Top 4 Need-to-Knows from Council on April 3: Newmarket Council Highlights
Newmarket Council approved the budget for 2023. The budget ensures that services will continue, even with increasing costs, and plans for the future. The Council and town staff collaborated to identify savings and agreed on a responsible 5.5% increase in property taxes for the town's portion. Property tax bills also include funding for York Region and School Boards.
Community members have been chosen as volunteers for Town Committees and Boards for the 2022-2026 Council term. These Committees and Boards are formed by the Town to provide suggestions to the Council on different topics, such as Newmarket's heritage and making the town more accessible for people with disabilities. The Council is grateful to all the residents who have served or are serving on Advisory Committees and Boards. Those who have been selected for a Committee or Board will receive a notification within the next few weeks.
Newmarket Council is backing the improvement and expansion of facilities for racquet sports, like tennis and pickleball. This decision is based on the concerns raised by the community. These upgrades are being made possible with the help of a development agreement with Shining Hill.
The upcoming Keith Davis Tennis Centre at Shining Hill will expand the number of tennis courts available. In the summer, there will be 10 courts instead of 6, and in the winter there will be 8 bubbled courts instead of 3. The Newmarket Tennis Club, a non-profit organization, will still run its summer club at the new facility. However, during the winter, the town will take charge and run the facility as a trial program. Feedback from the public will be sought in the spring of 2025 to evaluate and consider the pilot project.
The Council is helping the rapid growth of pickleball, which is one of North America's fastest-growing sports, by creating a long-term plan. The Council agreed to use funds from the Shining Hill Municipal Capital Facilities Agreement to build a special place for playing pickleball.
By working together, sharing information, and ideas, and being engaged in our community we can achieve great things for Newmarket.
With Gratitude,
Kelly Broome
Councillor - Ward 6
Newmarket, Ontario