Community Energy Plan Update

Newmarket is updating its Community Energy Plan (CEP) in order to bring new benefits to the community, including increased energy efficiency, reduced energy costs, local job creation and create more uptake and demand for renewable energy systems.

Once complete, the updated CEP will:

Act as a low-carbon, energy efficient transition roadmap and strategy for Newmarket across multiple sectors, in particular buildings and transportation, out to 2050.

Achieve the Towns goal to:

• Ensure a reliable, clean and secure energy system
• Improve energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
• Support economic development by effectively achieving local clean energy needs
• Identify ways to increase the energy efficiency of buildings in the community

Updating the CEP will also support the development of vibrant and healthy communities. Through this initiative, the Town of Newmarket aims to lead in municipal sustainability and climate resilience, aligning with local and global energy and GHG targets - guiding our community towards a sustainable and energy-efficient future.

Solar Panels installed on the roof of the Magna Centre

What is a Community Energy Plan?

A Community Energy Plan (CEP) is an initiative developed by the municipality to reduce the community's net environmental impact. This is done by introducing sustainable practices throughout a multitude of sectors including transportation, residential/non-residential and energy.

The CEP identifies opportunities for green energy solutions and conservation measures to support local economic development and community objectives of energy conservation and greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction.

Newmarket's CEP is one of the first in Ontario. The Plan sets clear targets for GHG emission reductions with clear actions for achieving those results. Furthermore, the Plan identifies ways to support our local economy by increasing our community’s competitiveness, creating jobs in the energy sector, improving energy efficiency, and improving energy security. The CEP looks at the types of energy used, how much energy is used, and how population, employment, and land use impact our energy needs.

Background

To ensure sustainable energy management, the Community Energy Plan (CEP) was created and approved by Council in 2016, and later was rebased in 2019 to reflect a 2017 energy baseline. No changes were made to the CEP’s strategic actions when it was rebased.

The CEP provides Newmarket with a roadmap towards a cost-effective sustainable energy system. It lays out a pathway to demonstrate leadership in energy management at the community level, support the local economy, and positions Newmarket to respond to changes in legislation relating to climate change and capitalize on funding opportunities for progressive energy planning in the future.

The CEP fulfills policy direction from the York Region Official Plan, the Town’s Official Plan, and the Town’s Urban Centres Secondary Plan. These documents contain sustainability provisions that are encouraged or required for new development. The CEP and its objectives help provide additional targets to be achieved as the Town, particularly the urban centres, continue to develop over time.

This webpage is your one-stop-shop for information about the project, updates, and news. Stay tuned for more ways to get involved.

Installation of a cooling tower at a Town facility.