COVID-19 Newmarket Updates

Contacts

Municipal Office

395 Mulock Drive P.O. Box 328 Station Main, Newmarket, Ontario
L3Y 4X7
905-895-5193

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April 3, 2020: Newmarket Municipal Bylaw Officers set to issue fines for social gatherings during COVID-19

On March 27, the Province of Ontario granted Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officers the ability to issue fines under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.
 
With the Province’s guidance, the Town of Newmarket will begin to issue fines to individuals who fail to comply with the following emergency orders:

  • Social gatherings of more than five (5) people
  • Trespassing outdoor recreational areas that are closed to the public Trespassing outdoor recreational areas that are closed to the public (playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, baseball diamonds, sport fields, the Newmarket Dog Park etc.) 
  • Closure of non-essential businesses 
  • Price gouging on necessary goods such as disinfectant products

Newmarket’s Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officers will be deployed in full force beginning this weekend to ensure the community complies with these emergency orders. 
 
Individuals who are charged with an offence under the EMCPA will be required to identify themselves if asked by a Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officer. Failing to do so can carry a fine of $1,000 for obstructing a Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
 
In addition, failure to comply with an Emergency Order carries a starting fine of $750 or could also carry punishments of up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual. These penalties will apply in addition to breaching other Emergency Orders.

Practice Physical and Social Distancing
Newmarket reminds residents to practice safe social and physical distancing. Stay home, save lives and help flatten the curve against COVID-19. Social and physical distancing means:
  • Limiting the number of people you come in close contact with (Province of Ontario prohibits gatherings of more than five people. This rule does not apply to private households of more than five people and other strict exceptions)
  • No physical gatherings, parties, going to the playground or playdates with other children, or meeting friends for a gathering.
  • Limiting your trips outdoors to essentials only (groceries, work etc.)
    • If you must go outside, practice safe social and physical distancing. Stay at least 6ft (1.8m apart) from other people. 

For more information on COVID-19, visit York Region Public Health’s website at York.ca/covid19 or the Province of Ontario’s website at ontario.ca/coronavirus. 

More COVID-19 News and Notices

March 31: Newmarket cancels all Recreation and Culture programs, drop-in programs, rentals and events until further notice

With the Province of Ontario extending school closures until May 4, the Town of Newmarket has cancelled all recreation programs, drop-in programs, facility rentals and events. This includes Spring 2020 Recreation and Culture programs and registration.

Registered Recreation and Culture Programs

Town of Newmarket staff are working to provide automatic credits to all Spring 2020 Recreation and Culture registrants towards their account. This also applies to all family members and participants registered in a Town of Newmarket program or activity. Questions can be directed to registration@newmarket.ca.

Fitness Centre Membership

All Fitness Centre Memberships have been put on hold since March 13, 2020. Membership fees will not be charged during the duration of the closure of the Magna Centre (800 Mulock Drive). Questions about fitness memberships can be directed to fitness@newmarket.ca.

Town of Newmarket Community Events

All Town of Newmarket events have been cancelled until further notice. For more information visit newmarket.ca/events.

Facility and Building Closures

All Town of Newmarket buildings and facilities are closed until further notice. As the COVID-19 landscape continues to change, the Town will take direction from the Province of Ontario for the extension of closures and cancellations.

Practice Physical and Social Distancing

Newmarket reminds residents to practice safe social and physical distancing. Social and physical distancing means:

  • Limiting the number of people you come in close contact with (Province of Ontario prohibits gatherings of more than five people. This rule does not apply to private households of more than five people and other strict exceptions).

  • No physical gatherings, parties, going to the playground or playdates with other children.

  • Limiting your trips outdoors to essentials only (groceries, work, exercise etc.)

  • If you must go outside, practice safe social and physical distancing. Stay at least 6ft (1.8m apart) from other people. 

For more information and updates, visit newmarket.ca/covid19 or follow us on social media @TownofNewmarket on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

March 27, 2020: Town of Newmarket rallies community to Stand Apart Together during COVID-19 crisis
Today, amid these difficult times, the Town of Newmarket is launching the #StandApartTogether campaign to shine a light on Newmarket’s bright side and spread positivity during the unprecedented COVID-19 challenges we face as a community. Read more.   

March 27, 2020: Town of Newmarket essential services available to residents during COVID-19


With the Province of Ontario announcing the closure of all businesses in Ontario that are not essential, the Town has realigned its services to ensure our staff and residents remain safe and our critical services and infrastructure are maintained.

In an effort to maintain social distancing, staff members, where possible will continue to provide services online and by telephone, while working from home. Staff that work out of facilities and in the public will work in smaller teams and on shifts, while practicing safe social distancing.

Please see the list below for services that are still being offered by the Town of Newmarket at this time:

Customer Service Centre

Newmarket's Customer Service Centre will be available by telephone at 905-895-5193 or email from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from Monday to Friday. For emergency service outside these hours, please call 905-895-5193 and press 3 to be directed to our after-hours service number.

Emergency Services

Utility Services (Water and Hydro)

Customer Service inquiries will continue to be handled by Newmarket Hydro. Please call 905-895-2309 for more information.

Library Services

  • Access to the online library 24/7
    • For assistance, Monday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. residents can:

For more information, visit newmarketpl.ca.

Local Business Support

Newmarket's Economic Development team will continue to support businesses during this difficult time. All business support activities will be conducted virtually. Business that require support can email ecdev@newmarket.ca for more information.

Parking and Bylaw Services

  • Parking Enforcement focused on health and safety-related issues
  • Bylaws and Emergency Property Standard Enforcement*
    • Investigating emergency orders and unsafe living conditions
    • Patrolling parks and playgrounds to educate residents on social distancing

Planning and Building Services

  • Electronic Planning Applications
  • Limited processing of Development and Committee of Adjustment Applications*
  • Pre-Consultation Meetings via Video Conferencing
  • Building Permits and Inspection*

Full details of adapted Planning and Building Services can be found online.

Public Works Services

  • Critical parks, open spaces and trails maintenance
  • Critical road maintenance
  • Waste and Recycling Pick-up*
  • Critical water and wastewater Services

*Some restrictions may apply. Please visit newmarket.ca/covid19 for more information.

Town staff will still be available on-call to deal with municipal emergencies like watermain breaks, road repairs, parking and bylaw enforcement and more during business hours and after-hours. 

Some staff members have also been redeployed to conduct other Town services. For example, our Recreation and Culture staff members at the Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place (SMP) have been calling SMP members to check-in on them and allowing them to connect them with other members while social distancing.

Updates to the status of services available to the community, including cancellations and disruptions will be posted on our website at newmarket.ca/covid19 when available. Residents can also follow the Town of Newmarket on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for updates. 

For more information on COVID-19, visit york.ca/covid19 or ontario.ca/coronavirus

March 26, 2020: Town of Newmarket closes the Newmarket Dog Park and other park amenities to limit the spread of COVID-19

In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Town of Newmarket has closed the Global Pet Foods Dog Park sponsored by SNAPD (Bayview Parkway) and other park amenities such as basketball courts and tennis courts around Town. Newmarket will also be removing some picnic tables from parks to further encourage social distancing.

The Town's trails and parks are still open for use. The Town encourages residents to continue to remain active by taking walks, bike rides and spending time outdoors, while always practicing appropriate social distancing. Do your best to avoid close contact with people outside of your immediate family. Stay at least 6ft or 1.8m away from other people. Newmarket's Bylaw Officers are patrolling our parks and trails to educate and remind residents to practice safe social distancing.

Report social distancing non-compliance

To report residents who are not in compliance with social distancing at Newmarket's parks and trails, please call 905-895-5193. The Customer Service Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also email info@newmarket.ca

For more information on other Town services during COVID-19, visit our Frequently Asked Questions for details. For more information on Town of Newmarket COVID-19 related news, visit newmarket.ca/covid19.

For more information on COVID-19 visit york.ca/covid19.

March 23, 2020: Town of Newmarket COVID-19 waste collection update and reminders

The Town of Newmarket would like to provide residents with a waste collection update and reminder.

Garbage Bag Limits and waste tips

With everyone social distancing and spending the majority of their time at home, the Town will be taking a more lenient approach with garbage bag limits. Beginning this week, the Town will collect up to five (5) bags of garbage per household, every two weeks on the regularly scheduled collection day. We all have to do our part in response to COVID-19, the Town is asking for all residents’ cooperation in sticking to the existing bag limits (3) where possible and not producing additional bags and unnecessary waste. Please be mindful of the garbage produced and dispose of these items properly. Not all items go in the garbage. Continue to use the green bin and recycling bin as necessary.

Reminders:

  • Medical masks and gloves belong in the garbage. Please DO NOT place these items in the recycling bin.
  • Disinfectant wipes and baby wipes belong in the garbage and paper towels belong in the green bin. DO NOT flush these items in the toilet as this will cause sewer blockages which may lead to sewer back-ups. Sewer blockages are the responsibility of the homeowner.
  • Please hold off on disposing large items until regular garbage collection resumes. If there is a need, residents can take the large item to a York Region Waste Depot (fees apply) or purchase a large item tag by calling the Town at 905-895-5193. A large item tag will be sent to residents through the mail.
  • Help protect our GFL collection crews by ensuring your garbage bags are tied properly and that no loose material is placed into garbage containers.

Residents who aren’t sure what goes where, can visit newmarket.ca/wasteandrecycling to use the Recycle Coach online application. 

Textile Recycling Program Temporarily Suspended

Newmarket’s textile recycling program outside of Town facilities will temporarily be suspended until further notice. Diabetes Canada will be placing signage on all textile recycling bins located outside of the Magna Centre, Ray Twinney Recreation Centre and the Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall. They will also be monitoring the bins periodically to ensure the area around the bins are maintained.  For more information visit newmarket.ca/textilerecycling.

Tips to protect yourself against COVID-19

Practice social distancing and stay home if possible. Please wash your hands frequently with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.

For more information on COVID-19 visit york.ca/covid19.

Customer Service Centre

The Town will continue to provide services to all residents where possible online by emailing info@newmarket.ca or by calling 905-895-5193. The Customer Service Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
For more information on other Town services during COVID-19, visit our Frequently Asked Questions webpage for details. For more information on Town of Newmarket COVID-19 related news, visit newmarket.ca/covid19.


March 20, 2020: Newmarket closes all playgrounds in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19

In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, all playgrounds and outdoor parks with fitness equipment within the Town of Newmarket will be closed until further notice.

Signage indicating this closure will be posted at all playgrounds and parks. The public is reminded to please refrain from using playground and/or fitness equipment to help break the chain of transmission of COVID-19. Larger playgrounds will be fenced off from the public. 

The Town’s trails and parks are still open for use. The Town encourages residents to continue to remain active by taking walks, bike rides and spending time outdoors, while always practicing appropriate social distancing.

When using park amenities (park benches, picnic tables etc.), please also remember to practice social distancing. Do your best to avoid close contact with people outside of your immediate family. Stay at least 6ft or 1.8m away from other people.

As a reminder, please wash your hands frequently with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow. 

For more information on Town of Newmarket COVID-19 related news, visit newmarket.ca/covid19. For more information on COVID-19 visit york.ca/covid19. 

March 18, 2020: Newmarket declares a state of emergency
At the March 18 Emergency Council Meeting, Mayor John Taylor declared a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19 in the Town of Newmarket.

“This is an unprecedented time that most of us have never experienced in our lifetime. Declaring a state of an emergency is not to incite panic, but to incite action and allow the Town to dedicate more resources and be in a better position to respond to COVID-19.” says Mayor John Taylor. “It is time for us as a community to do our part to help flatten the curve and stabilize the spread of COVID-19. We need to listen to our Public Health Officials and seriously practice social distancing in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 to save lives.” 

Following the Declaration of a state of emergency, the Town will also be activating its Emergency Operations Centre on Thursday, March 19, 2020 in response to COVID-19. 

In addition to declaring a State of Emergency, the following decision points were also made at the Emergency Council Meeting:

Property tax penalty fees and interest waived 

The Town is looking for ways to help provide financial relief from property taxes to residents. For the time being, the Town of Newmarket is going to waive all late payment fees and interests on all property tax accounts. Late payments for the March 26 and April 28 property due dates will not be subject to any late payment fees or interests. The Town will come back in 30-60 days with more options and details on a property tax deferral plan. 

Support for Community Groups 

Newmarket Council approved up to $25,000 in support of community meal programs, enhanced community food bank operations or to be used for other community needs. Newmarket is also working with these community groups on contingency planning to ensure they are able to  meet the needs of the community during COVID-19. 

Cancellation of all Town of Newmarket Council and Committee of the Whole Meetings

All upcoming Council Meetings, including Committee of the Whole, Public Planning Meetings and Advisory Committee and Board Meetings are cancelled until further notice. 

Noise By-law exemption to allow for 24-hour service delivery

Newmarket Council reviewed its Noise By-law and it currently meets the requirement to allow all service or delivery trucks, who are providing essential services to continue with their business outside of current daytime hours. This will ensure all essential services and stores will be stocked for our community. 

For more information related to COVID-19, check back on this webpage. For more information on what Declaring a State of Emergency means, visit this webpage. 

March 17, 2020: Newmarket Council to hold COVID-19-related Emergency Council meeting

Town of Newmarket Council will meet on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 for a Special Council Meeting at 2 p.m. and an Emergency Council Meeting at 3 p.m. The Emergency Council Meeting will deal with Council matters related to the changing COVID-19 landscape.

The draft agenda for this meeting is available at newmarket.ca/meetings. As the Municipal Offices are now closed to the public, residents may watch the meeting live online at newmarket.ca/meetings. Please note that the video link will be available 15 minutes before the meeting is expected to start.

Residents who wish to submit comments, which will form part of the public record, may write to the Town Clerk at clerks@newmarket.ca

"As we all know this is a challenging time for all as we deal with the impact of COVID-19. I want to let all residents of Newmarket know that the Town is continuing to look for ways to support our community during these trying times." says Mayor John Taylor. "At this Emergency Council Meeting, Council will be making decisions on property tax deferral, financial support for community groups like the Newmarket Food Pantry and how we can continue to provide essential services to our community, while we continue to follow the Federal Government and the Province of Ontario's direction around social distancing."

As the COVID-19 landscape continues to change, the Town will keep all residents and community updated through:

For more information, please call 905-895-5193 or check back on our website.

March 16, 2020: Town of Newmarket closes Municipal Offices, Operations Centre and Central York Fire Service Offices to the public in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Following the closure of all Town of Newmarket Recreation and Culture facilities, the Town of Newmarket will be closing its Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive), Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre (1275 Maple Hill Court) and all Central York Fire Service Offices to the public as of 5 p.m. Monday, March 16. This closure will be in effect until further notice. The Town will continue, where possible, to provide services to residents by email or by phone 905-895-5193. 

These measures have been taken in support of the Province of Ontario's direction to facilitate social distancing to protect staff and residents from the spread of COVID-19. 

Other essential services provided by the Town that will continue to operate include, but are not limited to water and wastewater services, waste and recycling pick-up, general maintenance of Town-maintained roads, sidewalks and trails, customer service call centres, Central York Fire Services (emergency services) and more. 

Full list of building and facility closures: 

  • Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive)
  • Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre (1275 Maple Hill Court) 
  • All Central York Fire Station Offices 
  • Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (100 Eagle Street West)
  • Magna Centre (800 Mulock Drive)
  • NewRoads Performing Arts Centre / Newmarket Theatre (505 Pickering Crescent)
  • Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place (474 Davis Drive) 
  • Newmarket Youth Centre & Sk8 Park (56 Charles Street) 
  • Hollingsworth Arena (35 Patterson Street) 
  • Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street) 
  • Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main Street South) 
  • Newmarket's Community Centre and Lions Hall (200 Doug Duncan Drive) 
  • Newmarket Public Library (438 Park Avenue)

The Town will notify the public of future cancellations, openings and updates through:

COVID-19 Resources:

March 15, 2020: Mayor John Taylor tested negative for COVID-19
Mayor John Taylor is pleased to share with everyone that he has tested negative for COVID-19. The Mayor has been fully cleared by York Region Public Health and is not required to self-isolate anymore. Read the Mayor's full statement here.

March 13, 2020: Town of Newmarket responds to COVID-19 (coronavirus) with facility closures and program cancellations

With an abundance of caution, the Town of Newmarket will be closing all recreation and culture facilities and cancelling its programs, drop-in activities and March Break camps. The cancellation is effective Friday, March 13, 2020 at midnight through to Sunday, April 5. Facilities and programming will resume on Monday, April 6, pending further developments.

Town Cancellations & Closures 

The following Recreation and Culture facilities and programs will be cancelled: 

  • Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (100 Eagle Street West) 
  • Magna Centre (800 Mulock Drive) 
  • NewRoads Performing Arts Centre / Newmarket Theatre (505 Pickering Crescent) 
  • Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place (474 Davis Drive) 
  • Newmarket Youth Centre & Sk8 Park (56 Charles Street) 
  • Hollingsworth Arena (35 Patterson Street) 
  • Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street) 
  • Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main Street South)
  • Newmarket’s Community Centre and Lions Hall (200 Doug Duncan Drive) 
  • Newmarket Public Library (438 Park Ave) 

Those enrolled in the March Break camps and registered programs will receive a credit. This cancellation also impacts outside organizations with bookings at Town facilities. The Town is in the process of notifying organizations directly. 

Town offices in operation 

At this time, services at the Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive), the Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre (1275 Maple Hill Court) and Central York Fire Services will stay open to ensure essential services continue to be delivered. This includes, but is not limited to, water and wastewater services, waste and recycling pick-up, general maintenance of Town-maintained roads, sidewalks and trails, customer service centre and more. 

 For future cancellations, openings and updates, the Town will notify the public through: 

For more information on the closures and cancellations, check back on this webpage. All inquiries related to COVID-19 should be directed to York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, Monday to Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

For more information on COVID-19, visit York Region Public Health’s website at York.ca/covid19 or the Province of Ontario’s website at ontario.ca/coronavirus.

March 13, 2020: Mayor John Taylor tested for COVID-19
Mayor John Taylor is currently being tested for COVID-19. The Mayor was experiencing shortness of breath, nausea and fatigue. As a result, York Region Public Health decided, based on their screening process that he should be tested for COVID-19. 

Mayor Taylor is currently in self-isolation and awaiting for this test result. He is expected to receive his results in the next 72 hours. 

Read the Mayor's full statement here. 
March 6, 2020: Seniors' Meeting Place COVID-19 Information Session
York Region Public Health held a COVID-19 information session at the Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place to help answer inquiries on COVID-19 on March 6, 2020. 

 March 3, 2020: Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Newmarket's Seniors' Meeting Place  

The Town of Newmarket has been notified by York Region Public Health that patrons of the Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place (474 Davis Drive) may have been exposed to COVID-19.

The Newmarket resident in her 70s, who tested positive for COVID-19 on February 29 at Southlake Regional Health Centre after returning from Egypt, visited the Seniors' Meeting Place on February 22 and 24. The resident is currently in self-isolation at home.

Those who have come into close contact with the individual at the Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place have been identified by York Region's Medical Officer of Health and are being asked to self-isolate. York Region Public Health is conducting a risk assessment and contact follow-up.

All those who have been in the Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place but not in close contact are considered to be at low risk. The Medical Officer of Health has indicated that there is no need to reduce or cancel programming at this time.

The risk of York Region and Newmarket residents of COVID-19 continues to remain low and there is no evidence of community spread within York Region.

The Town is working closely with York Region Health to collaborate with local hospitals, emergency services and other health agencies to ensure prompt reporting and follow up of all individuals who may require testing for COVID-19.

March 1, 2020: York Region reports one new positive case of COVID-19 in Newmarket
Excerpt taken from York Region's Media Release:
The third new positive case is a female in her 70s from the Town of Newmarket and a contact of the recently reported positive Egypt travel-related Toronto case. She was in Egypt with the known Toronto case. She was tested and assessed at Southlake Regional Health Centre on Saturday, February 29. Since testing, she has been in self-isolation.

Read the full media release at york.ca/covid19