#StandApartTogether

IN NEWMARKET WE #STANDAPARTTOGETHER

2020 was a year that challenged most individuals, families, businesses, communities and countries to the absolute limit. Early in the year, the global pandemic hit and completely changed the world as we know it. As we all physically distanced, the Newmarket community came together.

Newmarket appointed close to 50 Community Positivity Ambassadors (CPAs) and a Chief Positivity Officer, Jamie Boyle, from the Town to help spread positivity, happiness and humour, while uniting our community in various ways.

From virtual concerts to drive-by parades, these CPAs and the entire community stepped up to lift our spirits and make us all proud at a time when we needed it most.

SUMMER FUN ‘COVID-STYLE’

As the summer of 2020 rolled around, the Town of Newmarket quickly adapted to provide safe and COVID-friendly opportunities for recreation. Take-home camper kits, weekly community scavenger hunts and drop-in programs were just a few of the ways the Town was able to keep the community connected while staying physically apart.

Residents were even able to enjoy Moonlight Movies under the stars, one of the Town’s most popular community events, by adding social distancing circles for safety and pre-booking movie times.

HONOURING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS

In October 2020, the Town of Newmarket recognized its first responders, frontline and essential workers with the Honorary Citizen Award. A small socially-distanced ceremony was held to recognize representatives from each area.

A permanent plaque was also unveiled to forever honour all first responders, frontline and essential workers for their dedication to keeping our community safe every day and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COMMUNITY HOSTS DRIVE-BY PARADE TO THANK HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Hundreds of cars and emergency vehicles paraded by Southlake Regional Health Centre in April 2020 to thank staff working on the front lines through the pandemic. Mayor John Taylor described it as one giant hug for Southlake. This was another true example of the community coming together to demonstrate its love, support, gratitude and appreciation.

GOING TO THE CHAPEL…

Throughout 2020, Newmarket was one of the few communities that continued to offer marriage licenses so that couples could keep walking down the aisle safely and in new and creative ways. In June 2020, the Town was able to help Melissa and Nygel tie the knot with family and friends.

After being engaged for four years, Melissa and Nygel were anxious to make Melissa’s 86-year-old Grandmother’s dream of witnessing her marriage, come true. Grandma Pearl lives in Newfoundland.

On June 21, 2020, Melissa and Nygel along with sons Wyatt and Mavryk, had a small ceremony attended in person by immediate family and close friends and virtually by Grandma Pearl and other family and friends from across the country. Congratulations to Melissa, Nygel, Wyatt and Mavryk! Dreams do come true!

“…Thank you so incredibly much to you and your team for making our special day happen. We were able to make our dreams come true and get married on Sunday June 21st. I hope this story brings some light to such a crazy historical time for both you and your team. We couldn’t have done it without you!”