Beginning next week, the Town of Newmarket will move ahead with demolition work as the first step towards adding a two-level modular parking structure to significantly increase parking in the downtown. The new parking structure will add over 200 parking spaces and will be built where the current Keith Davis Tennis Club is located at the north end of Riverwalk Commons. Tennis programming will move to a new state-of-the-art tennis facility that is being built as part of the Shining Hill development.
"As municipality of the year for special events two years running and with an eclectic mix of locally-owned shops, restaurants, cafes and more, Newmarket has become a top dining, shopping and entertainment destination within York Region and beyond," says Mayor John Taylor. "The new parking structure will add over 200 much-needed parking spots to ensure the continued success of our local businesses and vibrant downtown for many years to come. In the meantime, we are doing everything possible to continue to support the business community by implementing creative temporary measures to accommodate visits to our vibrant Main Street, which we are very proud to say is one of the best in the country."
Recognizing the high demand for parking going into the bustling summer months and with the exciting and much-anticipated opening of the Postmark Hotel (York Region's first boutique hotel) expected soon, the Town is implementing a multi-faceted approach for temporary parking in the downtown.
The Town plans to add 40 parking spaces on the east side of Church Street (just west of Main Street), which were previously designated as no parking (to be finalized at the May 6 Council meeting). Other steps the Town is taking includes working with the Main Street BIA on a program to encourage local business owners and employees in the downtown area to utilize parking spots outside of the downtown core, freeing up prime parking spots for Main Street patrons. The Town is also limiting bookings at the Community Centre and Lions Hall during peak times to further alleviate parking pressures.
From May 18 to June 8, the Farmers' Market is offering a unique trolley experience that will shuttle visitors from the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (100 Eagle Street West) to the Farmers' Market (Riverwalk Commons), from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Saturday. The Town will continue to monitor the availability of parking throughout the summer and be in the ready position with additional measures if necessary.
By mid-June, a temporary parking lot will open in the former location of the Tennis Club, which will add approximately 100 temporary parking spots. Construction of the new parking structure is anticipated to begin later this year and extend until summer 2025. For updates on the construction, please visit HeyNewmarket.ca/downtownparkingstructure
For more information on downtown parking, please view the downtown parking map.
About Downtown Newmarket
Over the past two decades, the Town, local businesses and building owners have invested over $30 million in the revitalization of Main Street South, leading to the continued growth of Newmarket's downtown as stop dining, shopping and entertainment destination in York Region. As a result of the continued investment in the vibrancy of Main Street, the historic district attracts over a quarter of a million visitors to the core each year and has been voted best Main Street in the country.
