'Now is the time for Port Hope to show their love and support for our local, independent business owners'
With a downtown described as "the beating heart of one of Ontario's best-preserved and most complete 19th century commercial streetscapes," the Municipality of Port Hope is promoting its shop-local campaign that's underway now through to the end of September.
Port Hope is encouraging residents and visitors to support merchants in the core of the west Northumberland town as major reconstruction continues on Walton Street.
In collaboration with local community partners, the "Be Walton" campaign aims to enhance the downtown experience with an ongoing series of free local arts, music, and cultural events in the core, aimed at making the downtown a bustling driver of the local economy.
"The Be Walton campaign is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and support our local businesses during this transformative time," said Municipality of Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky in a media release.
"By participating in the events and activities, and prioritizing our local merchants and services, we can all play a part in preserving the unique charm and vitality of our downtown area. Let's show our love for Port Hope by shopping local, enjoying our vibrant arts scene, and making lasting memories in the heart of our community."
The shop local initiative is a key component of a comprehensive business and community continuity program, the municipality noted.
"The Be Walton' slogan is a rallying cry for residents to tap into their deep-rooted community spirit and support the businesses affected by the Walton Street reconstruction. It encourages Port Hope residents to embrace their local identity by shopping, dining, exploring, and utilizing the services in the downtown area. To Be Walton means immersing yourself in the local culture with all that makes our downtown vibrant and unique."
The campaign includes the following:
A community arts activation hub
Art activities for all ages, curated by Critical Mass Art, are being held on Lent Lane every Saturday.
Light displays and public art
Residents and visitors can take in light displays and public art installations in and around the alleys, sidewalks, and the construction fencing on and off Walton Street.
Official Road To Cultivate after-parties
Community members and seasonal guests can head to local pubs and restaurants in the downtown core every Thursday evening in July and August for official after-parties for the Road to Cultivate concert series, featuring local artists straight from the bandshell in Memorial Park.
Capitol Theatre shop, dine, and show package
Port Hope's non-profit Capitol Theatre is offering a "shop, dine, and show" package. The all-inclusive offer includes one ticket to a Capitol Theatre summer production, plus shop and dine vouchers redeemable at participating downtown restaurants and retail shops.
The package is being offered in partnership with the Port Hope Heritage Business Improvement Area (HBIA), the Municipality of Port Hope, and the Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce.
"We are proud to be a community hub for Port Hope — a home for hundreds of artists, and thousands of visitors throughout the year," said Capitol Theatre managing director Erin Peirce in a media release.
"With Walton Street under major construction, it's the perfect time for us to partner with our incredible local business community to keep our vibrant stages, shops, hotels, and restaurants thriving not only this summer, but for years to come."
The package includes a $20 voucher for any one of the participating retail shops in downtown Port Hope, a $25 voucher for any one of the downtown participating restaurants, and one performance ticket to a Capitol Theatre summer season stage or music production. The package, which is valued at $93, costs $70 — a 25 per cent discount.
Meanwhile, Port Hope will also host scavenger hunts, window display contests, buskers, and offers shaded picnic areas throughout the downtown. A biweekly playbill flyer, detailing the arts and cultural events happening around Walton Street, Lent Lane, and Memorial Park, is being distributed at various businesses within the downtown.
"Now is the time for Port Hope to show their love and support for our local, independent business owners," said Candice White, Port Hope's CAO.
"Our downtown is the beating heart of one of Ontario's best-preserved and most complete 19th century commercial streetscapes. Visit as often as you can to shop, eat, drink, explore, and enjoy all that these doers and dreamers of our community have to offer. Let's Be Walton."
The HBIA is the lead supporting partner for this project, and Critical Mass Art is the project's primary arts and experience partner.
For more information about Be Walton and the Walton Street reconstruction, visit porthope.ca/Walton. For more information about the Capitol Theatre offering, visit capitoltheatre.com/shopdineshow.
Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, KawarthaNOW
