Newmarket council members are giving their first public consideration for a new Costco building proposed near Highway 404.
The town’s site plan review committee is discussing the next stage of the large retail development complex from Rice Group Dec. 6. Council will also meet that day to discuss the budget, the Bradford bypass and a report on dismantling racism.
Here is what NewmarketToday will be following:
Retail complex update
Rice Group is due to provide an update on its plans for its ongoing retail complex development 1250 Davis Dr. and 1240 Twinney Dr.
With phase one of the development already under construction, including several retail stores, the company is now looking for a site plan amendment to start on the next phase. That phase includes a large format retail store and gas bar, planned to be a new Costco based on planning submissions.
The review will occur at a site plan advisory committee beginning at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6.
Staff is recommending technical review continue to ensure conformity with the zoning bylaw and official plan.
Anti-black racism
Newmarket’s Anti-Black Racism Task Force is delivering its final report and recommendations for the town to address racism.
The report suggests forming an advisory committee to help implement dozens of recommendations, including hiring more Black staff, collecting data, and partnering to address health care discrimination.
Staff is recommending they report back in the third quarter of 2022 on an action plan for how to implement the town-related recommendations.
Bradford bypass
The opposition to the Bradford bypass is appealing to Newmarket council to aid in their cause.
Two delegations against the controversial highway development are presenting, asking council pass a resolution requesting to get a federal environmental assessment. Council is also receiving 23 letters asking the same.
The proposed Bradford Bypass highway extends from Highway 400 between 8th Line and 9th Line in Bradford West Gwillimbury and will connect to Highway 404.
But it has garnered concern over the environmental impact it could have in the Lake Simcoe watershed.
Several municipalities have passed resolutions asking for more study on the proposal, including East Gwillimbury, Georgina and Barrie.
Budget approval
Council committee of the whole will take a last look at the draft budget.
The budget comes with a proposed 1.99 per cent tax rate increase. The meeting will be one of the last opportunities for councillors to ask for adjustments before the planned final approval of the budget Dec. 13.
The town will stream both meetings from its municipal offices Dec. 6. The site plan review committee will meet at 9:30 a.m., while committee of the whole meets at 1 p.m. You can view the streams through newmarket.ca/meetings. You can also email [email protected] to make an appointment to attend in person at the municipal office at 395 Mulock Dr., send correspondence or register a deputation.
