Downtown Bolton Revitalization

November 2022

Change is happening everywhere you look in Downtown Bolton!

The Downtown Bolton Revitalization is making progress on action items from the Downtown Bolton Revitalization Plan:

Public Art and Placemaking

Public Art is making its way through Downtown Bolton. We recently unveiled our first Public Art installations this summer – a mural on the Queen Street Bridge underpass and a mural on the building on the south side of the Humber Valley Heritage Trail. The murals were designed and painted by Blaze Wiradharma of Blazeworks Art and Visual Communications. The designs were completed in partnership with the members of the Downtown Bolton Revitalization Task Force. More public art projects are planned for 2023.

In partnership with the BIA and STEPS Public Art Program, four picnic tables at the parkette beside Riverside Grill were completed with Bolton-themed artwork, such as the Bolton skyline. The artwork was completed by Bolton resident, Alessandra Vai, with the assistance of her students from our special needs community, Gaby, Katie and Stephanie.

Photo credit: Lucky Element Media

In October 2022, we recently completed our fourth public art installation in downtown Bolton at the Humber Lea Bridge. You can visit the mural as you drive or walk past the Humber Lea Bridge. The artist was selected from an expression of interest that was circulated to the public this past summer. Bolton resident, Vanessa Spizzirri is the owner of MAED Studios, was selected by the Downtown Bolton Revitalization Task Force and worked collaboratively with the Task Force on the design for the bridge. The artwork is inspired by the Humber River and natural surroundings of the Heritage Trail. The Artist hopes that the mural will encourage people to slow down and take in the beauty of the area while bringing some positivity to your day.

Photo credit: Lucky Element Media

In summer 2022, we invited professional artists, designers, creators and artist-led teams in Bolton and Caledon to submit their credentials and expressions of interest to design a mural for an exterior wall installation at the Umi Sushi building in downtown Bolton, located at 1 Queen Street North. We are currently in the process of reviewing next steps and expect the installation to be completed in Spring 2023.

Where do you think the next public art installation could be? Tell us using the Art, Seating and Sense of Place feature.

Marketing

The Task Force completed a series of brand exercises and activities to help create an understanding of what Downtown Bolton's feeling, vision and future is and what we want visitors to experience when they visit. Working with a local business and designer, the Task Force created a cohesive branding kit for Downtown Bolton to be used by any business or community group. Welcome to the Heart of the Valley!

Design by Lucky Element Media

Wayfinding

As part of the first phase of a Town-wide tourism wayfinding signage program, staff identified locations within Downtown Bolton that will direct trail users and pedestrians to amenities such as washrooms, food and drink, bike repair stands and other points of interest. Signage was installed in summer 2022.

Invasive Species

This winter we found – and removed – invasive species throughout several sections of path along the Humber River. Now, thanks to the clearing of vegetation, we have created beautiful views of the river for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy. A replanting event happened in May 2022 in partnership with the TRCA, Town Staff and local community members.

Bike Repair Station

As part of a Healthy Communities Grant, a bike repair station was installed at Bolton Mill Park this spring.

Gazebo

In July 2022, the new Gazebo was unveiled to the public in Downtown Bolton. In partnership with and with funding and support from the Bolton Kin Club, Cecco Design, Sam DiGregorio from Dig-Con Construction and RA Tech, we are happy to have a new Gazebo for our community to enjoy. The new Gazebo has Pride benches for a place to rest, new landscaping and a spot for the annual Christmas tree to live.

Photo credit: Lucky Element Media

Events

In partnership with the BIA and the Bolton Community Crew, a variety of events are scheduled for 2022. This summer, events such as the Bolton Summer Market and the Taste of Bolton have kept the Royal Courtyards busy on weekends celebrating all that Caledon and Bolton have to offer from culinary delights to the unique artisan talents. The Summer Market ran for six Saturdays in the summer: June 11th and 18th, July 9th and 16th and August 20th and 27th in the Royal Courtyards. The Taste of Bolton ran Friday evenings on June 17th, July 15th and August 19th in the Royal Courtyards. Midnight Madness returned on Friday, August 12th. The Ye Olde Tyme Christmas Event is scheduled for Friday December 2nd, from 6-9pm.

Additional action items identified are in the process of implementation. Have any questions or ideas? Please reach out!