Like many of the communities in the greater Toronto area, Newmarket has experienced rapid growth during the past thirty years.  Spurred on by its relatively close proximity to downtown Toronto, the construction of two 400 series highways, and the GO train service, Newmarket has doubled in size several times throughout the latter part of the last century.

    The map below provides a vivid illustration of this growth.  In 1970 Newmarket covered a relatively small amount of land centered around its downtown area on Main St.  As shown by the lightest shade of pink on the map, 1970 Newmarket only extended half way to Yonge St. to the west and not as far east as Leslie St.

    Ten years later in 1980 Newmarket had grown to roughly twice that size.  Between 1980 and 1990 the land area under development more than doubled once again.  Likewise another substantial amount of land was developed between 1990 and today.

    It is to be hoped that the town planners and our elected officials are able to successfully manage this growth so that Newmarket continues to be a healthy, livable community for both present and future residents.

Close this window to return to the Geography Department site.