Shining Hill: Community Input, Recent Changes and the Public Meeting
I wanted to share an update about where things stand with the Shining Hill planning file, especially for residents of Ward 6 in Armitage Village, Shining Hill, Summerhill North and Summerhill South. This has been a process our whole community has been watching, and the ideas shared over the past few years are genuinely shaping how this area will grow. I also want to reflect that this work has been done together, not by me alone.
Residents have offered many thoughtful suggestions about traffic flow, neighbourhood connections, housing variety and protecting the natural surroundings. Along with Mayor John Taylor and our planning staff, we brought these perspectives forward to the developer. Because of this input, the updated plan now focuses on lower density, no high rises, a wider range of housing options for seniors, singles and young families, and a strong commitment to creating a complete community that fits naturally within Ward 6.
We heard a lot about the importance of the natural environment. The Shining Hill area is surrounded by more than 80 acres of land already donated to the Town for long-term environmental protection. These forests, valley lands and green spaces are meaningful to our neighbourhoods. Thanks to resident feedback, the latest proposal includes stronger environmental buffers, better integration with these natural lands and a clearer commitment to preserving these spaces for future generations.
We also heard how important it is to have a variety of housing options. Residents spoke about the need for homes that allow seniors to age in place, options for singles starting out and choices for young families. Those ideas helped shape a more balanced housing mix so this area can welcome people of all ages while keeping density modest and respectful of surrounding neighbourhoods.
We are also working within a very different planning environment than we were a few years ago. New provincial legislation, including the More Homes Built Faster Act, Bill 109 and Bill 185, has reduced the tools and timelines municipalities can use when reviewing applications. Even with these limitations, our advocacy on behalf of Ward 6 has made a real difference, and many of the changes in the updated plan reflect ideas and priorities shared by residents.
The next public meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the updated proposal and provide feedback. This is not a decision-making meeting. It’s a chance to understand what has changed, ask questions and share your thoughts before staff prepares their next report.
The Public Meeting will take place on
Monday December 1, 2025, at 1:00 pm.
You can take part in person in Council Chambers at 395 Mulock Drive or watch the livestream at newmarket.ca/meetings. A recording will also be available afterward.
Residents who want to give written feedback before the meeting can email clerks@newmarket.ca by the end of day Friday November 28 so comments are included at the public meeting. After the meeting, written comments can continue to be sent directly to planning@newmarket.ca.
Thank you to everyone in Ward 6 who has stayed engaged in this process. We truly appreciate the ideas, questions and care you’ve brought forward. This is our community, and your voice continues to guide its direction.
Warm regards,
Kelly Broome
Councillor, Ward 6