The Town of Newmarket is planning to change parking rules and safety measures on some of its roads and residents are ready to voice their views.
Council is reviewing a move to implement parking restrictions on Mulock Court and Ainsworth Drive at its Monday, March 18 committee of the whole meeting. Intersection improvements could also be coming to Carol Avenue, with residents making deputations on both traffic matters.
Council will also be discussing the town’s reserve situation and changes to its noise bylaw.
Here is what NewmarketToday will be following:
Traffic measures
Newmarket is eyeing parking restrictions on two residential streets at the request of residents in the areas.
After a review, staff is proposing to implement a Monday through Saturday daytime parking restriction on Mulock Court eastward on Ainsworth Drive, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m, in addition to a no-stopping zone. A similar no-parking restriction is proposed on Ainsworth Drive from Mulock Court to Legresley Lane on both sides, from Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This came after a petition from area residents asking for parking restrictions after a nearby medical centre implemented paid parking in its lot. However, residents also requested special parking permits that they could use for on-street parking on the streets, something the town does not currently offer.
Not everyone is happy with the moves. One area resident, Francine Kalligosfyris, said she is greatly concerned with the new rules without “any reasonable solution for the residents to receive parking permits.”
“On Ainsworth, we have a unique problem in that our driveways are very small and can barely fit two cars comfortably,” she said. “We leverage street parking for many reasons.”
In other street traffic measures, the town is also planning measures on Carol Avenue after receiving a resident petition. To address concerns about speeding and stopping, it plans to implement traffic calming measures, improve the Carol and Park avenue intersection and eventually redesign Carol.
Noise bylaw
Newmarket residents could soon be able to better report unpleasant vibrations.
The town is preparing to amend its noise bylaw to address enforcement challenges for construction vibration in the community.
Staff proposes the bylaw be updated to ensure the definition of “noise” in the bylaw includes vibration, allowing officers to investigate complaints related to vibration from non-planning act construction projects.
Financial picture
Town council will take another deep look at its reserve picture as inflationary pressures continue.
The municipal financial team will present to discuss the reserve, assets and how they relate to overall finances.
As the municipality continues to grapple with inflation, particularly in the construction sector, staff are suggesting possible solutions to funding challenges like increasing a set annual tax levy increase and setting investment targets to the construction price index.
The town is streaming the council meeting at 1 p.m. You can view the meeting at newmarket.ca/meetings or attend in person at 395 Mulock Dr. You can also depute or send correspondence by messaging [email protected].
