For Immediate Release
Friday, June 28, 2024 - Port Hope, ON
The Municipality of Port Hope, in collaboration with local community partners, is excited to announce the launch of the “BE WALTON” shop local campaign this Canada Day long weekend. Beginning Saturday, June 29, and continuing through to the end of September 2024, this initiative will enhance the ongoing series of free local arts, music and cultural events happening throughout the Downtown.
This critical shop local initiative is a key component of a comprehensive business and community continuity program led by the Municipality. It aims to support downtown businesses, restaurants, bars, and services as they navigate the ongoing, and necessary, Walton Street reconstruction scheduled to run through to November.
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.
To help residents embrace the Be Walton spirit in their daily lives, the shop local campaign includes the following elements:
- Community Arts Activation Hub: Join us in Lent Lane every Saturday for fun art activities for all ages, curated by Critical Mass Art.
- Light displays and public art: Enjoy beautiful 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: Head to local pubs and restaurants in the downtown core every Thursday evening in July and August for after parties featuring local artists straight from the Bandshell in Memorial Park.
- Shop, Dine, and Show Package: Immerse yourself in the charm and vibrancy of Downtown Port Hope with the Capitol Theatre's exclusive "Shop, Dine, and Show" package. This specially curated experience is perfect for those looking to explore the local culture, savor delicious meals, and enjoy top-notch entertainment.
- Scavenger Hunts: participate in exciting scavenger hunts throughout the area.
- Window Display Contests: Admire creative window displays and share your favourites on social media.
- Buskers: Enjoy performances by talented buskers popping up throughout the downtown all summer.
- “Linger Zones”: Relax in shaded picnic areas throughout the downtown, take in the sights, and enjoy delicious takeaway food from some of Port Hope’s amazing cafes and restaurants.
- Port Hope Playbill: A bi-weekly Playbill flyer, detailing all the arts and cultural events happening around Walton Street, Lent Lane, and Memorial Park, will be distributed and will be available at various businesses within the Downtown.
“The Be Walton campaign is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and support our local businesses during this transformative time,” states Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “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.”
Port Hopers have many other opportunities to demonstrate their ‘love local’ support during this important initiative. A variety of Be Walton-emblazoned mementos, including lawn signs, buttons, posters, and totes, will be available this weekend at the Canada Day event downtown, and later at the Walton Street Reconstruction office (during regular working hours, Monday to Friday), located at 90 Walton Street, and the Lent Lane Community Arts Activation Hub, popping up in Lent Lane on Saturdays. Additionally, public calls to action and radio advertisements will be broadcast throughout the Port Hope listening area for the duration of the campaign.
“Now is the time for Port Hope to show their love and support for our local, independent business owners,” adds Candice White, Chief Administrative Officer for Port Hope. “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 Municipality of Port Hope gratefully thanks the Heritage Business Improvement Area (HBIA) as the lead supporting partner for this project, and Critical Mass Art as the project’s lead arts and experience partner.
Further thanks go to contributing partners Cultivate, The Capitol Theatre, and the Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce, all pitching in together to help Port Hope’s downtown businesses when they need it the most.
For more information about Be Walton, and the Walton Street Reconstruction, please visit porthope.ca/Walton.
For more information about Canada Day 2024 in Port Hope please visit porthope.ca/Canada-day
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