Housing Action Plan – Moving Toward Implementation

The Town of Newmarket has completed its Housing Action Plan (HAP), a strategic framework that outlines how the Town will respond to housing affordability and supply challenges over time. The HAP builds on the findings of the 2025 Housing Needs Assessment and extensive consultation with Council, residents, stakeholders, and housing partners. It identifies practical, achievable actions that can be advanced using the Town’s planning tools, partnerships, and advocacy role.

The HAP:

• Sets out a coordinated approach to improve housing outcomes in Newmarket
• Identifies gaps in rental supply, affordability, and housing options
• Establishes 18 actions to be implemented over the short, medium, and long term
• Aligns with ongoing initiatives such as the Official Plan Review and zoning updates
• Provides a monitoring framework to track progress and report back to Council

The HAP is organized around three goals:

1. Support residents to live in stable and suitable housing
2. Build homes that reflect diverse community needs
3. Improve the housing system to deliver long-term solutions

Priority actions include:

• Increasing purpose-built rental housing
• Supporting a wider mix of housing types and sizes
• Protecting existing rental housing
• Advancing affordable housing through partnerships and incentives
• Exploring innovative housing solutions and use of public lands

What Happens Next

Council will consider the HAP for adoption on May 25, 2026. If adopted, staff will begin advancing the Plan’s actions through:

• The Official Plan Review
• Zoning By-law updates
• Incentive programs
• Partnerships with York Region, non-profit housing providers, and other stakeholders

Catch the meeting on May 25 at 1 p.m. streamed online or attend in-person at the Municipal Offices. Meeting details, agendas, minutes, and the live stream are available at newmarket.ca/meetings