Dave Barton
Mayor of Uxbridge
Serving Uxbridge with passion, openness and fresh ideas.
“I don’t talk about finding solutions. I do the research,
make connections, get my hands dirty and get the job done.”
about Dave
I was born and raised in Uxbridge, with deep family roots in our farming community. During my formative years, my family operated the Udora General Store, where I saw firsthand the power of community and strong local partnerships. That experience continues to shape how I lead today.
Before public service, I spent 18 years in engineering, sales, and business. That experience shapes how I approach leadership, focusing on practical solutions, strong financial management, and decisions grounded in data.
I am proud of Uxbridge’s heritage and the quality of life we offer today. Our success depends on strong relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and other levels of government. By working together with Durham Region and the Province, we are able to deliver results, secure funding, and move key priorities forward.
My focus is simple. Respect our past, understand today, and build a strong, sustainable future for Uxbridge.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Pump Track
Through strong community leadership and partnerships, we delivered a world class pumptrack as an extension of our existing skate park, and it has quickly become a space our young people love.
This project started as an idea from Steve Snoddon and the Rotary Club. From there, we brought together an incredible group of partners including the Township, the Province, the Optimist Club, Durham Mountain Bike Association, local gravel companies, and many other community supporters.
The result is a $600,000 recreational asset built with just $75,000 in Township funding.
It is a great example of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared vision and a commitment to getting things done.
Aging in place
Uxbridge is now recognized as an Age Friendly Community, and we are proud of the steps we have taken to support residents at every stage of life.
We have invested in accessible, well lit paved trails through Elgin Park and a paved connection through Quaker Common. Washrooms in Elgin Park are now open year round, and the Senior Centre is active most days with staff support and a wide range of programming led by seniors themselves.
Across the Township, we have added new pedestrian crossings to improve safety and accessibility, with more planned.
Our role is simple. Support the community, remove barriers, and let people lead.
Uxbridge Hospital
Under our leadership, we have worked closely with the Province to secure funding for a new healthcare campus in Uxbridge. This includes a 130,000 square foot hospital, a new ambulatory care building, and a 192 bed long term care home.
This investment ensures that high quality healthcare will remain in Uxbridge for generations to come.
Provincial Park
What started as a local idea to protect these lands as a Township park has grown into something much bigger. Today, Uxbridge is home to a new Urban Provincial Park, the first of its kind in 40 years.
More than 1,350 acres of land that were once closed off with no trespassing signs are now open for the public to enjoy as protected parkland.
Through strong partnerships with the Province and key stakeholders, we also secured $18 million in funding to help bring this vision to life.
The work is just getting started, but these lands are now open, protected, and will be preserved for generations to come.
This is a once in a generation achievement that protects our natural heritage, expands access to the outdoors, and reinforces Uxbridge’s role as the Trail Capital of Canada.
Active Transportation
Since becoming Mayor, we have made significant investments in active transportation and pedestrian safety across Uxbridge.
This includes new sidewalks and multi use paths along Planks Lane, through Bonner Park, Capstick Lane, Toronto Street connecting to the Countryside Preserve, through Elgin Park, and around Harold Bell Park in Goodwood along Goodwood Road.
We have also improved safety with new pedestrian crossings, including at Front Street and Highway 47 in Goodwood, and at the Fields of Uxbridge with a fully paved access route.
Additional upgrades include a paved pathway through Quaker Common and a new separated paved trail along Elgin Park Drive, complete with a pedestrian crossing.
We have delivered most of this work by securing federal and provincial funding, making significant investments using outside dollars so local property taxes can go further.
These improvements are about creating safer, more connected, and more accessible communities for residents of all ages.
CURRENT boards
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I am proud to serve on a number of boards and committees that help advance priorities for Uxbridge and our broader region.
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Board Member, Precious Minds
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Board Member, Uxbridge Hospital Foundation
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Co Chair, Uxbridge Hospital Campaign Cabinet
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Chair, Durham Region Public Works Committee
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Chair, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
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Chair, Conservation Ontario
These roles allow me to advocate for our community, build strong regional and provincial relationships, and help deliver results on key issues such as infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and long term planning.
Priorities
Roads and bridges
Since becoming Mayor, we have made significant progress in addressing Uxbridge’s roads, bridges, and culverts.
For too long, critical infrastructure was underfunded. We have increased our annual investment from approximately $150,000 to more than $2.5 million, putting us on a more sustainable path to maintain and rebuild our network.
We have paved more than 20 kilometres of roads for the first time, improving safety and quality of life for residents across the Township.
We also completed the once in a century downtown culvert project and successfully defended a $9 million lawsuit, ultimately settling for a fraction of the original claim, far less than the cost of taking it to trial.
Through strong partnerships, we have secured funding to deliver major regional infrastructure, including the completion of the Durham Road 8 and Sandford bridges, with the Zephyr Bridge scheduled for construction this season.
We are also seeing significant regional investment across Uxbridge, including the reconstruction of Durham Road 1, Lakeridge Road, Highway 47, sections of Brock Street, and major work on Zephyr Road this summer.
Much of this progress has been made by securing federal and provincial funding, allowing us to move projects forward using outside dollars and reducing pressure on local taxpayers.
There is still work to do, but we are now making steady, responsible investments to ensure our infrastructure is safe, reliable, and built to serve our community for the long term.
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High Speed Internet
Access to reliable, high speed internet is essential for our residents, businesses, and future growth.
Today, fibre to the home is now available in Coppins Corners, Goodwood, Leaskdale, Udora, Sandford, across Uxbridge, and in many rural areas along key routes.
Through our leadership, Durham Region established Durham OneNet, an initiative that secured funding and is building a regional fibre backbone. This network is making it easier for smaller internet service providers to connect rural residents and expand service into previously underserved areas.
By working with the Region, the Province, and private partners, we are delivering critical infrastructure using outside funding and ensuring Uxbridge is connected and ready for the future.
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Our Bread Basket
The concerns of our farming community are deeply important to me. I am committed to protecting our agricultural lands and ensuring they are not compromised by short sighted or inappropriate development.
As Uxbridge continues to grow and attract young families, we must manage that growth responsibly, working in close partnership with the farmers and landowners whose livelihoods depend on the land. Farmers have a direct line to both Township staff and to me to ensure that infrastructure improvements do not negatively impact their operations.
I have also organized multiple roundtable discussions bringing together local farmers, our MPP, and the Minister of Agriculture to ensure their voices are heard and reflected in our decision making.
Downtown Revitalization
Downtown Uxbridge represents a once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of our community.
Under my leadership, we have made significant progress advancing the Brock Street reconstruction and culvert project, laying the foundation for long term revitalization and growth in the core.
We are now moving forward with plans to create a vibrant Town Square at Brock and Toronto, including new residential units, street level commercial space, and welcoming public gathering areas.
This work is about more than infrastructure. It is about creating a downtown that supports local businesses, attracts investment, and brings people together.
Through careful planning, strategic partnerships, and a focus on long term value, we are positioning downtown Uxbridge for a strong and sustainable future.
Council Communication
Transparency and accessibility are key to good local government.
Under my leadership, all Council meetings are live streamed and easy to access online. Residents can review agendas, read minutes, and watch full meeting recordings at their convenience.
This ensures people can stay informed, follow decisions that impact them, and engage with their local government in a way that works for their schedule.
Clear communication builds trust, and we are committed to making local government as open and accessible as possible.
Let’s discuss the
future of Uxbridge
Cell: 416-819-4119
Find me around town. Check my Facebook page for locations and times.
Endorsements
"Dave Barton is open minded, easy to connect with, and loves listening to people's ideas about how to make Uxbridge an even better place to live. He's action oriented and gets things done. Being so involved in different aspects of our community he understands what is important to the people of Uxbridge and is committed to acting in our best interests. I trust Dave to lead Uxbridge in the role of Mayor."
Patti Moloney, Dimples, Co-founder; Loaves and Fishes Food Bank, Co-chair; mother of three
“Dave is the best candidate to lead the new Council in the next term. He is a good listener and a good communicator, which are particularly important for the person who is Mayor. Dave is a visionary, and he has a good understanding of what makes Uxbridge tick, and those are two qualities that will be needed when important decisions are being made.”
Tom Fowle, Civil Engineer, retired; past and present roles on the Watershed committee, Music Hall Board, Community Care volunteer
“I have known Dave Barton for over 15 years. He is a 5th generation resident who understands small business and what it takes to maintain and build a vibrant community. I endorse Dave for Mayor as Uxbridge transitions into a next generation community. He is experienced in managing multiple stakeholders and he understands the importance of economic growth and fiscal responsibility.”
Rob Barlow, President and CEO, WireIE Holdings International Inc.
“It’s time for positive change and Dave Barton as Mayor of Uxbridge represents that change. I look forward to casting my vote for someone with foresight, common sense and understanding and that person is Dave Barton”
Laura Reybroek, Laura’s Casual Kitchen
"I have no doubt in my mind that Dave Barton will make an excellent Mayor. He is very approachable and has an amazing way of engaging with people from all walks of life. My friends and I enjoy speaking with him at the Legion. I know my point of view will be represented on council which is why he has my full support. Vote Dave Barton for Mayor."
Norm Goodspeed, Second World War Veteran
"As a first time voter for the township of Uxbridge, I will choose to support candidate Dave Barton as he has shown considerable interest in the needs of the youth in Uxbridge. Dave sees ways to engage youth in sport and recreation. He also has the vision and collaborative abilities to attract business into Uxbridge. This will insure that I have a great community to return to in the future."
Tyler Orschel, National Team Cyclist,
"Dave and I have been close friends since we were both in grade 4. We had summer jobs on farms in the surrounding area and he was the best man at my wedding. Dave is loyal, giving, honest and one of the people I go to when I need to vet business ideas. I have trusted his opinions on my business just as I trust him with the future of Uxbridge. When you get your mail in ballot this fall, vote Dave Barton for Mayor."
Glenn Weddel, Cam-Scott Transport Ltd, President; Uxbridge Baptist Church Board, past chairperson
"I support Dave Barton for mayor because he has vision, seeks advice, does his research and has the energy to take Uxbridge into the future."
Bob Shepherd, Former Mayor of Uxbridge
"This Thanksgiving, I’m voting for Dave. He listens to the needs of youth and is building an Uxbridge I want to come home to."
Abby Mocherniak, Queen’s University student, Ontario Scholar,
Future Uxbridge doctor
"Dave is always willing to help."
Jeff Fahrer, Singlehandedly raised over $20,000 for the Terry Fox Run
Jeff Fahrer,
(Terry Fox Fundraiser)
Adam Ruppel,
(Local Business Owner; Co Founder of http://www.mudhero.com/en/ Founder of https://www.chicoracing.com/ ,Co Founder of https://motoringexperiences.ca/)