About NEAC

Mandate:

The Newmarket Environmental Advisory Committee (NEAC) acts as an advisory body and resource group to the Town of Newmarket Council and staff in planning and operational matters pertaining to ways to inventory, protect, maintain, restore and enhance the environment. Through its activities, NEAC hopes to encourage citizens to be more environmentally conscious and to be aware of measures that help to improve the environment. Ultimately, it is anticipated that citizens of Newmarket, through their individual and collective efforts, will provide a sustainable environment for future generations.

Background:

Council approved the formation of the Newmarket Interim Environmental Advisory Committee (NIEAC) in June 2002 and made it a permanent committee in August 2004. The creation of this committee stemmed from one of the recommendations of the Northwest Quadrant Natural Areas Study. Dr. Mark Taylor of Beak International Incorporated, the author of this study, saw this committee assisting Town Council and staff with terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric environmental concerns. A priority of this committee is to assist with the establishment of sustainable policies with respect to community development, re-development and other activities with the potential to cause an impact on the environment.

Committee representation:

NEAC membership is comprised of residents, Town of Newmarket staff and members of Council offering a wide variety of environmental interests, skill and expertise.

Fundamental values and beliefs:

• Humans are an integral part of the natural environment and have a fundamental responsibility to ensure its ongoing diversity and sustainability
• There is a critical link between a healthy environment and a healthy lifestyle
• The Town of Newmarket embraces the value and importance of the natural environment and gives it due consideration in its planning decisions
• It is vital to always be mindful of the impact of our decisions - especially ones that may alter our natural environment

What we do

• Plan and organize events, activities and fundraising for stewardship, education and outreach
• Coordinate events with other environmental groups
• Liaise with other environmental advisory committees, including York Region environmental groups and organizations
• Plan and establish the educational Green Series events around Newmarket.
• Review and comment to Council on environmentally related plans, by-laws, development proposals and studies.
• Research and assist with the gathering, organizing and condensing of data in order to make necessary information available to public and private groups.
• Give out educational information and interact with the public at the Farmers Market
• Volunteer at tree plantings, river cleanups, and many other events