'Not what we hoped for but a fair compromise': Newmarket residents, town, developer reach compromise on 199-home plan

Development on former police union land includes trails, natural area, contribution to affordable housing initiatives

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 2, 2023
Lisa Queen

What began with a community meeting packed with residents concerned about a proposed 199-home development on the former York Regional Police Association headquarters land in Newmarket has ended with a compromise between residents, the developer and the town.

“Why the concern? The land was already under control of the (Lake Simcoe Region) Conservation Authority because of the flood line designation. The valley lands had been used for ball and soccer associations as a result of YRPA and the town working together. Now, that would all disappear,” said John Birchall, chair of a residents’ committee formed by the developer and Coun. Grace Simon after the meeting.

“Residents reacted strongly at the time citing many concerns. The loss of the vista of the ponds and natural area from Stonehaven, traffic concerns with 199 new homes, the loss of over 90 per cent of the trees, potential parking issues (and) environmental concerns were major concerns.”

Council has now approved the plan from Marianville Developments Limited to build 57 single-detached houses, six freehold townhouses and two blocks for 126 future condominium townhouses at 600 Stonehaven Ave. on the former police union headquarters land at the southeast corner of Bayview Avenue and Stonehaven.

Since that packed meeting early in 2020, the residents, developer and town officials worked to reach common ground, Birchall said.

“Over the next three years residents submitted several reports, made requests and met with the developers. COVID, three submissions and behind-the-scenes negotiations and several town staff changes slowed the process,” Birchall said.

“Thanks to the mayor (and) Coun. Simon, the major roadblocks -- two parking spots per unit and the pathway from Stonehaven to the valley lands were resolved. The valley lands will be transferred to the town, the cemetery on site will be improved, a new parkette is being built on site and the housing on the site will not start until a new larger culvert is installed on Bayview Avenue over the winter (to address flooding that the site is known for) and the (conservation authority) provides a new flood line and revises the flood plain mapping. We have also asked the town to consider using 50- to 60-per cent of the funds from trees cut on site to be dedicated to planting new trees on the site.”

Marianville will also provide a trail system and trail connections, play areas and a public park.

The developer will also convey a large portion of the southern part of the site to the town as a conservation or natural area for use by residents.

“The subject lands have historically been in private ownership, and through this redevelopment process portions of the subject lands will come into public ownership, which will allow for more formal and programmed green spaces, including a public park and trail network for public recreation use,” a town planning report said.

In addition, Marianville is contributing $500 per home, or $99,500 in total, to Region of York affordable housing initiatives.

While residents didn’t achieve everything they wanted, they are satisfied with the outcome, Birchall said.

“Can community residents work together to add much needed housing and yet preserve the qualities that make Newmarket a desirable place to live? Yes. Our residents pulled together and made it happen,” he said.

“It's not what we hoped for but it is a fair compromise knowing all the facts."