Walton Street Reconstruction

Walton Street Reconstruction Logo

We are completing significant infrastructure improvements on Walton Street to fix aging infrastructure and improve accessibility and design. This page provides information about the project background and timelines as well as the community engagement and activations as the project progresses.

Check out our Interactive Walton Street map!

Searching for parking, walking routes or delivery zones? Look no further than our interactive map. Find all the essential details for the Walton Street reconstruction conveniently gathered in one place.

Interactive Walton Map

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. For more on Be Walton read our media release.

Digital Tool Kit

Social Media Assets

Encourage your community to shop local with our collection of vibrant and engaging social media post images. Perfect for businesses, community organizations, residents, and influencers, these images are designed to inspire and motivate our community to support their local economy. Use them to celebrate the unique character of your local shops and services and encourage friends and neighbours to support our downtown. Together, we can foster a thriving and resilient community by shopping local.

Image of the Be Walton logo with the words be awesome Download 'Be Awesome' image

Beauty Shot of Walton Street with the words "When you shop local, you love local" Download 'Love Local' image

Hand drawn sketch of old buildings, with the words "in a world where you can shop anywhere, shop local" Download 'Shop Local' image

Profile Picture

Perfect for individuals, businesses, and organizations, this profile picture will help spread the message that we stand with our local businesses and we plan to support them during this time. By updating your profile picture, you can inspire others to join the movement and contribute to a thriving local economy. Let's create a wave of support and encourage everyone to shop local.

Maroon background with tan Be Walton logo Download profile picture

Poster

Be a local champion! Use our printable posters to show your support for local businesses. Perfect for windows, fridges, or community boards, these posters are a visible reminder of the importance of shopping local. By displaying them, residents and businesses can help spread the message and encourage others to support the unique shops and services that make our community special.

Poster of Walton street with the words "when you shop local you love local" Download dark poster

Beauty Shot of Walton Street with the words "When you shop local, you love local" Download light poster

Business Resource Toolkit

Business Support and Strategies

Strategies to support your business during construction disruptions.

Download our Business Resource Toolkit

We also have buttons, large posters, tote bags, lawn signs and more, free for pickup at our Walton Street Construction Office (90 Walton Street). It is important to not only display these items proudly but to also emanate this message and support our local merchants through this construction.

About the reconstruction project

The Municipality is undertaking a design project to reconstruct Walton Street in downtown Port Hope. The project scope involves a re-design of Walton Street from Church Street to Mill Street. The Residential Phase (also known as Phase 1) of the project, from Church Street to Pine Street, was completed in 2023. A presentation deck, which includes the designs for Walton Street and other important details on the next phases of the project is available below.

Walton Street Presentation (March 2024)

Artist's rendering of a person walking on sidewalk between a building and a street with parked cars

Looking ahead, Walton Street will be safer and more accessible.

Artist's rendering of person crossing the street at a crosswalk

Looking ahead, Walton Street will be safer and more accessible.

Artist's rendering of building with street with parked cars and sidewalk

The surface upgrades on Walton Street will benefit the entire community.

Project Information, Important Dates and Timelines

Construction updates will be provided throughout the project to keep the community informed of construction timelines and the work being completed.

Construction Schedules (subject to change)

The Municipality of Port Hope has awarded the contract for the next phases of the Walton Street Reconstruction Project to Clearway Construction. The focus for 2024 is to replace the underground infrastructure from just east of Queen Street to Cavan Street. For 2025 (pending budget approval), the Municipality plans to allocate resources for the third phase, which will address the remaining segment from Cavan Street to Pine Street.

See important updates and proposed construction schedules below:

Public Information Centre details - March 25, 2024 (complete)

A Public Information Centre will be held on March 25, 2024, at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the formal presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m. This session is open to all community members and the business community who wish to learn about the project timelines, scope of work, and how to stay informed throughout the project. The presentation deck slides are available below:

Walton Street Presentation (March 2024)

Early April, 2024 (complete)

OZA Inspections Ltd. will be conducting third-party inspection surveys of properties adjacent to the project site to verify existing conditions

This condition survey is important in the unlikely event that issues arise during the construction
Survey involves an interior and exterior inspection and documentation of buildings and structures determined to be in close proximity to the project work area
Photographs are taken as part of the survey
Pre-construction inspection is voluntary
All inspections and photographs are confidential
Property Owner/Managers are recommended to take advantage of this service offered by the Municipality at no charge

For Appointment scheduling:

1-800-667-8263 ext 231
Email appt@ozainspections.com
Indicate your name, address, telephone number and refer to File: 22996

Mobilization Date - April 22, 2024 (complete)

Clearway Construction has set a Mobilization Date of April 22, 2024. This is the day you will start to see activity in the area. The contractor will begin moving in equipment, preparing the area with fencing and signage, and storing material in the Lakeland parking lot (74 Queen Street).

Construction Commences - April 23, 2024 (complete)

It is anticipated that construction will commence on April 23, 2024 with the closure of Walton Street (from Mill Street to Cavan Street). Temporary water installation will begin once the road is closed with tie-ins to the existing water services underground, which is safer and minimizes impact to pedestrians. John Street will be temporarily converted to a two-way street for the duration of this phase of the project.

Early May, 2024 (complete)

Removals and Temporary water installation

May to August, 2024

Storm, Sanitary and Watermain underground work

July, 2024

Partial opening of Walton at Queen Street for one-way traffic
- Update (August 2): This matter is still under review, with a focus on evaluating safe options
Electrical Work

September, 2024

Traffic Signal work

October, 2024

Curb and Sidewalk concrete work and Base Asphalt

November, 2024

Finish Downtown Phase (Phase 2)

Construction Updates: Photos and News Releases

Walton Street News Releases

Walton Street Reconstruction Community Update: Mid-block Crossing and Queen Street - Issued August 23, 2024
Bell Service Issues in the Downtown Core - Issued August 16, 2024
Mid-Project Progress Update - Issued August 1, 2024
Port Hope Launches Comprehensive Be Walton Shop Local Program in Support of Local Businesses - Issued June 28, 2024
Reallocation of Parking Ticket Revenue to Support Downtown Beautification and Events - Issued June 17, 2024
Port Hope Holds Ceremony to Officially Mark the Start of the Walton Street Reconstruction - Issued May 8, 2024
Free Transit on Routes A and B During Walton Street Reconstruction - Issued April 30, 2024
Important Upcoming Dates for the Walton Street Reconstruction - Issued March 15, 2024
Walton Street Reconstruction Public Information Centre – March 25, 2024 - Issued March 8, 2024
Contract Awarded for Next Phase of Walton Street Reconstruction - Issued February 2, 2024
Council Approves 2024 Budget - Issued December 7, 2023
Walton Street Reconstruction News - Issued November 17, 2023
Walton Street Reconstruction Phase 2 Update - Issued September 11, 2023
Road Closure - Walton Street - Updated May 20, 2023
Council Approves 2023 Budget - Issued February 7, 2023
Walton Street Reconstruction - Timeline Update - Issued December 16, 2022
Walton Street Update - Issued September 15, 2022
Municipality of Port Hope Councillors Make Recommendation For Walton Street Design - Issued June 24, 2022
Special Meeting for Walton Street Reconstruction Project – Phase 2 Design - Issued June 16, 2022
Temporary Closure of Intersection at Walton and Pine Streets - Issued June 15 with updates on June 16, 24, 27, 2022
Walton Street Reconstruction Update - Issued May 25, 2022
Temporary Road Closure – Pine Street - Issued May 19, 2022
Walton Street Project Consultation - Issued September 15, 2021
Traffic Simulation on Walton Street - Issued September 3, 2021
Walton Street Reconstruction Public Information Centre - Issued March 25, 2021
Sewer Inspections on Walton Street - Issued March 24, 2021

Construction Photo Updates

June 2024 construction re-cap video

July 2024 construction re-cap video

August 2024 construction re-cap video

Maps

Road Closures (downtown, phase 2)

Walton Street will be closed from Cavan Street (to the west) to Queen Street (to the East). The portion of Walton Street from Queen Street to Mill Street South will also be closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate construction vehicles, trailers, and equipment.

Ontario, Queen, and John Streets will be open to local traffic but will all become “dead end” streets, with no access onto Walton Street. Each street will have a turn around at the end of the street. John Street will be changed from a one-way street to a two-way street to accommodate additional traffic flow. Review the following maps for details:

Where to Park

During construction parking is available at surrounding public lots, including the Elias Street lot, Cavan Street lot, the Town Hall lot as well as west of the construction zone on Walton Street, and surrounding side streets, including Ontario, John, Cavan, and Queen Streets.

Parking Map

Delivery Zones

Deliveries for businesses located on Walton Street will be located in designated zones. For questions or concerns about deliveries, please email us.

Delivery Zones

Project Background

In 2020, the Municipality of Port Hope engaged CIMA+ to complete the design of infrastructure improvements on Walton Street from Mill Street West to Church Street. The project will address important underground infrastructure improvements to aging watermains and sanitary sewers as well as undersized storm sewers. The need to replace underground infrastructure, while challenging, will create opportunities for roadway reconstruction and streetscape improvements to be integrated into the project.

In August 2021, Council directed staff to continue with the preliminary design and public input received to date for the portion of Walton Street from Church Street to Pine Street in the fall/winter of 2021/2022 with construction to begin in 2022. Council further directed staff to commence additional public and stakeholder engagement prior to moving forward with detailed design for Walton Street from Pine Street to Mill Street. With this Council direction, staff separated the project into two phases.

The tender for the second phase of the Walton Street Reconstruction project closed on November 3, 2023. However, there was only one compliant bid, and the quoted project costs were significantly more money than the Municipality had initially planned for this project. Council decided to break Phase two into two parts over two years to better manage costs.

Residential Phase 1: Walton Street - Portion from Church Street to Pine Street (completed spring of 2023)
Downtown Phase 2: Walton Street - Portion from just east of Queen Street to Cavan Street (construction commences April 2024)
Transitional Phase 3: Walton Street - Portion from Cavan Street to Pine Street (scheduled for 2025 pending budget approval)

FAQs

Walton Street Reconstruction FAQs
Question	Answer
Where is the construction on Walton taking place?	Phase 2 of the Walton Street Reconstruction is taking place on Walton Street from Cavan Street (to the west) to Queen Street (to the East). The portion of Walton Street from Queen Street to Mill Street South will also be closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate construction vehicles, trailers, and equipment.
Why is Walton Street being reconstructed?	The Walton Street Reconstruction project represents a critical upgrade to Port Hope's main street, focusing on repairing outdated infrastructure and enhancing accessibility. It tackles crucial enhancements to old water mains, sanitary sewers, and expanding capacity for storm sewers that have become inadequate over time. Although replacing these underground systems presents challenges, it also offers a chance to rebuild the roadway and beautify the streetscape.
How long will Phase 2 of the Walton Reconstruction take?	The timelines for this phase of the construction project spans from April to November 2024.
Will shopping, restaurants and other businesses on Walton Street remain open during construction?	Yes, businesses will remain open during the operating hours and schedules of their choice throughout the construction.
How will garbage and recycling be picked up for business and residents of Walton Street?	Garbage and recycling will continue as normal and both can be placed in their usual spots for pick up. The contractor is responsible for moving it to a location for Northumberland County to collect. Bag Tag are still required.
I am visiting downtown Port Hope – where can I find parking?	While there is no parking in the construction zone on Walton Street, parking is available at surrounding public lots, including the Elias Street lot, Cavan Street lot, Town Hall lot as well as west of the construction zone on Walton Street, and surrounding side streets, including Ontario, John, Cavan, and Queen Streets. See the parking map for details.
Why is parking not free downtown during this construction?	Free parking throughout the downtown would permit people to stay in one spot for too long – specifically individuals not shopping or supporting downtown businesses. We need to encourage the movement of cars so that patrons have access to parking spots throughout the day.
Are there any free parking areas?	Yes. Free parking is still available in the Cavan St. lot, Town Hall lot, Elias Street lot. Additionally, paid parking is very reasonably priced throughout the downtown. No free parking has been removed for the construction. In fact, additional spots have been added to help alleviate parking congestion.
Why is parking enforcement still in effect during the construction?	Eliminating parking enforcement would have a similar effect as free parking. We need the movement of cars in the downtown so that more people can access businesses.
Where do the revenues from the parking tickets go / what does it fund?	75% of parking ticket revenue from May 1 – November 1 will be reallocated to the HBIA to support downtown beautification and events during construction. For more information, read our media release.
I am an owner / operator of a business on Walton Street – how will I get my deliveries?	A business continuity plan for this project is in development, in collaboration with our affected business owners and operators. Deliveries for businesses located on Walton Street will be located in designated zones. See the delivery zone map for details or email us to set up a meeting to discuss.
What happens to the traffic on side streets that feed into Walton Street (John, Queen, and Ontario Streets)?	John, Street, Queen Street and Ontario Street will all become “dead end” streets – with no access to Walton Street. Each street will have a turn around at the end of the street. John Street will be changed from a one-way street to a two-way street to accommodate additional traffic flow.
Will the water or other utilities be shut off during the construction?	Temporary water shutdowns will occur to facilitate the connection of a temporary water main to your property. This process typically takes between 5 to 30 minutes per location. Connections will be made sequentially, ensuring each property has its own designated timeframe during which water will be unavailable for the specified duration. The contractor will provide advance notification to affected properties prior to any shutdown.
Will the light standards be replaced?	Yes. We will be removing the heritage light fixtures and sending them off for restoration and repainting. Upon completion of the project, they will be returned and reinstalled for continued use. While they're away, temporary lighting will be installed to ensure adequate illumination.
What are the hours of operation for construction?	Construction operations will typically occur between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Will ‘safe corridors’ be available for pedestrians to cross Walton Street?	Yes, as part of our business continuity plans, pedestrian crosswalks will be installed for safe crossing across Walton Street. These crosswalks will be moved periodically to accommodate the construction, as it progresses.

Project Leads

Matthew Belton, C Tech. Engineering Project Coordinator, Municipality of Port Hope
Richard Kettle Lead Technician, CIMA
Ron Albright, P. Eng. Project Manager/Lead Design Engineer, CIMA

To connect with us please email us or call 905-885-8760

Where?

The project will address Downtown Walton Street:

Residential Phase: Walton Street - Portion from Church Street to Pine Street (completed spring of 2023)
Downtown Phase: Walton Street - Portion from just east of Queen Street to Cavan Street (construction commences April 2024)
Transitional Phase: Walton Street - Portion from Cavan Street to Pine Street (scheduled for 2025 pending budget approval)

Why?

Did you know that the infrastructure in the downtown is more than a century old? This means that the underground utilities, such as storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and watermain systems, are outdated and in need of replacement. The sanitary sewer catchment area represents nearly a third of the urban area of Port Hope. The infrastructure replacement and upgrades are urgent and necessary.

While addressing these issues, we're also taking the opportunity to improve roadway reconstruction, accessibility, and streetscape improvements.

For Regular updates Get social with us!

Facebook: @PortHopeDigsWalton
Instagram: @PortHopeDigsWalton

Walton Street social media follow campaign contest rules

The Walton Street Social Media Follow Campaign Contest (the “Contest”) is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Meta, Facebook, Instagram, and Mosaic. You understand that you are providing your information to the Sponsor and not to Instagram, Facebook, Meta. The information you provide will only be used for the administration of this Contest and in accordance with the Sponsor’s privacy policy (see below). By entering the Contest, you release Instagram, Facebook, and Meta of any and all liability arising therefrom. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the Contest must be directed to the Sponsor and not Instagram, Facebook, or Meta. You may only use one (1) Instagram account and/or one (1) Facebook account to participate in this Contest.

MUNICIPALITY OF PORT HOPE, TERMS AND ELIGIBILITY TO ENTER:

The Walton Street Social Media Follow Campaign Contest hosted by the Communications division of the Municipality of Port Hope is open to all qualifying participants on Facebook and Instagram.

Participants may only use one (1) Instagram account and/or one (1) Facebook account to participate in this Contest.

The contest period will open on Monday, July 22 and close on Sunday, July 28, 2024

All entries must be completed by the final close date of July 28, 4:30 p.m. (EDT) in order to be eligible for prize draw.

No purchase is necessary or required to enter and to win.

HOW TO ENTER:

Follow the Port Hope Digs Walton Facebook OR Instagram pages
Like the post promoting the contest
Post a Comment on the post promoting the contest naming one (or more) of your favourite drink orders from a local business(es)

COMMENT REQUIREMENTS: By participating in the Contest, each entrant agrees to be bound by these Rules and by the interpretation of these Rules by the Sponsor, and further warrants and represents that the entrant’s Comment:

is original to him/her and that the entrant has all necessary rights in and to the Comment to enter the Contest;
does not violate any law, statute, ordinance or regulation;
does not contain any reference to or likeness of any identifiable third parties, unless consent has been obtained from all such individuals and their parent/legal guardian if they are under the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence;
will not give rise to any claims of infringement, invasion of privacy or publicity, or infringe on any rights and/or interests of any third party, or give rise to any claims for payment whatsoever; and
is not defamatory, trade libelous, pornographic or obscene, and further that it will not contain, depict, include, discuss or involve, without limitation, any of the following:
- Nudity;
- Explicit, graphic or excessive sexual activity;
- Crude, vulgar or offensive language and/or symbols;
- Derogatory characterizations of any ethnic, racial, sexual or religious groups;
- Content that endorses, condones or discusses any illegal, inappropriate or risky activity, behaviour or conduct;
- Personal information of individuals, including without limitation, names and addresses (physical or e-mail);
- Conduct or other activities in violation of these Rules;
- Commercial messages, comparisons or solicitations for products or services other than those of Sponsor;
- Any identifiable third-party products and/or trademarks, brands or logos, unless the necessary permissions/licenses have been obtained; and
- Any other content that is or could be considered inappropriate, unsuitable or offensive, all as determined by the Sponsor and/or the Contest Parties in their sole discretion.

PRIZES AND AWARDING:
Two prizes will be awarded: One winner for the contest running on the Port Hope Digs Walton page on Facebook and one for the contest running on the Port Hope Digs Walton account on Instagram. Each prize will be a gift card valued at $50 for a local business given to each of the two (2) winners. Winners will be announced on the social media channels on Monday, July 29, 2024.

Any entry that is deemed offensive, distasteful or inappropriate will be disqualified and not accepted into the contest.

Following the end of the applicable Contest Period, in Port Hope, Ontario two one eligible entrant will be selected (one from the Port Hope Digs Walton Facebook page and one from the Port Hope Digs Walton Instagram page). These will be selected by random draw from among all eligible entries submitted and received in accordance with these Rules and the selected entrants will be deemed a potential Prize winner. The odds of winning a Prize depend on the number of eligible entries submitted and received in accordance with these Rules. Unselected entries will be eligible for subsequent draws.

The prize is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash and must be accepted as awarded. By entering the contest, entrants agree to abide by these rules, and the decisions of the Communications division staff of the Municipality of Port Hope. The qualifying winners will be notified by email shortly after the close of the contest period date. Winners will be able to pick up their prize from Town Hall (56 Queen Street, Port Hope) within five (5) business days after being announced the winner.

If the selected entrant does not respond within five (5) business days of notification, he/she will be disqualified and will not receive a prize and another entrant may be selected.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:
By participating, entrants agree to release, discharge and hold harmless the Municipality of Port Hope, and its respective affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising agencies, and co-Municipality of Port Hopes, agents and their employees, officers, directors, and representatives from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of their participation in this contest or any contest related activities and the acceptance and use, misuse, or possession of any credit awarded hereunder.

By entering this contest, participants accept that the Municipality of Port Hope may use their entries (where applicable) in their promotions and website. Participation in this contest and acceptance of the prize constitute the winner’s permission for the Municipality of Port Hope to use their names, photographs, biographical information, and/or any statements made by each winner regarding the contest without notice of additional compensation.

RIGHT TO CANCEL OR SUSPEND CONTEST
If for any reason the contest is not capable of running as planned, due to infection by computer virus, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of the Municipality of Port Hope, that corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this contest, the Municipality of Port Hope reserves the right to disqualify any individual(s) who tamper with the entry process, and/or to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Contest.

This contest complies with all Canadian laws. This contest is operated and administered by the Municipality of Port Hope.

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