May 19 to 25 is National Public Works Week! This year's theme from the Ontario Public Works Association is "Advancing Quality of Life for All." The theme represents how Public Works staff contributes to and enhances the quality of life in all the communities they proudly serve. Our staff and other public works professional work to raise Newmarket's quality of life so that the community can live happier and healthier. From keeping roads safe, to beautifying parks and trails, to managing and maintaining our facilities and assets (like our bridges and watermains), they work tirelessly to make sure you can enjoy this community to the fullest. They contribute to the great quality of life and enjoyment in our community.
Learn more about our Public Works staff by review these 10 fun facts below:
10 fun facts about Public Works Service
The water and wastewater team looks after 4,547 water valves and 2,371 fire hydrants, water and wastewater staff test 26 samples of water on a weekly basis for E.coli, bacteria and contaminants throughout the year, to ensure the highest quality of water for our community. Did you know? Newmarket received a perfect inspection score on its water quality for three years in a row!
Our fleet team of mechanics is responsible for repairs and maintenance of all vehicles and equipment used by Town of Newmarket staff. This includes snowplows, sidewalk snowplows, cars and trucks, forestry trucks, lawn mowers, Zambonis, Central York Fire Services trucks and vehicles and more. Last year, they completed 1,400 work orders!
Public Works staff collected 9 tons of e-waste and over 800 lbs of batteries at the 2023 Electronics Recycling Event. Thanks to your efforts, Newmarket can divert these items from landfills, recycle valuable raw materials and, most importantly, save energy, reduce pollution and minimize greenhouse gas emission.
Staff filled 2,500 potholes and 1,000 tactile plates across the Town in order to enhance accessibility in Newmarket.
The Facilities team works hard every winter season to resurface over 61.2 million square feet of ice using a Zamboni, making sure everyone has a smooth skating surface. That’s like making 594 round trips from Mulock Drive to Green Lane! Residents and visitors of the Town spent over 13,366 hours at the skating rinks, creating cherished memories on the ice. (Note: We are excited to debut the Town’s first electric Zamboni this season).
Staff helped set up and tear down over 80 Town and community events for everyone to enjoy.
Horticulture Staff planted 2,200 bulbs and will be adding another five pollinator gardens along with some pollinator planters on certain islands throughout Town to continue to support Newmarket as the 14th Bee City in Canada.
Our Parks staff is responsible for maintaining over 800 acres of grass cutting, ensuring that our parks are always looking their best. Additionally, they conduct 60 playground inspections every month to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our visitors.
The Hydration Station water trailer is available for use at the Town’s award-winning events this year and can be seen at the Tim Hortons Canada Day event, the Farmers’ Market, Music Series presented by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment and New’bark’et presented by Global Pet Foods to name a few. The Hydration Station has a capacity of 1,000 litres which is expected to replace approximately 2,000 plastic water bottles at each event.
Each year, Public Works Services and Parks and Facilities host a Touch-a-Truck event to celebrate National Public Works Week! Members of the public are encouraged to attend this event on May 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. where you will get to touch, explore and get up close and personal with a variety of different vehicles such as fire trucks, Zamboni’s, backhoe, dump trucks and more.
