Newmarket's 'Fabulous' Old Town Hall renovation unveiled

YorkRegion.com
Sept. 21, 2016
Chris Simon

Old Town Hall is ready to reintroduce itself to Newmarket Thursday.

Perhaps we should all get used to the term Botsford Street Beauty when describing the facility, which just underwent a long and controversial $10-million makeover.

It is a building that now sticks out with a grand juxtaposition first noticeable on an exterior that blends the older charm of cream-coloured bricks, dark shingles and a bell tower perched on top with new grey metal siding and an outdoor stage made of lightly-coloured cement with a glass canopy.

“I’m extremely proud we were able to produce something that will be a cultural hub for this community for years to come,” town recreation and culture director Colin Service said, during a media tour of the building Wednesday morning. “There will be people who will have an opportunity to celebrate their weddings, first performances and live, professional entertainment in this building. It serves as an anchor for the (downtown) core and becomes that iconic fixture that allows the community to gather. Every spot you go into in this facility is beautiful and usable.”

This will be a busy week for the facility at 460 Botsford St. A grand re-opening celebration takes place Sept. 22 at 5 p.m., the Newmarket Celebrates the Arts gala runs Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. and an open house happens Sept. 24 from noon to 5 p.m.

The outdoor stage will also host a portion of the town’s annual Buskerfestival Sept. 25 from 1:15 to 4:15 p.m., and on Sept. 27 at 6 p.m., the town will host a family-themed discovery and adventure night, which includes a tour of the facility.

Old Town Hall once housed council, a police station and a jail — a history that is on display with replica white tin tile ceilings, bars from a cell on the wall in the basement and a chandelier with black and white photos detailing the town’s history.

The facility is intended to be a jewel in the crown of a revitalized Main Street, steps from Riverwalk Commons and the Newmarket Public Library, featuring meeting rooms, an elevator, an updated theatre and storage space. It will also be accessible and capable of hosting art exhibitions and residents will be able to pay tax bills and make other municipal inquiries at a main kiosk.

Old Town Hall was supposed to open about a year and a half ago, until poor weather and structural issues with the foundation hampered the construction schedule. However, the final product is well worth the wait, Mayor Tony Van Bynen said.

“It’s bringing one of our important municipal assets back into active contribution to our community,” he said. “It’s a centre for activity, culture and gathering. It’s been a long wait and we certainly appreciate the community’s patience. Good things are always worth waiting for. In this case, a fabulous thing is always worth waiting for.”

Infrastructure services commissioner Peter Noehammer agrees.

“The performance hall is the showpiece,” he said, pointing out his favourite element of the building. “It feels accessible to the community and just has a fantastic appeal.”