Housing & Housing Affordability

The Town of Newmarket’s project team, SHS Consulting, will be presenting Strategic Directions for the Housing Action Plan at a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on March 23. This presentation will outline key actions and priorities to support a range of housing needs in Newmarket and advance the Town’s housing objectives.

More specifically, the Strategic Directions Report will outline the goals, strategies, and priority actions that will guide the Town’s efforts over the next decade. These directions will form the foundation for the full Housing Action Plan, which will include an implementation framework, monitoring tools, refined action timelines while also informing policies for the Official Plan. Building on the findings of the 2025 Housing Needs Assessment, the Housing Action Plan will provide a clear, evidence-based roadmap to address these challenges and ensure residents have access to safe, appropriate, and affordable housing.

The meeting will be available to watch online. Meeting details, agendas, and minutes can be accessed through the Town’s Council Meetings and Minutes page.

If you haven’t already, register for project updates to stay informed as the Housing Action Plan continues to move forward!

On Monday, November 10th, the project team presented the findings from the Housing Needs Assessment and Inclusionary Zoning Analysis at a Council workshop. This meeting builds on the information shared at the May 26 Committee of the Whole meeting, where Newmarket took a major step forward in addressing housing affordability with the Housing Needs and Inclusionary Zoning Assessment Report.

This report provides insights into the Town’s current and future housing gaps and needs. It also lays the groundwork for a policy development to deepen affordability in Newmarket as well as the implementation of a potential Inclusionary Zoning framework, which is a key tool to ensure that new developments in Protected Major Transit Station Areas include affordable housing options. During the workshop, the team will also highlight next steps, including a Housing Action Plan for Newmarket.

What is a Housing Action Plan?

A Housing Action Plan outlines a community’s approach to improving housing affordability, diversity, and accessibility. It sets clear goals, policies, and implementation strategies to guide decision-making and investment, ensuring that housing needs are met for residents across all income levels. The Housing Action Plan will, among other matters:

• Make recommendations in addressing the housing gaps identified in the Housing Needs Assessment;
• Develop housing policies and targets for the Town’s new Official Plan;
• Explore financial incentives and implementation tools to deepen housing affordability

The November 10th workshop is an important step in shaping Newmarket’s housing future. Check Newmarket’s Council Meeting Minutes and Agendas webpage for details and to view the video. Click here for the presentation.

At the May 26, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Town of Newmarket and project consultants presented two significant reports that mark a major step forward in addressing housing affordability and planning for sustainable growth. These reports were approved at the June 2 Council Meeting.

• Federal Housing Needs Assessment
• An expanded Housing Needs Assessment to support Inclusionary Zoning in the Town’s Protected Major Transit Station Areas (PMTSAs)

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 PMTSAs 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. View the presentation and access the full reports:

• Housing Needs Assessment and Inclusionary Zoning Presentation to Council
• Housing Needs Assessment and Inclusionary Zoning Staff Report
• Housing Needs Assessment and Inclusionary Zoning Report
  • Housing Needs Assessment
  • Inclusionary Zoning Requirements O. Reg 232/18, 3(1)