TOWN OF NEWMARKET COMMUNITY REPORT 2019-2022
We acknowledge that the Town of Newmarket is located on the traditional territories of the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe peoples and the treaty land of the Williams Treaties First Nations and other Indigenous peoples whose presence here continues to this day. We thank them for sharing this land with us. We also acknowledge the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as our close neighbours and friends, and we work to ensure a cooperative and respectful relationship.
Indigenous musical storyteller, Lacey Hill performs in the Walnut Grove of the future Mulock Park. Her sound sets the stage for a monumental partnership announcement - the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is coming to Newmarket to exhibit pieces from its Indigenous and Canadian collections in the historic Mulock House. The Park is expected to open in 2025.
| TOWN OF NEWMARKET LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
IN DIVERSE HISTORIES, LOOKING FORWARD Rooted
| Welcome Pg. 4 Message from the Mayor Pg. 6 Message from the CAO Pg. 8 Where innovation meets open minds Pg. 10 Where culture meets community Pg. 14 Where our past meets our future: Mulock Park Pg. 20 Where work meets play Pg. 24 Livable, Lovable Newmarket (infographic) Pg. 28 Where clean meets green Pg. 30 #StandApartTogether: How Newmarket united through the pandemic Pg. 34 Choose Local: Demonstrating how Newmarket loves local Pg. 38 Financial highlights Pg. 42 Social media snapshot Pg. 44 Conclusion: Until we meet again… Pg. 46 WHAT’S INSIDE
If you are seeking your perfect match for a place to live, the Town of Newmarket would definitely be love at first swipe. For those of you who live in Newmarket, we’ve likely been in a long-term relationship for awhile, but for some of you, this might be our first date. We want to put our best foot forward by telling you a little bit about this special place. We think Newmarket is pretty awesome and we’re not alone. We are the recipient of a Google E-Town Award, we’ve been voted the best Main Street in Canada, recognized as one of the world’s 21 most intelligent communities and identified as one of the most romantic communities in the country (OHH-LA-LA). Perhaps most importantly, 95 per cent of the people who live here have told us they are happy living in Newmarket. As one of the most densely populated communities in Ontario, we may be small in area, but BIG things are happening here, like the transformation of one of our community landmarks, the Mulock Park, into Newmarket’s very own Central Park.
IF YOU DON’T ALREADY, YOU WILL LOVE IT HERE
Speaking of transformation, we are also busy refreshing and renewing our urban corridors along Davis Drive, Yonge Street and Mulock Drive to make them even more eclectic, vibrant, livable and lovable.
Every day we try to make Newmarket even better than it already is. Our success didn’t just happen by accident, it is the result of strong leadership, courage, creativity and a culture of collaboration. When these things come together, extraordinary things happen. So flip the page and find out more about why Newmarket is your perfect match!
4 | INTRODUCTION
5INTRODUCTION |.
While we focused on responding to an unpreceded pandemic, we never wavered from our mission of making Newmarket one of the best communities to live, work and Johnplay. Mayor,Taylor,Town of Newmarket Newmarket Council at the Town’s historic Mulock Park (left to right): Councillor Victor Woodhouse, Deputy Mayor & Regional Councillor Tom Vegh, Top row: Councillor Bob Kwapis, Mayor John Taylor Bottom row: Councillor Jane Twinney, Councillor Christina Bisanz, Councillor Kelly Broome, Councillor Grace Simon, Councillor Trevor Morrison
6 | MESSAgE FROM THE MAYOR
Over the past few years, we have had to hunker down, reopen, pivot, recover, and more. Through it all, Newmarket stayed strong, pulled together, and supported the most vulnerable. By helping each other we are getting through. That said, for Newmarket getting through or getting by is never enough. Our aspirations are much greater than that. We have remained committed to our priorities even through a pandemic. We designed the Mulock Park and will soon begin construction. We’re moving ahead with a path that will run the length of Mulock Dr. We opened a fully accessible splash pad and recently opened an outdoor skate park. We’re focused on sustainability with a longterm financial plan and the ground-breaking Shining Hill agreement that will build out a green, complete community with affordable housing, trails and recreation, all provided by the development group. We sponsored several innovative shop local programs and secured the renewal of the Clock Tower - into York Region’s first boutique hotel.
7COUNCIL STRATEgIC PRIORITIES | COUNCIL STRATEgIC Priorities SHAPING OUR FUTURE: FROM VISION TO REALITY In 2019, Newmarket Council determined six areas of focus to guide Council and staff throughout the 2018-2022 term. These strategic priorities create a roadmap that will help to ensure we achieve our mission of making Newmarket even better – that means even more vibrant, innovative, sustainable and extraordinary! In 2020, the Town launched an innovative digital portal to help the community track the progress of Council’s Strategic Priorities. This is a bold step forward in transparency, accountability and accessibility. Find out how we are doing at Completednewmarket.ca/councilprioritiesUnderway FINANCIALLONG-TERMSUSTAINABILITY Fiscal Budgetstrategypolicy and multi-year budgeting Asset Management Policy and plans Administrative and service delivery review (REV it UP) Ongoing public engagement on financial plans ECONOMIC LEADERSHIP AND JOB CREATION Economic Development Strategy Increasing downtown parking Choose Local campaign and pandemic business Municipally-ownedsupport broadband network (ENVI) Growth and redevelopment plans for the area South of Davis Drive (SODA) CREATING EXTRAORDINARY PLACES AND SPACES Mulock property Master Plan Community canvas Outdoor Skate Park design Parks Master PedestrianizationPlanof Main Street ENVIRONMENTALSTEWARDSHIP Low Impact Development Community Energy Plan EV charging stations Tree Policy TRANSPORTATIONSAFE Active Transportation Implementation Plan Plans for Mulock multi-use path Partnerships and collaboration on transportation matters Incorporate data and technology into engineering design and enforcement Complete Street Program VIBRANCY ON YONGE, DAVIS AND MULOCK Urban Design guidelines Accessible SecondaryDevelopmenthousingincentivesplanforMulock GO station
MESSAGE FROM THE CAO
I am very proud of and thankful for our staff team and for their continued passion, dedication, innovation, resiliency and commitment to our community.
8 | MESSAgE FROM THE CAO
I would like to sincerely thank our Council for their continued leadership, both in the here-and-now response and also with the transformational direction setting that will result in positive multi-generational quality of life impacts - it is truly exceptionalespecially through these most challenging and uncertain times.
Over the past three and a half years, the Town of Newmarket has continued to take strides towards implementing the strategic priorities of Council and fulfilling our vision of being a community well beyond the ordinary. This report highlights our major milestones and accomplishments from 2019 until summer 2022 Looking back, 2019 was a very successful year. Little did we know how much our workforce and community response would need to read and react, beginning in March 2020 with the emergence of a global pandemic. The Town of Newmarket, along with our neighbours throughout Ontario and Canada, quickly adapted to respond to COVID-19. It is out of difficult and trying times that true character is revealed. I am so impressed how timely responses and new collaborative opportunities were forged and I am so proud of how Newmarket has worked through the pandemic response. The safety of our residents and workforce has been at the forefront of every decision. In true Newmarket fashion, Council and staff came together and quickly mobilized to support the community, our local businesses and each other. Even with the enormous pressures of the pandemic, we continued to progress many important transformative community projects and initiatives that our community will enjoy for decades to come. This includes the very significant steps we have taken towards creating an even more sustainable community.
As we look forward to brighter days ahead and an extraordinarily exciting future, as always, we remain committed to working together to make Newmarket even better.
Ian McDougall Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Newmarket Newmarket’s Strategic Leadership Team: Ian McDougall (Chief Administrative Officer), Esther Armchuk (Commissioner, Corporate Services), Peter Noehammer (Commissioner, Development and Infrastructure Services) and Jeff Payne (Commissioner, Community Services)
9CAO | WELL BEYOND THE ORDINARY Well beyond the ordinary is more than just words on a page. It is our vision to inspire. It is a way of life that is being created and is embraced by our community and Town staff. Being a community that’s well – healthy, happy, thriving, dynamic and extraordinary – we are guided by five areas of wellness: Living Well, Well-Balanced, Well-Equipped & Managed, Well-Planned & Connected and Well-Respected. MAKINGEVENNEWMARKETBETTER Shaped by our vision, our mission is “making Newmarket even better.” Guided by Council, Newmarketʼs team of dedicated staff always seeks ways to improve, go the extra mile and better serve the community by striving to make Newmarket even better every day. These are the guiding principles the employees of the Town of Newmarket have chosen to live by as we strive to make Newmarket even better: • Courage and Creativity • Accountability and Accessibility • Respect and Integrity • Excellence BRINgINg OUR VISION INTO FOCUS
In late 2019, the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) named Newmarket one of the 21 communities across the globe that is most ready to face the 21st century. The Smart21 communities are selected from hundreds of communities around the world and evaluated based on six factors (advocacy, broadband, digital equality, knowledge workforce, innovation and sustainability). These communities are recognized as applying these principles to build local economic expansion and prosperity, social health and cultural richness. Newmarket joined four other Canadian cities and nine other nations, including Taiwan, USA, Estonia, France, Australia and New Zealand. This honour truly demonstrates Newmarket’s commitment to improving quality of life through technology and innovation.
| M Our local business community often collaborates at Newmarket’s Old Town Hall, which is a perfect location for business meetings, theatre performances, art installations and more.
NEWMARKET NAMED ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST INTELLIGENT COMMUNITIES
In 2019, the Town of Newmarket conducted a detailed Administrative Service Delivery Review, REV it UP (Revenue, Efficiency and Value add) campaign. The Town worked with its consultant, StrategyCorp, to create a plan that realized over 150 improvement opportunities. This initiative was made possible as the result of a $172,000 grant the Town of Newmarket received from the Province of Ontario’s Audit and Accountability Fund.
MAYOR HOSTS FIRST LIVESTREAMED TOWN HALL MEETING
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REVVING IT UP TO INCREASE VALUE AND EFFICIENCIES IN NEWMARKET
In 2019, before the pandemic and significant shift to virtual and expanded online engagement, Mayor John Taylor hosted the first-ever live/ virtual Town Hall meeting where residents had the opportunity to attend in person along with hundreds participating live on Facebook from the comfort of their own home. Throughout the pandemic, Newmarket has continued to engage the community virtually in many new and creative ways.
historic Stickwood-Walker farmhouse and surrounding preservation area. Denison Childcare is proposing to revitalize the farmhouse while maintaining the historical façade. The William Stickwood House (also known as the StickwoodWalker Farm) has a long history as part of the Newmarket community and received a Municipal Heritage Designation in 1998 under the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its architectural and historical value. The plans include a new 5,000 square foot facility to provide much-needed childcare to the community.
FOR A MORE INNOVATIVE AND DIGITAL NEWMARKET
ENVI, the Town’s municipally-owned internet service provider, continues to make significant progress in building a pure fibre optic network and providing affordable, enhanced internet connectivity to existing and new businesses in the community. The investment in broadband infrastructure provides the foundation for a number of future applications to be deployed within the Town of Newmarket. Newmarket continues to focus on enhancing the community through various Smart City initiatives. For more information, visit envinetwork.com
12 | WHERE INNOVATION MEETS OPEN MINDS TOWN TO LEASE HERITAGE PROPERTY FOR MUCH-NEEDED CHILD
DIGITAL STRATEGYTRANSFORMATIONSETSTHESTAGE
A new Digital Transformation Strategy (DTS) will act as the blueprint for the Town to continue to improve service delivery to residents, while finding operational efficiencies and building a digital future. Developed in collaboration with StrategyCorp, the DTS provides a Digital Vision and Guiding Principles that will lead Newmarket into the future.
FIRST COMMUNITY IN NORTH AMERICA TO PARTNER WITH CATCHCORNER BY SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Newmarket is the first municipality in North America to launch a partnership with Torontobased sports technology company, CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated. This comprehensive software is helping to modernize and simplify the Town’s facility booking process. The launch of the booking platform started with ice rinks with plans to expand to other service booking, including halls, meeting spaces and outdoor recreation locations. The free app, which launched in April 2019, is growing in popularity among sports enthusiasts. The partnership gives the Town a presence in a growing marketplace where people are looking for rentals.
A community network, powering our future.
ENVI: INCREASING CONNECTIVITY THROUGH BROADBAND
Two of Newmarket’s creative thinkers Darryl Salmon, local entrepreneur, founder of the NewMakeIt maker space and Sean Stephens of Treefrog, award-winning digital transformation agency, chat about exciting plans and innovative ideas for Newmarket’s future.
13WHERE INNOVATION MEETS OPEN MINDS |
| W NNOVATION EETS O INDSLocal peformance arts group Chosen Hands performs at Newmarket’s Old Town Hall
15WHERE CULTURE MEETS COMMUNITY |
From 2019 - 2022, The Town of Newmarket partnered with the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) to host a variety of events and programs in honour of Black History Month. This included art exhibitions hosted at Old Town Hall, celebration events, cultural performances, story and poetry readings and more.
NEWMARKET CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH
In February 2020, Newmarket welcomed the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, to Newmarket’s Old Town Hall to share the Heart of Africa: Retracing our History exhibit. The exhibit was a partnership with NACCA. Her Honour shared this experience with a group of young women from Trust 15, a community support organization that provides youth with programs that promote and facilitate positive behaviour, creative expression and cooperative working skills. The Town will continue to work closely with NACCA to pay tribute to the important and lasting contributions that Canadians of African and Caribbean heritage have made in Newmarket and throughout our country.
In 2019, the Town was happy to announce a multi-year partnership with the NewRoads Automotive Group that will help to drive the arts and culture scene forward. Through the sponsorship, the Newmarket Theatre was renamed the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre which coincided with theatre renovations that offer residents and visitors an elevated live performance experience without having to travel to Toronto. Significant renovations have transformed the lobby into a modern reception space that welcomes theatregoers and provides a destination for special events.
16 | WHERE CULTURE MEETS COMMUNITY DISMANTLING ANTI-BLACK RACISM
Newmarket is taking action to help end homelessness by supporting local homeless shelter Inn From the Cold (IFTC) with the creation of a permanent site on Yonge Street that will include a future shelter and transitional housing. Working closely with IFTC on the future plans, the Town will donate a portion of land to start the plans for increased space to help those without a home transition to a better life.
The summer of 2019 brought music to the Town’s ears with the TD Music Series, offering free tribute band performances every Thursday night in July and August. Thousands of residents and visitors enjoyed amazing performances each week. With 20 plus restaurants, busy patios and an engaging and welcoming atmosphere, these events helped to add to the buzz of the already thriving and vibrant downtown area. After being put on hold in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, the Town couldn’t be more excited to relaunch the TD Music Series in the summer of 2022.
THE BEAT GOES ON AT RIVERWALK COMMONS WITH TD MUSIC SERIES
TOWN HELPS FIND NEW HOME
FOR LOCAL HOMELESS SHELTER
In 2020, Newmarket created a Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Task Force to support the Town’s work in this area, encourage positive race relations within the community, and make recommendations on racial equity opportunities in Newmarket and issues and activities that impact the Black community. In 2021, the Task Force presented a report to Newmarket Council, including a number of recommendations that the Town is working toward implementing to ensure Newmarket is a community where everyone feels a strong sense of support and belonging.
A JOURNEY OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
On September 30, 2021, the community came together with Indigenous partners to remember and reflect, in recognition of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The theme of the event was Remembering the Past, Honouring the Survivors, Walking the Future Together. The day included storytelling and song delivered by partners in the Indigenous community. Leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Town hosted an internal orange hat fundraiser with all proceeds going to Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services, an organization that was selected in collaboration with the Chippewas of Georgina Island, our closest Indigenous neighbours and friends.
NEWMARKET PROPELS ARTS AND CULTURE WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF NEWROADS
PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
WELCOME TO NEWMARKET’S COMMUNITY LIVING ROOM
In September 2020, Newmarket officially unveiled its newest public art installation – an outdoor Community Living Room in the heart of downtown at Riverwalk Commons. Inspired by former Mayor Tony Van Bynen and created by
LIBRARY INTRODUCES ONLINE PROGRAMMING AND MORE
| artist Edward Falkenberg, the living room was chosen because it is a place where family and friends connect, socialize, relax, laugh and create lasting memories.
17WHERE CULTURE MEETS COMMUNITY
At the beginning of the pandemic, Newmarket Public Library (NPL) adapted quickly to create online programming for the first time. Along with its own programs, NPL forged partnerships to provide additional programming with organizations such as Skills Canada, Shadowpath Theatre, Canada Revenue Agency and others. The Library also launched the Ancestral Voices author series with Maxine Gordon Palomino and Kim Wheatley. The program aims to provide greater exposure for Canadian authors of Indigenous, Caribbean and African ancestry. The Lendery, a library of things, was also introduced to provide the community with an opportunity to borrow appliances, board games, sports equipment, tools, and more. People can try something new or borrow an item they may only need once. Throughout the pandemic, customers borrowed items through NPL’s Online Library, available 24/7, used curbside service in the early days, and again in person when health restrictions were eased.
NEWMARKET HONOURS ALL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES WITH LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PLAQUE
In June 2020, as part of National Indigenous History Month, the Town of Newmarket, in partnership with the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, unveiled a permanent Land Acknowledgement plaque, in appreciation to all Indigenous peoples for sharing the Newmarket lands with the community. The Land Acknowledgement plaque will serve as a reminder that Newmarket sits on the traditional territories of the Wendat, Haudeno-saunee and the Anishinaabe peoples and treaty land of the Williams Treaties First Nations and other Indigenous peoples. Together, the Town will continue to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of Indigenous peoples.
Former Newmarket Mayor Tony Van Bynen, Artist Edward Falkenberg, and current Mayor John Taylor enjoy the Community Living Room
18 | WHERE CULTURE MEETS COMMUNITY York Pride Parade in downtown Newmarket, 2019
Artist rendering of the Outdoor Skate Park
The harvest-themed spray pad has various accessible features. This continues to further Newmarket’s commitment to providing accessible facilities and amenities.
19WHERE CULTURE MEETS COMMUNITY | SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW: YORK PRIDE 2019
In the summer of 2021, Newmarket opened Dr. Margaret Arkinstall Park spray pad, the first fully accessible spray pad for the community.
TOWN OPENS FIRST FULLY ACCESSIBLE SPRAY PAD
Newmarket celebrated its true colours in rainbowstyle at the York Pride Parade in June 2019. The parade was accompanied by fun festivities at Riverwalk Commons, including local and international talent, pop-up shops, crafts and more. Local restaurants offered everything from rainbow beer to rainbow cake and rainbow flags and window decals took over Main Street, celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of our community. Newmarket was very excited to welcome back the York Pride Parade in summer 2022 after a pause in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
After extensive community consultation, hearing from over 400 community members and skateboard enthusiasts, the Town was excited to officially open its first outdoor skate park to the community in the late summer of 2022. The outdoor skate park includes a variety of features to accommodate both junior and advanced riders.
NEWMARKET OPENS FIRST OUTDOOR SKATE PARK!
In 2021, Central York Fire Services (proudly providing fire services to the communities of Newmarket and Aurora) was excited to debut the newest addition to its fleet – a Zamboni wrapped as a fire truck. Stationed at Newmarket’s Riverwalk Commons outdoor skating rink in the heart of Newmarket, it combines two things that everybody loves Zamboni’s and fire trucks! Featured on Breakfast Television, the fire truck Zamboni is helping to break the ice on conversations around fire safety and education. It doesn’t get much cooler than that!
CANADA’S COOLEST FIRE TRUCK DEBUTS IN NEWMARKET
| W Historic Mulock House on the Mulock Park property.
- Sir William Mulock
“…I shall pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now, let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again”
NEWMARKET’S VERY OWN CENTRAL PARK
Majestic, pristine, gorgeous and oasis, are just a few of the words that have frequently been used to describe Newmarket’s historic Mulock Property. The 16-acre future park site includes welcoming greenspace and a historic home, all in the centre of urban Newmarket at the northwest corner of Mulock Drive and Yonge Street. Purchased by the Town of Newmarket in 2018, this landmark property has a storied past and bright future ahead as a central gathering space for the community. The residence that exists on the property is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. It will be preserved by the Town and considered for uses that will best serve the community. Located along the Yonge Street growth corridor, this gem will continue to be a much-needed greenspace in what will be one of the most densely populated areas of town.
The Mulock Property contains layers of diverse histories, starting with, the Indigenous First Nations. In the late 1800s, Sir William Mulock, a politician, jurist, educator, agriculturalist and philanthropist, made his home on the Newmarket property, hosting influential people from all walks of life. The property was owned by the Mulock family for six generations. The vision for the property is to become a landmark outdoor greenspace, inspired by iconic civic spaces like New York’s Central Park.
INTRODUCING PLANT ARCHITECT INC.
In 2019, The Town of Newmarket partnered with PLANT Architect Inc. (PLANT) to continue with the visioning consultation exercise and Concept Master Plan development for the Mulock Park. The awardwinning firm co-led the revitalization of Toronto’s renowned Nathan Phillips Square. PLANT’s team offers traditional landscape architect expertise, married with heritage and Indigenous specialties to elevate the Mulock conceptualization and create a space where everyone feels welcome.
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Historic Mulock House
22 | #MYMULOCk
Summer splash pad converts to winter skating rink ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO (AGO) IS COMING TO THE MULOCK HOUSE! In the summer of 2022, The Town was thrilled to announce an official partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario that will see artworks from the AGO’s Indigenous and Canadian collections displayed at the historic Mulock House when the Park is expected to open in 2025.
#MyMulock
A greenhouse conservatory will provide a beautiful four-season indoor garden space which links to a studio space for a rotating artist residency. An Indigenous landscape is being developed in consultation with our First Nations neighbours, while a fire pit and natural playscape offer additional experiences. All of this will be thoughtfully linked to the Mulock House with beautiful landscaping, restoration of ecologically significant areas, and a network of paths and gardens. Design for these spaces is advancing rapidly, and the Town of Newmarket is excited to move forward withResidencyconstruction.andHistoric
Over the span of two years, thousands of community members came together to learn about the Mulock Property and share their experiences of the area and their ideas for the future of the iconic property. Based on various conversation and engagement with local residents, Town Council, school groups and community leaders, five guiding principles emerged. Make it a destination, keep it natural, root it in diverse histories and look forward, create inclusive and accessible spaces and connect it to our town. In 2020, three themes were created based on all of the feedback received, which were then narrowed down to one preferred concept plan. The final Master Plan is truly a community vision that will come to life - A place where community, life, recreation, culture, heritage and conservation collide in innovative and engaging ways. Building on the public feedback, the plan for the Mulock Property includes a skate trail with a connected marshalling rink which converts to a water feature in the summer. A riverine fountain echoes the landscape of the Oak Ridges Moraine, while providing safe water play for all ages.
SHAPING THE VISION
garden Conservatory
Skating trailJim Bond Park
23#MYMULOCk |
| #M
There are so many amazing patios in Newmarket, perfect for grabbing an after work cocktail or dining al fresco. in downtown Newmarket (pictured), offers a modern event space and patio for any occasion.
EventMarkt
VIVA RAPID TRANSIT OPENS ON YONGE STREET
25WHERE WORk MEETS PLAY |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY CONTINUES TO PAVE THE WAY TO BRIGHT FUTURE
The Town’s updated Economic Development Strategy will continue to shape and guide important economic development initiatives until 2024. Key areas of focus include enhanced business and talent attraction, community vibrancy and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit. The Newmarket Economic Development Advisory Committee and many partners in the local business community were key players in helping to bring this guiding document to life.
2019 saw the completion of the new rapidway on Yonge Street where transit connections continue to transform Newmarket. The Yonge Street rapidway will add to the existing rapidway on Davis Drive, increasing ridership more than 60 per cent on Davis. In addition to the 2.4 kilometres of rapidways, Yonge Street has seen a significant revitalization with upgraded utilities, sidewalks lined with trees and shrubs and raised bike lanes. Well-planned transit helps shape communities and transform lives. Residents and visitors will now have an integrated transit system that provides more options to get around the community and beyond.
INTO OLD FLAME BREWING CO.
INCREASING VIBRANCY IN NEWMARKET’S URBAN CORRIDORS
PLANNING MULOCK
Significant revitalization will continue along Newmarket’s Mulock Drive with three major additions taking shape – the transformation of the historic Mulock Property into an iconic greenspace (see page 18 for more details), the addition of a multi-use path and the potential for a future GO Station. The Mulock GO Station area would be a transit-supportive hub, providing safe, comfortable and convenient access to the future GO station by foot, bicycle, bus and car from surrounding neighbourhoods.
HISTORIC FIRE HALL TRANSFORMS
26 | WHERE WORk MEETS PLAY
Newmarket is continuing to bring life to the Davis Drive, Yonge Street and Mulock Drive corridors. As part of the Town’s growth strategy, development in the Urban Growth Centre along Yonge Street and Davis Drive, can be expedited and go directly to a site application. This is part of Newmarket’s continued efforts to be a Cheers to Hungry Brew Hops (pictured), just one of the many eclectic restaurants to choose from on Main Street.
In 2020, Newmarket welcomed a new addition to Main Street when the Old Flame Brewing Co. (Old Flame) opened its doors. Old Flame was the successful proponent of a Request for Proposal for a long-term lease of the Town’s historic Fire Hall property. Constructed in 1952, the Old Fire Hall is one of Main Street’s landmark properties. Old Flame offers a gathering place that perfectly complements Newmarket’s award-winning Main Street.
development-ready community. The area already has over 1,350 residential units moving through the application process.
Continued growth and upward development will complement the existing Urban Growth Centre, which is already home to bus rapid transit, a thriving technology-based and creative economy, new purpose-built rental, advanced communications (including broadband and fibre optics), rail connection (GO train), York Region Administrative Centre and Southlake Regional Health Centre, a world-class health care innovator and provider. There are also unending possibilities of things to do, places to eat, shop, grab a drink or catch a live band just a short walk, drive, or transit ride away.
The past three years have continued to see big steps forward in the designated growth corridors on Davis Drive and Yonge Street. This five-kilometre stretch is forecasted to continue to grow into a vibrant and urban community of 33,000 residents and include 32,000 jobs over the next few decades.
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BOUTIQUE HOTEL WILL BE GAME CHANGER FOR DOWNTOWN NEWMARKET
In late 2021, the Town in collaboration with Streetcar Developments (Streetcar) and its partner, Dream Unlimited Corp. (Dream), announced big plans to transform the historic Clock Tower on Main Street into a boutique hotel. The reinvention of this special property into the to the community will further accelerate the ongoing revitalization and renewal of downtown Newmarket. This project will enhance the already unique vibe of the area, while providing York Region’s only boutique hotel experience.
Streetcar and Dream are known for similar transformative projects, including The Broadview Hotel and the Gladstone House that have both reclaimed their prominent architectural positions within the City of Toronto. The Town and Streetcar have a shared vision to preserve and enhance the heritage elements of the building, honouring the past and the character of the landmark property, while also giving it a very special role in Newmarket’s future. Artistic rendering of the historic Clock Tower which will become the Postmark Hotel.
28 | LIVABLE LOVABLE NEWMARkET Here is a snapshot of why 95 per cent of Newmarket residents are very happy living here and why we continue to be named one of the best places to live in Canada!
29LIVABLE LOVABLE NEWMARkET |
30 | WHERE CLEAN MEETS gREEN Newmarket’s Fairy Lake Park
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In early 2022, the Town finalized an agreement with Shining Hill Estates Collection Inc. that will secure a minimum of 80 acres of environmentally sensitive lands and build a sustainable community on Yonge Street in Newmarket.
As part of Newmarket’s continued commitment to being an environmental leader, the Town is one of the first communities in the province to adopt a Community Energy Plan (CEP) to reduce the community’s environmental footprint. The CEP looks at the types of energy we use as a community, the amount of energy we use in our homes, buildings and travel, and how population, employment and land use impact our energy needs.
The agreement also includes a $1 million contribution to the Town to establish a Town Green Environment Fund to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This represents a new standard in sustainable community building in Newmarket and aligns perfectly with the Town’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
In 2021, the Town was proud to partner with Ivy Charging Network, which is building Ontario’s largest and most connected Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network, to open 10 EV charging stations at various locations in Newmarket. The new EV charging stations are located at Newmarket’s Magna Centre, the Municipal Offices, Old Town Hall and Riverwalk Commons.
Since creating the plan in 2016, the Town continues to make progress towardsimplementation.JerishaGrant-Hall, Chair of the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA), enjoying one of Newmarket’s more than 50 parks with her family.
NEWMARKET IS ONE OF ONTARIO’S FIRST COMMUNITIES TO ADOPT COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN
NEWMARKET FURTHERS COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
NEWMARKET RAISES THE BAR IN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY BUILDING
The plans for the development include green and affordable housing options, including low impact development, new trails, dog park(s), a tennis clubhouse with courts, community garden, the planting of 5,000+ trees and more.
COMMUNITY PITCHES IN TO CLEAN UP PARKS AND GREENSPACES
In 2020, Newmarket planted over 500 trees to continue to expand the tree canopy as part of the Town’s Urban Forestry Management Plan Trees provide stormwater management benefits, remove pollutants from the air and help to decrease energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).
NEWMARKET CONTINUES TO BE A LEADER IN LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT
The Town of Newmarket continues to provide an extra $100 rebate towards the purchase of one new tree for residential property owners when they participate in the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program. This is part of the Town’s stormwater management efforts. Among their many benefits, trees are able to reduce stormwater run-off. On average, a tree reduces a property’s stormwater run-off by 720 litres. Every tree planted through this partnership will contribute to Newmarket’s urban forest and have the potential to divert 36,000 litres of stormwater.
32 | WHERE CLEAN MEETS gREEN TOWN CELEBRATES EARTH DAY BY ENCOURAGING TREE PLANTING
NEWMARKET CONTINUES TO EXPAND TREE CANOPY
It is the Town’s goal to protect existing trees and increase the Town’s tree canopy coverage in woodlots by 13 per cent by 2035 and increase the overall tree coverage by 35 per cent by 2051.
For over 40 years, Newmarket has hosted a community cleanup where hundreds of volunteers come together to clean up their neighbourhoods and local greenspaces. For two weeks in May, the Town provides cleanup kits to volunteers who help pick up debris around town. This event has been bringing the community together for decades to ensure Newmarket remains a beautiful and sustainable place to call home.
Newmarket continues to use Low Impact Development (LID), also known as green infrastructure, to help minimize the adverse effects of stormwater on the environment. Over the past 20 years, the Town has installed 58 LID elements at 19 sites. As part of the Town’s strong commitment to the environment, LIDs will Tree planting
In 2019, the Town of Newmarket once again partnered with Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) to encourage residents to plant more trees on private property through a Stormwater Rebate Program.
| continue to be utilized to help prevent flooding, reduce pollutants in the water system and protect greenspaces, animals and their habitats.
Pollinator friendly plants in Newmarket Butterfly Garden in Newmarket
Newmarket is committed to preserving our environment and greenspaces for future generations to enjoy (like little Thane, pictured above)
Bee City Canada is an organization focused on encouraging communities to become champions for pollinators. Bee City Canada is made up of researchers, educators, beekeepers, farmers, ecologists, community leaders and other committed individuals across Canada.
PROUD TO BE A BEE CITY Newmarket is very proud to be recognized as Canada’s 14th Bee City. Finding eco-friendly options instead of pesticides, creating a butterfly garden, planting milkweed seeds and educating local students on the importance of pollinators, are a few of the reasons why Newmarket was selected as a Bee City.
Bee City Canada strives to help all Canadians understand the close connection with pollinators and their critical link to the health of the planet.
| #S
Newmarket Community Positivity Ambassador Andrea Sager, was one of hundreds of residents who proudly demonstrated support for our frontline and essential workers during the pandemic.
IN NEWMARKET WE
#STANDAPARTTOGETHER
2020 was a year that challenged most individuals, families, businesses, communities and countries to the absolute limit. Early in the year, the global pandemic hit and completely changed the world as we know it. As we all physically distanced, the Newmarket community came together. Newmarket appointed close to 50 Community Positivity Ambassadors (CPAs) and a Chief Positivity Officer, Jamie Boyle, from the Town to help spread positivity, happiness and humour, while uniting our community in various ways. From virtual concerts to drive-by parades, these CPAs and the entire community stepped up to lift our spirits and make us all proud at a time when we needed it most.
35#STANDAPARTTOgETHER |
Hundreds of cars and emergency vehicles paraded by Southlake Regional Health Centre in April 2020 to thank staff working on the front lines through the pandemic. Mayor John Taylor described it as one giant hug for Southlake. This was another true example of the community coming together to demonstrate its love, support, gratitude and appreciation.
SUMMER FUN ‘COVID-STYLE’
COMMUNITY HOSTS DRIVE-BY PARADE
In October 2020, the Town of Newmarket recognized its first responders, frontline and essential workers with the Honorary Citizen Award. A small socially-distanced ceremony was held to recognize representatives from each area.
Throughout 2020, Newmarket was one of the few communities that continued to offer marriage licenses so that couples could keep walking down the aisle safely and in new and creative ways. In June 2020, the Town was able to help Melissa and Nygel tie the knot with family and friends.
GOING TO THE CHAPEL…
2020 Honorary Citizen Award event
Moonlight Movies
A permanent plaque was also unveiled to forever honour all first responders, frontline and essential workers for their dedication to keeping our community safe every day and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
36 | #STANDAPARTTOgETHER
TO THANK HEALTHCARE WORKERS
As the summer of 2020 rolled around, the Town of Newmarket quickly adapted to provide safe and COVID-friendly opportunities for recreation. Take-home camper kits, weekly community scavenger hunts and drop-in programs were just a few of the ways the Town was able to keep the community connected while staying physically apart. Residents were even able to enjoy Moonlight Movies under the stars, one of the Town’s most popular community events, by adding social distancing circles for safety and pre-booking movie times.
HONOURING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS
37#STANDAPARTTOgETHER |
Congratulations
do come true! “…Thank you so incredibly much to you and your team for making our special day happen. We were able to make our dreams come true and get married on Sunday June 21st. I hope this story brings some light to such a crazy historical time for both you and your team. We couldn’t have done it without you!-Melissa”
Hurley @bradthecameraguy
After being engaged for four years, Melissa and Nygel were anxious to make Melissa’s 86-year-old Grandmother’s dream of witnessing her marriage, come true. Grandma Pearl lives in OnNewfoundland.June21,2020, Melissa and Nygel along with sons Wyatt and Mavryk, had a small ceremony attended in person by immediate family and close friends and virtually by Grandma Pearl and other family and friends from across the country. to Melissa, Nygel, Wyatt and Mavryk! Dreams
Photo by Pink Champagne Photography
38 | CHOOSE LOCAL Main Street’s Cardinal Press Espresso Bar is the perfect place to grab a specialty coffee on the go or sit down with your favourite book and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
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Throughout the pandemic, the amazing people of Newmarket were busy showing their love for local businesses by shopping local, visiting patios, cheering on their favourite shops and making the decision to #StandApartTogether and #ChooseNewmarket. The Town launched many new programs and created a strong support system for local businesses to help guide them through these unchartered waters. As part of the support program, the Town launched an online shopping directory just in time for the holiday season. In December alone, almost 5,000 shoppers accessed the site to find gifts locally. The Town also launched various contests asking community members to submit photos of how they #ChooseNewmarket and boy did they deliver! With hundreds of submissions, we were very happy to give away some amazing prizes, including an autographed Connor McDavid jersey (for those of you who don’t know, Connor McDavid was born and raised right here in our hometown of Newmarket), and many $500 local shopping sprees to the winning Choose Local champions
CHOOSE LOCAL, CHOOSE NEWMARKET
39CHOOSE LOCAL |
Patio at Ground Burger Bar, downtown Newmarket Metropolis Mercantile + Cafe, a favourite spot in Newmarket dedicated to offering Canadian products and locally hand-crafted goods.
40 | CHOOSE LOCAL EXPANDED PATIO PROGRAM A HUGE SUCCESS
In 2020,
The Town of Newmarket launched an expanded outdoor patio program, waiving patio licensing fees and offering additional support to local restaurants facing significant challenges as a result of COVID-19. This innovative approach expanded patios onto Town lands, including sidewalks, streetside parking spots, laneways, parking lots, and urban park space, while ensuring safe environments and compliance with all COVID-19 health and safety measures.
The expanded patio program ran from July to November and was a smashing success. When surveyed, 98 per cent of participants supported an expanded patio program again in 2021 and the average enjoyment rate of the patios (on a scale of 1 – 100) was 91.
The Town has continued to work closely with local restaurants and the successful expanded patio program has been continued for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Newmarket’s local family-owned hot spot, A Taste of the Islands, serves up authentic Jamaican/Caribbean dishes.
INTRODUCING THE BUSINESS ASSISTANCE CONCIERGE
41CHOOSE LOCAL |
TICKETS FOR TAKEOUT!
The BAC team is a combination of Town and Chamber staff trained on municipal, provincial and federal business support programs, helping to provide guidance and support.
In January 2022, Newmarket launched a Tickets for Takeout incentive program, giving residents the opportunity to have their Newmarket parking ticket cancelled in exchange for takeout from a local restaurant. Residents simply needed to provide a receipt from a Newmarket restaurant equal to or greater than the parking fine for their ticket to be cancelled. As part of the Town’s overall Choose Local campaign, the program was created to continue to drive residents to support local restaurants while they remained closed for indoor dining.
In June, the BAC was expanded to include facilitated roundtable sessions hosted by faculty at York University. To date, over 100 local businesses have accessed the BAC to help navigate the COVID-19 landscape.
In April 2020, the Town, in partnership with the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce (Chamber), launched the Business Assistance Concierge (BAC). The BAC was created to help small and medium-sized businesses on their journey ‘back to business’ during and after COVID-19.
42 | FINANCIAL HIgHLIgHTS Each year, the Town of Newmarket undertakes a detailed budget planning process to ensure we are meeting the needs of our community now and in the future. This includes valuable input from the community which helps guide the Strategic Priorities of Council and the annual budget. Newmarket continues to strive to keep the tax rate below the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) average. Council and staff work closely together to continue to provide extraordinary programs and services to the community, while balancing fiscal responsibility and planning for a successful and sustainable future. Water Wastewater Stor mwater Charge FINANCIAL Highlights TOWN TAX DOLLARS AT A GLANCE MONTHLY MUNICIPAL TAX BREAKDOWN Based on an average assessed home in Newmarket valued at $702,400. $50.24 $55.22 $4.24 Fire andServicesEmergency Public Library Services Roads, Bridges and Sidewalks Community Programs and Events Waste Management By-law and ServicesLicensing $$$$$ Planning and Development Services Facilities, Park and Trails s $52.21 $12.64 $6.43 $14.30 $52.42 $10.83 $11.72 $27.73
ASSET MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING
The Town of Newmarket continues to take a responsible and sustainable approach to Asset Management. Newmarket has over two billion dollars worth of assets, including buildings, equipment, roads, vehicles, stormwater networks, machinery and much more. About 25 years ago, Newmarket created the Asset Replacement Fund (ARF) to prepare the Town for the inevitable replacement of water mains, pipes, vehicles, sidewalks, roads and more. The ARF will ensure that Newmarket can afford to replace and renew future capital assets. The Town invests millions of dollars each year into this fund. In 2021, Newmarket finalized the Asset Management Plan (AMP) which aligns with our community vision of being Well Beyond the Ordinary and our mission to always make Newmarket even better. This strategic document ensures good planning and financial management and guides Newmarket’s processes to reflect accountable governance of its municipal infrastructure. The plan provides an understanding of current and future asset needs, conditions and costs, service levels, risks and future growth planning and funding. The AMP focuses on five core assets, including roads, bridges, water, wastewater and stormwater. This is a living document that will be reviewed and updated as the environment changes. This includes considering and incorporating standards, adding new data and updates that demonstrate continuous improvement, changing demographics and trends, provincial policy, and corporate documents and studies.
KNOW YOUR ASSETS TOTAL REPLACEMENT COST OF CORE ASSETS 252 kilometres of Roads 308 kilometres of Sewersof273WatermainkilometresWastewater67 Bridges and of297CulvertskilometresStormSewers
FISCAL STRATEGY HELPS ENSURE FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY
In line with a number of Newmarket’s core values, including accountability, accessibility, courage and creativity, the Town has proactively created a fiscal strategy to ensure a sustainable future for the community. This was presented to Council in September. Overall, in comparison to fellow Ontario municipalities, our financial position is good and we have identified some areas where we have more work to do.
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44 | SOCIAL MEDIA SNAPSHOT pubpict Fairy Lake mscmomm Riverwalk Commons You don’t need to worry about reality not meeting expectations. Newmarket is certainly well beyond the ordinary online and in person. You’ll be glad you swiped right because what you see is what you get (and more) - picturesque scenery, charming townscapes, and an incredibly warm and kind community. Don’t take our word for it - take a look at our beautiful town through the lens of locals! Thank you to all of our residents and community members for capturing these stunning shots of HaveNewmarket.abeautiful shot to share? Tag us @TownofNewmarket on social media and use the hashtag #myNewmarket for a chance to be featured in future communications materials. SOCIAL MEDIA Snapshot
45SOCIAL MEDIA SNAPSHOT | en_emsley Tom Taylor Trail sscmphotography Fairy Lake scottvisscher Newmarket, Ontario
46 | TO BE CONTINUED... UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN…
So after all that, we hope it’s obvious why Newmarket is your perfect match. You have had the chance to see our beautiful exterior and all of the amazing things that are happening here now and the big plans for an even better and brighter future. If you ask most of the people who live here and those that are closest to us, the common thread is always our unwavering ‘sense of community’.
When you scratch below the surface, you will see that Newmarket is really all about heart. While we offer all the conveniences of a big city, at heart, we are still a small town with undeniable charm – a community that knows our neighbours’ names, lends a helping hand and unquestionably comes together, especially in the face of challenging times. We are like one big 90,000 - person family. Our door is always open; there’s always a place for you here.
for you here
THERE’S A PLACE FOR We’ll see you soon.
47TO BE CONTINUED... | TD Music Series at Riverwalk Commons, 2022 In 2019, we came together as a community for hundreds of special events. In 2020 and 2021, while we were not able to physically unite, we continued to #StandApartTogether spreading positivity and hope. In 2022, we came together once again!
48 | TO BE CONTINUED... If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact the Town of Newmarket at info@newmarket.ca or call 905-895-5193. Share your feedback on this report and you could WIN LOCAL! Fill out this short survey by September 30, 2022 for the chance to WIN one of five $50 gift cards to a local business. Missed the deadline? While the draw may be over, your feedback is always appreciated. Fill out the survey or email corporatecommunications@newmarket.ca
