2025 Budget: Delivering important day-to-day services to the community
As the in-depth 2025 budget process continues, this Council session focused on tax-supported operating budgets which delivers on Council’s commitment to keep municipal taxes low while investing in assets and planning for the future.
The operating budget supports the day-to-day operations and services delivered to residents, including fire and emergency services, the public library, roads, bridges and sidewalks, community programs and events, facilities, parks and trails, waste management, by-law and licensing services, planning and development services.
This budget also includes a contribution to the asset management fund to ensure funds are available when assets need to be replaced. To deliver these important services, the proposed tax levy increase of 2.99% equates to an annual increase of an estimated $75 on the average home, for the Town’s portion of property taxes. This is based on an average residential home assessed by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (“MPAC”) at $711,000 (based on 2016 market values). The goal for the 2025 budget is to find the balance between keeping municipal taxes low while investing in Town’s infrastructure, preparing for the future and maintaining the high level of services that make Newmarket a top place to live in Canada. Residents can tune in for the draft budget presentation at Committee of the Whole on Monday, December 2. The budget will be before Council for approval on Monday, December 9. Watch the budget presentation from the Committee of the Whole on October 21 or read the Staff Report to hear more about the tax-supported operating budget or visit newmarket.ca/2025budget.
Town pilots innovative technology to enhance community outdoor ice rink
The popular Lions Park community outdoor rink will see enhancements for the upcoming season as it's been selected for a pilot project using an innovative new technology to create a longer and more sustainable season.
This new technology will be incredibly beneficial as recent winters have made it extremely challenging to maintain outdoor rinks. The Town will assume operations of the Lions Park outdoor rink, piloting a portable Refrigerated Rink System which helps to cool the ice and keep it cool during above zero temperatures. The rink will be similar in size to what has been offered in this space as a community rink (50 x 100 feet) and will operate 4 to 10 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. The rink will have designated times for shinney hockey and recreational skating based on age groups.
The community rink will now be operated by the Town. Council celebrated and recognized volunteer, Chris Howie who has dedicated countless hours the past decade to create and maintain the ice at Lions Park, organize events, collect donations for the local food bank, fundraise for non-profits and most importantly, support youth recreation within the community.
Given the environmental factors, and the demand for recreational ice use, this pilot program provides an excellent opportunity to enhance a service in a cost effective and sustainable manner. This pilot program will be evaluated this season and staff will report back to Council on the success and whether this technology provides an opportunity for reconsideration of a long-term approach to outdoor ice implementation.
Read the staff report to learn more and follow the Town to learn when it will open.
Town launches Council Priorities tracker highlighting Newmarket’s progress
At the half-way point in the Council term (2022 to 2026), the town unveiled an interactive digital progress tracker to promote transparency and showcase the progress made towards the five Council Priorities set for the term.
Residents are invited to explore the platform to see how we’re tracking on the five pillars:
- Community and Economic Vibrancy
- Customer-first Way of Life (enhanced by technology)
- Extraordinary Places and Spaces
- Environmental Sustainability
- Diverse, Welcoming and Inclusive Community
In spring 2023, Council adopted the five priorities and accompanying action items to act as a roadmap in ‘Setting the Stage for an Extraordinary Future’ throughout the current term (2022 – 2026).
Now the Town is taking another step forward in accountability, transparency and accessibility by bringing the Council Priorities to life through the new online progress tracker.
The digital tracker which was created in-house by Town staff, serves as a hub for all of Council's 2022-2026 priorities and the projects underway to achieve them. Featuring engaging visuals, key statistics, milestone trackers, and detailed information on Newmarket's projects and accomplishments, the site effectively tells the story of Newmarket's progress and achievements.
Watch the presentation to Council and explore the Council Priorities tracker at newmarket.ca/CouncilPriorities