New mural honours Newmarket's heritage in downtown core

Yorkreigon.com
November 8, 2018
Teresa Latchford

You may notice something a little different in Newmarket’s historic downtown.

Dignitaries, members of historical organizations and members of the public braved the wet weather to witness the unveiling of a new heritage-inspired mural at the corner of Main and Water streets this month. The large-scale piece titled A New Market on the Holland River was created by artist John Kuna and was commissioned by Buckley Insurance Brokers in partnership with the town.

“Art helps to enrich and enliven our public spaces and we are so proud to have this mural illustrating our rich heritage in the heart of our downtown,” Mayor Tony Van Bynen said. “This project was made possible through collaboration and serves as a great example of how we can continue to find new ways to continually develop our growing arts and culture community.”

The mural depicts Chippewas and Quaker settlers gathering at the Roe and Borland Trading Post circa 1814, around which the Quaker settlement, later to be known as Newmarket, sprouted.

The project is part of the town’s Façade Improvement and Restoration Program and the Newmarket Historical Society, Elman W. Campbell Museum, Heritage Newmarket, Suzanne Smoke of Biindigen Healing and Arts as well as the Chippewas of Georgina Island chief and council were consulted.

The program falls under the umbrella of the town’s financial incentive programs, which aim to support redevelopment in the downtown core and parts of Davis Drive. Properties officially located within the town’s Community Improvement Plan can apply for the interest-free loans, grants and other benefits.

“This project reflects how the town and local businesses can work together through our Façade Improvement and Restoration Program to both beautify our public spaces and preserve an important part of Newmarket’s history,” economic development officer Chris Kallio said. “There are many ways that our financial incentive programs can be applied and we encourage local business within our Community Improvement Plan area to contact our Economic Development Office to learn more about these opportunities.”

To learn more about the town’s economic development programs and grants, visit Newmarket.ca.