Newmarket is a town located approximately 45 km north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has an area of 38.07 km², and is part of the Greater Toronto Area. Best known for being the birthplace of famous Canadian actor and comedian, Jim Carrey, it is the seat of York Region.

According to the 2001 Census, the town's population was 65,788. The Region of York Planning department currently (June 30, 2004) puts the total at 73,715 (1).

The town was founded in 1801 as a Quaker settlement led by Timothy Rogers . Several mills were soon built to supply the residents, and the amount of goods produced by the local mills and farms earned it the name "New Market" (as opposed to Toronto, the "old market".)

Newmarket was incorporated as a village in 1857 and a town in 1880. By the 1950s, Newmarket experienced a suburban building boom due to its proximity to Toronto. Newmarket is a thriving community unto itself, with a strong awareness of its own history. Newmarket is not a new bedroom community; it is a very old and industrious town that is rich with heritage.

Newmarket has 15 elementary schools and 4 secondary schools under The York Region District School Board , 6 elementary schools and 1 secondary school under The York Region Catholic District School Board, and Pickering College , a private school.

The town is part of the federal riding of Newmarket—Aurora . The riding is presently represented in the Canadian House of Commons by Belinda Stronach, a member of the Conservative Party of Canada and graduate of Newmarket High School.

Tom Taylor is currently the Mayor of Newmarket and has served in that capacity for well over a decade. He was re-elected in the 2004 municipal election running unopposed.

Government offices in Newmarket:

• York Region Council
• York Regional Police
• Provincial Courthouse

External links

• Town of Newmarket Official Website
• York Region District School Board
• York Region Catholic District School Board
• Pickering College
• Map of Newmarket (interactive; centred on Old Town Hall)