10 things to know about proposed Newmarket affordable housing project on former York Region headquarters site

Site could accommodate up to 250 homes and would help address housing shortage, region says

Yorkregion.com
June 24, 2022
Lisa Queen

York Region held a public information meeting the evening of June 22 to update residents on the progress of a new proposed affordable housing project to be built at 62 Bayview Pkwy. in Newmarket.

The future development on the site of the former regional headquarters would offer affordable rental and subsidized units for families, older adults and single residents.

Here are 10 things to know about the project, according to the region:

• The redevelopment addresses York Region’s significant need for affordable housing. It is owned by the region and is close to public transportation, stores, services and park space.
• More than 15,000 households in York Region are on the waiting list for subsidized housing. They can expect to wait seven to 10 years to receive a subsidized housing unit. The waiting list continues to grow.
• With the average price of homes selling in the region topping $1 million, and monthly carrying costs of mortgage, mortgage insurance and property taxes potentially coming in at more than $5,000, home ownership is out of reach for many households. Rents in the region are also high and vacancy rates low.
• The future housing development will include a mix of affordable and market rate rental units. The site could support up to 250 homes, with the size of the building influenced by natural heritage features, design considerations and infrastructure capacity.
• Today, the site is vacant, underutilized land. The site is 1.6 ha (4.0 acres) in area and has 242 metres of street frontage. It also contains two driveway entrances. The location has close access to nearby trails, parks and open spaces, including the Mabel Davis Conservation Area.
• Demolition is mostly complete to remove the vacant building. Foundation removal is anticipated to be complete in the coming weeks. Once demolition works are complete, the site will be restored, seeded with grass and a wooden fence will be installed.
• Several elements of the original building have been preserved and can be incorporated into the future development to commemorate the site’s important municipal history.
• In 2022 and 2023, the focus will be on concept development, retaining an architect, preparing planning applications and seeking funding. The redevelopment is contingent on securing funding sources and development approval from the Town of Newmarket. Construction is anticipated to start in late 2024 at the earliest.
• When construction is complete, the building will be owned and managed by Housing York Inc. (HYI), York Region’s housing corporation. HYI’s goal is to have all its buildings achieve zero carbon emissions by 2051. Opportunities are being explored for a Passive House building at 62 Bayview Pkwy. Buildings with Passive House standards consume up to 90 per cent less heating and cooling energy than conventional buildings. The building will also aim to achieve LEED energy and environmental design standards.

HYI provides well-maintained, affordable housing options, from mixed-income rental apartment buildings to emergency and transitional housing sites. It owns and manages 37 housing locations and supports approximately 2,700 units.