News Release

Halifax in the running for free main street makeover

Friday, May 31, 2013 (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is being given the unique opportunity to win a main street makeover.

Benjamin Moore has identified Halifax as one of more than 100 communities across North America nominated to participate in its Main Street Matters project.

The Main Street Matters initiative gives consumers a chance to vote online (www.paintwhatmatters.ca) for 20 cities in the United States and Canada that will receive a re-paint revitalization for one of their main streets.

If Halifax earns enough votes to secure a top-20 spot, storefronts along three city blocks will get a fresh coat of paint. Benjamin Moore will provide the paint and supplies needed for façades, porches, railings, shutters, and other building exterior trims, and will hire professional painters to complete the work.

The North American-wide effort by Benjamin Moore is also being supported by partner organizations such as Make It Right. Brad Pitt, who founded this non-profit foundation in 2007, will be lending his voice to the initiative – along with thousands of others who are being encouraged to tell their stories online about why main streets matter.

HRM Mayor Mike Savage says this community revitalization competition couldn’t have come at a better time. “We’re very pleased to have been selected as one of more than 100 cities across North America to have a crack at this exciting initiative. A main street makeover would be a fantastic complement to the extraordinary momentum already underway. Now let’s rally the troops and get out the vote!”

Mayor Savage encourages citizens to reach out to their friends and family across the province, the country and the world to vote for Halifax.

If Halifax is selected, the city will put forward the name of a main street. Details will be shared in the coming days regarding how citizens can participate in helping select the street.

In the meantime, individuals are encouraged to cast a vote online for Halifax, every day, until 11:59 p.m. EST (12.59 a.m. AST) on June 30, 2013. Benjamin Moore will announce the winning cities and more details about the revitalization projects in July. For more information about the Main Street Matters project visit www.paintwhatmatters.ca.

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Media Contacts:

Shaune MacKinlay
Office of Mayor Mike Savage
490-6531

 

Brendan Elliott
HRM Communications
490-2377