Newmarket should have enough on-street parking to meet future needs, according to a new preliminary analysis on residential parking.
WSP Canada is completing a residential parking study on behalf of the municipality. It surveyed 880 residents over the past couple of months and will present a preliminary look at its results to council Oct. 21.
Council will also discuss next year’s budget and a zoning amendment to allow progress on a new mental health hub.
Here is what NewmarketToday will be following:
Residential parking study
Newmarket residents made their voices heard regarding parking in the community.
A WSP Canada survey found that 84 per cent of respondents did not have issues finding on-street parking close to their homes for themselves. The preliminary analysis also found most issues of on-street parking relate to people using them near paid parking spaces.
The town contracted WSP Canada to complete a residential parking study, with the consultant preparing to do gather more public feedback. A final report on the matter is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
That study will tie into the municipality’s ongoing official plan review.
WSP Canada also observed that the municipality is more restrictive on minimum parking standards for some developments compared to other municipalities.
Water rates increasing
Newmarket residents could expect to spend an extra $49 dollars for their water service on average in 2025.
Council is progressing on budget deliberations, examining capital plans and water Oct. 21. The town projects a 3.5 per cent water and wastewater rate increase in 2025, largely driven by York Region increasing water purchases and wastewater services by 3.3 per cent.
As a result, the average household will have to spend an additional $49 on its water bill next year, based on an annual consumption of 200 cubic metres.
Stormwater rate is also proposed to increase by 3.8 per cent next year, resulting in an average household spending an extra $7 annually.
Council will also be examining its capital budget, with $74.6 million budgeted in capital works for 2025.
Mental health hub
Council is set to approve a zoning bylaw amendment to allow a new mental health hub to go ahead.
Canadian Mental Health Association York-South Simcoe is preparing to build the hub at 17255 Yonge St., at the former site of a thrift store. A staff report indicates internal departments and external agencies have had no objections to the application, though some in the surrounding community expressed concerns at a public hearing.
If approved, the application would go to a site planning process, which the staff report said could lead to further refinement.
The town is streaming the council meeting at 1 p.m. You can view the meeting at newmarket.ca/meetings or attend in person at 395 Mulock Dr. You can also arrange a deputation or send correspondence by emailing [email protected].
