Small Town Charm, Big City Conveniences

Since 1991, the Newmarket population has grown from 45,000 to a boasting population of 84,000. Commercial area expansions have introduced many new industries, offering more goods, services, and increased job opportunities. Newmarket covers 22-square-km in the heart of the York region with a strong commercial base and small town atmosphere. "It's basically a town in a country setting," says Wanda Bennett, manager of corporate communications for the Town of Newmarket. One perfect example to illustrate Bennett's description is Newmarket's Main Street. "It's a cute, quaint place to be; a green environment with small town appeal and many downtown amenities," explains Bennett.

Main Street is a unique experience with early 1800's styled historic architecture, streetlights, and custom grown flower barrels. It's proximity to the Holland River Trail System and Fairy Lake allows for recreational, cultural and arts activities. Local businesses provide boutiques, patio eateries, live theatres and a seasonal farmer's market in a vibrant setting. Also located on Main Street is the Elman W. Campbell Museum, which has a collection of Newmarket artifacts.

Upper Canada Mall is another great shopping experience, with over 1,000,000-square-feet and 250 stores. Newmarket also has 300 acres of parkland and nature trails, three public arenas, two indoor pools, and a variety of programs for all ages.

The outburst in growth over the past decade shows the attraction to the town. Bennett explains, "People are leaving the big city for communities with more character and neighbourly feeling. Here you have big city amenities, combined with small town character that you don't get anywhere else."

*The above article was printed in the Globe and Mail