Housing & Housing Affordability
Home Sweet Home: Shaping Newmarket's Housing Future
Housing affordability and availability are critical issues facing many communities today, including the Town of Newmarket. As the Town continues to grow and evolve, ensuring that community members have access to a variety of housing types and tenures that are both attainable and affordable is a key objective for the Town.
Housing affordability is not just about providing a roof over one’s head.
- It creates complete communities where people feel they belong and can succeed.
- It involves accommodating diverse needs, from young individuals seeking their first homes to families needing more space, and seniors looking to downsize.
The Town’s goal is to create inclusive neighbourhoods where people, regardless of their economic status, have access to safe, affordable, and suitable housing. By understanding the complex nature of housing issues and engaging in collaborative discussions, we can work towards a more sustainable and inclusive housing future, well beyond the ordinary.
Providing Diverse Housing Options
The Town of Newmarket aims to support the development of a wide range of housing types to cater to diverse needs, including families, seniors, young adults, marginalized groups, and newcomers. 
The Town is also updating its Official Plan Policies. Currently, the in-effect Town of Newmarket Official Plan directs that:
- A minimum of 25% of new housing development outside the Urban Centres Secondary Plan will be affordable to low- and moderate-income households.
- A portion of these units should be accessible to people with disabilities and include a range of types, unit size, tenures to provide opportunities for all household types, including larger families, seniors and persons with special needs.
- The development of new units including affordable rental housing.
To support and inform the Official Plan Review update, the Town of Newmarket has retained SHS Consulting to undertake a Housing Needs Assessment and to develop an Inclusionary Zoning framework. More information coming in early 2025!
Are there exemptions for Affordable and Attainable Housing?
Affordable units that meet the provincial definition (please see FAQ for more information) are exempt from development charges. Community Benefits Charges, which are used to fund community services and facilities, do not apply to affordable housing units. Similarly, affordable housing units are also exempt from parkland dedication levies.
| Recent Affordable Housing Gains in Newmarket: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Address | Number of Total Units | Number of Affordable Units | Application Status |
| 43 Lundy's Lane | 76 | 76 | Site Plan Approved (May 2025) |
| 17175 Yonge Street | 208 | 63 | OPA & ZBA Approved Site Plan Approved (May 2025) |
| Charles & Prospect | 53 | 42 | Approved & Under Construction |
| 315 Davis Drive | 168 | 17 | OPA & ZBA Approved Site Plan In Progress |
| 62 Bayview Pkwy | 227 | 159 | OPA/ZBA In Progress |
| TOTAL: | 732 | 357 | |
*data as of June 2025
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Newmarket Advances Housing Affordability!
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Newmarket made a major step forward in addressing housing affordability and planning for sustainable growth with the approval of the Housing Needs Assessment Report, and the Housing Needs and Inclusionary Zoning Assessment Report.
These reports provide important insights into the Town’s current and future housing gaps, and needs, and lay the groundwork for a potential Inclusionary Zoning framework—an important tool to ensure that new developments in Protected Major Transit Station Areas include affordable housing options.
This initiative is part of the Town’s broader commitment to creating more inclusive, livable, and equitable communities. Residents, stakeholders, and community partners are encouraged to explore the findings and stay engaged in the conversation.
Read the reports and learn more.
Everyone Plays a Critical Part in Housing Affordability
- CANADA helps shape the housing market with federal policies and funding for affordable and community housing.
- ONTARIO established provincial rules and contributes funding for community housing and reducing homelessness across Canada.
- LOCAL CITIES AND TOWNS plan for housing to meet the needs of their communities.
- DEVELOPERS AND LANDLORDS develop communities by building new housing and managing rental properties.
- COMMUNITY PARTNERS work with residents who have low and moderate incomes to help increase access to housing.
On October 25, 2022, the province released Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022. The Bill received Royal Assent on November 28, 2022.
Through Bill 23 and the related Housing Supply Action Plan, the province’s goal is to achieve 1.5 million new homes by 2031.
Newmarket's Housing Pledge
Through Bill 23 and the related Housing Supply Action Plan, the Province’s goal is to achieve 1.5 million new homes by 2031. To support this goal, Council has approved a target of 6,400 new homes in Newmarket by 2031.
To meet this Pledge, adequate and coordinated funding from senior levels of government is imperative to deliver essential hard and soft infrastructure. The Town will continue to advocate for funding for soft infrastructure including healthcare, transit and transportation, education, and social services.
Fun Fact: Newmarket's Housing Targets
The Town of Newmarket has targets for providing housing suitable for all ages, household sizes and abilities. These targets include:
- A minimum requirement of 25% of new housing to be affordable outside of the Regional Centres and Major Transit Station Areas, and a minimum of 35% inside of these areas.
- By 2051, Newmarket together with its partners will need to plan to achieve 1,000 new purpose-built rental units.