'Praise be': You could receive a money voucher as Newmarket hands out $20,000 from ‘The Handmaid's Tale’ revenues

Vouchers will be handed out to spend in downtown BIA area from April 25 to May 7

Yorkregion.com
April 12, 2022
Lisa Queen

If you get handed a money voucher for a bit of a downtown shopping spree, thank “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

Film production revenue from shooting of the TV series on Main Street resulted in the town announcing a $50,000 investment in the downtown area.

As part of that money, $20,000 will be given out to shoppers as part of the town’s Random Acts of Downtown Shopping campaign.

From April 25 to May 7, the town will distribute hundreds of shopping vouchers for participating businesses in the Main Street Business Improvement Area (BIA).

The town aims to “surprise and delight Newmarket residents” while also giving back to the downtown business community that was directly impacted by disruptions, street and parking closures as a result of the filming, the town said in a statement.

The value of the vouchers range from $10 to $125 and will be distributed throughout Newmarket in various ways.

One way to increase your chances is to follow the town’s social media channels for giveaways.

Residents may also be surprised with a gift voucher for participating in town programs, walking the trails, visiting Newmarket hot spots or exploring the community.

Vouchers must be used during a single purchase and be redeemed by June 15.

“Get ready, Newmarket, we can’t wait to surprise hundreds of residents with gift vouchers to drive our community back to our award-winning Main Street and start to remember what life was like before COVID-19,” Mayor John Taylor said.

“The recent filming in Newmarket provided a unique opportunity and had a very significant and positive economic impact. We want to dedicate a portion of that revenue to both support our downtown businesses that have been directly affected and also reward our residents by spreading some joy after a very challenging couple of years.”

The remaining $30,000 will go toward downtown events, programs and other economic development initiatives in partnership with the BIA.

“The Handmaid’s Tale” filming is anticipated to add at least $200,000 to Newmarket’s economy through rentals and fees, accommodations and the infusion of several hundred cast and crew members who shopped and dined in town from late March to early April.

For details, visit newmarket.ca/randomactsofdowntownshopping.