Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Newmarket diversity, equity, and inclusion logo

Being your authentic self makes Newmarket even better!

Our Vision:

The Town of Newmarket strives to be a leader in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our vision is to cultivate a workplace and community where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. By embracing the strength found in our differences and fostering inclusive environments, we unlock greater innovation, creativity, and organizational success.  

Together, we are building a resilient, healthy, and equitable community where everyone experiences a true sense of belonging and has the opportunity to thrive.  

Commitment Statement:

At the Town of Newmarket, we believe that diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and inclusion is essential for fostering a vibrant, innovative, and supportive community. We are committed to understanding and meeting the diverse needs of all people within our community. This includes ensuring that persons with disabilities have equitable access to all Town programs, goods, services, and facilities, allowing them to benefit from the same services, in the same place, and in a similar way as others, respecting the four core principles of:  

  • Independence  
  • Dignity  
  • Integration  
  • Equal Opportunity  

The Town of Newmarket’s accessibility policies are grounded in our Strategic Plan vision of a community that is ‘Well Beyond the Ordinary’ and our employee mission of “Making Newmarket Even Better” by:  

  • enriching lives; and,  
  • increasing accessibility; and,  
  • striving for service excellence; and,  
  • improving inter-connectivity; and,  
  • being well respected in achieving balanced living.  

Inclusion Charter

The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies with a shared commitment to creating an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play in York Region. 

Together, we share the vision of a welcoming and inclusive community where diversity is celebrated, individuals can develop to their full potential, and everyone can live dignity, respect and freedom from discrimination.

The Town of Newmarket is committed to taking action to support the vision of the Charter within our organization and throughout community we serve.

Workplace Commitments

Equitable Hiring and Advancement: We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting a diverse workforce. Our hiring processes are intentionally inclusive and designed to eliminate barriers and biases at every stage.  

Inclusive Workplace Support: We provide accommodations and resources that enable all employees to succeed, ensuring everyone can fully participate and contribute to their roles. We proactively identify and address the diverse needs of our workforce.  

Safe and Respectful Work Environment: We uphold a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, violence and bullying. Reports of such behavior are addressed with urgency and care, reinforcing our commitment to a safe, supportive, and equitable workplace.  

Learning, Training and Capacity Building 

Creating an inclusive workplace requires continuous learning and reflection. The Town provides ongoing opportunities for staff to build knowledge and awareness through: 

  • Foundational equity, diversity and inclusion training 
  • Anti-Black Racism education and learning initiatives 
  • Inclusive workplace and accessibility education 
  • Department-specific training and onboarding support 
  • Collaborative learning opportunities with municipal and community partners 
  • Support the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Advocacy) Group and other employee-led initiatives that foster belonging, learning, and connection. These groups and initiatives, provide safe spaces for staff with shared experiences or identities while also welcoming allies to participate, learn, and advocate together.  

Foundational and Ongoing Actions

The following actions represent foundational and ongoing steps the Town has taken to advance equity, diversity and inclusion: 

  • Working with diverse communities to help ensure Town programs, services and initiatives reflect the needs of all residents. 
  • Implementing initiatives that strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion and support a welcoming environment for employees, residents and visitors. 
  • Installing a Land Acknowledgement plaque at Town Hall in recognition of Indigenous Peoples and the ongoing importance of reconciliation. 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Action

The Town continues to advance equity, diversity and inclusion across municipal services and operations. This work supports ongoing learning, inclusive service delivery and equitable decision-making throughout the organization. 

Current Initiatives 

  • Application of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lens to support inclusive planning and service delivery. 
  • Collaboration with departments to strengthen equitable practices across programs, services and community engagement. 
  • Working with regional equity, diversity and inclusion partners and municipalities to advance shared learning, collaboration and region-wide change. 
  • Ongoing work to support inclusive and accessible public participation in municipal projects and initiatives. 
  • Development of tools and resources to help staff integrate equity considerations into planning, programs and policies. 
  •  The Town actively acknowledges Days of Cultural and Religious Significance to promote awareness, learning and a sense of belonging across our employee community. 

Community Input in Action

Community voices help shape how the Town plans and delivers services. Engagement activities are typically led by project teams, with the work aligning with and supporting the Town’s Council Priorities across the organization. Recent examples include the Newmarket's Official Plan Review, South of Davis Area Study, and Mulock Park, where targeted engagement with residents and equity-deserving groups helped inform planning decisions and ensure diverse perspectives were considered in the final approaches. This work supports the Town’s Council Priorities, particularly building a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community, creating extraordinary places and spaces, and strengthening community and economic vibrancy.

Resources