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Town of Newmarket

Newmarket to receive over $3 million for renovations to Old Town Hall

Newmarket to receive over $3 million for renovations to Old Town Hall

NEWMARKET, Ontario, February 20, 2009 – This week, the Fe deral government announced that Newmarket’s grant submission to receive $3.4 million from the Building Canada Fund to renovate the Old Town Hall has been approved.

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Member of Newmarket Council and Staff gathered at Newmarket’s Old Town Hall to celebrate the Build Canada grant.
Left to right: Ian McDougall, Director of Recreation and Culture; Rob Prentice; Commissioner of Community Services; Councillor Larry Blight; Councillor Chris Emanuel; Mayor Tony Van Bynen; Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown; Councillor Joe Sponga; Councillor Dave Kerwin; Councillor Victor Woodhouse and Regional Councillor John Taylor.

“The Building Canada Fund is the perfect example of the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments working together to better our community,” says Newmarket Mayor, Tony Van Bynen. “Newmarket’s Old Town Hall has been a staple for arts and culture since it’s creation in the late 1800’s. This project will allow for various renovations and improvements that will ensure the Old Town Hall remains a jewel in our community for years to come.”

The total cost for the Old Town Hall renovation projects is estimated at approximately $5,100,000. The grant will cover two thirds of the cost of the project which will be equally divided between the Federal and Provincial government. The Town of Newmarket will contribute one third of the cost of the project.

This grant will allow for various improvements and additions to the Old Town Hall including substantial renovations to the second floor theatre area and conversion of the building to meet accessibility standards.

“Through this partnership with Canadian and Ontario governments, the Old Town Hall will undergo an architectural renaissance, restoring its grandeur and transforming it into an accessible, dedicated, quality space for community use,” says Ward five Councillor Joe Sponga. “This will become the cultural hub for professional and amateur theatre, music, dance and other cultural activities.”

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 Town of Newmarket applied to the Building Canada Fund in late 2008. The Building Canada Fund is a partnership between the Federal, Provincial and Municipal government which fosters strong infrastructure development and stimulates economic growth, supports a cleaner environment and contributes to the overall prosperity of Ontarians.

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Media Contact:
Amber Harrison, Senior Communications Specialist
Town of Newmarket
Tel: 905-953-5300 ext. 2046
E-mail: aharrison@newmarket.ca