Newmarket residents invited to create town's blueprint for growth over next 30 years through official plan review

Politicians set out 5 strategic priorities for 2022-26 term of council

Yorkregion.com
May 4, 2023
Lisa Queen

Want a say in Newmarket’s future?

The town is updating its official plan, which will guide how the town develops over the next 30 years.

Residents can share their ideas through a number of engagement opportunities.

The updated official plan will describe:

Where housing, office, manufacturing facilities, shops, and parks can be located;

What infrastructure, road network, and energy resources are required/encouraged as the town grows; and

Which areas of town should be protected and/or enhanced and more.

“An official plan is our community blueprint for a complete, sustainable, and well-planned community. Please take this opportunity to have your say and provide us with your thoughts. Your input will help us revise existing policies, create new ones, manage growth and protect green space in order to support an innovative and forward-thinking community,” Mayor John Taylor said.

Here are ways you can get involved:

Follow the progress of the official plan review on the engagement project page at heynewmarket.ca/newmarketop.

Tune into the public meeting update on May 15 at 1 p.m. at the municipal offices at 395 Mulock Dr. or streamed live at newmarket.ca/meetings. Residents can submit written comments or speak to council during the meeting. For more information, email clerks@newmarket.ca or call 905-953-5300, ext. 2203.

Participate in the visioning exercise on June 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. virtually. You can share your thoughts on complete communities and how would you prioritize matters such as growth, housing, climate change, transportation and more. What do you envision Newmarket to look like in 30 years? Those interested in participating in the exercise can email newmarketop@newmarket.ca.

Newmarket politicians have set out five strategic priorities for this term of council, which runs until the fall of 2026:

Community and economic vibrancy -- Attracting and retaining amazing people and businesses to ensure Newmarket’s long-term viability through sustainable jobs, while creating a strong and unique brand that differentiates Newmarket from other communities.

Customer-first way of life (enhanced by technology) -- Ensuring the community has timely access to services that enhance their quality of life.

Extraordinary places and spaces -- Creating exceptional experiences for the community in shared and accessible public spaces.

Environmental sustainability -- Preserving environmental assets and addressing climate change for future generations.

Diverse, welcoming and inclusive community -- Building a strong, healthy and equitable community where everyone feels an unwavering sense of belonging.

Creating a brand strategy and plan for the continued enhancement of the arts in Newmarket will be a key area of focus for Newmarket in the coming years, a town statement said.

The goal is to continue to strengthen the town’s reputation as a vibrant place to live for entrepreneurs, artists and knowledge workers, building a strong local and innovative economy.

“There are many amazing things to look forward to over the next four years, including the addition of the Postmark Hotel in downtown Newmarket, a new multi-use path on Mulock Drive and the opening of the iconic Mulock park where we will welcome artwork and exhibits from the Art Gallery of Ontario at the historic Mulock House, just to name a few,” Taylor said.