Lindsay downtown historical street banners bring local history to the streetscape
The Lindsay Downtown BIA is proud to announce the installation of the Lindsay downtown historical street banners, beginning the week of July 27. The initiative brings 75 new banners to lampposts throughout Downtown Lindsay, including 60 unique historic photos of the downtown and 15 banners featuring reflective phrases: “Where Generations Have Gathered,” “A Community Shaped By History,” and “Where Every Street Has a Story.” Together, they invite residents and visitors to connect with Downtown Lindsay’s rich heritage as they walk its streets. The project follows the major downtown reconstruction, which saw 75 new lampposts installed to enhance the streetscape’s character.
While the LDBIA’s operating budget had not yet allowed for the addition of new street banners, this initiative now offers a visible, achievable enhancement that supports place-making, heritage storytelling, and visitor experience along downtown Lindsay’s revitalized streets and sidewalks. This project reflects a true partnership between the LDBIA and the city. The banners will feature the CKL ‘Jump In’ logo to highlight this shared municipal collaboration.
The new banner initiative was made possible through funding from the Kawartha Lakes’ Legacy C.H.E.S.T. Fund, which supports non-profit, community-based organizations in delivering projects that enhance quality of life in the areas of health, arts, culture, leisure, heritage, education, and the environment.
The LDBIA is grateful to the Kawartha Lakes Municipal Heritage Committee for their support throughout the project, and to the Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives, the Lindsay Branch of the Kawartha Lakes Public Library, and the Municipal Archives of the City of Kawartha Lakes for so enthusiastically opening their doors and giving access to such valuable content. Thanks also go to the City of Kawartha Lakes’ Public Works department for helping coordinate the banner installation.
“This project started with our Beautification Committee’s vision for a downtown that wears its history proudly, and it’s been a joy to be a part of that vision taking shape,” said Melissa McFarland, executive director of the Lindsay Downtown BIA, in a press release. “What amazed us most was the sheer expansiveness and quality of the resources we were given access to. The Beall Collection at the Lindsay Library Branch is a real gem, and the volume of historical photographs and documents held by the Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives and the City of Kawartha Lakes’ Municipal Archives was incredible to see.”
Digging through decades of photographs also gave the team a new appreciation for how much Downtown Lindsay has changed, and how much has stayed the same. “What struck us most was the contrast,” McFarland added. “So much has changed along these streets over the years, yet so much of the character has stayed exactly the same. Over the coming months, we’re looking forward to sharing some of the stories behind these photos, and inviting the community to see downtown through that same lens.”
The banners will be displayed seasonally each spring and summer. They will be removed each autumn in time for the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual display of veterans’ banners ahead of Remembrance Day.
