3 things to know from Newmarket council: 14 photo radar spots coming, change to anti-idling bylaw, official plan review

Residents invited to get involved in updating official plan, the town's growth blueprint for the next 30 years

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 27, 2023
Lisa Queen

Here are three things to know going on with Newmarket council these days:

There is a change to the vehicle anti-idling bylaw. You can’t let your car idle for more than two minutes, except when required for the safety or welfare of the driver, passengers or animals. Council has amended the bylaw by removing temperature as a reason to let your car idle for more than two minutes. Under the old rule, you could let your car idle if the temperature in the vehicle was more than 27C or less than 5C. But that rule was hard to enforce. After a resident spoke to council about the issue in April, council agreed to review the bylaw. Now, in line with other municipalities, drivers cannot idle for more than two minutes, except when required for the safety or welfare of the driver, passengers or animals. The town will continue an education-first approach. However, when compliance isn’t met, officers can now ticket drivers using the town’s administrative monetary penalty system, as opposed to the provincial court system. Since 2005, Newmarket has been committed to being idle-free. Idling has a negative impact on the environment through emissions, people's health by contributing to air pollution and now more than ever, to your wallet. What many don't realize is idling can also damage your vehicle's engine and exhaust.

Don’t forget photo radar machines are coming to neighbourhoods early in the new year. Council has approved 14 speed cameras in community safety zones to help reduce speeds, collisions, injuries and fatalities.

The locations will be:

Ward 1: Stonehaven and Kingsmere avenues.

Ward 2: Gorham and Srigley streets.

Ward 3: Patterson Street and Wayne Drive.

Ward 4: Longford Drive and Bristol Road.

Ward 5: Queen Street and William Roe Boulevard.

Ward 6: Savage Road and Clearmeadow Boulevard.

Ward 7: Woodspring Avenue West and Woodspring Avenue East.

Signs will be posted 90 days before the cameras start operating.

The town continues to work on updating its official plan, a blueprint for Newmarket’s growth over the next 30 years.

Residents have provided feedback on issues they want to see in the document including:

Encouraging a range of housing in town, including affordable and age-friendly housing.

Supporting business opportunities, such as encouraging growth from different sectors including food services, health care and social assistance, arts, entertainment, and recreation.

Creating transit-oriented, bike-friendly, walkable, accessible, and connected development, supporting overall connectivity throughout the town.

Prioritizing safety during transportation improvements, such as having dedicated bike lanes.

Encouraging inclusive and accessible public spaces throughout the town.

Continuing to support amenities throughout the town that are meeting spots for residents and visitors, as well as helping develop town identity and character.

Establishing a plan for redevelopment of the South of Davis Area (SODA) for the area of Main Street from Simcoe Street to Millard Avenue, between Niagara Street and the railway line. SODA is to be a community space that will not only cater to the needs of the residents but also make a noteworthy destination.

Continuing to preserve and enhance existing natural heritage assets.

Encouraging development that fosters a sense of community.

There are many opportunities for residents to stay involved in the official plan review. Visit heynewmarket.ca/newmarketop for project news and to sign up to receive updates. You can also submit questions to the town at newmarketop@newmarket.ca.