Newmarket takes new public input approach through free iWonder event

Free event for all ages to help town determine what residents want in idle space

Yorkregion.com
March 1, 2019
Teresa Latchford

Have you ever wondered?

The Town of Newmarket is thinking outside the box when it comes to collecting public feedback on what residents would like to see in idle spaces around town. Specifically, the town is holding an iWonder event this weekend to gain some insight into what residents would like to see done at Philmore Hamilton Park on the corner of Wayne Drive and Howard Road.

“Right now this is an idle or dormant space that used to be a pond years ago and stormwater management needs to be revitalized at the site,” engineering services director Rachel Prudhomme said. “In the past we would look at solving these issues through an engineer lens.”

But now the town’s engineering department has joined forces with parks to approach these projects from a different vantage point through iWonder events that are designed to provide an experience to the public, tap into their subconscious and extract what is really desired in the design of a project like this.

For example, the first iWonder event was held at a large bazaar last year where 200 people experienced a night scene and day activities.

“If you ask people straight up what they want, they think practical like benches,” she said. “This taps more into emotions than tangible things.”

This event will allow the entire family to experience five different interactive stations, one being a night experience in the rain with the intention to evoke comfort and positive memories of rain, while the hands-on day activity will evoke creativity. Participants will also be asked to share a rain experience or memories.

“Through all of the experiences and sharing from participants, we can determine what people want for this space,” she added.

Concept drawings and designs of park features for the space, including a proposed rain theatre, will also be displayed at the event, which is admission free and suitable for all ages.

The iWonder public information centre will be held on March 2, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Newmarket’s Old Town Hall located at 460 Botsford St.