Word was happily received in Port Dover last week of approval of the project for revitalizing the downtown core to increase tourism, attract new investment, and help existing businesses to grow and flourish.

The Ontario Rural Economic Development Program invested $135,000 in the work. It will be matched by Norfolk County for a redevelopment boost along Main Street totaling at least $270,000.00.

Through support from the Rural Economic Development Program, Norfolk County and the two community groups are developing planning strategies for the Port Dover downtown core to help revitalize the local business environment, enhance the streetscape and increase pedestrian traffic for both residents and tourists. Local businesses will also be encouraged to further develop and upgrade their downtown properties.

In reporting to Norfolk County Council on September 7 General Manager Chris Baird of Planning & Economic Development stated his department has received approval for a $135,000 grant from Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He notes it is the result of over two years of work by his staff and Port Dover Enhancement Association and Port Dover Board of Trade. It is a 50/50 matching grant with the County of Norfolk.

The funding will provide engineering design and construction for the project that includes hiring a landscape architect to develop and improve Powell Park and Main Street in Port Dover. There will be new plantings, providing environmental benefits for the downtown area to tie together the waterfront areas with Powell Park and the downtown. Local artists will design improved signage at key entrances to Port Dover.

Funding will also install historical themed pedestrian street lighting with new fixtures to include banner brackets and flower baskets. Plans call for replacement of old or excavated sidewalk panels with decorative stamped and colourized concrete linear borders with a possible landscaped centre median.

Also, the plan is to develop a tree planting scheme between the lighting along both sides of Main Street from Market St. east to Harbour St. Install heritage street signage in the downtown, as well as ‘Outdoor Interpretive Panels’ prominently placed depicting the history of Port Dover. New street furniture including trash receptacles and park benches along both sides of Main Street from the westerly end of Powell Park to Walker St.

Funds will also develop s comprehensive commercial gap analysis survey.

"By attracting new and growing existing businesses and services for the residents and tourists of Port Dover, this project promises to significantly improve the appearance, safety and future sustainability and prosperity of the downtown," General Manager Baird writes in his report to councillors.

The work will be carried out in 2011. Strong local economies are part of the Open Ontario plan to create jobs and opportunities that will boost the province’s economy.

Port Dover is the fastest growing community in Norfolk County with approximately 6,000 residents.

Since 2003, Ontario has invested nearly $104 million in 285 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program and generated more than $781 million in new economic activity.

On learning of the Ontario Government’s grant approval for the Main Street project that he had participated on with Port Dover community leaders General Manager Baird commented, "we are excited to partner with the province to help grow and strengthen local businesses in Port Dover. This project will help us to increase visitor traffic to the downtown and surrounding areas creating a climate conducive to retention and expansion of existing downtown businesses to serve visitors and residents alike."

MPP of Brant Dave Levac stated, "Ontario communities are the backbone of Ontario’s economy. This announcement underlines how our government is collaborating with business and local governments to help create jobs and boost regional economies."

Norfolk County Council needs to confirm their acceptance of the money at their meeting on September 14th.