Newmarket council is considering approvals for a 303-unit housing development at Leslie Street near the historic Bogart house.
Town staff is recommending official plan and zoning bylaw amendment approvals for the project at 16860 and 16920 Leslie St. at the June 20 committee of the whole meeting.
Council is also considering water rate increases and dissolving its site plan review committee.
Here is what NewmarketToday will be following:
Housing project up for approvals
A new development could be getting the key approvals it needs to go ahead with the construction of 303 homes.
The development on Leslie from Humphries Planning Group Inc. and 2394237 Ontario Inc. has been in the works for years, with applications dating back to 2012. The most recent submission came in April 2022, according to a staff report.
“The proposal has been revised to address technical comments, improve layout of open space and environmental areas, address heritage elements, increase connectivity and include a variety of dwelling types,” the staff report said.
Part of the holdup involved the historic Bogart House on the edge of the property. The proponent originally wanted to demolish the home, but now it will be restored and incorporated into the development.
The development will include townhomes, single-detached units and a possible future low-rise apartment.
Staff recommended a holding provision upon approval, with further refinement of the physical development within the condo blocks to come as part of site plan approval.
Water rates set to rise in 2023
The town is preparing a 3.8 per cent water and wastewater rate increase and a nine per cent stormwater rate increase for 2023.
A staff report said this is part of long-term financial plans, with a six-year forecast included for the rates.
The rates per 100 cubic feet of water are currently $5.93 for water and $6.709 for wastewater. An average residential customer will pay $1,313 for all of 2022, according to the town, with a 3.8 per cent increase amounting to approximately $1,363 for next year.
Stormwater rates vary on the size of the property. But in 2022, it amounted to approximately $10.71 for low-runoff natural areas, $50.92 for medium-runoff structures like residences and $122.91 for high-runoff buildings like industrial.
Site plan review committee ending
Town council will consider dissolving its site plan review committee due to provincial legislative changes.
The province’s More Homes for Everyone Act requires municipalities to refund fees if decisions or approvals do not come within legislative timelines. Staff said a 60-day timeline for site plan applications will not allow for detailed review by a site-plan committee and instead propose dedicated internal meetings with the mayor, deputy mayor and ward councillor for applications.
The committee of the whole meeting is on Monday, June 20 at 1 p.m. You can watch the meeting streamed live through newmarket.ca/meetings or in person at the municipal office at 305 Mulock Dr. You can send correspondence or pre-register for a deputation by contacting [email protected].
