Wondering how coronavirus affects things in Newmarket? Here's a handy guide

From recreation to parking to breaking the rules, we've got the answers

Yorkregion.com
April 22, 2020
Lisa Queen

Like other municipalities, Town of Newmarket facilities are closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

HOW DID THE TOWN MAKE THAT DECISION?

On March 18, the town declared a state of emergency, which allows the town to access additional funding and resources, if necessary, to help control the spread of the virus.

WHEN YOU SAY TOWN FACILITIES ARE CLOSED, EXACTLY WHAT PLACES CAN'T I GO TO?

The town hall, Newmarket Public Library, playgrounds (including school playgrounds), outdoor fitness equipment, park amenities such as picnic tables and park benches, sports fields and courts, community gardens, the dog park, Elman W. Campbell Museum, Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre, Central York Fire station administrative offices, Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, New Roads Performing Arts Centre, Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place, Magna Centre, Newmarket Youth Centre, Old Town Hall and Newmarket’s Community Centre and Lions Hall.

The town’s trails system and bike lanes are open. Practice physical distancing when using them.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SEE PEOPLE NOT FOLLOWING THE RULES BY USING OFF-LIMITS SPACES?

Email info@newmarket.ca or call 905-895-5193 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK THE RULES?

In addition to providing education, bylaw officers are handing out fines starting at $750 to those who don’t comply with emergency orders banning gatherings of more than five people. That doesn’t include family members living at the same address. The orders also cover people trespassing in areas closed to the public. Anyone found price gouging on necessary goods such as hand sanitizer and household cleaners can also be fined. Failing to identify yourself to a bylaw officer carries a fine of $1,250. Defying the rules is also punishable with up to a year in prison or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual and up to $10 million for a corporation.

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH RECREATION PROGRAMS?

The town has cancelled all recreation programs, drop-in programs, facility rentals and events.

CAN I GET AN EXTENSION ON MY PROPERTY TAXES OR WATER BILL?

The town will waive late payment fees and interest on property tax accounts for the March 26 and April 28 instalments. The town is currently working on a property tax relief program. More information on taxes can be found at newmarket.ca/covid19.

Water and wastewater fees are collected by Newmarket Hydro. Call 905-895-2309 for more information.

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL TOWN SERVICES?

Water and wastewater services, waste and recycling pickup, maintenance of town roads, sidewalks and trails, customer service call centres and Central York Fire Services emergency calls continue to run.

WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH GARBAGE COLLECTION?

Garbage and recycling is picked up on your regular day. The town has increased the maximum number of garbage bags you can put out every other week to five bags, although it is asking residents to keep to three bags where possible.

Throw used tissues, gloves and masks out in the garbage, not your recycling bin. For those who are sick or test positive for COVID-19, put disposable items that have come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage. That includes recyclable containers and compostables such as facial tissue or paper napkins.

Yard waste pickup is still occurring every two weeks on your scheduled pickup day.

I'VE GOT STUFF TO GET RID OF. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Hold off on disposing large items until further notice. If there is an immediate need, you can purchase a large item tag by calling 905-895-5193. The town will send you your large item tag by mail.

Newmarket’s textile recycling program outside of town facilities has been suspended until further notice. Diabetes Canada is placing signage on all textile recycling bins located outside of the Magna Centre, Ray Twinney Recreation Centre and the Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall.

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH PARKING RESTRICTIONS?

Parking enforcement will respond to complaint calls.

For on-street parking, you can apply for an exemption and the town will evaluate on a case-by-case basis. The Town has no concerns with providing exemptions for people in need. For more information, call 905-895-5193 or email info@newmarket.ca.

ARE THERE ANY INITIATIVES TO HELP DURING THE CRISIS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Newmarket council approved up to $25,000 in support of community meal programs, enhanced community food bank operations or to be used for other community needs. Newmarket is also working with these community groups on contingency planning to ensure they are able to meet the needs of the community during COVID-19.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Visit newmarket.ca/covid19.