Town seeks proposals for new dining establishment at 500 Water Street
The Town of Newmarket is seeking proposals for a new and unique dining establishment at 500 Water Street to enhance the existing cultural and economic vibrancy of the Main Street historic district. The Town is offering a long-term lease for the landmark property, which features a picturesque patio overlooking Fairy Lake and a prime view of award-winning Main Street.
The building is a keystone property, located in the Heritage Conservation District at the intersection of Water and Main Streets. The town-owned property has operated as a restaurant for the past two decades, offering significant patio space overlooking Fairy Lake and is in a prime location for continued use as a dining establishment.
To learn more, read the media release or the Staff Report.
Proposal documents can be viewed, downloaded and submitted at the Town's Bid Opportunities portal at newmarket.bidsandtenders.ca.
2024 Budget Process and Targets
Newmarket Council and staff are already working on the 2024 budget, which is set to be approved this December. The objective for the 2024 budget is to continue aligning the Town's commitment to service excellence while maintaining fiscal stewardship.
The budget process will include regular public engagement opportunities, and other key dates include:
- October 2: The preliminary draft budgets will be presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting.
- October 23: The capital and rate-supported operating budgets will be presented at the Special Committee of the Whole meeting.
- November 13: The tax-supported operating budget will be presented at the Special Committee of the Whole meeting.
- December 4: The draft budgets and fees and charges will be presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting.
- December 11: This is the target date for approval of the 2024 budget.
Watch the presentation or read the Staff Report to learn more.
Update on one year of Town's Private Tree Protection By-law
Newmarket's urban canopy is made up of both public and private trees and is a valuable infrastructure asset that helps improve air quality, increase property values, reduce residential energy costs and more. In recognition of the importance that the community places on trees, the Private Tree Protection By-law was enacted on February 10, 2022.
The by-law requires residents to obtain a permit for removing trees on their property that have a diameter greater than 20 centimeters (8 inches) measured at 1.4m (4.5 ft) above ground.
Now that the by-law has been in place for one year, and following a comprehensive internal review, staff identified opportunities to improve residents' experience through simplifying the administrative process. These improvements included:
- Clarifying the information on the website.
- Creating a comprehensive guide [PDF/1.8MB] to educate the reader on the importance of tree protection, how to measure the diameter of a tree and proper pruning technique.
- Redesigning the application form to eliminate delays.
- Creating a process for fast-tracking trees that are damaged during a weather event or are imminently hazardous.
Council also approved amendments to the by-law to specifically address circumstances involving significant weather events that may impact the Town, such as wind or ice damage to trees.
To learn more, read the Staff Report or visit the Private Tree Removal webpage.