Civil Municipal Magazine - Dec 2023

45 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 12 BROCKTON, ONTARIO in Walkerton because of the uniqueness.” Community Initiatives and Quality of Life Brockton offers a wide range of community events to enhance the quality of life of its residents. “We’re a very close knit community with generations of families rooted in this area,” portrays Paulette Peirol, Brockton’s Community Development Coordinator. “In terms of events, a lot of them are organized by community groups, such as our Rotary Club, Optimist Club, Kinsmen and Kinettes, but the municipality also hosts several events each year, both for community spirit and to help businesses in downtown Walkerton.” These annual events include the Walkerton Summer Streetfest, a Christmas market, and Music in the Park. The community also comes together to support the local hockey team, the Walkerton Capitals. In downtown Walkerton, the creation of a new Market Garden Park, with the help of federal, provincial and county funding, as well as business and resident support, is a welcome addition for residents and visitors to relax in the outdoors. “We now have a downtown urban space where people can enjoy things like a lunch from one of our restaurants. There’s a stage where we’ve had three musical events, and next year, we’re looking forward to more programming there,” Peirol says. Brockton places great importance on its cultural heritage and the promotion of a welcoming and inclusive community, she adds. It recently held a Truth and Reconciliation event in the park, and a series of plaques pays tribute to the first Chinese family to settle in Walkerton, operating a business on the property for many years. “Culture is very important to our community,” she asserts. Brockton is also rich with recreational opportunities, including golf, paddling, fishing, hockey, tennis, baseball and pickleball. A soccer complex is another amenity, and