It’s official, work on the Walton Street Reconstruction project in downtown Port Hope has begun. Mayor Hankivsky, municipal officials, and community members gathered to celebrate this pivotal moment, underscoring the project’s vision for a revitalized downtown core.
Mayor Hankivsky, CAO Candice White, and Director of Works and Engineering Jeanette Davidson delivered speeches highlighting the project’s importance in improving accessibility, safety, and aesthetics. They stressed the community’s resilience during the construction phase and emphasized unity in navigating the changes ahead.
CAO White told us what the work entails.
Some of that infrastructure is now over 100 years old and the town is taking the opportunity during construction to upgrade street lights, sidewalks and parking meters as well.
White told us this isn’t an easy project on a community.
That impact is something White says they’ve tried to help mitigate by creating business continuity plans for affected businesses as well as making public transit free during construction.
In a release provided by the municipality, Mayor Hankivsky was quoted as saying, “We are building more than just a road-we are building a better future for all who live and work here. Let us come together to support one another, continue to shop local, and navigate these changes with kindness and understanding. We are all part of this journey, and the results will benefit us all.”
Looking to the future of Walton Street, White shared a glimpse of the new downtown area.
White says the project will enhance pedestrian accessibility, improve road safety, and modernize the downtown area’s infrastructure all while maintaining access to shops downtown.
Work will be taking place through the summer and is expected to be complete by November.
More information on the project can be found at Walton Street Reconstruction – Municipality of Port Hope or on Facebook and Instagram @PortHopeDigsWalton.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
