The Town of Newmarket has sold land in the downtown Riverwalk Commons area near Ground Burger Bar.
The municipality announced in September the disposition of land immediately north and south of the restaurant at 352 Doug Duncan Dr., after it was declared surplus by council Nov. 20, 2023 after a closed session report and discussion.
The land is to be purchased by 5018206 Ontario Inc. The municipality’s legal department said part of the land has been used as patio space, while other parts are unusable.
“Part of the town lands being sold currently accommodate portions of patios located at the 352 Doug Duncan Dr. property since 2014 and 2017 under encroachment agreements registered on title to the property,” the municipality said. “The remaining town lands being sold are vacant and not suitable for use due to the area’s steeply sloped and heavily overgrown topography."
5018206 Ontario Inc. lists its president as Rob Buckley of longtime local family business Buckley Insurance Brokers Ltd. The Buckley family also owns Ground Burger Bar.
The sale is still being finalized. As such, the municipality said it could not disclose the purchase price for the lands in question.
The municipality has a surplus land policy, which states that such potential properties will be circulated to all town departments for comment before coming to council for a decision.
The municipality is also required to put up a notice for such land sales.
Before this, Newmarket last sold off land in June 2022. After years in the works, it sold off 35 Patterson St. to Briarwood, consolidating it with neighbouring land for a proposed redevelopment of the Kingsley Square condos.
Any inquiries can be directed to town senior solicitor Antonietta Mollicone at 905-895-5193, ext. 2435, or at [email protected] before Oct. 10.
