2024 budget discussions continued
2024 budget discussions continued with a focus on budget for capital projects and rate-supported operating budgets for water, wastewater, stormwater and building services.
The Capital Budget funds the purchase and construction for infrastructure, land, buildings, machinery, equipment and other assets. In considering the budget for Capital Projects finance considers the staffing capacity to deliver the projects and funding to support programs.
The rate-supported operating budgets are developed based on Council's decision on the 2023 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Ten-Year Financial Plans.
Council will continue budget discussions at the November 13 Committee of the Whole meeting.
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.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to check out the Town's social media channels for Budget Bits & Bites to learn more, get engaged and even have a chance to win a Choose Local Newmarket gift card. The draft budget which will be presented to Council on December 4 at the Committee of the Whole Meeting for targeted approval on December 11.
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 sets ambitious housing pledge
Council set an ambitious housing pledge for Newmarket to support 6,400 new housing units in the community by 2031, including 1,250 rental units and 400 non-profit/subsidized units. This goal is set with a strong commitment to housing while also considering the Town's water and wastewater constraints and other factors that can affect the development of housing.
Newmarket is one of a few municipalities to specifically set a target for rental and subsidized housing, recognizing a need to focus on both building supply and housing affordability.
The Town's Housing Pledge will be sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as a response to the province-directed original housing target of 12,000 new homes in the same time.
Municipalities have a role in planning for growth, but the construction of housing units after planning approval is beyond municipal responsibility or control. Many factors which impact the ability to deliver housing units, such as:
- Sanitary sewage capacity to accommodate the homes and its occupants
- High interest rates
- High cost of building materials
- Insufficient labour force to keep up with demand
Note: The Town's historical 10-year average housing growth rate has been approximately 375 units built per year based on building permits taken out for construction, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). A target of 6,400 housing units by 2031 is 147% more homes built than the historical average in Newmarket. The Town continues to take initiative to streamline housing development in Newmarket.
Watch the discussion or read the Staff Report to learn more about the Town's Housing Pledge.
Council welcomes Kevin Mills home
Council welcomes hometown hero and national athlete, Kevin Mills back to Newmarket after he peddled 8,400 kilometers across Canada from coast to coast to promote activity-based therapy, accessibility and inclusivity for persons with disabilities.
Kevin demonstrated that a trip of this magnitude is possible for all levels of ability, illustrating that accessible recreation and activity are possible for all.
Before he departed on his four-month journey, Kevin presented his trip and organization, Peddling Possibilities, to Council in a deputation in the spring. On July 19, Mills made a stop in Newmarket on his journey and was cheered on by the community and members of Council and received a "Key to the City" in recognition of his commitment to raising awareness for accessibility. On November 2, the community celebrated his accomplishment and welcomed him back home at an event at Old Town Hall.
Learn more about Kevin's journey at https://www.pedalingpossibilities.ca/