Housing & Housing Affordability

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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:
AddressNumber of Total UnitsNumber of Affordable UnitsApplication Status
43 Lundy's Lane7676Site Plan Approved (May 2025). Under Construction
17175 Yonge Street20863

OPA & ZBA Approved

Site Plan Approved (May 2025)

Charles & Prospect5342Approved & Under Construction
315 Davis Drive16817OPA & ZBA Approved
Site Plan In Progress
62 Bayview Pkwy227159OPA/ZBA Approved (July 2025). Site Plan In Progress.
TOTAL:732357

*data as of January 2026



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:
AddressNumber of Total UnitsNumber of Affordable UnitsApplication Status
43 Lundy's Lane7676Site Plan Approved (May 2025). Under Construction
17175 Yonge Street20863

OPA & ZBA Approved

Site Plan Approved (May 2025)

Charles & Prospect5342Approved & Under Construction
315 Davis Drive16817OPA & ZBA Approved
Site Plan In Progress
62 Bayview Pkwy227159OPA/ZBA Approved (July 2025). Site Plan In Progress.
TOTAL:732357

*data as of January 2026



  • Additional Residential Units

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    As a result of recent changes in provincial legislation, all municipalities across Ontario are required to permit Additional Residential Units (ARUs) in detached, link, semi-detached, townhouse dwellings, and in ancillary buildings or structures.

    ARUs are separate, self-contained dwelling units with a private entrance, cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities, provided for the exclusive use of those residing within the unit. An ARU may be located within the primary dwelling (referred to as an Attached ARU or within an ancillary building or structure (referred to as a Detached ARU on the same lot as the primary dwelling. 

    These units may be configured as follows: 

    • One (1) primary dwelling unit and up to two (2) Additional Residential Units within the same building; or 

    • One (1) primary dwelling unit and one (1) Additional Residential Unit within the same building and one (1) Detached Additional Residential Unit on the same lot. 

    At this time, Newmarket does not have specific zoning regulations for DARUs. To address this, the Town is updating its Official Plan and Zoning By-laws to introduce new policies and zoning regulations that are consistent with provincial policy direction and support Newmarket’s goal of providing more affordable housing options. These new policies and zoning regulations will apply to all new Attached Additional Residential Unit (ARUs) and Detached Additional Residential Units (DARUs).

    As part of this initiative, a statutory Public Meeting will be held to gather community feedback.

    When: Monday, March 23, 2026, at 1 p.m.
    Where: Municipal Offices – Council Chambers (395 Mulock Drive) or streamed live online at Newmarket.ca/Meetings

    How to get involved 

    • A Public Meeting was held on December 1, 2025 to gather community feedback.
    • Committee of the Whole will be considering this report on March 23, 2026 and the meeting starts at 1pm. Additional details about the meeting and how to attend are available here.
    • Learn more by visiting the project webpage at Additional Residential Units (ARUs) | Hey Newmarket


    As a result of recent changes in provincial legislation, all municipalities across Ontario are required to permit Additional Residential Units (ARUs) in detached, link, semi-detached, townhouse dwellings, and in ancillary buildings or structures.

    ARUs are separate, self-contained dwelling units with a private entrance, cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities, provided for the exclusive use of those residing within the unit. An ARU may be located within the primary dwelling (referred to as an Attached ARU or within an ancillary building or structure (referred to as a Detached ARU on the same lot as the primary dwelling. 

    These units may be configured as follows: 

    • One (1) primary dwelling unit and up to two (2) Additional Residential Units within the same building; or 

    • One (1) primary dwelling unit and one (1) Additional Residential Unit within the same building and one (1) Detached Additional Residential Unit on the same lot. 

    At this time, Newmarket does not have specific zoning regulations for DARUs. To address this, the Town is updating its Official Plan and Zoning By-laws to introduce new policies and zoning regulations that are consistent with provincial policy direction and support Newmarket’s goal of providing more affordable housing options. These new policies and zoning regulations will apply to all new Attached Additional Residential Unit (ARUs) and Detached Additional Residential Units (DARUs).

    As part of this initiative, a statutory Public Meeting will be held to gather community feedback.

    When: Monday, March 23, 2026, at 1 p.m.
    Where: Municipal Offices – Council Chambers (395 Mulock Drive) or streamed live online at Newmarket.ca/Meetings

    How to get involved 

    • A Public Meeting was held on December 1, 2025 to gather community feedback.
    • Committee of the Whole will be considering this report on March 23, 2026 and the meeting starts at 1pm. Additional details about the meeting and how to attend are available here.
    • Learn more by visiting the project webpage at Additional Residential Units (ARUs) | Hey Newmarket


  • UPDATE - Housing Action Plan: Strategic Directions Presentation

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    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!

    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!

  • Council Workshop: Housing Needs Assessment & Inclusionary Zoning Analysis

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    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.


    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.


  • Significant Progress in Housing Needs Assessment and Inclusionary Zoning

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    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:

    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:

Page last updated: 23 Mar 2026, 12:27 PM