Town finalizes agreement with Shining Hill Estates Collection Inc. that sets new standard in sustainable community building in Newmarket
Newmarket, ON – February 8, 2022 - Town of Newmarket Council officially approved an agreement with Shining Hill Estates Collection Inc. that will secure into public ownership a minimum of 80 acres of environmentally sensitive lands and build a sustainable community on lands municipally located at 16250, 16356 and 16450 Yonge Street. The approved agreement will require the developer to convey and provide access to the 80 acres of land, as well as build a community with green and affordable housing options, including low impact development, new trails, dog park(s), a clubhouse with courts, the planting of 5000+ trees and more. This agreement along with the Official Plan Amendment for the subject lands was approved at the February 7, 2022 Council Meeting.
“Council is very excited that we were able to negotiate an agreement that represents a new standard in sustainable community building in Newmarket,” says Mayor John Taylor. “I believe that what is presented before us represents good planning that meets all the requirements of a complete community but also reimagines what a sustainable new community should be. Most importantly, this agreement provides access to 80 acres of environmentally protected lands and seeks to protect them in perpetuity.”
“I am very proud of our community and Council and would like to thank our residents for helping us achieve this agreement,” says Kelly Broome, Ward 6 Councillor. “What is laid out is just the beginning of what’s to come and I am committed to continue to work with Ward 6 residents to keep everyone engaged throughout the process.”
Highlights of the agreement include but are not limited to the following:
The conveyance of a minimum of 80 acres of environmentally significant lands and a minimum of 6km of public trails
$1,000,000 contribution to the Town for seed funding to establish a Town Green Environmental Fund for initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
A total contribution of $12,500 per residential unit built by the developer that will be used for the green environmental fund, the Mulock House Heritage fund, the Town’s Public Art Fund and for multi-use paths and active transportation in Newmarket, with an initial focus on Mulock Drive
A new clubhouse with 12 courts
The conveyance of 2.5 acres of land for the development of affordable housing
The conveyance of at least one acre of land and the construction of a community garden
The conveyance of at least one acre of land and the construction of off-leash dog park(s)
Plantings of at least 5,000+ trees to expand Newmarket’s tree canopy
The Town of Newmarket will seek other community benefits at later stages of the regular planning process for the Shining Hill Official Plan Amendment. The Shining Hill Official Plan Amendment was also approved at the February 7 Council Meeting. Click to view a copy of the full agreement.
Newmarket has a reputation of being a progressive leader in environmental initiatives and sustainability. The Town’s commitment to being a green community remains steadfast with and Environmental Stewardship continuing to be one of the key focus areas of Council.
Background:
Newmarket has approved an Official Plan Amendment submitted by Shining Hill Estates Collection Inc. The purpose of the OPA is to provide a long-term vision for lands located in the southwest area of the municipally known as 16250, 16356 and 16450 Yonge Street. The amendment will allow portions of the lands to be developed for urban uses such as a mix of residential, institutional, commercial, office, parks and open spaces uses.
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Media Contact:
Corporate Communications
Town of Newmarket
Tel.: 905-953-5300 ext. 2040
Email: corporatecommunications@newmarket.ca