What happened at the Council Meeting on November 20:
2024 budget discussions continue
The 2024 budget process continued with a presentation on the tax-supported operating budget. With a proposed target tax increase of 2.99% for 2024, the budget aims to maintain service levels, and ensure that we're meeting the needs of the community now and in the future.
The tax-supported operating budget supports the day-to-day operations, which include Central York Fire Services, Newmarket Public Library, and the Downtown Business Improvement Area.
Based on an average residential home assessed at $709,000, the annual increase for the Town's portion is $72. Property taxes are calculated based on how much your home is worth according to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation in the state and conditions as of the January 1, 2016 market value.
Council will continue budget discussions at the December 4 Committee of the Whole meeting, including the intention to increase Fees and Charges for 2024. The Town intends to change the Fees and Charges to catch up with inflation (increases were waived in 2020 and 2021).
The draft budget will be presented to Council on December 4 at the Committee of the Whole Meeting with targeted approval on December 11.
Watch the presentation to hear more about the Town's Tax-Supported Operating Budget or learn more at newmarket.ca/2024budget. You can also follow the Town's social feeds for the "Budget Bits & Bites" series to learn more and for a chance to win a Choose Local card.
Animal Services celebrates one-year milestone
Council received an update on the first year of Newmarket's in-house Animal Services program, as well as future considerations for the continued success of the program. Launched in July 2022, the Animal Services team ensures that Newmarket's pets and wildlife are well cared for.
In its first year, Animal Services responded to 2,175 calls for service. Most of the calls received were for services that required Officer attendance to provide care for either domestic or wild animals. These can include sick or injured wildlife, stray animals or providing police assistance with animals.
Some highlights from Animal Services' first year include:
- A robust in-house training program for new Animal Services staff, including lectures and discussions, as well as practical training for aggressive dog handling and wildlife handling.
- Launching 24/7 on-call response to animal emergencies. Recognizing that animal emergencies can happen at any time, the Town has established a 24/7 on-call service for response to animal emergencies (e.g., confined stray dogs, public safety risks, etc.).
- A partnership with VCA Canada 404 Emergency Veterinarian Hospital.
- Creating the Transparent Wildlife Care Initiative. In our commitment to animal welfare, the Town will track the journey of wildlife that comes into our care and will share it with residents upon request, providing peace of mind that animals are well cared for.
- Expanding the Town's rehabilitation network to work with licensed organizations who specialize in wildlife animal rescues and rehabilitation. Many municipal Animal Service departments rely on licensed organizations to offer specialized wildlife care and rehabilitation.
With the successful implementation of the in-house Animal Services team, staff are eager to continue exploring future improvements throughout the term of Council, including reviewing the Animal Control By-law, and exploring additional paid services.
Read more about Animal Services review and project plan in the Staff Report or learn more at newmarket.ca/animalservices.
Mayor Taylor presents Certificate of Achievement to Caleb Ko
Mayor Taylor presented Newmarket's Caleb Ko with a Certificate of Achievement for his accomplishments in archery at the Ontario Summer Games. Caleb earned three medals during the games in 2022, including one gold and two silver medals, and competes as part of the York County Bowman Archery Club.
Caleb was joined by friends, family, and coaches as he accepted his plaque. He is expected to compete in the upcoming 2024 Ontario Winter Games in Thunder Bay.