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Brockton receives Government of Canada support through My Main Street Community Activator Placemaking Program
June 21, 2022 – Walkerton, ON – The Municipality of Brockton is pleased to announce that its Market Garden Park project was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator program and has received $54,000 to assist in the park’s development as a community hub in downtown Walkerton.
Through the Government of Canada’s My Main Street Community Activator, delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), Brockton will enjoy a more vibrant neighbourhood setting in downtown Walkerton that will draw visitors and increase foot traffic to shops, restaurants and exciting new public spaces. This project by the Municipality of Brockton is supported by My Main Street—a two-year, $23.25-million investment by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), delivered by CUI and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO).
The Market Garden Park is a community initiative to transform and activate a vacant lot in the heart of downtown Walkerton, creating a safe, accessible and dynamic urban space to support and inspire local residents, community groups, visitors and businesses.
The property, at 312 Durham Street, was once the site of the Golden Wheel Restaurant. It was owned by the Wong family, the first Chinese immigrants to settle in Walkerton, and the family recently donated part of the land to the Municipality to create a public park, and a lasting legacy. Construction of the Market Garden Park is expected to begin later this summer.
The My Main Street grant will enable the Municipality to provide within the park an interpretive wall highlighting the Wong family's story and contribution to the community. It will also cover the cost of a decorative water “curtain,” cafe tables and chairs, and a low, accessible stage for special events and performances. We are looking forward to celebrating the grand opening of this community space later this year.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to helping communities bring their main streets back to life. My Main Street is providing vital support to projects that will reanimate neighbourhoods through installations, events and activities that are inclusive, innovative and engaging to create jobs and drive economic growth for local economies.”— The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
”We are very grateful for this funding from FedDev Ontario, through the My Main Street Community Activator Program, to help bring our vision to life of a beautiful downtown park that will be a community hub enjoyed by all and welcoming to visitors. Many thanks to the Canadian Urban Institute [SMA(h|el(1] for looking favourably on our project.”— His Worship Chris Peabody, Mayor of Brockton
“Our whole community has been working hard to raise money for this project, and this grant will make a substantial difference, taking the Market Garden Park project to the next level to make it a truly interactive and inclusive space.” — Sonya Watson, Chief Administrative Officer, Brockton
Background
The Municipality of Brockton is a proud rural community strengthened by a balance of social equity, culture, environmental integrity, and progressive economic development. Nestled in the rolling countryside of the Saugeen and Teeswater rivers in Bruce County, Brockton is a friendly community of about 9,500 people with innovative industry and a vibrant downtown core. The Municipality was incorporated in 1999 when the former municipalities of Brant, Greenock and Walkerton were amalgamated. The name Brockton was chosen as a combination of these names. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
The Canadian Urban Institute is the national platform that houses the best in Canadian city building — where policymakers, urban professionals, civic and business leaders, community activists and academics can learn, share and collaborate with one another from coast to coast to coast. Through research, engagement and storytelling, our mission is to ensure Canada builds vibrant, equitable, liveable and resilient cities. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
For more than 12 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Paulette Peirol
Community Development Coordinator
Municipality of Brockton
ppeirol@brockton.ca
519-881-2223 ext 131
Nick Hanson Monica Granados
Communications Lead Press Secretary, Office of the Hon. Helena Jaczek
Canadian Urban Institute Minister responsible for the Federal Economic
media@mymainstreet.ca Development Agency for Southern Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca
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