Newmarket is preparing to digitize more of its services for residents as part of a transformation strategy.
StrategyCorp will present to Newmarket’s committee of the whole Monday, Oct. 25. The strategy represents a change in how the municipality uses technology.
The committee is also due to consider affordable housing at 62 Bayview Pkwy. and a new heritage house designation.
Here is what NewmarketToday will be following:
Digital transformation
Newmarket residents could soon have more ability to have their questions and issues addressed online.
Consultant StrategyCorp is presenting a digital transformation strategy ahead of the final version being presented Nov. 15.
The project entails changing how municipal operations utilize technology. Included in that is digitizing Newmarket’s common bylaw requests, facility bookings, and introducing a resident self-service portal “to centralize interactions with the town.”
The plan vision includes making it easier to access town data and internally changing processes to reduce duplication.
The strategy has been in the works for several months, with further refining planned based on council feedback.
Affordable housing
York Region is presenting its plans for housing on 62 Bayview Pkwy. as demolition begins at its former headquarters.
The region started demolishing the smaller office on the property this week in preparation for construction of a Housing York Inc. building.
The presentation highlights the current state of the property, how it works as a housing location, and the steps to come for public engagement. No development plans are yet ready.
York Region council approved the project to go ahead in June, but future development plans will have to be vetted by the Town of Newmarket. The project has received some pushback from the public, but the region addressed many resident concerns with an information centre Sept. 23.
Heritage designation
The Charles Denne House at 415 Davis Dr. could soon receive a heritage designation.
Council committee of the whole will consider a staff proposal to provide the designation to the former home of Charles Denne, a prominent citizen and successful merchant. The home was originally built in 1904.
ICON Homes, beneficial owners of the property, is making a delegation opposing the designation. In a letter, the organization said there are alternatives to recognize the history while still allowing potential redevelopment. It is suggesting a plaque and using building materials from the home in a future feature of a redevelopment, such as an entryway.
Staff said the town heritage consultant, ARA, found the property meets the criteria under the Ontario Heritage Act, including design or physical value, historical or associative value, and contextual value.
The meeting will be held electronically at 1 p.m., with the municipality streaming it on its website at newmarket.ca/meetings. To join the discussion or get involved, click here to find out more.
