towards the Town Square from Brock Street West

The township said that as the project moves forward, residents can expect construction to get underway, with demolitions of some older buildings carried out. 

Ground level of Town Square looking up towards Brock Street West

“This marks a major milestone for our downtown,” said Mayor Dave Barton in a statement. 

“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.”

Ground level of Town Square looking north towards the Brook

All rendering from the Township of Uxbridge