Newmarket can craft a new identity as a hub for arts and culture, the town’s mayor told business and community leaders at an annual luncheon.
Mayor John Taylor presented an update on the municipality’s progress at a Newmarket Chamber of Commerce mayor’s luncheon April 25 at the Old Town Hall. He spoke about the town’s efforts in housing, advocacy and economic development.
Drawing on examples like Nashville, New Orleans, and Austin, he said Newmarket can brand itself based on the arts. Referring to how his grandfather, his father and himself have all acted on stage at the Old Town Hall, he said the town has a history to draw from.
“People are looking for quality of life. They’re looking for urban energy,” he said. “They’re looking for arts, culture and urban experience. I believe we can deliver that.”
The annual event gives the mayor the chance to converse with leaders in the community. This year's speech was focused on the town's plans for progressing economically.
A successful rebranding will help Newmarket, Taylor said. He referred to Toronto and how Newmarket can be an alternative to it.
“People want to be in Toronto. They think it’s very exciting, they can go see events, culture,’ he said but added that many do not want to live or commute to Toronto. “Newmarket offers all of that. We can brand that and say this is the place that has all that excitement, energy, creativity, arts and culture. This is where you should locate.”
But the town still faces challenges with housing. Taylor highlighted efforts toward more affordable housing developments but said many cannot hope to afford new private market housing with what they make.
He repeated a call to develop rental housing and said it would have to become a focal point.
“Fifty per cent of the high school students today will not own a home, ever,” Taylor said. “The number could be higher.
“We might say we cannot give up on the dream of owning your own home,” he added. “We need to have an adult conversation here in our community and nationally about this because we’re not going to keep up with the demand.”
As for future downtown plans, Taylor was asked about making downtown pedestrian-only. He said plans for that were delayed but in an ideal world, running a pilot for that downtown will come in the summer of 2024.
“It’s very important we have as much of the downtown community excited and on side,” he said. “We’re going to hold some meetings and create some excitement and energy around the concept.”
Chamber of commerce president Chris Emanuel said the business community also has its part in progressing the town and expressed appreciation to them.
The businesses “work hard to make sure we have the best community to live in, to raise a family and to employ people,” he said.
