Council approves 2024 Budget
After many months of deliberation and engagement with the community to limit the financial impact to residents as much as possible, Newmarket Council approved a fiscally responsible 3.99 per cent tax increase (Town Portion) for the 2024 Budget. Newmarket property taxes remain 10 per cent lower than the GTA average.
The 2024 Budget finds a balance between keeping municipal taxes low, while maintaining a high level of services, and more recreational opportunities that make Newmarket a top place to live in Canada. The 3.99 per cent equates to a $96 ($8 per month) increase for the average assessed home at $709,000*.
A one per cent increase for recreational capital projects will go towards the continued expansion of recreation in Newmarket, including outdoor skating, tennis and pickleball courts, parks, trails, sports pads and more. Newmarket residents continue to have a strong desire for the continued expansion of recreation opportunities in Newmarket. This is a proactive step towards planning for the future, recognizing that the cost of all capital projects have risen 30 – 40 per cent and that the Town will have less revenues from development charges as a result of Bill 23.
The total approved 2024 Operating Budget is $160.1 million, and the Capital Budget is $70.6 million with a combined total of $230.7 million. The 2024 Budget also includes an annual increase of $48 ($4 per month) on the water and wastewater bill and an increase of $125 ($10 per month) for the stormwater charge for the average assessed home in Newmarket*. The 2024 Budget will continue to be aligned with Newmarket's Fiscal Strategy that ensures the Town's future sustainability as a community.
Learn more about the 2024 budget in the Media Release, or visit newmarket.ca/2024budget.
*The average assessed home by MPAC is valued at $709,000 in Newmarket. Property Assessments are conducted by MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation). All properties are valued in the state and condition as of January 1, 2016 and may not reflect the current market value.
Town adopts Temporary Patio Program Policy
In 2015, Council approved a pilot program allowing temporary patios in public spaces. The pilot program has seen steady participation and since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town has seen an increase in interest from restaurants. With the demand, and to further support local businesses, Council has endorsed a formal policy for the Temporary Patio Program.
The policy outlines different aspects of the program including eligibility, types of temporary patios, applications, evaluation criteria, operating requirements, and fees and charges.
A municipal review and consultation with the community led to the development of the new policy. Some of the key enhancements in the formal policy are the option for multi-year approval and earlier application periods to allow for sufficient preparation and patio installation.
There are three types of approved patios:
- Small frontage temporary patios, which are situated in open space against a building wall, without umbrellas, fencing, or enclosures.
- Cubside/walkway patios, which are located adjacent to an eating establishing. These patios follow strict guidelines for safety and accessibility.
- Parking space patios, which use existing parking spaces and must adhere to safety guidelines. Recognizing the importance of parking in the business improvement area, a maximum of six parking space patios (up to a maximum of 12 parking spaces total) will be allocated.
The application period will open January 1, 2024. To learn more about the policy, read the Staff Report or watch the presentation.
Council receives update on the future of pickleball in Newmarket
Newmarket is continuing to support the growth of pickleball, a rapidly growing sport in North America, with the construction of a dedicated pickleball facility.
After a thorough site selection process, Town staff are recommending the construction of a new facility with 14 to 20 courts located at the north end of George Richardson Park (Bayview Parkway), with a bubble for the fall/winter season.
Several criteria are reviewed through this process, including distance from residential housing, parking, potential displacement of other facilities, capacity to grow, as well as the location of existing facilities to ensure distribution of recreation access across the community.
Following that selection process, the location at the north end of George Richardson Park effectively meets the criteria. This will include a clubhouse facility with changerooms/washrooms and between 14 to 20 courts.
In selecting a location, discussions were held with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), who has provided assurances that a pickleball facility and clubhouse can be constructed. The Newmarket Soccer Club was also consulted about field use, and this is the ideal location from their perspective as the current field is only used for practices.
As with any location option, noise mitigation strategies will be in place to ensure noise remains at a manageable level. Noise mitigation measures can include further development of the existing berm, additional tree plantings, and acoustic fencing; the combination of these can significantly reduce noise.
Finalizing the location of the new pickleball facility will occur in the new year when a future report comes back to Council.
To learn more about the future of pickleball in Newmarket, read the Staff Report or watch the discussion from the Council Meeting.