Town of Newmarket | Development Approval Process Review

Location

Newmarket, Ontario

Client

Town of Newmarket

Dates

2022-2023

Services

Strategic Advisory

Team

Hemson Consulting

Sajecki Planning and Hemson Consulting were retained in Fall 2022 to conduct a Development Approval Process and Fees Review for the Town of Newmarket. Given changes to legislated review timelines under the More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022, and changing development trends in the Town, the purpose of this study was to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness in development review and ensure the Town is charging appropriate application fees. The Development Approvals Process Review, led by Sajecki Planning, was presented to Committee of the Whole on June 19th, 2023; the Fees Review, led by Hemson Consulting, is ongoing with a report to Committee of the Whole expected in Fall 2023.

A comprehensive examination of the current development review process was conducted. This evaluation involved mapping existing procedures and engaging in interviews with both internal staff and external review agencies. Interviews helped identify strengths and weaknesses in the current system, while a survey administered to one-time and repeat applicants to the Town provided insights into the customer experience associated with Newmarket’s approvals process. Three case studies of comparable municipalities were completed to provide context to the proposed recommendations.

A total of 22 recommendations were identified across five key areas, (1) Departmental Structure & Governance, (2) Resourcing, (3) Workflow, (4) Software & File Management, and (5) Documentation.

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