The facts about Downtown revitalization

• In 2003, Newmarket completed approximately $3 million of streetscape and infrastructure improvements on lower Main Street.
  
  
• In 2003, 10 Financial Incentive Programs to update and beautify the downtown area were adopted, including;
  o    Project Feasibility Study Program
  o    Façade Improvement and Restoration Program
  o    Interior Renovation and Improvement Program
  o    Residential Conversion and Intensification Program
  o    Business Sign Program
  o    Redevelopment and Rehabilitation Tax Incremental Program
  o    Development Charge Rebate/Credit Program
  o    Planning and Building Fees Rebate/Credit Program
  o    Parking Requirement Program
  o    Parkland Dedication Exemption Program 
  
  
• In 2004, the Financial Incentive Programs began operating. These programs have continued to gain momentum and success since their implementation. Between 2004-2008, the Town processed 114 applications and contributed approximately $650,000 to various financial incentive programs for downtown improvements.
  
  
• As a result of the Financial Incentive Projects, for every dollar invested by the Town, this equate to $3.30 of private sector investment. 
  
  
• Between 2005 - 2008, the assessment growth of buildings on Main Street as evaluated by the Province of Ontario, significantly exceed the assessment growth town-wide. 
  
  
• In 2009, the Town received $3.4 million from the Build Canada Fund for renovations to the Old Town Hall. The Old Town Hall is a historic building in downtown Newmarket that was built in 1883. Organized theatre and performing arts have been performed at the Old Town Hall for well over 100 years. The total cost for this project is estimated at approximately $5,100,000 which will be used to for a number of major renovations that will restore the cultural landmark to its former glory and provide a new and improved venue for numerous community activities.
  
  
• In 2009, the Town received $4,070,000 in federal and provincial funding for the revitalization of publicly-owned lands in the heart of Newmarket. This project known as the Community Urban Space Project (CUSP) is intended to transform a portion of the downtown core into an innovative multi-use, multi-season recreational and cultural space for community events. This will strengthen the role of historic downtown as the cultural centre of the community and strengthen the link between the downtown and the pedestrian trail system, connecting with the existing Fairy Lake Park and Holland River Trail.
  
  
• In 2010, construction will begin on a new rapid transit service called vivaNext which will greatly enhance the look and functionality of Yonge Street and Davis Drive. This will provide increased transit options in the downtown area and provide Newmarket's residential and business community with a convenient, reliable, fast alternative to driving.