The Love Your Laneways project launched in 2019 with the goal of transforming Borsa Lane, Bourgeois Lane, and the walkways that connect them to King Street into safe, functional and vibrant spaces. On Thursday, March 3, 2022, the Town of Midland received $39,850 in funding through the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative to assist in the completion of this project, helping to create a pedestrian-friendly area, support downtown businesses and help the downtown area thrive.
“We have a busy year ahead with many improvement projects and this funding is welcomed as spring approaches and the continued work of the Love Your Laneways project gets set to resume,” said Mayor Stewart Strathearn. “I would like to thank our Simcoe North MP, Adam Chambers, the Canada Health Communities Initiative and Government of Canada for their continued support in helping municipalities transform their public spaces.”
This funding will be used towards the purchase and installation of paint, benches, planters, bollards, lighting, and small murals, resulting in colourful, well-lit, relaxing, and purposeful areas for the public to enjoy.
“Our downtown is both a gathering space and a driver for local economic development. It’s where we host and gather for festivals and community events, it’s where we dine and visit with friends, and it’s where we access services from the library to social service agencies,” added Mayor Strathearn. “We have many thriving businesses who have had to close their doors due to the pandemic. This project will create vibrant public-use spaces for enjoyment today in line with public health guidelines, and for use for years to come.”
“As we emerge from some of the restrictions of the pandemic, it is time to get back to doing some of the things we love.” Said Simcoe North MP Adam Chambers. “Now is a perfect time to rejuvenate our downtown core as we welcome people back to our community. I am proud to support this initiative that will make our public use spaces more attractive for residents and visitors alike. I look forward to seeing the results.”
The Canada Health Communities Initiative is a $31 million investment from the Government of Canada to transform public spaces in response to COVID-19. The initiative provides funding to a broad range of organizations, including local governments, charities, Indigenous communities, and non-profits, for projects, programming and services that help communities create safe and vibrant public spaces; improve mobility options; and provide innovative digital solutions.
********
NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF MIDLAND
********