|
Canton Collective | August 2025
Your monthly online newsletter with City of Canton news, updates, and events!
|
| Let's be friends! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and if you mean business, connect with us on LinkedIn. | | Get in the loop! Signup to receive text notifications with timely (non-emergency) information. We promise, no spamming. | | Now, let's get you in the know for August! | | Gateways to the Future | Mayor's Moment | | |
The City of Canton is embarking on two transformative gateway projects that will help shape the future of our downtown: the Hickory Flat Highway Gateway and the North Street Gateway Redevelopment Project. These initiatives reflect the ongoing collaboration between the City, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Cherokee County, and other partners. More importantly, they align directly with the priorities outlined in our Roadmap for Success, including: Improving infrastructure for future demands, Enhancing Historic Downtown Canton, Advancing Regional Economic Success, Creating Great Neighborhoods, Celebrating the Diversity of our Community, Connecting Citizens to Parks and Trails, and others.
These ambitious projects are designed not just for today, but for generations to come.
When I moved my business to Canton in 1996, I immediately noticed the challenges at Exit 16 and Hickory Flat Highway. This corridor is Canton’s primary GPS-directed gateway and often the first impression visitors and prospective businesses receive. It’s also the main entrance to Sunnyside, a culturally significant neighborhood rich in history and diversity. Despite its importance, the area has long suffered from underinvestment. Since being elected in 2014, I’ve made it a priority to change that scenario.
The Hickory Flat Highway Gateway Project centers on replacing the aging bridge over Canton Creek, an essential entrance to downtown. To support this critical infrastructure upgrade, the DDA acquired the Canton Village Shopping Center in 2023. This strategic move allows us to realign Marietta Road and build the new bridge while keeping the current one open to maintain traffic flow. We are also adding a pedestrian bridge to ensure safe, walkable access in the area. Additional improvements will include new mixed-use developments, expanded retail, housing, and enhanced parks and recreational areas.
Across town, the North Street Gateway Project will address multiple needs coming into downtown from Exit 19. By purchasing property from the entrance of North Street to the Justice Center, the City and DDA now have the opportunity to shape development thoughtfully. Instead of a massive parking deck dominating the landscape, the plan calls for street-level retail, a concealed parking structure to serve both the Justice Center expansion and downtown visitors, and new residential and office space above. The concept also includes expanded community green space and a potential boutique hotel. These improvements are made possible through the county’s investment in our downtown Tax Allocation District (TAD), which stretches from Hickory Flat Highway through downtown and into adjacent historic neighborhoods.
Funded by TAD and SPLOST, these projects ensure that reinvestment in critical corridors will benefit our current residents and businesses while preserving and enhancing the character of the Coolest Small Town in America. With continued vision and partnership, we’re not just reacting to change, we’re leading it, together.
Mayor Bill Grant
| | Canton Ranked #20 Safest Suburbs in America | | |
Canton ranked among the top 5% (#20) of the safest suburbs in the United States, according to a study done by SmartAsset, with data compiled from the FBI and County Health Rankings & Roadmaps.
The organization looked at "360 places within a 15 to 45 minute drive from the 100 largest U.S. cities with at least 5,000 residents," that were then, "compared across five safety metrics including reported crime, lethal car accidents, drug overdose deaths, and excessive drinking."
With a population of a little over 34,000, Canton came in with stats of violent crime per capita: 0.0069; property crime per capita: 0.0141; number of traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 8.3363; number of drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 20.4587; and percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 18.43%.
Learn more about the study at https://smartasset.com/data-studies/americas-safest-suburbs-2025
| | Honor our Heros with Banners for the Brave | | |
The City of Canton proudly honors the men and women who have courageously served our nation in the United States Armed Forces. Banners for the Brave is a heartfelt program dedicated to recognizing our Veterans, expressing gratitude for their service, and preserving the memory of those who gave so much for our freedom.
Through this program, Veterans will be celebrated on custom-designed banners proudly displayed on light poles throughout Downtown Canton, serving as a powerful reminder of their sacrifice and dedication to our country.
This program is open to:
- Retired or honorably discharged members of the United States Armed Forces
- Veterans who currently reside in the City of Canton, or who once called Canton home and are now deceased
The City has designated 60 light poles in Downtown Canton to showcase these patriotic banners. Placement will be determined by the City on a first-come, first-served basis among eligible applicants. Banners will be proudly displayed from October 6 through November 14, 2025, surrounding Veterans Day—a time for our community to unite in honor, remembrance, and gratitude.
Let us come together as a community to celebrate our heroes, past and present, and keep their legacy flying high over the streets of Canton.
| | River Rock Concert Series Finale, Feat. Mark Chesnutt | | |
It's been an amazing River Rock season, and things aren't slowing down for this year's finale!
On August 23, platinum certified and CMA winning superstar Mark Chesnutt closes the 2025 River Rock Concert Series, with support from rising star and TikTok sensation Ashley Brooks!
Join us at Etowah River Park in Canton, Ga., from 6-10 p.m., for this incredible evening of music and making memories!
| | CPD Awarded the 6th Annual Chris Conti Memorial Grant | | |
In early March 2025, the Canton Police Department proudly submitted an application to Innovative Fitness for the 6th Annual Chris Conti Memorial Grant. This was established in 2020 in memory of Chris Conti, co-founder, community advocate, and a man remembered for his unwavering generosity and commitment to service. The grant carries forward his legacy and his belief in 'See a need, fill a need' by supporting organizations focused on health, wellness, and public service.
To be considered, applicants, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public safety agencies, first responders, and public high schools, were required to submit a detailed 3-minute video outlining the critical need for a fitness center, showcasing current equipment and the proposed space for future development.
On July 30, it was announced that the Canton Police Department was selected as the recipient of the 6th Annual Chris Conti Memorial Grant.
"We are deeply grateful for this opportunity and the continued support from the Innovative Fitness and the CCMG committee," said Chief Marty Ferrell (pictured). "This grant will directly enhance our department's ability to invest in the health and wellness of our officers, ensuring they are physically and mentally prepared to serve the Canton community at the highest level."
The Canton PD is committed to carrying forward Chris Conti’s legacy by fostering a culture of fitness, resilience, and service within our department. His impact lives on through every officer who benefits from this meaningful investment.
Thank you to the Chris Conti Memorial Grant Committee for your trust and belief in the Canton PD's mission.
| | Kids-Only Open Mic Night | Aug. 27! | | |
Hey kids! Have you ever wanted to perform on the Historic Canton Theatre stage??? Now's your chance! We are ecstatic to announce that we are hosting a kids-only Open Mic Night on Wed., Aug. 27, at 7 p.m.
Whether it's a choreographed group dance, performing live or alongside tracks, or even karaoke is encouraged, we want you to take center stage!
Sign-ups go live Wed., Aug. 20, for anyone 16 and UNDER with a passion to perform!
There will be a required tech rehearsal on Monday, Aug. 25, for all performers to get a chance to run their act onstage before the big night.
More information will be included on the sign-up sheet (available Aug. 20) at cantonga.gov/cantontheatre.
| | Annual Farmers Market Pie Contest Aug. 9 | | |
Are you ready to bake an award winning pie! The Canton Farmers Market Pie Contest on Aug. 9 is calling your name! There's a category for everyone....Youth under 18, Adult, and Professional. The 1st place winner in each category will advance to the Cherokee County Pie Contest in Woodstock on Aug. 23.
Guidelines:
- Must contain at least one ingredient that could be found at a Georgia Farmers Market. Ingredients do not have to be in season and may be fresh, canned, dried, or frozen. Pies may be sweet or savory, hot or cold.
- Limit of one pie entry per person
- Pies are judged on presentation, taste, creative use of ingredients and recipe.
- Pies should be in place at the Canton tent by 9 a.m. on contest day, Aug. 9. A recipe card should be included.
-
Entry form is available at: www.cantonga.gov/piecontest
May the best bakers win!
| | Upcoming Events and Meetings | | | | | |
