The mural titled “A New Market on the Holland River” by artist John Kuna

The mural titled “A New Market on the Holland River” by artist John Kuna was commissioned by Buckley Insurance Brokers in partnership with the Town of Newmarket.

New heritage-inspired art evokes Town’s rich history

Mural presented to public in Newmarket’s downtown

Newmarket, Ontario, Novembr 5, 2018 - A new heritage-inspired mural was presented to the public in Newmarket’s historic downtown at the corner of Main and Water Streets on November 5.
 
The large-scale piece of art titled “A New Market on the Holland River” depicts Chippewas and Quaker settlers gathering at the Roe & Borland Trading Post c.1814, around which the Quaker settlement, later to be known as Newmarket, sprouted.
 
“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,” says Mayor Tony Van Bynen. 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 was created by artist John Kuna and commissioned by Buckley Insurance Brokers in partnership with the Town of Newmarket as part of the Town’s Façade Improvement and Restoration Program. The mural was created in consultation with the Newmarket Historical Society, the Elman W. Campbell Museum, Heritage Newmarket, Suzanne Smoke of Biindigen Healing and Arts and the Chippewas of Georgina Island Chief and Council.
 
The Façade Improvement and Restoration Program is part of the Town of Newmarket’s financial incentive programs, which aim to support redevelopment in the Downtown and parts of Davis Drive. Properties that are located in the Community Improvement Plan can apply for 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,” says Economic Development Officer Chris Kallio. “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, click here.

Media Contact:
Corporate Communications
Town of Newmarket
Phone: 905-953-5300 ext. 2040
Email: corporatecommunications@newmarket.ca

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