| City of Hamilton receives Government of Canada support through My Main Street Community Activator Placemaking Program October 11, 2022 –City of Hamilton, ON –The City of Hamilton is pleased to announce that its “Anything is Possible on Barton” project was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator program to activate storefronts with local public art in the Barton Village Business Improvement Area (BIA). Through the Government of Canada’s My Main Street Community Activator, delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), the City of Hamilton will enjoy a more vibrant neighbourhood setting that will draw visitors and increase foot traffic to shops, restaurants and exciting new public spaces. The City of Hamilton 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). “Anything is Possible on Barton” storefront activation will animate a series of vacant storefronts along Barton Street. These pop-up windows will share the story of this community and cultivate its identity as a place that values art and culture. Through a public call for proposals, a maximum of 15 creative artworks will be installed throughout the BIA based on themes that represent the community such as spaces, inclusivity, people, and Barton in the past, present and future. The aim of this initiative is to animate the streetscape and share stories of the neighbourhood while increasing foot traffic and community engagement in the area. Quotes “Hamilton’s main streets and their small businesses are the hearts of our community, and they were also among the hardest hit during the pandemic. As we move towards economic recovery, programs such as “Anything is Possible on Barton” helps bring small businesses and residents together again to celebrate art, culture, and shared experiences in our city.” – Mayor Fred Eisenberger, City of Hamilton. “Barton Village brings a mix of dining, retail, and services to Ward 3 and is a cornerstone in the community. I am excited to see the “Anything is Possible on Barton” project take shape, and look forward to seeing how the art installations will animate the street for those that live, work and play in area, and for those that visit Barton Street.” – Councillor Nrinder Nann, Ward 3, City of Hamilton. “Supporting our main streets and business improvement areas is a key priority for the City of Hamilton. The My Main Street program will not only create a vibrant urban main street in Barton Village, but will also provide an opportunity for community storytelling and engagement with local businesses. I look forward to experiencing the installations by our local artists and the vitality of the street.” – Norm Schleehahn, Director of Economic Development, City of Hamilton. The “Anything is Possible on Barton” art installation will allow local artists to tell the varied stories of Barton St.. We hope the installation brings individuals to the neighbourhood to learn more about this historic district and see it as the true intersection of arts, culture and community. Equitable growth is important to us here on Barton St., and we hope this installation reflects that. – Jessica Myers, Executive Director, Barton Village Business Improvement Area The installation of the artwork is planned for late September and will officially be available for public viewing from mid-October through November 2022. |
Background
The Barton Village BIA
The Barton Village Business Improvement Area works to develop relationships with the community to build a safe, vibrant place to live, work, play, shop, and invest.
The Barton Village BIA is a hub for independent, family-owned businesses and young entrepreneurs, and our business community is rich in collaborative spirit and community pride. With your enthusiastic spirit and our many resources, we will work together to make dreams come true in Hamilton’s historic business district.
The Canadian Urban Institute
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.
FedDev Ontario
For 13 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
Michael Marini
Coordinator, Marketing
City of Hamilton, Economic Development
905-977-0883
Michael.Marini@hamilton.ca
Nick Hanson Edward Hutchinson
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
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca