Council received preliminary budget estimates for 2024
Preliminary 2024 budget discussions have begun with a target tax increase of 2.99%. With inflation for 2024 forecasted to be higher than the normalized 2%, 2024 will be another year of tight budgeting as the Town continues to face various financial pressures. The Town's budget is made up of the following categories: Operating Budgets: Support day-to-day operations and include net costs to maintain infrastructure. Capital Budget: Funds the purchase and construction for infrastructure, land, buildings, machinery, equipment and other assets. Reserve and Reserve Fund Budget: Derived from the operating and capital budgets, includes planned contributions, and allocation of surpluses or deficits. Budget deliberations and public engagement will continue, with budget approval expected in December. Staff will continue to review all options with the goal of achieving the target tax levy of 2.99% with no service level changes. From now through November, residents can get involved in the process and provide feedback to Council in several ways: Attend or watch an upcoming meeting. Visit newmarket.ca/meetings for details. Join the discussion at an upcoming meeting through a deputation. Share your comments and feedback by emailing finance@newmarket.ca Share your comments with your local ward Councillor. Town of Newmarket Staff will be at the Newmarket Farmers' Market on Saturday, October 21 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by to learn about the 2024 budget, ask questions and share your feedback. Watch the presentation or read the Staff Report to learn more about the Town's preliminary draft budget. Learn more at newmarket.ca/2024budget
Council provides response to Province's Housing Affordability Task Force recommendations
Newmarket Council has provided their response to the Province of Ontario's Housing Affordability Task Force (HATF) recommendations. In a letter sent to municipalities in September of this year, the Province asked municipalities to provide their position on the recommendations by October 16 to be eligible for the $1.2 billion Building Faster Fund. Council's position on the recommendations will be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The 74 recommendations have been assessed by Town Staff and an indication of support or opposition has been identified. In some instances, additional information has been included to provide rationale for the decision. The Staff assessment has taken into consideration Council and Staff's priorities, vision and expectations for the community. Newmarket Council believes in the importance of affordable housing and supports a number of the recommendations made by the Province. However, given the deadline for a response, Council also expressed concern about the Province's timeline and decision-making process. To learn more, read the Staff Report.
Central Newmarket Community Action Table (CNCAT) provides community update
The Central Newmarket Community Action Table (CNCAT) provided an update to Council on new initiatives in Newmarket, recent accomplishments, and how Council can help. CNCAT is a collaborative planning table, created to address unique local issues and identify solutions for targeted geographic locations within Newmarket. As part of their work in Central Newmarket and Newmarket Heights, CNCAT's initiatives include supporting monthly community dinners, hosting tax and legal aid clinics, and offering quick action grants. The purpose of the quick action grants is to provide residents and agencies with resources to implement their ideas that address two critical issues: mental well-being and housing stability in the community. CNCAT shared with Council different ways they can consider getting involved, including: promoting activities with constituents, providing space for events, attend the Community Action Table Second Annual celebration on October 14, and more. To learn more, see the presentation from CNCAT and check out its website at linkingnewmarket.ca. Council encourages the community to share their input on topics and reminds residents that there are four ways to join the discussion (phone, email, in person, virtual). Learn more about how to join the discussion.