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'Majestic': Newmarket residents share visions for future of Mulock Farm

'It's going to be a place to go and meet your community,' consultant says

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 13, 2020
Lisa Queen

Ever since Sheila Stewart moved to Newmarket in 1995, when eight months pregnant with her son, she’s thought of the Mulock Farm as a hidden oasis in the rapidly growing community.

Now that the town has purchased the property at the northwest corner of Mulock Drive and Yonge Street and is inviting residents until the end of February to give their initial visions for the site, she is thrilled to be part of the process.

“It’s one of the staples of Newmarket,” Stewart said at a public meeting on the future of the property Feb. 5 at the Old Town Hall that attracted about 100 residents.

“Now, it’s everybody’s. It’s not just the Mulocks’, it’s everybody’s. And we all get to share it and we all get a say in what happens, and it’s a nice feeling that we’re all coming together. Everybody’s voice counts here.”

Two years ago, the town paid $24 million for the property.

The home on the site is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. It will be preserved by the town, which is considering what it can be used for that will best serve the community.

Meanwhile, the town is looking for ideas from residents to create an iconic community park, including a skating trail.

The property’s rich history dates back to its original Indigenous stewards.

In the late 1800s, the site became home to Sir William Mulock, Canada’s Postmaster General from 1896 to 1905 and a politician, lawyer, judge, educator, farmer and philanthropist.

He hosted many influential people from many fields at his home, which remained in the Mulock family for six generations.

Stewart wants to see property’s history maintained while welcoming future community pursuits, such as the skating trail, a water feature, preserving the trees, trails and gardens, arts and culture opportunities and providing outdoor spaces for meetings, school trips and possibly wedding photos.

“it would be so nice to keep that majestic feel to it,” the realtor said.

“It’s the Mulock Farm estate. I think It should keep the same feel but I feel we should be adding to it, accentuating what it is and add some modern touches.”

The property will be a significant destination spot, Lisa Rapaport, a partner with consultant PLANT Architect Inc., said.

“It’s such as important piece of land. You have culture and nature and community all coming together,” she said.

“It’s going to be a place to go and meet your community.”

Not only could the estate home house art and artists but art projects could be set up along trails throughout the property, Rapaport said.

The site could also include a market, a place for music, cultural festivals and a think tank for innovation, she said.

“We haven’t landed yet,” she said.

A report setting out goals and principles for the landscape and uses for the house is expected in April, Rapaport said.

From April to December, work will continue on the master plan, with ongoing input from residents. A report with a budget to implement the vision is expected at the end of December, she said.

The town is looking to preserve the property’s history while it creates a future community space shaped by residents, Mayor John Taylor said.

“We have a very unique opportunity to honour our past and the incredible innovator that Sir William Mulock was, while shaping his historic property into a major cornerstone of our community for generations to come,” he said.

“We have heard many truly amazing ideas so far and by sharing your stories and your vision, it will help us to create a master plan that balances our past history and heritage with our very bright future.”

Here are some ways residents can share their vision for the property: