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Council considers ecohousing subdivision for StickwoodWalker
NEWMARKET, Ontario, January 5, 2006 — At a Special Council meeting last night, Newmarket Council voted to consider the development of 34 environmentally-sustainable homes on the Stickwood-Walker farm property on Mulock Drive.
This decision permits the Town to reopen negotiations with Rodeo Fine Enterprises Inc. (Rodeo) for the purchase and sale of the 34 lots for an eco-housing subdivision on the site.
“I’m delighted Council has reconsidered its position on the eco-homes initiative. This type of environmentally-friendly subdivision will be the first of its kind in Canada and would ensure Newmarket continues to be an environmental leader,” says Mayor Tom Taylor.
Pursuant to the Procedural Bylaw, last night’s Special Council meeting was scheduled to reconsider Council’s December 12 decision to sell the 34 lots to Menkes Homes Inc. (Menkes) for conventional residential development.
With a vote in the affirmative of more than two-thirds of the Council members present, Council proceeded to an in-camera meeting and voted in favour of negotiating and executing an agreement of purchase and sale between the Town and Rodeo. The Town and Rodeo have until January 13, 2006 to finalize the agreement, failing which the Town will sell the lands to Menkes.
“Council feels confident that the Town and Rodeo can strike the right balance between our commitment to environmental initiatives and fiscal responsibility. Once an agreement of purchase and sale is established, all of the final details will be released to the public,” continues Mayor Taylor.
The Mayor called the Special Council meeting after receiving a request from the Newmarket Environmental Advisory Committee (NEAC) and numerous community members to reconsider the Request for Proposal (RFP) from Rodeo.
If finalized, the eco-housing development on the Stickwood-Walker farm will be comprised of 34 green homes that will use 25 per cent less water and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent through energy efficiency.
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Related releases (click to view):
- Town awards tender for new recreation facility
- New recreation complex arriving early 2007
- Newmarket Council approves 25-metre pool
- Stickwood-Walker facility to contain Olympic ice rink
- Quaker Pool to undergo structural assessment
- Land use approved by Council for Stickwood-Walker farm
- Town of Newmarket secures plans for future recreation facilities with purchase of local land
For more information contact:
Crystal Moss
Communications Specialist
Tel: 905-953-5300, ext. 2042
E-mail: cmoss@newmarket.ca
Web: www.newmarket.ca
