Speed cameras coming to community safety zones in Newmarket
Council approved locations for 14 speed cameras in community safety zones across Newmarket to help reduce speeds, collisions, injuries and fatalities. The cameras will be installed as part of a new automated speed enforcement (ASE) program that is expected to launch in early 2024.
ASE is a new tool for municipalities to improve road safety. This system is proven to reduce speeds in community safety zones (including schools), which is the focus of ASE programs due to the vulnerability of users (children) and persistent complaints about unsafe driver behaviour.
Camera locations are based on traffic data, as well as legislative and camera system requirements. Council approved cameras in the following locations:
- Ward 1: Stonehaven Avenue, Kingsmere Avenue
- Ward 2: Gorham Street, Srigley Street (East)
- Ward 3: Patterson Street, Wayne Drive
- Ward 4: Longford Drive, Bristol Road (East)
- Ward 5: Queen Street, William Roe Boulevard
- Ward 6: Savage Road, Clearmeadow Boulevard
- Ward 7: Woodspring Avenue (West), Woodspring Avenue (East)
The program will include ample education leading up to its launch, including a required 90 days posted notice in the locations before cameras start operating.
Read the Staff Report to learn more about the program or visit newmarket.ca/speedcameras.
Housing target for Newmarket
To ensure an ambitious yet achievable housing target is set for Newmarket, Council directed staff to recommend a housing target based on information related to planning applications, building permits, sewage allocation and housing market trends.
The recommendation will provide an overall housing target, as well as a rental housing target and a subsidized/not for profit housing target.
Once approved by Council, the recommended housing target will be provided to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Newmarket Council continues Official Plan Review
At the two Council Workshops, Council was presented with a summary of engagement results to date and discussed preliminary policy directions on 10 areas of concentration.
Once completed, Newmarket's updated Official Plan will serve as a blueprint for how the Town intends to grow over the next 30 years and is the Town's primary land use planning policy document.
Throughout the engagement process, participants have provided feedback through visioning workshops, meetings, surveys, community pop-ups and more. Here's what we've heard:
- Use existing infrastructure for placemaking opportunities such as using the school property after school hours for community activities.
- Encourage a range of housing in Town, including affordable and age-friendly housing.
- Support business opportunities, such as encouraging growth from different sectors including food services, healthcare and social assistance, arts, entertainment, and recreation.
- Create transit-oriented, bike-friendly, walkable, accessible, and connected development, supporting overall connectivity throughout the Town.
- Prioritize safety during transportation improvements, such as having dedicated bike lanes.
- Encourage an inclusive and accessible public spaces throughout the Town (e.g., universal design, age-friendly design).
- Continue to support amenities throughout the Town that are meeting spots for residents and visitors, as well as help develop Town identity and character.
- South of Davis Area (SODA) is to be a community space that will not only cater to the needs of the residents but also make a noteworthy destination.
- Continue to preserve and enhance existing natural heritage assets.
- Encourage development that fosters a sense of community.
Learn more from the September 11, 2023 presentation and the September 18, 2023 presentation.
There are many opportunities for residents and community members to stay involved in the Official Plan Review. Visit heynewmarket.ca/newmarketop for project news and to sign up to receive updates. You can also submit questions to the Town at newmarketop@newmarket.ca.
Council amends Town's Idling Control By-law
As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Council approved an amendment to the Town's Idling Control By-law to remove the temperature exemption. The temperature exemption has been replaced with a new section that allows idling when required for the purposes of health and safety.
A resident provided a deputation on the Idling Control By-law at a Council meeting in April 2023, and as a result, Council directed Town staff to review the matter.
The previous temperature exemption permitted vehicle operators to idle their vehicles for longer than two minutes if their vehicle's ambient temperature was more than 27 degrees Celsius or less than five degrees Celsius; this was challenging to enforce.
Now, in line with other municipalities, drivers cannot idle for more than two minutes, except when required for the safety or welfare of the operator, passengers or animals.
The Town will continue an education-first approach. However, when compliance can't be met, officers now have the ability to ticket drivers using our administrative monetary penalty system, as opposed to the provincial court system. This is a more streamlined approach.
Since 2005 Newmarket has been committed to being idle-free. Idling has a negative impact on the environment through emissions, people's health by contributing to air pollution and now more than ever, to your wallet. What many don't realize is idling can also damage your vehicle's engine and exhaust. To learn more about the amendment, read the Staff Report.
Council values input from residents and encourages participation in topics discussed at Council. There are four ways to join the discussion: email, live video conference, phone in live, and attend in person. Learn more about how to get involved