Lights, cameras and action are coming to Newmarket’s downtown core as a television film shoot is set for Sept. 23.
The Town of Newmarket announced Sept. 19 that a one-day production will come into the area Monday. From 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the production will see 193-197 Main St. S., the Stiver Vale buildings, dressed up to resemble an abandoned “library.”
The production will generate revenue through film permits, with $25,000 dedicated to supporting future downtown initiatives, the municipality said.
“The town is working closely with the production company to balance the impact to residents and businesses in the area,” the municipality said in a news release. “Production will be limited to one day, including set-up, filming and clean-up with minimal disruption to businesses and travellers.”
The scene will involve six actors driving south in the northbound lane of Main Street South in a van, parking near the faux library. They will then proceed down the adjacent alleyway/driveway on Doug Duncan Drive.
The television series in question has not yet been disclosed.
Crews will arrive at 6 a.m. to set up the scene, with the production to be fully wrapped by 11 p.m., including clean-up.
The town will reserve approximately 12 on-street parking spaces on Main Street South for the project, along with three spaces on Botsford Street. However, production vehicles and trailers will be located in the temporary gravel lot downtown, recently installed as part of a planned parking expansion.
Northbound traffic on Main Street, between Botsford Street and Millard Avenue, will be stopped intermittently throughout the day for filming. York Regional Police will manage the traffic stops, which should last approximately three minutes.
Meanwhile, municipal enforcement vehicles will place notices on vehicles parked in the spaces the day before parking spots close. Vehicles will need to be relocated by 6 a.m. the morning of the shoot. If vehicles remain, they will be towed by a town contractor to the nearby Riverwalk Commons parking lot at the production company’s expense.
“The town would like to thank the community, particularly its downtown residents and businesses for their patience during this time,” the municipality said. “While there will be some short-term inconveniences, the production brings a positive economic return to the town, the community and local businesses.”
You can contact the film helpline at 905-953-5300 ext. 2221 to address immediate questions or concerns regarding filming. General and non-urgent inquiries can also be sent to the town customer service at [email protected] or 905-895-5193.
More information is available at heynewmarket.ca/filming.
