The developers behind the clock tower hotel project will present to Newmarket council on what’s to come in its revitalization.
Streetcar Developments will present to Newmarket’s economic development advisory committee Feb. 15 about the ongoing work at the clock tower hotel project on Main Street.
Council will also be holding a workshop next week on reserves and planning for the public library.
Here is what NewmarketToday will be following:
Clock tower revitalization
Renovations are underway at the clock tower hotel with an expected spring 2023 opening, according to a presentation from the developer.
Streetcar Developments is presenting its history of efforts to revitalize old buildings into boutique hotels. After work on the Broadview Hotel and Gladstone House in Toronto, the company is putting its efforts toward Newmarket.
“We are excited to transform and reinvent the historic clock tower into a boutique hotel. Opening it up to the community will further accelerate the ongoing revitalization and renewal of downtown Newmarket,” the developer said in a pre-submitted presentation. “This project will enhance the already unique vibe of the area while providing York Region’s only boutique hotel experience.”
New construction is expected to begin on the site in the summer of this year.
Library future
The Newmarket Public Library will showcase its strategic plan to council Feb. 14.
Library staff and board members will present the future course of the library and their efforts to get feedback from the community.
The presentation notes the library is below average in several benchmarks, such as per capita financial support, hours open per week, staffing ratios per capita and material expenditures per capita.
The plan lays out actions toward improvements, such as designing new welcoming programs, pop-up libraries and reviewing collections, among others. The plan runs until 2025.
Reserves
Council will be taking a deep dive into its reserve situation.
Town director of financial services and treasurer Mike Mayes will present to council Feb. 14 about its reserve funds.
Deputy Mayor Tom Vegh said they are an important tool for the long term.
“Setting money aside for unavoidable events (like floods) and for capital projects (like road repairs) reduces the need for long-term borrowing or imposing sudden tax increases on current or future taxpayers,” Vegh said of the presentation on social media.
The town will stream the Feb. 14 workshop at 1 p.m., viewable through newmarket.ca/meetings.
The Feb. 15 economic advisory committee meeting is available to the public via Zoom at 1 p.m., with a link also to be available through newmarket.ca/meetings.
