Caption: While patrons of the York Durham Heritage Railway's Christmas train board from a candy cane covered platform, a dismal scene lies just north of the train on the remains of the Uxbridge Sub. Fencing across the yard tracks to protect equipment from vandals, a deadline of ALCO locomotives, and in the distance at right, passenger cars being scrapped. What was likely the final day of operations for the YDHR took place on Saturday, December 23, 2023, with news of their impending shutdown and pending relocation breaking days earlier via their Facebook page on December 21 from the Board of Directors. The statement reading, “It is with a very heavy heart we announce our tenure in Uxbridge is coming to an end on May 31, 2024."

A number of factors appear to have led to this outcome, becoming very convoluted with various statements from both the town of Uxbridge and the railway, however some things are clear. The charitable organization switched from a largely volunteer basis to numerous paid positions over the last few years, totaling 88 part time, and 9 full time employees. The 2018 charities return (found here) shows a revenue of $1.3 million, with $1.1 million in expenditures. Of this amount, $24,607 was paid for management and administration. Compare this to the 2022 charities return (found here), which shows a revenue of $2.4 million, and expenditures of $3 million. Of this total, $351,151 was payment for the 88 part time employees, and $564,335 was payment for the 9 full time employees. Payment of the full timers was split as follows: 7 employees in the $40,000 - $79,999 range, 1 in the $80,000 - $119,999 range, and lastly, President and CEO, John Perks, in the $160,000 - 199,999 range. The above compensation totals $915,486, which is 37.2 times what was spent just five years earlier, with a bit less than twice the revenue generated.

YDHR has faced scrutiny from the Town of Uxbridge in recent years, culminating in a number of inspections, all finding the railway non-compliant in regards to building permits for tents and stages, violations from the Electrical Safety Authority, local bylaws, and the fire department. In light of this, the town, who owns the railway station and platform, elected to deny YDHR's lease extension (ending December 31, 2023) unless issues are brought into compliance. The town has also been engaged in discussion with YDHR regarding the removal of dilapidated passenger cars (4960, 1462, 3209, 3232) which had sat along the north side of the yard since acquisition of the "Boise Budds" and ONR coaches over the last decade. The issue now stretching over five years resulting in all four coaches being scrapped in recent weeks. As for the rail line itself, the Uxbridge Sub is owned by Metrolinx, and leased to Uxbridge on a monthly basis, in turn subleased to YDHR. Uxbridge has given the railway notice, ending their use of the line effective January 31, 2024.

Further news article can be found below:
Dec. 14: Station lease
Dec. 20: Ongoing Issues
Dec. 22: Statements from both parties
Dec. 22: End of YDHR

Better times on the YDHR:
Arrival of locomotives, 1996 by Keith Hansen
RS3 in the evening light, 2007 by Wayne Shaw
A fall morning at Uxbridge, 2010 by Thomas Blampied
Thanksgiving doubleheader, 2018 by Thomas Blampied
Budds and ALCOs, 2019 by Jacob Patterson