Mar 25

Mar 25 Get Involved!

Part of what makes Newmarket one of the best places to live in Canada (#23!!) and a top ten place to live in Ontario is our strong sense of community. Now that warmer weather is just around the corner (fingers crossed) my family can’t wait to get out a stroll around the Farmers’ Market this spring, register for some outdoor sports and join in on anything new or exciting happening around the neighbourhood. Whether you recently moved here or are a longtime resident, there are many ways to get active, become engaged and make the most of all that this wonderful town has to offer.

Here’s how you can get involved in the Newmarket community.

Learn more about your Town

Did you know Newmarket is getting its own “Central Park” at the corner of Mulock and Yonge? Want to know more about the bike lanes being installed around town? Have an idea on how you would make Newmarket even better? The Town is hosting its annual Community Open House on April 3, where residents are invited to learn about the many projects and programs going on around Newmarket. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with/give feedback to the Mayor, Members of Council and Town staff.

If you can’t make the Open House, the Town also hosts a number of Public Information Centres (PIC’s) for residents. Recent PIC’s include a presentation on the proposed Mulock GO Station and an innovative iWonder event, where people had the chance to learn more about a new rain park public space in town by participating in interactive, rain and water-themed stations. Check out newmarket.ca for more info on upcoming PICs.

Attend an event or participate in a program

Newmarket is home to a number of events and festivals including York Pride Fest which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this spring.

Newmarket hosts a variety of events, activities and programs, which provide great opportunities to gather with friends, meet new neighbours and make connections. In 2018, the Town offered more than 2,500 programs across all Recreation & Culture offerings and welcomed over 50,000 drop-in participants for drop-in programs. The Town also hosts a variety of community events year-round for all ages and interests (many of them free of cost!), where many local businesses and organizations participate. Finally, the Newmarket Public Library hosts programs for 15,000 participants annually, and continually works to inspire growth and connect our community in a dynamic and welcoming environment. These programs provide affordable and accessible opportunities to meet people, learn a new skill or just have fun!

Let your voice be heard

If online participation is more your speed, there are also ways to get involved from the comfort of your own home. HeyNewmarket is an online engagement page where you can get a great overview of what’s happening around Town. The interactive site also features regular polls, opinion forums, blogs, Q&A sections and maps for users to chime in and give their feedback, share tips, name favourite hot spots and promote hidden gems in Newmarket.

Join an association, club or community group

When I had my son it quickly became clear that I needed to connect with other sleep deprived and anxious to get out of the house moms in town – stat! Being around like-minded people who share similar experiences or interests is a great way to connect with others. Newmarket has a number of groups, clubs and associations for all interests – formal and informal. There are also business associations and Town-run Committees and Boards for anyone looking to really get active and make a difference in the community.