Filming of 'The Handmaid's Tale' in Newmarket brings $50K investment in downtown BIA

Yorkregion.com
March 31, 2022

You’ve heard of random acts of kindness.

Now, keep an eye out for "Random Acts of Downtown Shopping".

Thanks to the shooting of "The Handmaid’s Tale" TV series in downtown Newmarket, the town has announced a $50,000 investment in the downtown focused on the Main Street District Business Improvement Area and economic development initiatives, resulting from the film production revenue.

Coming soon, the town will launch a new initiative called Random Acts of Downtown Shopping, with $20,000 in rewards and prizes to encourage shopping downtown this spring, the municipality announced March 29.

The initiative will re-invest revenues into the downtown, support Main Street BIA businesses impacted by street and parking closures, and encourage residents to explore new and old favourites in the downtown. The full program will roll out in coming weeks.

The remaining $30,000 will enhance and highlight the downtown through events, programs and other economic development initiatives. This will be done in partnership between the town and BIA, the town said.

"As a town council, we are really excited to use this opportunity to drive growth and development in Newmarket as we recover from two years of uncertainty," Mayor John Taylor said.

"The film production will bring direct revenue to the downtown and across our town while it is here, but we want to provide a more targeted, direct investment in the downtown business community over the spring and summer to help with the recovery and to recognize that there will be impacts on the downtown due to the filming. That is why we are creating a program that will drive revenue and awareness in the downtown and bring life back to our Main Street after years of COVID restrictions."

While the town isn’t permitted to disclose the name of the series being filmed, it said the production is expected to have a minimum $200,000 financial boon to Newmarket as a whole.

That includes rentals and fees, accommodations and the infusion of several hundred cast and crew members shopping and dining in Newmarket.

"The news of a film production in town has ignited curiosity among the community," the town statement said. "To respect the integrity of the production and in accordance with the film permit agreement, the town is unable to disclose or confirm the name of the show. The film production company has confirmed all casting for the extra roles is now complete."

YorkRegion.com confirmed the name of the production with sources with knowledge of the situation.

"Main Street remains open for business during the filming period. The town asks that visitors please be respectful of the film production and crew during their visit."

During the film period, from March 30 to April 1, there will be intermittent and ongoing closures in the area of Botsford and Timothy streets, from Main Street to Old Town Hall, the surrounding area and Market Square.

For information about the shoot, parking disruptions and to share feedback, visit heynewmarket.ca/filming.

For non-emergent questions, contact customer service at info@newmarket.ca or 905-895-5193 and press 3 if after hours.

For emergencies related to the film production, call the town’s film help line at 905-716-9800.