Town, police confirm investigation into alleged brothel in Newmarket
Viral local social media post says a sex business is operating out of a house near Davis and Bayview Parkway
York Regional Police and the Town of Newmarket are investigating allegations that a residential property is operating as a brothel.
Police confirmed an investigation is underway regarding a property in the area of Davis Drive and Bayview Parkway. A resident has alleged that a home is being used as a front for a brothel, with regular clients meeting with sex workers in the area.
“The town can confirm it has an open investigation and is working with York Regional Police,” Newmarket regulatory services manager John Comeau said.
In Canada, it is illegal to purchase sexual services, operate or advertise brothels, or profit from others' sex work. However, individuals selling sexual services is not criminalized.
The Town of Newmarket passed a bylaw in 2021 for the licensing of massage parlours, aimed at stopping any illegal sexual services.
A Facebook post on Jan. 15 about the brothel went viral locally, with more than 500 comments and 200 reactions. The post included screenshots from forums and advertisements on the classified website Leolist, which provides escort services. The advertisements and forum posts made mention of a “whore house” operating in Newmarket.
“Our council under John Taylor did a fantastic job of keeping Newmarket a family-first community with crackdowns on illegal massage parlours in previous years. Unfortunately, the oldest “profession” has reared its head in town again,” the Facebook post said.
The post sparked hundreds of comments in debate about whether or not the situation should be addressed.
“If it’s a group of women who are choosing to do this, isn’t it safer for them to be in a monitored space than out in the streets?” one commenter said.
Other commenters responded with sarcasm or humour, questioning whether services were still available.
The Facebook post urged action from the community.
"To all residents and citizens, please petition your councillors and fight against the exploitation of women in our community. I say with confidence that we are a kind community and if these women want to start a new life I’m sure many would step up to help them," the post said.
York Regional Police also confirmed an ongoing investigation.
“We are aware of this location and it is currently being looked into,” York Regional Police media relations Const. Kevin Nebrija said.
NewmarketToday will provide updates as new information becomes available.
.I'd say early 40's . I'd say 5.5 out of a 10. Toung ring , tall & skinny & kinda sketchy place busy busy to park and walk to there private house. Maybe others are better im hoping.
