Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Town of Newmarket is gearing up to start construction on its most significant capital project – the Mulock Park at Mulock Drive and Yonge Street.
A contract for the construction project has been awarded to Matheson Constructors Ltd. Park work is scheduled to take place from the end of 2023 to 2025 with park opening anticipated in 2026. Key elements will include a skating trail, water features, natural discovery playscape, greenhouse conservatory and artist studio with public art woven throughout the landscape.
“We are on the road to building something truly amazing for our community,” says Newmarket Mayor John Taylor. “Council is excited to see Mulock Park come to life and we are confident this substantive investment will be greatly valued by our current residents and future generations. Newmarket is taking another big step forward to ensure that this is one of the best places to live in all of Canada.”
Construction will follow the Mulock Property Master Plan developed by PLANT Architect Inc.
The Mulock Park Project is the town’s most significant capital project and will become one of the largest parks and public gathering spaces, delivering much needed greenspace and amenities to a growing community.
Council has approved an additional $16 million due to a 39 per cent jump in the construction cost, bringing the park works to $64.2 million.
Staff conducted a competitive bid process and tender results reflect current costs in the marketplace which have shifted drastically, due to inflation and rising construction costs. The Non-Residential Building Construction Price Index (NRBCPI) has increased 33 per cent since the original budget for Mulock Park was estimated in 2021. A recent scan of municipal recreation projects shows other local projects increasing by as much as 60 to 110 per cent.
The Master Plan creates a four-season experience, including a winter skate trail through the woods linked to a skating area which converts to a summer water play feature for cooling and splashing for all ages.
A greenhouse conservatory will provide a beautiful four-season indoor garden space, connected to a studio space for a rotating artist residency. Visitors will also discover public art across the site.
The great lawn will be “a natural canvas” for open enjoyment (reading, a picnic, yoga and more) and has the capacity to host concerts and events. The ecology of the site will be thoughtfully adapted and linked by a network of paths and gardens, while focusing on keeping it natural and taking care of the magnificent mature tree canopy.
Mulock House is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act and will be preserved, updated, and re-imagined with a café, event space and art gallery in partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) . The house is currently in the design stage and will be constructed under a separate and coordinated project, set to open alongside the overall park.