Current Status of Newmarket Services
As a precautionary measure, the Town of Newmarket has closed all facilities to the public until further notice. All drop-in, registered programs, events and public meetings have been cancelled. For the most up-to-date information on what's open and closed, visit
newmarket.ca/reopen.
Essential services provided by the Town that will continue to operate include, but are not limited to water and wastewater services, waste and recycling pick-up, general maintenance of Town-maintained roads, sidewalks and trails, customer service call centres, Central York Fire Services (emergency services) and more.
The Town will continue to provide services to residents by email ([email protected]) or by phone 905-895-5193 where possible.
Please see below for a list below for services that the Town is still offering and some frequently asked questions.
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for Newmarket
Property Taxes and Utility Bills
What is the Financial Relief Plan?
The Town of Newmarket introduced a Financial Relief Plan to assist residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. This plan was created to give those in need more time to pay. The Town urges those who are able to pay to continue to do so to help support essential services and those who need it most.
The Financial Relief Program is intended to help our residents and businesses who are most in need. Please note that the waiver of penalties and interest is a relief measure. It is important to note that payments are to the Town are still owed, and are
not eliminated.
The 2020 Financial Relief Plan ended on January 31, 2021 and the 2021 Financial Relief Program has now ended as well.
How can I pay for my property taxes during COVID-19?
Those who wish to pay their taxes in person can do so at the Municipal Offices as the Magna Centre and Ray Twinney Recreation Complex. Please note that only cashless transactions are currently being accepted.
The hours of operation are as follows:
Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive)
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Hours of Operations:
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Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The Town also offers a number of payment options for your property taxes. For more details, check payment options.
- In-person, online or telephone banking through your financial institution
- If you wish to pay your taxes in cash, please do so at your financial institution as the Town has not resumed in-person services yet.
- Mailing a cheque to the Municipal Offices
- Please do not mail cash or drop off any cash at the Municipal Offices for property tax payment.
Can I defer paying my water bill?
Water and wastewater charges are collected by NT Power. Please contact NT Power at 905-895-2309 for further information.
The Town of Newmarket is unable to mandate what NT Power charges.
Why isn't the Town of Newmarket following the same Financial Relief model as other municipalities?
Every municipality has its own set of rules and regulations that it must follow. For example, the City of Toronto is a single tier municipality and has more flexibility in its rules. The Town is a lower-tier municipality and must continue to coordinate property tax payments to the Regional Municipality of York and other government entities.
In order to ensure that services to our community are still provided, the Town is required to continue to collect property taxes and other payments.
The Financial Relief Program is meant to provide those in need more time to make their payments. The Town is only waiving interest and penalties for non-payment of these charges until
February 1, 2021. These amounts are still owed to the Town of Newmarket. If you can continue to make your payments, please do so in order to avoid a large balance owing to the Town by the end of the year.
Animal Services
Who do I call if I have lost my pet or found a lost pet?
Animal Services will continue to respond to calls for found pets. You can contact Animal Services toll free number at 1-877-979-PAWS. Please note that if your pet is found and has been taken to the Georgina Animal Shelter, you will need to contact the shelter directly and schedule an appointment for pickup as the Shelter is currently not open to the public.
How can I help the Georgina Animal Shelter?
The shelter appreciates donations, however, at this time the Shelter has asked residents to hold on to them for now until the centre re-opens to the public. Any donations left at the door will not be accepted.
Bylaws and Property Standards
Will by-law enforcement services continue?
By-law enforcement and investigation services will continue for emergency orders and in response to unsafe conditions, including:
- Unsafe dwellings (ADUs or other) which will be referred to Central York Fire Services
- No heat
- No water
- Immediate concerns (e.g. significant flooding due to swale/drainage issues)
- Parking Enforcement
All other property standards complaints will be received and responded to on a per-case basis. Property Standards Officers will receive and review complaint calls and notify a property owner, via letter, that a formal complaint has been received. The letter will request voluntary compliance and a follow up inspection will be conducted at a later date.
How will complaints be responded to for Property Standards?
Emergency by-law enforcement and investigation services will continue for emergency orders and in response to unsafe conditions, including: Unsafe dwellings (ADUs or other) which will be referred to Central York Fire Services No heat No water Immediate concerns (e.g. significant flooding due to swale/drainage issues).
All other property standards complaints will be received and responded to on a per-case basis. Property Standards Officers will receive and review complaint calls and notify a property owner, via letter, that a formal complaint has been received. The letter will request voluntary compliance and a follow up inspection will be conducted at a later date.
Business Support
What is the Town doing to support the community?
Newmarket Council approved up to $25,000 in 2020 to support of community meal programs, enhanced community food bank operations or to be used for other community needs. Newmarket is also working with these community groups on contingency planning to ensure they are able to meet the needs of the community during COVID-19.
How can I help the community?
Now more than ever, we need to help each other out. Thanks to all who have offered to help the community during the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic. Here is how you can help these major community groups in Newmarket:
Newmarket Food Pantry
You can make an online donation to the Newmarket Food Pantry. The Newmarket Food Pantry is able to purchase food directly from suppliers to meet the needs of the community.
Inn from the Cold
Inn from the Cold offers various ways the community can assist. Please visit their donation page for more information.
Salvation Army – Northridge
Contact the Salvation Army – Central York Region Northridge directly to see how you can help them. You can also make an online donation to the Central York Region Northridge Community Church directly. If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach out to them as well.
United Way – Peel, Toronto and York Region
Make a donation online to United Way (Peel, Toronto and York Region) to assist those in need during COVID-19. This donation will allow United Way to invest in resources that are needed the most. This includes basic needs for the community, help for seniors, community services and mental health support.
The Town of Newmarket is working with many local organizations who are helping to support the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on how you can help, please contact us at 905-895-5193.
General Town Services
What are your telephone hours of operation?
Customer Service Call Centre hours - 905-895-5193: Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For municipal emergencies after hours, call 905-895-5193, press 3 and your call will be directed to our After-Hours service.
Library Services
Mandatory Masks and Face Coverings in York Region / Newmarket
Is it mandatory to wear masks in Newmarket?
As of March 21, 2022 masks or face coverings are no longer required to enter any Newmarket facility.
While masks are not required, we recognize the importance of personal choice and encourage those who feel more comfortable wearing a mask to continue to do so.
Everyone is adjusting with living with COVID-19 at their own pace. Please remember to be kind and considerate to everyone.
Members of Council, Council Meetings and Public Meetings
Parking Services
Will parking by-law enforcement services continue?
Yes, parking enforcement will respond to any complaint calls received with a focus on health and safety-related issues. Parking Officers will be working 7 days a week from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. and will be proactive in the community, visible to the public, and available to respond to calls, as needed. Residents can call Customer Service at 905-895-5193 to make a complaint.
Can I still pay my parking ticket?
Yes, you can pay your parking ticket online, by phone or by mail.
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Paying online: Visit parking.newmarket.ca
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Call to make a payment: Call Customer Service at 905-895-5193 to make a payment over the phone using a credit card.
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Mail in your payment: You can mail a cheque to: Town of Newmarket, Customer Services, 395 Mulock Drive, PO Box 328, STN Main, Newmarket ON, L3Y 4X7. Please do not send cash in the mail.
- In-person at the Customer Service Kiosk at the Magna Centre / Ray Twinney Recreation Complex during its hours of operation.
Can I still dispute my parking ticket?
To dispute a parking ticket, you must go online to parking.newmarket.ca and request to dispute. Screenings will be conducted online or the disputant may specifically provide a telephone number under “reason for dispute” and a Screening Officer will contact the disputant via telephone.
Can I get a parking exemption for on-street parking?
At this time, the Town of Newmarket is not offering on-street parking exemptions as winter parking restrictions run from November 1, 2021 until April 15, 2022. Any vehicles parked on the street/roadway between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. during this time will be subject to a fine as this interferes with snow clearing operations, regardless of whether or not there is snow on the ground.
Temporary off-Street Parking Program during the pandemic
The Town of Newmarket has launched an off-street overnight parking program to allow residents to park in select municipal lots overnight between the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. with a permit. Learn more about the temporary off-street parking program by visiting
newmarket.ca/parkingexemptions.
Planning and Building Services
Playgrounds, park amenities, hard courts, sport fields, trails and other outdoor recreational amenities
What safety measures should I be taking when at a playground?
Residents are reminded to follow the rules on the posted signage at each location and to use the playground at your own risk. Playgrounds are not supervised and not sanitized regularly and require everyone to take precautions by staying at least 6ft./2m. away from others and ensuring hands are washed and/or sanitized before and after using the amenity.
Be courteous and share this space with the community. If the playground is busy, and physical distancing is not possible, consider travelling to another nearby playground or coming back at a later time.
Why does my dog have to be on a leash at all times on Newmarket's parks, trails and open spaces?
Recently, the Town has received double the volume of calls and concerns from residents about dogs being off leash. What people may not initially realize is that an off-leash dog is a risk to physical distancing because it brings people together. For example, when a dog is off leash, it may approach another dog on-leash or even other people out for walks. The owner is then forced to approach the other person to retrieve their dog, causing an interaction with the other person/dog and inability to maintain physical distancing of at least 6ft, creating weariness for contact.
The Animal Control By-law requiring dogs to be on leash at all times on public property, with the exception of the Newmarket Dog Park, is an existing bylaw. Off-leash is not permitted anywhere on Town property and Municipal Bylaw Officers are set to issue fines starting at $400. As a first step, Bylaw Officers will continue to educate individuals on the importance of having their pets / dogs on a leash. If non-compliance continues, (e.g. clear signs being ignored, not complying once reminded of the rules), fines will be issued.
Watch the Town's Manager of Regulatory Services explain why it's important to keep your dog on a leash so that everyone can feel safe and enjoy public spaces in the video below.
Why is the boardwalk at the Tom Taylor Trail open to one-way traffic only?
The boardwalk on the Tom Taylor Trail is narrow and does not allow residents to properly practice physical distancing of at least 6ft. / 2m. As a result, the boardwalk area is only allowing one-way traffic, with the entrance located at the south-end of the trail near the Municipal Offices. Please note that when using the boardwalk, no passing and cyclists are not allowed.
Learn more.
Why do the signs posted at open outdoor recreation amenities say 'use at your own risk'?
High touch-points at these outdoor areas (gates, benches etc.) are not cleaned frequently. Therefore residents are reminded to take extra caution and to use each amenity at their own risk. Remember to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer after use.
Can I toboggan in Newmarket?
The Town of Newmarket does not have any designated hills for tobogganing and does not maintain any areas for winter activities. Please use outdoor areas at your own risk and follow these guidelines.
Users must:
- Check the hill. Make sure it is free of hazards (trees, rocks, fences, bumps)
- Avoid ice-covered areas
- Make sure there is room at the bottom of the hill to stop – away from roads, or bodies of water
- Use proper sliding equipment and wear a helmet (ski helmets are recommended)
- Make sure your route is clear before sliding
- All children should be supervised by an adult
- Only toboggan with members of the same household
- Maintain 6ft./2m. at all times from others
- It is recommended that users wear a mask when tobogganing
Recreation and Culture Programs and Events
Social and Physical Distancing
What is social / physical distancing?
COVID-19 is known to spread from person to person. The only way to limit the spread of COVID-19 is to practice safe social and physical distancing. To reduce the spread, it is recommended that everyone try to stay at least 6ft. (2m.) away from other people.
Vaccination requirements at Town facilities and events
What is proof of vaccination?
Proof of vaccination is currently not required to enter Newmarket facilities. However, everyone that has been vaccinated should have received a vaccination receipt following your appointment. To access your vaccination receipts after your appointment, use Ontario's COVID-19 vaccination system. Individuals not able to access the receipt through this system can call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.
Where do I express concerns about the requirement for vaccination to participate?
The Town of Newmarket, like all businesses and municipalities, has a legal obligation to comply with all regulations set forth by the Province of Ontario. Any concerns with the policies should be addressed with your Member of Provincial Parliament. For Newmarket, your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Christine Elliott.
Waste and Recycling Services
Are there any precautions I should take when disposing my waste during COVID-19?
Yes, please follow these guidelines keep you and your family safe:
- Throw used tissues, latex gloves and masks in a wastebasket lined with a plastic bag in the garbage. Do not place these items in the recycling bin.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after throwing those items away as well as after emptying your waste basket.
- Tie all plastic bags and put out with your regular trash.
- All garbage bags need to be tied when set out at the curb. Loose materials left in garbage cans may be left behind.
- If out in the community, please do not litter these items. Place in a trash can or take home to go in your own garbage. Littering these materials on the ground is unacceptable and poses a risk to the public, workers and the environment.
- Litter clean up in these unprecedented times should be done with caution. Residents who choose to pick up garbage off the ground should wear gloves and immediately perform hand hygiene afterwards. They should either wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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For those who are sick or test positive for COVID-19: Place all disposable items that have come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage -- this includes recyclables such as plastic water bottles, pop cans or milk cartons, or compostables such as facial tissue or paper napkins.
- For your safety and that of our waste collectors, it's vital that you respect physical distancing. Please keep a distance of 2 metres (6 feet) at all times.
Can I still dispose large items?
Yes, large items can be placed at the curb for pick-up on your scheduled garbage collection day provided each item has been affixed with a large item tag. Residents can purchase large item tags by contacting Customer Service at 905-953-5303 or emailing [email protected]. In addition, you can go to the Customer Service kiosks at the Magna Centre or the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex in-person during regular business hours (please note that you will be screened, need to be vaccination verified, and must wear a mask to come into the building). If you are sending us an email, please include your phone number and our Customer Service Centre will be in touch with you regarding payment. Please do not email your payment information. The Town will send you your large item tags by mail.
Large item tags are also available for purchase from the Newmarket Public Library. Please note that strict health and safety measures are in place. Learn more by visiting
newmarketpl.ca
Is yard waste pick-up still happening during COVID-19?
Yard waste collection in Newmarket takes place from April to November every two weeks on your scheduled pick-up day. Please remember to place waste containers at the curb no later than 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day and no earlier than 5 p.m. the night before collection. Ensure that yard waste material set out for collection is in accordance with the
Town's waste program requirements.
How can I purchase a new blue box, green bin or kitchen catcher?
Residents looking to purchase a new blue box, green bin or kitchen catcher can do so by contacting the Town of Newmarket by emailing
[email protected] or calling
905-953-5303. If you are emailing your order, a customer service associate will contact you for payment information.
Please do not include payment information in your email. All items will be
delivered by GFL to your home.
Wedding and Commissioning Services
