MEDIA RELEASE: TOWN PARK GATE REVITALIZATION

September 07, 2018

Municipality of Port Hope and Agricultural Society Launch Fundraising Campaign for Town Park Gate Revitalization

For Immediate Release

Friday, September 7, 2018 - Port Hope, ON

The Municipality of Port Hope, in partnership with the Port Hope & District Agricultural Society, has launched Raise the Gate and Celebrate, a fundraising campaign with an aim to offset the costs to replace the Town Park Agricultural entrance gates, which have deteriorated and are in disrepair.

“The revitalization of the gate entrance will enhance the park presence and preserve the historic significance of the area,” explained Jim McCormack, Director of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department at the Municipality of Port Hope. “We’re pleased to work with the Agricultural Society as well as all of the other funding partners who have pledged to aid in this important project.”

The goal of the campaign is to raise $10,500 to add to current committed funds of $66,500.

The current estimated project cost is $77,000 to:

• Demolish the old gate pillars and replace them with new ones;
• Replace the fencing and entrance sign;
• Remove the pylon;
• Replace the centennial monument & plaque on new foundations;
• Improve accessibility;
• Landscape the area.

“We are fortunate to have a group of partners, supporters and granting agencies to launch this project,” said Connie Martinell, Past President of the Port Hope & District Agricultural Society, which is working in partnership with the Municipality on this project. “In order to raise the remaining $10,500, we are asking community-minded groups, businesses and individuals to join us in this historic project.”

To date, the following partners have pledged to help fund the project:

• Municipality of Port Hope
• Port Hope & District Agricultural Society
• Port Hope Branch of the Architectural Conservancy Ontario
• Port Hope Rotary Club
• Port Hope Kinsmen
• Trade Tech Industries (Port Hope)
• Northumberland Federation of Agriculture
• R. Brooking Tree Service
• Canadian Heritage
• Farm Credit Canada AgriSpirit Fund

Originally, the gate pillars were built in 1945 by the Port Hope & District Agricultural Society to complement the stone pylon that was gifted to them by the Ontario Government, in recognition of over 100 years of service. The renewal of the gates will recognize the 225th Wheat Harvest, an important historical event that celebrates the anniversary of early wheat crops in Ontario.

To learn more about the project or to make a donation in support, visit porthope.ca/town-park-gates or call 905-885-8760. Inquiries can also be directed to Julia Snoek, Community Development Program Manager with the Municipality of Port Hope at 905-885-2474, jsnoek@porthope.ca; or Connie Martinell, Past President Port Hope & District Agricultural Society at 905-797-2088 or connie@eagle.ca.

- 30 -

For media inquiries, please contact:

Kate Ingram
Communications / Community Engagement Coordinator
905-885-4544 x2248
kingram@porthope.ca