National Public Works Week

May 18 to 24 is National Public Works Week! This year's theme from the Ontario Public Works Association is "People, Purpose, Presence." The theme represents how Public Works staff highlights three cornerstone ideals that motivate public works professionals to serve in their communities every day. 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

1. Our water and wastewater team takes care of 4,547 water valves and 2,371 fire hydrants and collects 26 water samples every week - testing for E. coli, bacteria, and other contaminants to make sure our community's water stays clean and safe. They also manage 318 km of water mains, 283.75 km of sewer lines, 27,000 water meter accounts, approximately 2,370 municipally owned fire hydrants and 30 water sampling stations.
   

2. In 2024, winter didn't hold back, hitting Newmarket with 54 snow events. Our team hauled away 735 single-axle loads of snow from our cul-de-sacs and streets - that's a frosty 4,410 tonnes of snow! During each snow event, to ensure the roads stayed safe and slip-free, crews spread 70 tonnes of Thawrox (salt) – that's approximately the weight of 12 full-grown elephants!
   

3. Our fleet team of mechanics are the pros working behind the scenes to keep everything in motion - from snowplows and sidewalk snowplows to cars, trucks, lawn mowers, Zambonis, and even the Central York Fire Services vehicles! They're always on the job, making sure the Town of Newmarket's fleet is ready for action!
   

4. Our Public Works staff collected a whopping 8.6 tonnes of e-waste and 615 lbs of batteries at the 2024 Electronics & Recycling Events! Newmarket is diverting these items from landfills, giving raw materials a second life, and helping the planet breathe easier by saving energy, cutting down pollution, and shrinking greenhouse gas emissions.
   

5. Since 2022, our Roads crew has been on a roll - patching up an average of 2,976 potholes a year.  
   

6. Every winter, our facilities team jumps into action, resurfacing over 61.2 million square feet of ice with the help of a trusty Zamboni - that's like taking 594 round trips from Mulock Drive to Green Lane! Thanks to their hard work, skaters enjoy smooth, shiny ice all season long. Last winter alone, residents and visitors spent more than 13,366 hours gliding, spinning, and laughing on the rinks - making unforgettable memories right here in town
   

7. Our Parks team worked their magic, helping set up and tear down 90+ Town and community events, putting in over 6,200 hours of behind-the-scenes hustle to make sure everyone had an unforgettable time!
   

8. Horticulture Staff planted 3,000 bulbs and will be adding colourful pollinator gardens along with pollinator planters on select islands across Town. It's all part of our buzz-worthy mission to keep thriving as the 14th Bee City in Canada!
   

9. In 2024, our Forestry team pruned 3,600 trees, planted 686 trees and shrubs, while also sprucing up the town with 12,000 vibrant annuals, and keeping 670 flower-filled hanging baskets.
   

10. Our Parks team is responsible for maintaining over 800 acres of grass cutting, ensuring that our parks are always picture-perfect! They also carry out 60 playground inspections each month to keep everything safe and fun for everyone who visits.