Main street makeover delivers footpaths, outdoor dining areas, shade structures and new landscaping

The Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Kay Fraser, said the main street was looking great and encouraged locals and visitors to come and enjoy the new facilities.

“Toronto has always been one of our most picturesque town centres and the streetscape works have made it an even more attractive place to visit,” Cr Fraser said.

“The improved amenities and landscaping have really enhanced the dining and browsing experience along The Boulevarde and are a perfect complement to the town centre’s diverse mix of cafes, restaurants, specialty shops and boutiques.

The Secretary of the Toronto Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Brenda Hartmire, said the new promenade-style footpaths made it much easier to get around and visitors were making good use of the new seating and other facilities.

“Toronto business owners are very keen to show off our new town centre and we encourage people to come and enjoy the improved shopping and dining environment,” Ms Hartmire said.

To celebrate the completion of the streetscape works, local businesses have banded together to encourage town centre visits with a Shop Local, Shop in Toronto promotion running through July. Shoppers receive stamps on a card each time they spend $20 or more at a local business and can go into a draw for prizes once they have collected stamps from five stores. Cards are available from all participating businesses.

“I congratulate the Chamber on the Shop Local, Shop in Toronto campaign,” Cr Fraser said.

“It is a great way to promote local traders and get the word out that the new, improved Toronto town centre is open for business and looking better than ever.”

Council will undertake roadworks on The Boulevarde to complete the beautification and re-invigoration of the town centre. The works will involve relocation of old water mains and an upgrade of the road surface. Staging of the work will be undertaken to minimise disruption.