The Town of Newmarket is forging ahead with the $40-million Mulock Park project that will be developed over the next five years.
Council unanimously approved funding for the project at a special meeting today. The massive project is to include features such as a gardens, an art studio, skating trail, splash pad, natural playground and more on the former site of Mulock Farm.
Mayor John Taylor said it is an “important moment in the history of the town.”
“We have before us what I believe is a vision and a plan for a park in the town of Newmarket that will rival any in the Greater Toronto Area. We are building something here for generations to come,” Taylor said.
The project is not being funded by tax dollars, with the majority of funding coming from development charges of $32.2 million. The municipality is also accounting for other developer contributions and parkland contributions.
Councillors questioned an expected $16-million shortfall the project is expected to generate in other parts of the recreation and parks budget. But the project represents less than half of the expected recreation capital funding coming from non-tax sources within 10 years, estimated at $88.4 million. Director of financial services Mike Mayes said the shortfall could be covered by grants or other funding sources.
Taylor said communities do not generally look that far ahead for funding sources.
“That, I would argue, is relatively small when you’re trying to account for everything in a 10-year period,” Taylor said.
Councillor Kelly Broome said she does not think the project is out of line with what other municipalities are doing.
“Although the price tag seems a little excessive, when was the last time we made an investment like this?” Broome said. “The timing is right.”
A full story on the proposed design elements of the project is available here.
The next steps are detailed design work over the next six to 12 months, with regular updates to the community and council. After that, tenders would start going out to secure contractors.
Taylor added an amendment to the resolution requesting staff to make all efforts possible to begin construction in 2022. He said the sooner the better for citizens to see and experience the park.
“Our community is invested,” he said.
