Newmarket’s downtown core will play host to a popular television series between March 21 to April 3, but details are hush on which show.
The two-week production will mean parking lot and intermittent road closures in the downtown area. But the town said the production company is bringing an estimated $200,000 economic windfall for Newmarket, including permit fees, accommodations and dining.
Mayor John Taylor the production sends a message that “Newmarket is open for business.”
“Having a major television series shoot in our town is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on us, get new people in our shops, restaurants and hotels, and bring back the vitality and energy we once felt in our downtown core,” Taylor said.
The town would not disclose what the series is and indicated that is still a private matter.
Construction will begin March 21, in preparation for three days of filming from March 30 to April 1. Throughout the entire two-week period, there is no on-street parking along Timothy Street and Botsford Street, and no parking at the Old Town Hall. The Lions Park parking lot will also be used as overflow parking for the production crew, with spaces still available for residents.
From March 29 to April 2, there will also be no parking at the Market Square parking lot and Ray Twinney Recreation Complex south lot. The filming days will also mean intermittent road closures for vehicular traffic along Timothy Street, Botsford Street and Market Square. The town said detour roads are available along Park Avenue, Queen Street and Millard Avenue.
The town said it would place notices for vehicles parked the day before closures. If any vehicles remain, the town said they would tow them to Riverwalk Commons at the production company’s expense.
The town said alternate parking lots include Riverwalk Commons and Main Street. The former police district building at 240 Prospect St. is also available for daytime parking from March 21 to April 3.
“The town would like to thank the community, particularly its downtown residents and businesses for their patience during this time,” the town said. “While there will be some short-term inconveniences, the production brings a positive economic return to the town, the community and local businesses. The revenue generated will provide a long-term investment in the downtown core.”
The town said it welcome questions and feedback. You can contact [email protected] or 905-895-5193 or visit heynewmarket.ca/filming.
For emergencies related to the film production, you can contact the municipal film helpline at 905-716-9800, which the town will operate throughout the production.
