The Municipality of Port Hope is investing the bulk of money generated from parking tickets into efforts that beautify the downtown and support upcoming events in the downtown core.
Port Hope recently announced that 75 per cent of the ticket revenue collected from parking enforcement between May 1 and November 1 in the municipality will be reallocated to the Heritage Business Improvement Area (HBIA). The initiative aims to support downtown aesthetic projects and events during the ongoing reconstruction of Walton Street.
The move reflects the municipality’s commitment to maintain a vibrant and welcoming downtown area, a media release noted. The HBIA will use the money to further enhance the appeal of streetscapes and to organize community events that attract visitors and support local businesses.
“The decision to allocate a portion of parking ticket revenue to the HBIA is a strategic step to help our downtown thrive during the construction period,” said Municipality of Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky.
“The goal is to balance the community’s needs with regulations to keep the downtown area active. By investing in beautification and events, we are not only supporting our local businesses but also enhancing the overall experience for residents and visitors. This initiative reflects our commitment to maintaining a lively and inviting downtown Port Hope.”
The historic downtown in the west Northumberland community is in the midst of an overhaul with the Walton Street reconstruction project, which 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 work encompasses the portion of Walton Street from Cavan Street to Queen Street.
Earlier this spring, the municipality officially kicked off the project with a groundbreaking ceremony downtown, which brought together residents, business owners, and municipal officials to mark the formal start of the major infrastructure improvements.
The construction began in April and continues through to November.
During this time, the municipality asks residents and visitors who drive downtown to consider parking at designated lots outside of the immediate downtown area and to use the temporarily 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.
In regards to parking fines, the municipality said the enforcement “is essential to maintaining the flow of traffic and ensuring that parking spaces remain available for those shopping or supporting downtown businesses,” the release noted.
“Converting designated paid parking to free parking throughout the downtown would result in prolonged occupation of parking spots,” the municipality explained. “Maintaining normal/existing paid parking encourages the movement of cars throughout the day, increasing parking availability and convenience for patrons. This approach is backed by past experience, similar main street redevelopment projects in other communities, and ongoing support from the HBIA.”
Free parking remains available in the Cavan Street lot, Town Hall lot, and Elias Street lot. No free parking spaces have been eliminated as part of the Walton Street reconstruction project, the municipality noted.
For more parking information and/or to learn more about the Walton Street project, visit porthope.ca/walton.
