Shining Hill Public Meeting: What’s Being Proposed and Why It Matters
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. Ward 6 is growing, and we continue to welcome our new neighbours in the Shining Hill area near Yonge Street and Bennington Road. 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 Newmarket.
Over the past few years, this application has gone through several submissions. Earlier versions proposed approximately 3,000 residential units and a mixed-use core with taller buildings between 11 and 15 storeys. Based on feedback from residents and the Town, the latest version now proposes between 1,000 and 1,500 units, removes the mixed-use core entirely and limits heights to a maximum of 8 storeys in only a few areas. This represents a significant reduction in density and building height compared to what was previously permitted and proposed.
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 Newmarket has made a real difference, and many of the changes in the updated plan reflect ideas and priorities shared by residents.
To give residents an additional opportunity to learn more and share feedback before the Statutory Public Meeting, we are hosting an in-person community drop-in session.
Thursday November 27, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Council Chambers, 395 Mulock Drive
This is a casual drop-in event. Residents can stop by at any time to view the updated materials, ask questions and speak directly with planning staff.
The Statutory Public Meeting will take place on Monday December 1, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Residents can attend in person in Council Chambers at 395 Mulock Drive or watch the livestream at newmarket.ca/meetings. A recording will also be available afterward.
Speak to Council (In Person or Remotely)
Residents may provide a verbal deputation either in person or live through Zoom during the meeting. To pre-register, complete the form at newmarket.ca/meetings or email clerks@newmarket.ca or call 905-953-5300 ext. 2203. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
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 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