Newmarket is a leader in lifesaving education
Newmarket Council celebrated the Town’s recent Burlington Cup award from the Lifesaving Society, which is awarded to the municipality with the largest lifesaving program in Ontario communities with populations between 50,000–100,000.
Newmarket’s aquatics team delivers year-round programming for residents of all ages and abilities including learn to swim lessons, leadership certifications, adapted aquatics, and drop-in programs. In 2025 alone, more than 1,500 participants took part in Newmarket’s lifesaving programs, helping build strong pathways for future lifeguards and instructors while supporting public safety and safe pool operations.
This marks the Town’s 10th Burlington Cup win since 2014, reinforcing Newmarket’s role as a provincial leader in lifesaving education.
Watch the presentation to learn more or visit Newmarket.ca/Swimming to learn more about Newmarket’s aquatic programs.
Exploring future artificial turf sports field at Huron Heights Secondary School
Newmarket is exploring the potential for a new artificial turf sports field at Huron Heights Secondary School. Staff have been directed to work with the York Region District School Board and community partners to assess opportunities, funding options, and a shared-use agreement that would allow community access.
Currently, Newmarket has limited access to artificial turf fields compared to similar municipalities, with only one field available through a joint use agreement. Adding a new field would help meet growing demand, support local school and community sports programming, and enhance opportunities for sport tourism.
The benefits of artificial turf include a longer playing season, lower maintenance needs, and consistent playing conditions. Staff will report back to Council through the budget process or as needed, with a focus on partnerships and alternative funding sources to help offset costs.
Read the Staff Report to learn more.
Bill 98: Proposed changes to planning and development
Newmarket Council has received an overview of the Province’s proposed Bill 98 and other provincial consultations, which aims to speed up housing and infrastructure development by standardizing planning processes and increasing provincial oversight. The legislation includes changes to the Planning Act and related policies, building on recent efforts to streamline approvals and make development more consistent across Ontario.
Key proposed changes would standardize how official plans are structured, limit what municipalities can require through site plan control, and set new minimum residential lot sizes. The Province is also consulting on further changes that could restrict the information municipalities can request from developers and reduce local authority over certain planning decisions, including environmental and sustainability requirements.
If implemented, these changes could impact how Newmarket plans growth, reviews development applications, and advances local priorities like climate action and parkland planning. Staff are monitoring the provincial consultations to ensure the Town’s Official Plan policies and other processes remain aligned with Provincial direction.
Read the Information Report to learn more.