How will York Region grow? Open house highlights plan for future

Jan. 25 virtual public event will present draft plan, including how the region will expand in the next 30 years to accommodate close to 1 million new residents

Newmarkettoday.ca
Jan. 21, 2022
Joseph Quigley

York Region is inviting you to learn about, and have your say on, the future planning of Newmarket and beyond.

The region is hosting its first draft official plan open house virtually via Zoom Tuesday, Jan. 25. Staff will present the plan to the public and offer question and answer sessions for you to learn more.

“Learn about how York Region proposes to accommodate future growth and areas for protection to 2051,” the region said in a news release.

The plan details how the region will expand in the next 30 years to accommodate an estimated 900,000 new residents. It includes details on how each community will both intensify and expand into open land.

Regional council has been discussing the plan for several months, with conflict over the degree of intensification, or building on developed lands. Newmarket Mayor John Taylor has found himself at odds with the majority of council at times with the degree to which the draft plan currently allows municipalities to sprawl outward.

"I feel we missed the mark a little bit,” Taylor said in a year-end interview.

Still, other municipalities such as East Gwillimbury have said expanding more outward is necessary to accommodate the growth to come in their communities.

The plan is still up for public consultation, with final approval by the council due to come in June. In addition to open houses, citizens can also offer input through an online survey until March 31.

“The region’s official plan review is an important opportunity to have your say on how York Region grows and changes, from housing to transportation and climate resilience,” the region said.

The open house will run from 5 to 7 p.m. You can sign up online. You can contactemma@weareprocess.ca or 778-903-7714 to request accommodations or for more information.

You can get more information about the regional draft official plan, or send feedback directly, by contacting futureyork@york.ca.