Newmarket’s former fire operations centre could find a new lease on life as the town explores how to repurpose the downtown building.
The town is issuing a request for proposals for a company to explore and consult with the public on how to use the space. The 626 Timothy St. building, once used by Central York Fire Services, is now mostly unused with the fire department opening a new headquarters last September. Committee of the whole agreed Jan. 30 to issue the request.
Although the staff report does not specify what the purpose could become, it does suggest an artistic direction. Councillor Bob Kwapis said redeveloping another town property is fantastic to see.
“I do want to see something interesting and exciting to bring vibrancy to that area of town,” Kwapis said.
The resolution will see a proponent create a vision for development of the site, based on community engagement, a process that staff indicated could take the rest of the year. A second phase after that, if council approves it, would see the development of a business plan and facility costing.
“This project will also identify the potential of this site as an “Arts” focal point within Newmarket,” the staff report said. “The town has an established, burgeoning arts scene that with further nurturing, can be a strong community differentiator within the GTA. This can directly influence the attraction of businesses and residents to Newmarket.”
The facility is situated next to NewMakeIt, a multi-functional creative operation that offers workshops.
The interior of the former operations centre is going unused, with the fire department only using some of the outside areas for training, CAO Ian McDougall said.
Kwapis raised the possibility of finding a pop-up or something else to use the building in the meantime, so the town can generate some revenue. McDougall said that could be explored.
“Although we do really want to focus our time and energy on engaging the public, getting a vision, and trying to move forward on something meaningful long-term,” he said.
If the town proceeds with a proposal in a second phase, staff said it would seek minimal town contribution in capital costs and no impact on the operating budget. Instead, the town would offer a flexible lease, possible at zero dollars.
With the town facing a possible 7.67 per cent tax increase this year, Taylor said seeking a redevelopment vision does not commit the town to any significant investment.
“We need to spend the time while we have it, think it through,” he said, adding that the request for proposals is “a relatively prudent, low-cost, first step.”
