Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Town of Newmarket has unanimously approved a budget of $40 million in capital spending authority for the development of the Mulock Property. Council also approved a plan to fund the project through development charges, assessment growth and other funding sources.
“The development of the Master Plan for the Mulock Property has been a lengthy, detailed and engaging process for Council and the community,” said Mayor John Taylor.
“I am pleased to say that through responsible budgeting and planning for the future, the Mulock Property’s operational and capital charges will be fully funded by growth and will have no tax implications to Newmarket residents.”
The vision for the development was influenced by feedback from a public engagement process.
“This park, when complete, will stand the test of time, and be enjoyed by us and many generations to come,” said the mayor.
It is estimated that the property will be open for community use in 2024/2025 with construction targeted to hopefully begin in 2022.
Development charges that will be used to fund the park were collected and continue to be collected from developers for the purpose of building parks and recreational spaces for the community and can only be used for these purposes.
Other funding sources for the property include, but are not limited to parkland contributions, community benefit charges, dedicated reserves for trails and/or public art and potentially grants and sponsorship. The $40 million budget does not include the development of the Mulock house as the use for the house has not been determined yet.
Many stakeholders have indicated their desire to preserve the natural features of the property.
The final master plan was approved by Council on April 20, 2021 and is a combination of preserving the natural features and a series of enhancements that include art, recreation, education, community gathering and garden/landscape experiences.
features include:
- A Riverine Fountain
- A Bridge Entryway Art Feature
- The Historic House
- A Skate Pond, Wet Plaza and Pavilion
- Skating trails in the winter and walking trails in the spring/summer
- Conservatory and Diversity Gardens
- Historic Gardens, The Green and an Artist Studio
- Tree playground which will connect with Jim Bond Park
With endorsement of the final master plan, and budget approval, the next steps in the implementation phase will include preparing the detailed designs over the next several months and procuring construction contracts to build the park.