Proposed route in place for Mulock multi-use path in Newmarket

The proposed route for a 6.3-kilometre multi-use path on Newmarket’s Mulock Drive has been presented to town council. 

Consultant David McLaughlin of WSP, who was brought in by the town earlier this year to assess the feasibility of the path, presented a plan yesterday for the pedestrian and bike trail, including three potential routes that run along Mulock between Bathurst Street and Harry Walker Parkway. 

He said the assessment factored in many considerations, including existing utility poles and guard rails, grade changes, bus stops, the number of commercial driveways, and minimizing the impact to trees along the route. 

With those considerations in place, McLaughlin presented the preferred path to council. 

Starting at Bathurst Street and heading east, the preferred route will go along the south side of Mulock, taking advantage of existing pathways, before crossing to the north side at Columbus Way. 

The proposed route continues on the north side of the street to Yonge Street and the Viva stop there, providing a connection to transit, however, McLaughlin said they will need to consult with York Region on what direction they want for cyclists at that intersection. 

The pathway continues on the north side of Mulock, due to a larger number of commercial driveways on the south side of the street, and connects to Tom Taylor Trail by Newmarket's municipal offices, before crossing back to the other side at Fernbank Road to take advantage of an existing trail system there. 

At Leslie Street, the multi-use path would cross back to the north side of Mulock and carry one there, ending at Harry Walker Parkway South. 

Members of council praised the proposed plan.

“It is an incredible return on your investment and provides joy to so many people for so many years,” Mayor John Taylor. “This is an exceptional opportunity for us to continue to stand out as a town of trails.” 

A multi-use pathway had been part of the mayor’s platform during the election.