Town of Newmarket Highlights Growth, Housing, and Heritage on World Town Planning Day
Newmarket marks World Town Planning Day by sharing key facts on its density, 2051 Official Plan, and 357 affordable housing units.
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This report by Farshad Fazaeli is based on information published by Town of Newmarket.
On November 8, the Town of Newmarket marked World Town Planning Day by highlighting urban planning data across the municipality in York Region, Ontario. According to the Town of Newmarket, urban planning shapes housing, jobs, transportation, and heritage preservation as the town develops its new Official Plan to guide community growth through 2051.
What is happening in Newmarket's urban planning?
World Town Planning Day on November 8 serves to recognize urban planners who work to create, promote, and preserve livable communities. According to the Town of Newmarket, urban planning influences multiple facets of daily life, determining where community members live, work, shop, attend school, and play. Planning policies also shape how residents and visitors travel through the municipality and experience the community. Effective planning provides housing and employment options while overseeing policy creation for growth, land use, zoning regulations, tree protection, and parkland dedication.
How is Newmarket managing growth and housing?
Newmarket ranks as the fourth-largest municipality in York Region and holds the highest population density in the region, with 2,284 people per square kilometre. To transition into a sustainable Complete Community, the town is developing a new Official Plan to direct development and growth through the year 2051.
A central focus of the Official Plan Review is housing supply and affordability, supported directly by the municipal Housing Action Plan (HAP). Adopted in 2026, the Housing Action Plan specifies 18 distinct actions designed to deliver stable and affordable housing options for local residents. At present, Newmarket has 357 affordable housing units moving through the approval and construction stages.
How are historic properties protected?
Heritage conservation remains an active part of urban planning in the town, where planners balance protecting the built character of historic buildings with adapting them for other uses. Newmarket currently features 93 properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Among these, 72 properties are situated within the town's designated Heritage Conservation District, which spans along Main Street from just north of Millard to Water. Any proposed modifications to buildings located within this conservation district require a municipal Heritage Permit. To assist local building owners, the town provides a grant intended to help upgrade building facades using appropriate design and materials.
How can residents find out more?
Residents interested in participating in the long-term planning process can access HeyNewmarket.ca to get involved with the Official Plan review. In addition, the town maintains an interactive online map where the public can review active planning applications across Newmarket and click on specific properties to track their status and progress.
According to Town of Newmarket. Source: Town of Newmarket
What it means for residents
For residents of York Region, Newmarket's planning updates highlight the town's standing as the region's most densely populated municipality, with 2,284 people per square kilometre. The municipality's long-term planning framework, spanning to 2051, directly targets regional pressures surrounding housing availability and infrastructure. With 357 affordable housing units currently progressing through planning approvals and construction, local residents can observe how municipal planning decisions directly influence housing options. Furthermore, property owners and businesses along the historic Main Street corridor—from north of Millard to Water—are subject to specific heritage conservation guidelines, requiring permits for modifications while offering municipal grant support for facade renovations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Newmarket's current population density?
Newmarket has a population density of 2,284 people per square kilometre, making it the most dense municipality in York Region.
How many affordable units are currently in development in Newmarket?
The town currently has 357 affordable housing units in the approval and construction phases.
What rules apply to properties in Newmarket's Heritage Conservation District?
Properties within the Heritage Conservation District along Main Street require a Heritage Permit for building changes, and owners can access a grant to upgrade facades with appropriate materials.
Where can residents view active development applications?
Residents can monitor active planning applications and project progress using the town's interactive online map.
Source
- Town of Newmarket: November 8 is World Town Planning Day! [official source] (2026-11-06)
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