Construction is underway for a 21-storey apartment complex on Yonge Street in Newmarket as officials gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony today, Oct. 21.
Redwood on Yonge is starting to rise, with builders working on the first of three rental apartment buildings at 17645 Yonge St. across from Upper Canada Mall. Redwood Properties plans to build a 212-unit, 21-storey tower in its first phase, followed by similar 19-storey and 17-storey towers to come.
Government officials visited the site to mark the start of construction, which began last week. After years in the planning stages, Redwood's Richard Aubry said it is wonderful to reach this moment.
“This has been a long, long, long story, and we’re finally here and we’re finally seeing it come to fruition,” Aubry said. “We're very proud to be part of this next move in Newmarket, seeing Yonge Street and Davis Drive turn into really amazing communities … creating a dynamic town where there’s housing choice, housing options and more affordable options.”
The first apartment building is estimated to be ready for occupancy in 2026. The vision for the development is higher-end, with high-quality amenities, party rooms, a rooftop terrace, swimming pool, splash pads and more. The apartments received zoning approval in 2018, but market conditions led to delays in starting construction, according to Aubry.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said there have been many meetings over the years regarding this site.
“We’re seeing something amazing happen,” Taylor said. “We want to make sure we’re a community that has all built forms that have housing for everyone. That means at all spectrums, and all built forms, and all the types … Half the kids in high school today will rent for life. They need options. They need places to live in our communities.”
York Region chair and CEO Wayne Emmerson said this development is a long time coming.
“But good things do come when everybody works together,” Emerson said. “By adding new housing units, Redwood on Yonge helps address one of the most critical challenges facing our community today: access to housing. As our region continues to grow, it’s essential we have housing for people of all ages and stages of life.”
The property was once set to be home to an adult living community called Slessor Square. The municipality approved that development, but it fell through, after which Redwood Properties bought the property and began working on the current development.
Newmarket-Aurora Dawn Gallagher Murphy said this build is thanks to Redwood’s commitment to building homes for Ontarians.
“These building approvals take a lot of effort and due diligence by many parties, and I appreciate that things got done because here we are today,” Gallagher Murphy said. “I know there are many residents who I speak with who are looking to downsize and having the option to stay in their community and rent will provide an amazing alternative.”
