Big facelift underway for Mount Forest laneway

WELLINGTON NORTH – Flowers, fresh paint, a new sidewalk and lighting are coming to a dark, dingy alley in Mount Forest. 

Improvements to the laneway on Main Street South, between Pizza Hut and Hair on Main, are already underway. 

The work is a collaborative project between the Mount Forest BIA, the Township of Wellington North and the owners of 134 and 146 Main St. S., the properties on either side of the laneway. 

Township staff say the laneway is under-utilized, and BIA directors see significant potential for enhancements. 

“It lacks lighting at nighttime and is attracting garbage and graffiti,” states a staff report presented to council on June 22.

“As this laneway connects directly to a municipal parking lot, it serves as an important pedestrian access route,” the report states. 

“The Mount Forest BIA is committed to revitalizing this laneway to create an attractive, welcoming and functional public space for residents and visitors to enjoy.” 

That includes painting the exterior walls and  installing lighting, a landscaped garden (maintained by the BIA) and a clearly defined pedestrian pathway.

“The project has been thoughtfully designed to minimize ongoing maintenance requirements,” the report states.

“The garden will feature low-maintenance plantings, and the pathway has been configured to allow for efficient snow removal during the winter months. 

“Improving safety is a key objective of this initiative, particularly in response to concerns regarding poorly lit areas within the downtown core.” 

A memorandum of understanding has been formally signed by all stakeholders, including the Mount Forest BIA, township staff, property owners Thomas Meyer and Scott Hastie and the project design consultants. 

“The agreement establishes a collaborative framework and clearly defines the responsibilities of each party with respect to project implementation, maintenance and long-term management.” 

All existing asphalt in the laneway will be removed, and a new five-foot-wide concrete pedestrian walkway with flagstone landing areas will be installed. 

Granite boulders of various sizes “will be strategically placed to prevent unauthorized vehicle access while complementing the overall landscape design,” the report states. 

And about 32 cubic yards of top soil will be hauled in to fill planting beds and a landscaped berm, followed by nursery-grade plants and mulch.  

The improvements  are expected to cost $37,489, which will be split evenly between the property owners at 134 and 146 Main St. S.

Wellington North council approved a $2,500 façade improvement grant for Thomas Meyer, who owns number 134.

The grant is part of the township’s Community Improvement Program (CIP).  

“The property owner of 146 Main St. S. is (also) eligible to apply for a ($2,500) façade improvement grant,” the report states. 

The CIP is meant to support individuals, businesses and organizations making improvements to their buildings and properties to support revitalization and redevelopment. 

Before approving the grant for the laneway, the township had already approved nine CIP grants and allocated the full $35,000 budgeted for the CIP program in 2026. 

In order to make funds available for the laneway improvements as well as potential future projects, council voted to add $25,000 to the money available in the CIP. 

The funds will come from either Wellington North’s council community and contingency reserve or its tax rate stabilization reserve, which will have a combined balance of $1.34 million after the $25,000 is withdrawn.  

Township staff is currently assisting three more businesses with prospective applications, the report notes. 

“The additional funding will enable to township to continue supporting private-sector investment, downtown revitalization efforts, business growth and economic development initiatives throughout the community,” township staff state. 

Council unanimously approved the grant and the CIP increase during its June 22 meeting. 

Councillor Steve McCabe said of the laneway revitalization, “I think it’s great that this is coming to fruition ... It’s nice to see that it’s going to be reimagined and the site plan looks pretty nice.” 

Of the increase to the CIP program overall, councillor Penny Renken said, “I think it would improve the main street of our town and I’m quite in favour of going ahead and doing that.”