Up Front with the Mayor: Answers about a new library, Newmarket becoming a city

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor is taking your questions in his regular column; this month, a resident asks when is the town going to get a new library

Newmarkettoday.ca
November 5, 2019

Q: When is the town going to get a new library? The library is too old and the parking is pathetic. Richmond Hill, Oak Ridges, Bradford, all have new libraries. Let’s get with the times. ~ Ron Roncone

A: The Town of Newmarket will be undergoing a process this term to examine all of our facility needs for the foreseeable future, including the need for a new library.

This master planning process allows us to look at the timing of capital spending, but it also allows us to look at when and how co-locating buildings for greater efficiencies, if possible.

For example, it may make sense to have a library with a recreation centre so parents and kids can do many things at one spot or different things at the same time. Also, we need to examine what a modern library might look like not just now but in 20 years. We need to plan for the future.

The way people consume information is changing rapidly and libraries are changing, too. The types of services people expect from a library are also changing. We may be better off with more digital offerings or we may be better off with a satellite library.

We need to go through a thorough process to understand what our needs are, what they will be, and how best to meet them.

By the end of this term, we will have answered those questions and be in a better position to decide on a path forward.

Q: I hope if the town ever wishes to become a city, it is put to the residents first. Could you put this question on the municipal ballot next time for input? ~ Clive Henshaw

A: Clive, are you trying to make my life more difficult? I am joking, of course, but the debate over whether to be a town or a city is never easy and often a little painful.

Many people will have very strong opinions, and opinions are often tied to what each of us wants our town to be.

In about five to eight years we will become a town of 100,000 people and that is often a time to consider this difficult question.

We may want to stay a ‘town’ to try to keep our small-town friendliness and sense of belonging. We may want to become a ‘city’ as a way to attract large employers or younger tech workers.

That will be a tough question to answer and whether we place it on a ballot or do large-scale public consultation, we will need everyone’s input because this is everyone’s town. 

It’s important to note the decision to be a town or city is entirely a decision of council and is not tied to population or legislation. Any council can vote at any time to be a city or a town.