What's happening in Newmarket this summer? Coronavirus means not much

As province extends emergency measures, town updates its operation plans

Yorkregion.com
May 8, 2020
Lisa Queen

With the provincial government extending the state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Newmarket is detailing how its operations will proceed throughout the rest of the spring and into the summer.

There’s not much fun in the announcement, so brace yourself.

The town will continue to focus on essential work to protect the health and safety of residents and staff.

“Across the organization, our No. 1 priority is to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19 in Newmarket,” Mayor John Taylor said. “Council and staff resources will continue toward this goal while looking ahead at how to safely and gradually reopen when (York Region) public health advises it is safe to do so.”

General inquiries

All general inquiries will be handled by the town’s customer service centre. The centre is available by telephone at 905-895-5193 or by email at info@newmarket.ca from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For municipal emergency service outside these hours, call 905-895-5193 and press 3 to be directed to the after-hours service number.

Facilities and programs

All town facilities and buildings remain closed until further notice.

The town will make a final decision on whether to operate its summer camps and programs before May 20. If they go ahead, registration will begin May 20 for residents and May 27 for non-residents. The summer guide is available online at newmarket.ca/activityguide.

Summer events

The following town events have been cancelled:

• Tim Hortons Canada Day Kanata Festival and evening fireworks

• TD Newmarket Music Series

• Kids Downtown

• Newmarket National 10 Minute Play Festival

• Newmarket Busker Festival

• Splash of Culture

The following third-party organized events have also been cancelled:

• York Region Pride Festival

• Newmarket Lions Club Artisan’s Festival

• Newmarket Craft Beer Festival

Visit the town’s virtual recreation and culture hub, newmarket.ca/homesweethome, for DIY decor, backyard games, recipes and virtual Canada Day celebrations.

The town is considering a late summer/early fall event to reunite the community, if and when it is safe to do so.

Spring cleanup: spring maintenance programs

The following spring maintenance programs have been temporarily suspended until further notice:

• Textile Recycling Program

• Curbside Giveaway Days

Street sweeping on bike lanes has been completed and limited sweeping is underway to address critical areas.

The town will make critical road repairs, including repairing potholes.

Residents can report potholes by using the "report a problem" feature on the Recycle Coach App or emailing info@newmarket.ca with the specific location of the pothole.

The town continues with its normal garbage, green bin, blue box recycling and yard waste pickups.

Winter maintenance sod repairs will be starting soon.

Spring cleanup: littering hot spots

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is advising against community cleanups, but you can help keep the community clean in a number of ways:

• Scoop your pet’s poop when out for a walk. If there isn’t a garbage nearby, or it is full, please bring it home and place it in your green bin.

• Having a snack on the trail? Bring a bag with you to take litter home to properly recycle or trash.

• Take all your items from the mailbox, including flyers, home to sort.

• Securely tie garbage bags and don’t overfill your blue box. Place heavier items on top to prevent materials from blowing away.

• Always place used gloves and disposable masks in the garbage. Town staff continue to empty garbage cans at parks and are also picking up spring litter in parks and open spaces.

Trails, parks and open spaces

At this time, trails that fall within Newmarket’s geographical boundaries remain open as long as residents can continue to maintain physical distancing (staying six feet apart). Obey signs when entering other municipalities to avoid fines.

When crossing bridges:

• Stop. Yield to other people crossing the bridge.

• Wait for an opening of at least six feet before proceeding to cross the bridge.

• Stay to the right side and do not stop on the bridge.

Bylaw enforcement approach

With the warmer weather, bylaw officers will continue to patrol streets, parks and trails to remind residents about the rules, but will issue fines if education measures are ignored.

Social gatherings

As it gets nicer and the pandemic rolls on, many are eager to get together, but residents should continue to use virtual tools to connect with friends and family. The town is receiving an increasing number of complaints about social gatherings at homes and teenagers and small groups playing on sports fields. To report a social gathering, call 905-895-5193 (press 3 after hours) or email info@newmarket.ca.

Garage and yard sales are discouraged.

Spring wildlife

It’s currently wildlife mating season, which means residents may see more wildlife from now through August -- a normal seasonal trend. For issues concerning wildlife, residents can call animal services at 1-877-979-7297.

Coyotes are also out more this time of year. Residents can visit newmarket.ca/coyotesighting to report a sighting and see where other residents are seeing them.

Or, if you see or hear a coyote in your neighbourhood, email newsroom@yrmg.com, tweet us @yorkregion or message us on Instagram @yorkregion to let us know, and we'll add it to our map.

For more information about what the town is doing during the coronavirus crisis, visit newmarket.ca/covid19.