Looking for the “New Market Mall”? Here’s What You’re Actually Searching For in Newmarket, Ontario

If you’ve been typing “new market mall” into your search engine, hoping to find a shopping spot in Ontario—you’re almost there. The mix-up is common, but here’s a quick tip: Newmarket is actually one word, not two. That small spelling difference matters when you’re trying to locate anything in the actual town of Newmarket, Ontario.

And while there isn’t a mall officially named “New Market Mall,” there is a long-standing shopping centre that locals have known and loved for years: the Newmarket Plaza.

Let’s clear up the confusion and explore a bit of the history behind this unique town and its well-known plaza.

First Off—It’s Newmarket, Not “New Market”

It’s an easy mistake to make. Typing “new market mall” seems logical if you’re unfamiliar with the area. But Newmarket—spelled as one word—has a name rooted in history.

Founded in the early 1800s, the town’s name came from its role as a “new market” area for settlers and traders travelling along Yonge Street, a major trade route in Upper Canada. Over time, the space in the name disappeared, but the town continued to grow—first as a rural farming centre and later as a vibrant suburb north of Toronto.

Newmarket was officially incorporated as a village in 1857, and by 1880, it had achieved town status. Its Main Street became a hub for trade, politics, and community life—some of which still lives on today.

A Bit of Local Character: The Newmarket Plaza

Now, back to that mall you were probably looking for.

The Newmarket Plaza, located on Davis Drive, has been a core part of the town’s commercial life for decades. It’s one of those classic Canadian plazas—a collection of accessible, street-facing shops that serve everyday needs without the glitz or crowd of a massive shopping centre.

Opened in the mid-20th century, the plaza has gone through many changes, but it’s always remained a practical and reliable place for locals. Whether you’re stopping in for a haircut, groceries, coffee, or pharmacy items, the Newmarket Plaza keeps it simple and familiar.

It’s not just about convenience—it’s about community. Many of the businesses there have deep roots in the area, and some families have been shopping at the same storefronts for generations.

Newmarket’s Quiet Charm

Newmarket has grown a lot over the past few decades, but it hasn’t lost its small-town feel. Historic Main Street still holds preserved architecture and independent businesses, while areas like Davis Drive (home to the Plaza) serve the day-to-day needs of residents.

While it’s no longer the rural outpost it once was, the town has retained a sense of balance—modern development mixed with local character.

Final Word: The “New Market Mall” You Meant to Find

So, if your GPS or Google search has led you on a wild goose chase for the “new market mall,” now you know—you’re most likely looking for the Newmarket Plaza. It’s been serving the town for decades and continues to offer exactly what many people are after: local service, easy access, and a familiar feel.

Next time you’re in Newmarket (remember, one word!), swing by the plaza on Davis Drive and see what makes it a quietly essential part of this historic Ontario town.