A publication for Town of Newmarket Employees, Newmarket Public Library and Central York Fire Services
CAO Update
Happy spooky season! As the leaves begin to turn, and the crisp fall weather is upon us, it’s the perfect time for another edition of NewsMarket to recap all the great things we do to make Newmarket well beyond the ordinary.
So much has happened, such as the inaugural Summerfest on Main that saw silent discos, co ee raves and support for our local businesses, to continued progress on Mulock Park, the opening of various recreation amenities such as the new tennis courts and clubhouse, new sport courts at Environmental Park and Proctor Park, various playground upgrades, and our commitment to maintaining our assets through infrastructure upgrade projects. This is just a glimpse of all that we have achieved in Q2/Q3 with more to come!
As we move into another busy season to round out the year, I wanted to say thank YOU. I see every department giving their time, energy and innovative ideas to make Newmarket shine. The care that you show our residents, while supporting each other, is what makes Newmarket’s culture a special place and the spirit of our community.
Let’s keep celebrating our successes this season and beyond. The annual sta Halloween event on October 31 is a great example of how we bring fun and connection to work. Whether you're dressing up, decorating your workspace, or simply enjoying a pumpkin spice latte, thank you for bringing your energy, creativity, and commitment to everything you do.
That same sense of celebration continues with There’s Snow Place Like Newmarket on November 19, hosted by Organizational Wellness and Learning, is a fun and festive opportunity to come together and enjoy the season.
We’ll wrap up the year at the End-of-Year Town Hall on December 3, featuring a special thank-you luncheon from Mayor and Council. It will be a moment to reflect on our achievements and celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together.
I hope to see you at these three upcoming events! Cheers!
Letter from the editor
Hey everyone! I’m spook-tacularly excited to share the newest edition of NewsMarket with you!
Flip through the pages and check out Town Tidbits, where we’re shining a ghostly spotlight on just a few of the many incredible accomplishments and progress made across the Town so far this year.
You’ll find plenty to be proud of, and maybe even recognize a familiar fang-tastic face or two!
And while you're in the Halloween spirit, why not queue up a classic and grab a few Mars Bars? Halloween, yes, the one with Michael Myers which remains the ultimate spooky season movie. Grab your pumpkin spice latte (or apple cider), settle in, and enjoy the NewsMarket!
Happy Halloween!
Marisa Iannelli Communications Coordinator
Loves pumpkin pie
Went apple picking this year
Said “sweater weather” at least once this week Listened to Thriller by Michael Jackson Loves Halloween
Favourite season is fall
Had a pumpkin spice latte this week
Has Halloween themed pajamas
Has never been to a haunted house Bought a fall themed candle Hates apple cider
Has never carved a pumpkin
Bought or wore fl annel this October
Has worn a costume that no one understood Rewatched
Watched all the Halloween franchise movies Is a Halloween costume repeater and calls it tradition
Prefers Thanksgiving to Halloween Favourite movie is a horror movie
Used a Halloween themed Teams background
Dressed your pet in a costume First Halloween costume was a pumpkin
Got lost in a corn maze
Watched a horror movie marathon Is superstitious
A Pumpkin Spice Latte With
VITO DI VENOSA, Supervisor, Roads, Public Works Services
Is there a spooky movie that you rewatch every year? Poltergeist.
What was your favorite Halloween costume you’ve dressed up in and why?
Curly from the Three Stooges it was my favourite show as a kid.
What is your favourite Halloween candy?
Snickers and it doesn’t have to be Halloween to enjoy one!!
Do you love or hate candy corn?
I've never had one!
What is your favourite thing about fall?
Taking drives with my wife spending the day looking at the fall colours.
Describe your job in three words. Challenging, collaborative, impactful.
What is the best part about your job?
My team. We have a good group and enjoying the morning laughs is a great way to start the day
ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT PROJECT
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) project. EAM is about connecting people, processes, and data to get the most value from our Town’s assets. A new EAM program will help us do just that by improving how we manage maintenance, capital planning, and asset data.
To guide this work, an EAM Working Group has been established with staff from across the organization to guide system design, configuration, and implementation. Their expertise will ensure the program reflects real operational needs and aligns with corporate priorities. Stay tuned for more updates as the multi-year project progresses.
– Erik Wright, Asset Management, Financial Services
DID YOU STOP BY THE A/P BOOTH AT COFFEE WITH THE CAO ON JUNE 18?
Our Accounts Payable team was there to answer questions and share a few tips. Not sure when to contact Accounts Receivable (A/R) or Accounts Payable (A/P)? Here is quick guide:
• A/R = Money In – If your department needs to send a bill or invoice to a company, reach out to Accounts Receivable.
• A/P = Money Out – If your department needs the town to make a payment to a company by cheque, contact Accounts Payable.
– Birgit Wolf, Financial Services
NEW ON DEMAND LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION
On demand language interpretation by phone is now here! This program is available in over 100 languages and is a simple and easy way to communicate with everyone. Staff can simply call the interpretation service and request to speak with an interpreter by speaking or spelling the language of choice. You will be quickly connected with an interpreter who can facilitate your conversation on speakerphone or by conference call. By addressing language barriers, we are contributing to Council’s Priority of creating a Diverse, Inclusive and Welcoming Community. For more information, including how to access the service, check out BuzzHub!
– Hayley Fryer, Customer Service
and Treats
COMING SOON: THE NEW TOWN OF NEWMARKET WEBSITE, PORTAL AND MOBILE APP!
Work has been well underway on the new Town of Newmarket website, resident portal and mobile app (launching in 2026). The website steering committee, along with the working group comprised of staff from different departments throughout the organization, have been working on getting things ready for launch in the first quarter of 2026.
Currently, the website is undergoing a content refresh and migration. The portal aims to be a one-stop-shop for residents and businesses to access information and services within the Town, and the mobile app aims to be an aid for residents to interact with our organization and easily access services. The mobile app and portal will be launched after our new website is live. Stay tuned for more updates!
– Anne Bot, Corporate Communications
BOARDWALK BUZZ: NEWMARKET’S BOARDWALK OASIS
Our newest four-storey boardwalk at Environmental Park has gone viral, having been featured by social media influencers and online publications like Blog TO and Curiocity. The attention has created many challenges for the residents along and near Clifford Perry Place.
A cross functional team is working swiftly to address concerns, this includes Town staff from Bylaws, Parks, Communications, Engineering Services, Traffic and Roads along with our partners at YRP and YRDSB. Visitors are travelling from across the GTA just to get a glimpse and snapshot of this gorgeous and tranquil boardwalk that extends the Dave Kerwin Trail to connect with neighbouring subdivisions.
This 300-metre-long accessible boardwalk winds through the trees, has elevated switchbacks while ascending to 15 metres. This boardwalk has garnered tour requests from the City of Vaughan and York Region staff, who are looking to build something similar. If you plan on visiting, please park at the designated parking lot at 325 Woodspring Avenue or 421 Gilpin Drive and please do not park on or on the streets around Clifford Perry Place as there is limited on-street parking and there is ongoing strict parking enforcement.
Engineering providing a tour of the boardwalk to the City of Vaughan
Tricks and Treats
NEW PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVER –KEEPING THE COMMUNITY SAFETY DRIVEN
A new pedestrian crossover was installed this year in time for the school year at Gorham Street at Muriel Street. This installation enhances pedestrian safety and supports active transportation in the community. An educational campaign, along with an animated video was also launched to remind drivers and pedestrians how to use the crossover and the fines if drivers do not stop (fines of up to $1,000 and four demerit points).
MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING ROOMS
IT is excited to introduce our new Microsoft Teams Meeting Rooms, designed to make meetings seamless and stress-free for staff. With a simple-to-use touch console, you can join scheduled meetings with one tap, no cables or complex setup required. Sharing content is just as easy, whether presenting from your laptop or collaborating on a shared screen. High-quality cameras, microphones, and speakers ensure everyone, whether in the room or remote, can see and hear clearly. To help staff get comfortable, IT will be hosting drop-in sessions soon where you can try the rooms yourself, ask questions, and learn tips to make your meetings even easier.
– Tania Ferus, Information Technology
SUMMERFEST WAS A SIZZLING SUCCESS
We turned Main Street into the GTA’s ultimate summer hangout at the first ever Summerfest on Main. A big thank you to everyone involved for making this 4-day event one to remember. With 34 busker/street performances, 47 musical performances, 8 Choose Local prize packs, and 3 silent disco parties, it was one heck of a good time! In fact, the estimated total attendance was 26,831 with an estimated economic impact of $1.63 million – an incredible outcome and boost for local businesses.
– Dave Lowes, Recreation & Culture and Christian Stipetic, Community and Economic Innovation
SUMMER READING CLUB
Newmarket Library celebrated another successful summer of reading clubs with over 1,100 children participating, double the number of participants from last year when 550 children joined. Much of the success is attributed to the Library’s program and outreach teams who made the signup process easier and promoted the program at community events. Young readers came to the Library to participate in the clubs by keeping track of the books they read over the summer and participating in reading club programs. And at the end of the summer they enjoyed a Reading Wrap-Up party event and prizes. It was especially exciting for staff to see so many children choosing to go on a reading journey when school is out, traditionally a time when reading skills can decline.
– Lorne Chase and David di Giovanni, Newmarket Public Library
NEW SPORT COURTS AT ENVIRONMENTAL AND PROCTOR PARK
Two new sport courts opened this season at Environmental Park (Woodspring Avenue closer to Gilpin Drive) and Proctor Park (Primrose Lane). Proctor Park features two regulation size pickle ball courts, and a slightly smaller regulation basketball court. Environmental Park features three regulations sized pickleball courts and a regulation size basketball court.
With over 600+ residents participating in the engagement process, we are very excited to add these sport courts as part of Newmarket’s 10-year recreation and capital plan and much-needed recreational opportunities for the community.
A Pumpkin Spice Latte With
and Economic Innovation
Is there a spooky movie that you rewatch every year?
Orphan – terrifies me.
What is your favourite Halloween candy?
Reese pieces or peanut butter cups.
Do you love or hate candy corn? No preference.
What is your favourite thing about fall?
Changing colour of the leaves, crisp clean air, and my birthday (November 17)!
Describe your job in three words. Dynamic, engaging, and fulfilling.
What is the best part about your job?
Working with a great team within a strong culture that supports growth and progress. Welcoming, friendly and truly happy to be a part of an organization with a great culture that invests in the health, success and wellbeing of sta /employees.
ANGUD SINGH, Business Development Specialist, Community
Environmental Park Sport Courts
Proctor Park Sport Courts
Time flies when you’re having fun and it’s hard to believe that another edition of NewsMarket is here already.
The ERIC Committee has been hard at work. ERIC stands for the Employee Relations and Internal Communications Committee, an important sta committee that’s been around for over twenty years. ERIC is a non-management group of Town employees who represent and communicate with sta to provide recommendations to Town leadership on policies and initiatives. ERIC can confidentially raise concerns to leadership and administers the Employee Assistance Fund.
EMERGENCIES HAPPEN; ERIC CAN HELP!
When an emergency or crisis happens to town sta , the Employee Assistance Fund may help. Since 2009, sta have been raising funds to help fellow employees. The fund is confidentially administered by ERIC and Town sta can apply for funds (typically up to $500). You can submit an application for yourself or a co-worker. Applications are reviewed exclusively by ERIC co-chairs and, if approved, can provide expedited funds.
ICE CREAM
It was great to see so many folks at the recent sta appreciation event. We were proud to sponsor the ice cream truck. This year we expanded the menu and hope that sta who were able to attend enjoyed a delicious, and well deserved, cool treat.
Interested in joining ERIC?
Part of ERIC’s mandate is to have sta involved in the committee from various Town departments. If you’re thinking of joining ERIC or would like to learn more about the Committee, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
NO QUESTION TO SMALL
If you’ve a question for ERIC, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at ERIC@Newmarket.ca or call ext. 2333
MULOCK PARK
Construction at Mulock Park is forging ahead, with the Contractors working six days a week to complete key work before winter sets in.
Exciting things are happening on-site: the park buildings are receiving their cedar shingle cladding, echoing the historical finishes of the Mulock Farm buildings. The glass roof is on the Conservatory. Topcoat asphalt is starting to be placed in some areas as construction staging permits. The Skate Trail refrigeration piping is nearly complete, and the trail for the concrete is expected to be placed before the end of October.
At Mulock House, the foundation repairs are now fully complete, including deepening the basement by about 30 inches to accommodate services and maintain headroom. Footings are complete for the restored verandah and the new atrium; the verandah structure is rising out of the ground and the elevator shafts and ramps are taking shape to make this beautiful home accessible and inclusive for all visitors.
Landscaping and plantings are being completed sequentially as work in outlying areas is complete, and will continue into spring 2026 for opening next year. Check out HeyNewmarket.ca/ MulockPark for news and details.
– Bill White, Engineering Services
PEOPLE LEADERS BROUGHT THE ENERGY AND SHOWED OFF THEIR DANCE MOVES!
Our second Annual People Leader Development Day was anything but ordinary! SLT kicked things off followed by Kristen McVeigh and Heather Weaver who got everyone moving with Beach Ball Brainstorm. Next, a Leadership That Inspires Workshop delivered by David Lahey had leaders diving into their Predictive Index profiles sparking great conversation.
Lastly Alan Mallory shared his Electric Violin skills and inspired self-reflection (and dancing!) with On a High Note – The Psychology of Connection. We wrapped it all up with a BBQ where there was sunshine, great food, and plenty of laughs.
Looking forward to learning together again next year!
– Erin Christopher, Human Resources
SAVE THE DATE!
The annual Halloween Spooktacular Pumpkin and Costume Contest is coming up on Friday, October 31
Come dressed in your most creative costume and bring your best decorated or carved pumpkin for a chance to win! For more information, please email palcockdeak@newmarket.ca
Halloween Facts
The Old Town Hall has seen a lot of paranormal activity as noted by the Georgina Paranormal Society. Spirits have been seen and heard in the basement as the Old Town Hall was a former holding cell.
The word Halloween comes from ‘All Hallows Eve’ which means the night before All Hallows’s Day.
The largest Halloween parade in Canada takes place in Toronto – Church Street. Halloween is the second most popular holiday in Canada after Christmas, with about 90% of Canadians celebrating it in some way.
IT is the highest grossing Halloween and horror movie of all time, earning over $700 million worldwide.
Pumkin carving’s popularity is relatively modern. Up until the 20th century, people usually carved turnips instead of pumpkins. Trick or treating has been around for centuries.
It was believed that on Halloween the boundaries between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to cross over.
Dressing up in costumes originally started as a way to ward o or disguise oneself from the spirits.
Nowadays people also dress up their pets for Halloween.
Newmarket’s first Summerfest was beyond majestic! They closed o Main Street Newmarket for 3 full days. We made it out on Aug. 21, 2025. The event had top-notch musicians, talented buskers, awesome vendors, and absolutely perfect weather. The Town of Newmarket really hit a home run with this one. I hope it becomes an annual tradition.
The IDEA Group helps build awareness around diversity and inclusion, which is an important part of a happy, healthy and productive workforce. There are many ways you can learn and get involved. October recognizes many days of significance, including:
• Autism Awareness Month: When we come together to increase understanding and awareness of autism and to help end the stigma and discrimination that some people experience.
– Glenn R
Love all the events our town has been putting on. Bravo Town of Newmarket!
– Tanya M
What a night!! It was hot, but absolutely beautiful weather. 5000 people came out at Town of Newmarket last night and we rocked them all!! What a great crowd and night! Fantastic food, security, sound and hospitality. Special thank you to Melissa and Melinda for having us! Hope to be back again!
– Chris N
Thank you to Town of Newmarket sta and everyone involved for making Canada Day an outstanding event in town this year. Switchbeat and the firework show was outstanding and it was great to see so many in town out celebrating Canada.
– Darryl W
One small step towards making things better. Good job Town of Newmarket, there is so much room for improvement and it’s nice to see you’re putting an e ort into doing what needs doing [In response to the use of mobility scooters].
– Annette L
Saw this made me smile, it's such a peaceful spot [The Windphone].
– Laurie O
Wonderful! My mom had a side loading van to meet her accessibility needs for a few years, and it can be tricky to find places to unload [In response to the Town's new accessible van parking located downtown].
– Alanna C
Thank you for posting this [Watermain Cleaning Work]. I didn't know what to expect but now I can relax.
– Malcolm P
I've always had a great experience with the Town of Newmarket. Every time I've visit [the Municipal O ces], I've received professional service. The young man at the front desk was incredibly helpful. He patiently guided me through filling out the form and explained the payment options clearly. I really appreciate his assistance, and I’m very happy with the level of service I’ve consistently received here!
– Shahram A
I walk the trail every day and [saw your summer students] working hard to keep it in good shape. You were all courteous and working hard. Well done!
– David E
This looks magical [Splash of Culture]. I can't wait to hear the piano on water!
– Livi A
The flowers on Main Street this year are amazing!
– Karina C
• ADHD Awareness Month: To educate the public about Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), correct misunderstandings, and provide reliable information and resources for people with ADHD.
• Caribbean Heritage Month: Recognizing the great historical contributions of various peoples whose roots can be traced to the countries that make up the Caribbean subregion of the Americas.
• Islamic History Month: Aims to celebrate, inform, educate, and share with fellow Canadians the rich Muslim heritage and contributions to society.
the Anti-Islamophobia 101 Training on Thursday, November 13, hosted virtually with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women.
You can continue to learn and stay connected by regularly visiting the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion page at Newmarketca.SharePoint.com
The Haunted Gallery
Photos in the gallery are from the Pride Parade, Co ee With CAO + SLT, Bring Your Dog to Work Day, Sta Appreciation, Truth and Recgonciliation Day, Summerfest on Main and the sta baseball game!