Newmarket Residential Parking Study: Council Reviews Findings and Next Steps
Parking impacts nearly every neighbourhood in Newmarket, and as our community continues to grow and evolve, so do the needs of residents, visitors, and businesses.
At a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on June 15, 2026, Council received an update on the Town's Residential Parking Study. The study is examining parking pressures in low and medium-density residential neighbourhoods and exploring potential solutions to address both on-street and off-street parking challenges while balancing safety, accessibility, sustainability, and neighbourhood character.
What We've Learned So Far
The study's background analysis identified several common characteristics in areas experiencing the highest parking pressures:
• Higher population densities than the Town average
• Greater concentrations of townhouses and semi-detached homes
• Higher proportions of rental units and Additional Residential Units (ARUs)
• Increased demand for on-street parking due to proximity to transit, medical services, and other destinations
Community feedback also highlighted changing household needs. Survey results found that many households own multiple vehicles, with nearly one-quarter of respondents reporting three or more vehicles. The study also identified a growing number of multigenerational households, which can create additional parking demand.
These findings reinforce the importance of ensuring our parking policies continue to reflect how residents live today while supporting safe and accessible neighbourhoods for everyone.
Innovative AI Pilot Study
One of the most interesting components of the study was the use of artificial intelligence and aerial imagery to assess driveway and walkway widths in a pilot study area.
The pilot examined 176 properties and found that only two driveways exceeded the maximum permitted driveway width.
However, the study found that approximately 95 per cent of properties reviewed exceeded the current maximum permitted walkway width of 1.2 metres.
These findings suggest that driveway widening may not be a widespread issue in Newmarket, while the current walkway standards may no longer reflect how many homeowners use and design their front yards today.
The use of technology and data-driven analysis provides Council and staff with a more accurate understanding of existing conditions and helps ensure future decisions are based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Parking Management Options Under Review
Council reviewed several potential approaches for managing off-street parking, including:
• Maintaining existing driveway width standards while increasing allowable walkway widths and introducing landscaping requirements
• Establishing maximum hard-surface coverage limits based on lot frontage
• Creating driveway width standards tied to lot frontage, combined with tiered landscaping requirements
The study is also examining on-street parking management options, including permit programs, parking restrictions, and neighbourhood-specific solutions in areas experiencing the greatest parking pressures.
At this stage, no decisions have been made. Council's role was to review the findings, provide feedback, and help guide the next phase of the study.
Overnight Parking Options Available Today
While the Residential Parking Study focuses on long-term parking solutions, residents should know that options already exist for temporary overnight parking.
Residents and visitors can request overnight parking permits through the Town's online parking portal. These permits are intended for temporary situations such as visitors, driveway maintenance, special occasions, or short-term parking needs and are subject to eligibility requirements.
For households requiring additional parking, overnight parking permits are also available for select municipal parking lots throughout Newmarket. These designated lots provide an alternative to parking on residential streets and can help accommodate residents with limited driveway space.
Residents are encouraged to visit the Town of Newmarket website for current permit availability, eligible parking lot locations, fees, and application details.
What Happens Next?
The project team will now refine the options based on feedback received from Council and continue evaluating the potential impacts of each approach.
A recommendation report is expected later in 2026, followed by a final report and any required zoning by-law amendments in early 2027.
As this work continues, resident feedback will remain an important part of the process.
The goal is to develop practical, fair, and sustainable parking policies that balance the needs of residents with safety, accessibility, environmental considerations, and neighbourhood character.
I will continue to share updates as the study progresses and encourage residents to stay engaged as this important work moves forward.