Newmarket takes steps to prioritize Canadian goods, services and jobs
Newmarket is taking steps to prioritize Canadian goods and services in response to implications from U.S. tariffs.
The Town of Newmarket will be increasing the Town’s procurement bylaw thresholds to allow for invitational procurements below the limits within the applicable trade treaties and implementing evaluation strategies to best support Canadian suppliers.
The Town is committed to supporting residents and businesses through education and partnerships with the local business community such as York Region, Central York Chamber of Commerce and the Newmarket Main Street District Business Improvement Area (BIA).
To support the local economy even further, the Town will be re-establishing the Business Assistance Concierge which was first introduced in 2020 during the pandemic. This program will connect impacted businesses to Federal and Provincial resources as they become available, including new Export Development Canada and Business Development bank funding.
Residents and community members can help support the local economy by following these tips:
- Skip the click and take a stroll. Instead of buying from non-Canadian online retailers, consider visiting a store within Newmarket to purchase your everyday products.
- When shopping, look for ‘Product of Canada’ or ‘Made in Canada’ labels as many amazing products are produced in Canada with a few made right here in Newmarket.
- Attend local events and festivals. Events often feature local vendors and businesses – which provide an opportunity to support the local economy.
- Use local services such as plumbers, electricians or service providers.
- Support Canadian farmers by purchasing produce from local markets such as the Newmarket Farmers’ Market which is set to open in May.
- Research Canadian brands and support local business where possible.
To learn more, read the Staff Report. For more information on business supports, please visit newmarket.ca/tradesupport
Asset Management overview and planning
Did you know that Newmarket has over three billion dollars worth of infrastructure assets? A Special Committee of the Whole meeting was held on March 24 to review the Town’s approach to Asset Management and plans for the future. Asset Management focuses on managing existing infrastructure like roads, bridges, parks, facilities, water, wastewater and stormwater.
Newmarket’s vision for Asset Management is to be innovative and fiscally responsible stewards of the Town’s infrastructure assets to benefit the community of today and long into the future. Council reviewed a 10-year plan for managing the assets based on a financial strategy, with the final plans to be adopted in June 2025.
A couple of highlights (from Statistics Canada):
- Newmarket’s roads are approximately 5% better than other communities throughout Canada
- Newmarket’s bridges are approximately 8% better than other communities throughout Canada
- Newmarket’s water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure are inline with other communities throughout Canada
The Town continues to take a proactive approach to developing and continuously improving how it manages all infrastructure assets to ensure they support the mission of making Newmarket even better and the vision of being a well beyond the ordinary.
The full 2025 Asset Management Plan for Newmarket will come forward to Council later this spring. For more information on the Town’s Asset Management plans, you can watch the meeting.
Newmarket continues to ensure the delivery of safe drinking water
For four years in a row, Newmarket has earned a perfect inspection score from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for compliance with legislation ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water!
Newmarket Council celebrated this special feat that speaks to the behind-the-scenes diligence and pride Newmarket takes in providing essential services to the community and keeping residents safe. Newmarket is responsible for maintaining 318 kilometres of the Town’s distribution watermains and providing water to 27,095 metered services. Every year, the province conducts inspections of municipal water systems.
The Town has maintained a perfect score for the last four years, demonstrating Council and Town staff's commitment to environmental sustainability and preserving our environmental assets.
The Annual Water Quality Report includes information stipulated within the Ontario Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002. See how we continue to provide the community with the highest quality of water at newmarket.ca/waterqualityreport or read the Staff Report.
Council celebrates Norooz and the arrival of spring
Newmarket Council celebrated and learned about Norooz, also knows as Persian New Year, with a presentation from Dela Fotoohi, Seniors Iranian Multicultural Association.
Dating back more than 3,000 years, Norooz marks the arrival of spring and is a vibrant celebration to welcome the new year. Today, it’s celebrated by millions globally and across cultures including Iranian, Pakistani, Afghan, Turkish, Tajik, and Kurdish. Festivities include the setting of the Haft-Seen table, family gatherings, festive meals, and cultural performances. Haft-Seen is a traditional table setting consisting of seven symbolic items, each representing a hope or blessing for the new year. The seven main items usually include:
- Serkeh (vinegar) – Symbolizing patience
- Seeb (apple) – Symbolizing beauty
- Seer (garlic) – Representing health
- Senjed (oleaster berry) – Symbolizing love
- Samanoo (wheat pudding) – Representing forgiveness
- Somaq (sumac) – Representing the sunrise
- Sabzeh (sprouts) – Symbolizing rebirth
Norooz is a time for reflection, joy, and the welcoming of new beginnings.
Watch the presentation to Council to learn more about Norooz.
Council encourages the community to share their input on topics and reminds residents that there are four ways to join the discussion (phone, email, in person, virtual). Learn more about how to join the discussion.