Newmarket's Official Plan Review

Hey Newmarket! We are updating our Official Plan and we need your help.

Watch the video below to learn how you can get involved in this important process!

Seeking Input: Policy Direction Report - Discussion Guides

The Town of Newmarket is thrilled to announce the release of 11 Policy Directions Discussion Guides marking a significant milestone in the Official Plan Review.

Join us in shaping the future of Newmarket! Share your thoughts and be part of the conversation.

The Policy Directions Discussion Guides represent a culmination of extensive collaboration and feedback from the public, stakeholders, Town staff, and Council across the first three phases of the Official Plan Review. Feedback from the Discussion Guides will inform a final Policy Direction Report in the fall which will outline key policy directions and major initiatives for each area of focus, setting the stage for the updated Official Plan.

Also available for review is the Phase 1 & 2 Engagement Summary Report which provides a comprehensive overview of Round 1 Consultation activities, consolidating feedback from engagement events which included: the OPR and SODA Visioning Workshops, Community Pop-Up events, online surveys, and community working group comments for both the Official Plan Review and the SODA Study. The Phase 1 & 2 Engagement Summary Report synthesizes input from the community and various stakeholders, updating the public and Town Council on the input received during initial phases of the project. This report improves transparency and inclusivity in the planning process by highlighting project milestones and seeking input on new the visions and guiding principles.

Both the Discuss Guides and the Engagement Summary Report reflect our commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration as we shape our community's future. Your input has been invaluable, and we invite you to continue participating as we refine policy directions in the fall of 2024. To stay informed about future project updates and upcoming engagement opportunities, please register on our website, and make sure to revisit frequently for the latest news.

To dive into the Discussion Guides and contribute to the conversation, visit the Documents Library on the left or below. Let’s continue building a Newmarket that is well beyond the ordinary!

Affordable Housing | Transportation & Connections | Parks & Open Spaces | Cultural Heritage | Equity, Diversity and Inclusion | Placemaking and Urban Design | Infrastructure | Complete Communities | Jobs & Employment | Growth Management | Climate Change and Natural Heritage

Survey

Once you have reviewed the Discussion guides, complete a brief survey below on the following topics:

• Survey on Parks and Open Spaces, Climate Change and Natural Heritage and Placemaking & Urban Design
• Survey on Complete Communities, Growth Management, Affordable Housing and Jobs & Employment
• Survey on Transportation and Connection, Cultural Heritage, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity, and Infrastructure

Upcoming Planner Pop-Up Events: Learn About the Policy Directions for the Official Plan Review

Join us at one of our pop-up events to explore the new policy directions for Newmarket’s updated Official Plan! Visit our booth to learn how our Town is planning for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive future. Engage with Town Planners, ask questions, and share your thoughts. Don’t miss this chance to learn more and influence plans for the community’s future!

The Town of Newmarket will be hosting pop-up events at the following locations and times:

• Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place on June 21 from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
• Magna Centre on June 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; July 8 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., and July 15 and 22 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
• Ray Twinney on July 8, 15 and 22 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
• Riverwalk Commons on July 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Farmers’ Market (Riverwalk Commons) on June 22, July 6, July 13 and July 20 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

We will update this webpage with other dates and location for Planner Pop-Up Events. We hope to see you there!

What is an official plan?

An Official Plan is a policy document that guides how land in a municipality should be used. It mainly describes where new housing, institutional uses, offices, and shops will be located; what and where services like roads, parks, trails, and schools will be needed; and what and where natural features need to be protected and/or enhanced.

Newmarket's Official Plan must be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020, and conforms to Provincial plans such as the A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, and York Region Official Plan.

Why should you care?

You live and/or work in this community. You SHOULD have an opportunity to help plan, create and have a say in the future of your community.

Your input will help us revise existing policies and/or create new policies in the updated Official Plan, which will help the Town manage growth and development, protect what you value, and create an innovative and forward-thinking community.

Don’t pass up on this unique opportunity to help plan for a Future Ready Newmarket.

About the Official Plan Review and the Project Team

The Town of Newmarket, together with a consultant team led by WSP, is updating the Town of Newmarket Official Plan. The updated Official Plan will contain a vision for the future stated through goals and policies. The Official Plan Review will occur in six phases and will include community engagement throughout. We are currently in Phase 3 - Policy Directions.

Town of Newmarket Official Plan Review Study Process

The updated Official Plan will establish innovative, proactive and contemporary policies to reflect the changing characteristics and demographics of Newmarket, manage growth and development to the 2051 planning horizon, and review important matters such as housing, employment, and protect what our residents value most. The updated Official Plan will also conform to policies and directions contained in the York Region Official Plan (2022).

This project also involves conducting a study for the south of Davis Drive area (the SODA study) and incorporating appropriate policy recommendations in the updated Official Plan. The SODA study will evaluate the area of Main Street from Simcoe Street to Millard Avenue, between Niagara Street and the railway line, and set out a vision for this area’s redevelopment. Learn more about the SODA study at heynewmarket.ca/soda

How can you participate?

This website is your one-stop-shop for information about the project, updates, and news about upcoming events. Don’t forget to subscribe and join the project mailing list and get updates sent to your Inbox. Check back on this website for public engagement opportunities!