While shovels are already in the ground, Port Hope officially kicked off the Walton Street reconstruction work — a project that’s crucial for the future of the historic downtown in west Northumberland County, says the municipality’s top politician.
The Municipality of Port Hope held a groundbreaking ceremony downtown on Wednesday (May 8), which brought together residents, business owners, and municipal officials to mark the formal start of the major infrastructure improvements.
“We are building more than just a road — we are building a better future for all who live and work here,” Port Hope mayor Olena Hankivsky said in a media release.
“Let us come together to support one another, continue to shop local, and navigate these changes with kindness and understanding. We are all part of this journey, and the results will benefit us all.”
Port Hope CAO Candice White and Jeanette Davidson, director of works and engineering, also shared a few words at the event, highlighting the significant role the project has in enhancing the accessibility, safety, and visual appeal of the area. They also emphasized the importance of community unity and resilience during the construction phase.
With the work underway, the Municipality of Port Hope recently announced two bus routes would be free for riders. There are no transit fees on transit routes A and B within the Port Hope boundary through the duration of the Walton Street reconstruction project.
That initiative is part of the municipality’s “ongoing commitment to support local businesses and to promote environmental benefits through increased use of public transit,” Port Hope noted.
They dug up the Main Street, but she’s still beautiful.
Posted by Lee Higginson on Sunday, April 28, 2024
“This initiative underscores our deep commitment to community support and the enhancement of everyone’s quality of life,” the mayor stated in an earlier media release. “It presents an excellent chance for us to unite, bolster our local businesses, and make choices that benefit the environment.”
Downtown businesses will remain open throughout the project.
The municipality asks residents and visitors who do drive to consider parking at designated lots outside of the immediate downtown area and to utilize the free transit services to navigate around the downtown area. Port Hope hopes that approach will help alleviate the challenge of finding parking during the reconstruction and peak tourism times.
The CAO said the municipality is committed to ensuring minimal disruptions during construction.
“We are working diligently to keep the project on track and maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders,” White noted.
The Walton Street reconstruction project targets enhancing pedestrian accessibility, improving road safety, and modernizing the downtown area’s infrastructure. More project information is available at porthope.ca/walton or @PortHopeDigsWalton on Facebook and Instagram.
Posted by Lee Higginson on Sunday, April 28, 2024
The project involves making improvements to old water mains and sanitary sewers, and expanding capacity for storm sewers that have become inadequate over time.
The first phase of the reconstruction, completed in 2023, involved the section of Walton Street stretching from Pine Street to Church Street. The second phase of the Walton Street reconstruction encompasses the portion of Walton Street from Cavan Street to Queen Street.
The construction began in April and continues through to November.
For more information on transit schedules and updates during the reconstruction project, visit the Port Hope website at porthope.ca/transit or call transit services at 905-885-9891.
