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.
About the reconstruction project
The Municipality is undertaking a design project to reconstruct Walton Street in downtown Port Hope. The Residential Phase (also known as Phase 1) of the project, from Church Street to Pine Street, was completed in 2023. The Downtown Phase (known as Phase 2) involved a re-design of Walton Street from Church Street to Mill Street, was completed in December 2024. The Transitional Phase (known as Phase 3) is the remaining phase to be completed and is currently underway.
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 (near completion as of Dec. 2024)
- Transitional Phase: Walton Street - Portion from Cavan Street to Pine Street (2025)
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 This means that the underground utilities, such as storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and watermain systems, are outdated and in need of replacement.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.
Project Information, Important Dates and Timelines
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The Municipality of Port Hope awarded the contract for Phase 3 of the Walton Street Reconstruction Project to Behan Construction. Staff have been in communication with the contractor to determine the construction schedule. The focus for this final phase is to replace Walton Street infrastructure from just west of Cavan Street to Pine Street.
See important updates and proposed construction schedules below:
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| 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.
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| Project Leads | ||||
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Matthew Belton, C Tech. Engineering Project Coordinator, Municipality of Port Hope. To connect with us please email us or call 905-376-1481
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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.
| Digital Tool Kit |
Social Media AssetsEncourage 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. Profile PicturePerfect 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. PosterBe 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. |
| Be Walton Swag |
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We also have buttons, large posters and lawn signs free for pickup at the Development Team Office. It is important to not only display these items proudly but to also emanate this message and support our local merchants through this construction. Be Walton Buttons:
Be Walton Lawn Signs:
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| Be Walton Wayfinders Volunteer Program |
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Are you looking to get involved with community, spend time outside, and connect with others? The Municipality is seeking volunteers to build a Wayfinder Program to schedule feet on the street to help guide and connect people to local businesses, events and attractions! Wayfinders are community customer service representatives for the Walton Street Reconstruction Project. They are tasked with circulating Port Hope’s downtown and assisting visitors with finding their way and encouraging them to patronize local businesses. Volunteer shifts are 3 hours in length, between 11:00 am to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays this summer. The Municipality will prepare you with a toolkit to help put your best foot forward, and some Port Hope swag for keeps! A volunteer should identify with most of the following:
Does this sound like you? Sign up for a shift today by completing our Wayfinders form: Be Walton Wayfinders Volunteer Program Form Have questions on this program? Email us or call 289-215-2570 |
For updates get social with us!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on the project progress. Be sure to visit the official accounts.
Facebook: @PortHopeDigsWalton
Instagram: @PortHopeDigsWalton