Ward 6 Update: This Month’s Council Highlights Explained
Ward 6 is made up of four vibrant and connected communities, each with its own character and strengths. Whether you’re new to Shining Hill, part of the close-knit Armitage Village community, or raising a family in our Summerhill neighbourhoods, you play a vital role in shaping the future of Newmarket. With that in mind, I’m pleased to share a clear and accessible overview of the November 17 Council Highlights, along with what these updates mean for our Ward 6 residents.
1. 2026 Budget Update: Responsible, Stable and Community-Focused
Council received an update on the proposed 2026 tax-supported operating budget. The recommended 2.99 percent tax levy remains among the lowest in the GTA and supports the high-quality services our residents rely on every day.
For Ward 6, this continued investment supports essential services including fire and emergency response, our public library, well-maintained roads and sidewalks, waste collection, parks, trails, community programs and recreational facilities. It reflects a thoughtful balance between affordability and ensuring Newmarket remains a safe, well-served and flourishing community.
Residents who want to learn more about the budget or provide input have several ways to get involved. You can follow the presentations online, review detailed materials on the Town’s website, attend Committee of the Whole meetings, or share feedback through the Town’s official channels. The draft budget will be presented on December 1, with final consideration on December 8.
Staying informed and participating in this process helps shape our community’s priorities for the coming year.
2. Moving Toward a Greener, More Climate-Ready Newmarket
Council received and endorsed two major environmental initiatives. The new Climate Change Policy provides a long-term framework for identifying, planning and responding to climate-related pressures. The Green Fleet Strategy outlines how the Town will gradually transition its operations toward lower-emission and eventually zero-emission vehicle technologies.
For Ward 6 residents, this means continued progress toward cleaner air, more efficient municipal operations and a stronger commitment to environmental responsibility. Whether you are enjoying the natural spaces in Armitage Village, walking the woodlots near Summerhill or watching new growth in Shining Hill, environmental planning remains at the core of Newmarket’s future.
3. Residential Parking Study: Planning for Neighbourhood Needs
Council received an update on the Residential Parking Study, which focuses on parking in low and medium-density neighbourhoods across Newmarket. Many of these areas mirror the layout and needs of our Ward 6 communities.
The study is reviewing current rules for on-street and off-street parking, updating design standards for driveways and private roads, and examining opportunities to improve how parking works as neighbourhoods grow and evolve. It also includes a detailed analysis of locations where parking challenges are most frequent.
The next phase will include draft options in early 2026, followed by recommendations later in the year. This work helps ensure our parking approach remains practical, resident-friendly and aligned with the realities of growing communities like Shining Hill and Summerhill.
4. Housing Needs and the Housing Action Plan: Building an Inclusive Future
Council also received an update on the Housing Needs Assessment and the launch of the Housing Action Plan. The assessment reinforces what many communities across Ontario are facing: a need for a broader variety of housing types, including purpose-built rentals, homes suitable for older adults wishing to age in place and options for younger residents and families entering the market.
The Housing Action Plan will bring forward strategies and programs to address these gaps and will help shape policy directions in the Town’s new Official Plan.
For Ward 6, this means ensuring our neighbourhoods remain welcoming, diverse and able to support residents through every stage of life. It is important that Armitage Village, Shining Hill and the Summerhill communities continue to grow in ways that offer choice, affordability and long-term sustainability.
5. Celebrating the Work of Committees and Boards: Community Voices in Action
During a recent Council workshop, Newmarket’s Committees and Boards presented their 2025 accomplishments. These groups are made up of dedicated volunteers who bring forward community perspectives and help shape recommendations on important issues.
Below are some of the committees highlighted this year.
Accessibility Advisory Committee
As a proud member of this committee, I was pleased to see our work showcased. The committee reviews public spaces, facilities, municipal projects and events to ensure accessibility remains central to planning and delivery. In 2025, the committee supported improvements to accessible seating at Town events, contributed input on facility upgrades and helped strengthen accessibility standards across multiple departments. This work benefits every neighbourhood in Ward 6.
Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee (DABRAC)
DABRAC reported meaningful progress, completing or advancing more than 90 percent of its action plan. The committee focused on community engagement, training, youth outreach and race-based data collection to support greater equity and inclusion.
Heritage Newmarket Advisory Committee
The Heritage Committee shared updates on heritage properties and preservation efforts, helping safeguard Newmarket’s historic character and cultural identity.
Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC)
EDAC provided updates on initiatives that support the local economy, partnerships with businesses and efforts to keep Newmarket a vibrant and attractive place for investment and employment.
Main Street District Business Improvement Area Board
The BIA Board shared updates on its ongoing work to support the vitality of Newmarket’s downtown. Their efforts include promoting local businesses, encouraging foot traffic through events and activations, and collaborating on improvements that enhance the look and feel of Main Street. This work strengthens the economic and cultural heartbeat of our town and creates a welcoming experience for residents and visitors alike.
Collectively, these committees reflect the strength of community participation. Their efforts help ensure that resident voices remain part of municipal planning and decision-making, and their contributions shape the success of all four Ward 6 neighbourhoods.
Staying Connected as Ward 6 Grows
I remain committed to keeping Ward 6 residents informed and engaged as conversations at Council continue. Whether you are raising a family in Summerhill, settling into a new home in Shining Hill, or part of the long-established community in Armitage Village, your voice and involvement matter.
If you ever have questions or ideas you’d like to discuss, I’m here to listen. Together, we continue to build a welcoming, inclusive and connected Ward 6.
Missed an update? visit www.kellybroome.ca
Warm regards,
Kelly Broome
Councillor Ward 6 Newmarket