Canton Roadmap for Success

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In This Issue

INTRODUCTION

An overview of the Roadmap for Success.

TENET 1

Creating great neighborhoods.

TENET 2

Celebrating the diversity of our community.

TENET 3

Advancing regional economic success.

TENET 4

Enhancing historic downtown Canton.

AROUND CANTON | Roadmap for Success

TENET 5

Sustaining our natural environment.

TENET 6

Connecting citizens to parks and recreation.

TENET 7

Improving infrastructure for future demands.

TENET 8

Leading with excellence.

THE CANTON SCENE

Celebrating the diversity of city activities.

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

“The city of Canton works diligently to maintain the highest possible quality of services to our citizens,” Mayor Bill Grant said. “In celebration of Georgia Cities Week, we will share the ways we continue to move Canton forward.”

Mayor Grant’s quote was the inspiration for this special edition of Around Canton magazine. In January 2023, we concluded a ninemonth series that took a deeper look into the city’s Roadmap for Success. As we approached Georgia Cities Week, April 23-29, we thought it would be a nice gift to the city and its residents to pull together the articles that were written for us by Communications Manager Lauren Johnson, with input from city officials.

At Aroundabout Local Media, our editors work diligently to take the news of the day and dig a little deeper. With our monthly, colorful publications, we hope to introduce you to the positive things happening in our community and the caring individuals who make them possible. See more at www.aroundcantonmagazine.com.

As Canton continues to blossom into a destination for economic success, we will work to help community businesses thrive. With an abundance of residents and businesses that are committed to making Canton a great place to live, work and play, we have no trouble delivering inspiring features and calendars filled with community events each month, helping you connect with your neighbors.

Photo courtesy of the city of Canton.

A deeper look at the city’s Roadmap for Success

Around Canton is dedicated to living up to its slogan: Your Community. Your Magazine. Our staff constantly is looking for ways to support our local businesses and our city officials.

One unique way we thought we could help is by creating a deeper look at the city’s Roadmap for Success, developed by Mayor Bill Grant; City Council members William Carlan, Sandy McGrew, JoEllen Wilson, Shawn Tolan, Brooke Schmidt and Dwayne Waterman; City Manager Billy Peppers and others integral to the growth and development of the Coolest Small Town in America. We created a hyperlocal, focused look at the Roadmap through a series of articles that ran in the May 2022-January 2023 issues of Around Canton magazine. For the series, we asked city officials to share, in depth, what you should expect in your community. Communications Manager Lauren Johnson dove deeper into the specifics of what’s new and what’s coming in Canton. We look forward to learning more about the exciting developments to come.

An excerpt from Mayor Bill Grant’s introduction to the Roadmap for Success. Read it in its entirety at www.cantonga.gov.

I am excited to have the opportunity to introduce you to the primary components of the city of Canton’s Roadmap for Success. Our road map is a plan, but also a call to action that organizes the steps of local leaders, private and nonprofit organizations, residents and businesses toward a shared vision for how our city operates through 2035. First and foremost, it is a community plan — one informed and guided by public input, to empower our citizens to be co-creators for their city, strengthen local connections, and generate support and enthusiasm for how we will work together to build the Coolest Small Town in America.”

“In developing this strategic plan, we integrated numerous goals and tactics into eight overall guiding principles, or tenets, for Canton’s future success. Each tenet is a commitment from the mayor and council to our residents, businesses and partners, as a platform for thoughtful review when considering new development projects, establishing budget priorities, and approving local guidelines and procedures to optimize city operations.

Celebrating the diversity of our community.

The diverse cultures and communities within Canton are vibrant and engaging. Economic, cultural and social diversity is encouraged throughout the city.

Leading with excellence. City Council, staff and citizen boards will foster civic participation and serve ethically, transparently, responsibly and efficiently.

Sustaining our natural environment. Canton residents appreciate our natural beauty, proximity to the mountains, ample green spaces and the Etowah River. Projects in the city will promote interaction with nature through sustainability, stewardship of resources and innovative design.

Enhancing historic downtown Canton. Preservation, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, and community-centric activities are cornerstones of economic development within downtown Canton. Benefiting the entire city, downtown redevelopment creates jobs, attracts investment, increases property values and generates tourism.

Improving infrastructure for future demands.

Citizens, businesses and visitors need access to the Canton infrastructural network to succeed in their goals. Transportation, power supply, gas availability, water and sewer, and digital connectivity are part of building a great network for success.

Connecting citizens to parks and recreation.

A healthy community provides access to nature. Residents should be connected with local parks through trails, sidewalks and additional transportation options. Recreational opportunities should be available to and inclusive of all.

Creating great neighborhoods. Safe, attractive, connected and inviting neighborhoods are the foundation of Canton’s hometown appeal. All residents deserve quality housing that reflects our community character through thoughtful design and responsible development practices.

Advancing

regional economic success.

Utilizing existing business strengths in industry, health care and an entrepreneurial spirit, Canton seeks to expand its economic footprint. Diverse and innovative business growth will support jobs, attract investment and create tourism opportunities.

Creating Great Neighborhoods: A Focus on Affordable Housing

BY LAUREN JOHNSON

Creating great neighborhoods is one of Canton’s eight tenets in its Roadmap for Success. While the recent Canton Housing Study indicated the need to add multiple housing types, affordable housing seems to be the most talked about topic when it comes to housing discussions. With skyrocketing home prices and rent, and increasing mortgage interest rates, there seems to be a perfect storm brewing.

Roadmap for Success

One of the obstacles to creating affordable housing is the stigma associated with it. When some hear the words “affordable housing,” they tend to think negatively and associate it with circumstances such as a decline in property values, increased crime, unkempt buildings and other notions that would be an overall detriment to communities.

However, many of the critiques surrounding affordable housing are related to how those properties are managed and how the programs that support the development of affordable housing are administered. When the affordable housing industry has the right people at the table, these developments can be transformative and end up becoming an integral part of the communities they serve.

“We owe it to our residents to encourage and incentivize developers

to develop affordable housing in Canton,” said Shawn Tolan, Councilor of Ward 2 and Housing Committee chair. “The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC) is a federal tax program that incentivizes private companies to invest in new construction development and the preservation of existing affordable housing for low-income households.”

The LIHTC program’s purpose is to create more affordable housing, but the vehicle that brings that purpose to life is the development community. Without the subsidy, these investments would not be financially feasible for developers. Total development costs are similar to market-rate developments, and the LIHTC allows developers to build the exceptional quality housing that residents deserve, while also being able to offer affordable rent.

“To produce affordable housing that is high quality and safe, all parties involved must believe in the necessity of creating opportunities for households that are rent-burdened,” Tolan said. “Recognizing that housing is dignity, and that people deserve a place to call home they can be proud to live in, is how great communities get built.”

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “rent-burdened” is defined as spending more than 30% of your income on rent, while “severely rent-burdened” is defined as spending more than 50% of your income on rent. According to the Canton Housing Study, “Almost half of households earn between $25,000 and $75,000, indicating a significant portion of the population is at risk of being cost-burdened by housing costs.” Given the large percentage of residents in Canton who fall within this income band, it is important to utilize the LIHTC program, or other incentives, to build quality housing within the city. There are ways that developing affordable housing also can be important to communities in the short

term, by enhancing the quality of life for rent-burdened households. Many affordable-housing developers offer programs at their properties that go beyond what an affordable home can provide. Programs centered around economic mobility, financial literacy, expanding educational opportunity, feeding the less fortunate, and engaging with local community organizations are all examples of different areas of focus that affordable-housing developers have emphasized to add benefit to the communities they serve.

“That benefit also extends to senior populations, who often are forgotten when we think about those who need access to affordable housing,” said Tolan, who recently started the Facebook group, Cherokee Senior Roommate Connect, which is dedicated to finding affordable housing for seniors. “While there is still demand for assisted-living facilities, there are several reasons why certain seniors want to transition out of their single-family home into something smaller and more manageable.”

As an example, Dominium, a residential developer, recently came before the City Council and, after receiving feedback on changes that were needed, the council approved a 251-unit affordable senior apartment project in the Bluffs. New, affordable senior apartments open up the smallto medium-sized single-family housing stock; as it is more profitable to build higher-end homes, these single-family homes are seldom built, limiting the new supply.

Increasing the supply of housing typically creates downward pressure on overall housing prices, and the increase in the supply of available housing will allow for economic expansion, such as the addition of new medical offices, hospitals, grocers and retail in Canton. Residents of affordable developments can spend closer to 30% of their income on rent, allowing for a larger amount of disposable income to be spent within the Canton economy. Currently, only around 800 residents live and work in Canton, while more than 9,500 need to commute to the city every day. Increasing the affordable-housing supply will have a

great economic impact, in that it will enable residents to live, work and play within the city of Canton.

Municipal leaders have one of the most important roles in bringing affordable housing to a community. The stigma associated with affordable housing makes the topic a politically contentious one, but despite the controversy surrounding affordable housing, there are leaders who understand the severe need and will work with developers to create a project that fits the vision for the community. Some leaders have even gone the extra mile and engaged in active planning to help spur development of affordable housing through various means.

“An elected leader in a municipality is the bridge between their constituents and those looking to involve themselves in their communities,” Tolan said. “And when each stakeholder, i.e., elected leaders, developers, financial institutions and community members, plays his or her role, rent-burdened families can find affordable, quality and safe places to call home, changing outcomes for families. Because, for the first time in their lives, their future isn’t dictated by their ZIP code.”

COUNCILOR SPOTLIGHT

Approved Residential Development

• Bluffs at Technology Park, 172 units

• Canton Place, 204 attached single-family units

• Canyon Ridge, 160 detached single-family units

• Etowah Shoals, 1,200 detached and attached units

• Great Sky, 1,225 units

• Laurel Canyon, 353 detached and attached single-family units

• 1010 Marietta Road, 154 townhome units

• Park Village, 60 single-family units

• River Green, 309 detached and attached single-family units

• Riverstone, 765 detached and attached single-family units

• Summer Walk, 134 attached single-family units

• Towne Mill, 95 detached single-family units

• Hospital Road, 260 multifamily units

• Jackie Moore Lane, 252 multifamily units

• Solis Canton, 250 multifamily units

• The Mill on Etowah, 280 multifamily units

• Arris at Canton, 168 multifamily units

Lauren Johnson is communications manager for the city of Canton.

Shawn Tolan is city councilor for Ward 2.

Making Sure Everyone Is Included in City Plans

BY LAUREN JOHNSON

Canton is one of the fastest growing cities in Cherokee County, with a diverse population of residents. The city’s mayor and council knew diversity and inclusion would be an important component when creating the Roadmap for Success. They kept in the forefront that diversity can come in many forms — cultures, ages, ethnicities, abilities, etc. — and inclusion is providing a way for ALL to

experience what Canton has to offer, while also giving opportunities to celebrate those groups.

“The City Council adopted a roadmap to focus and measure our progress toward common goals,” said Will Carlan, City Councilor, Ward 2. “The council recognized opportunities to make progress toward the goal of a city whose residents are respected, celebrated and engaged, regardless of their race, religion, nationality, ethnicity or sexual orientation. You should feel welcome and supported in Canton because you exist — not because of what you can provide to the community at large.”

After the Roadmap was adopted in 2021, the city wasted no time setting goals, making plans and driving actionable results for each tenet. Projects that were already underway for celebrating diversity included: establishing a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and a Public Safety Citizens Advisory Board; developing a new city website; creating a Marietta Road community initiative and Sunnyside community campaign; installing free public WiFi in all city parks, and launching CanTeen.

CanTeen, a high school leadership organization and an active engagement outreach initiative to high school students, was the vision of Canton Mayor Bill Grant. “As mayor, one of my primary goals is to more actively engage our city’s youth to incorporate their vision, hopes and dreams for the future,” he said. “This is imperative in growing future leaders and having our youth return to Canton once their secondary education is completed.”

Organized by Cherokee High School classmates Laney Cline, Sophia Melbourne and Kenzie Rodriguez, CanTeen recently hosted a successful Teen Job Fair, with close to 30 businesses and organizations represented and more than 100 teenage job seekers. (For more details, turn to Page 16.) A second Teen Job Fair is already being discussed for this fall.

An event also returning this fall is the Multicultural Festival. Developed through a partnership with the city, Canton Police Department and Best United Ministry, the

2021 Multicultural Festival. Photo by Lauren Johnson.

Roadmap for Success

festival will welcome more than 10 cultures. Representing Latin America, Asia, India and the United States, the event offers a taste of these cultures through food, performances and entertainment.

The city not only seeks diversity and inclusion in its community outreach, but also through its staff, council and committees.

“The City Council encouraged and directed City Manager Billy Peppers to develop hiring practices ensuring any applicant will be judged only on their merits and qualifications,” Carlan explained. “These policies and practices are designed to minimize, and hopefully eliminate, any implicit bias in the hiring process.”

Additionally, this summer, staff will receive diversity and awareness training through the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division so any contact with or any communication to the public is done with respect and compassion.

Recognizing the need for resident involvement in the development of city policies and objectives, the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force draws from residents of different backgrounds and experiences to offer advice and suggestions on how Canton can reach its full potential.

“This group reflects the hard work of the GMA and its efforts to create and distribute resources across Georgia to cities to foster diversity, equity and inclusion efforts,” Carlan said. “No one person or group of people can be fully aware of the impact different policies and standards will have on minority and at-risk communities. With a variety of voices on the task force, the council hopes to craft respectful and fair ordinances, policies and communication strategies.”

The diverse cultures and communities within Canton are vibrant and engaging. Economic, cultural and social diversity is encouraged throughout the city.

COUNCILOR SPOTLIGHT

Will Carlan is a city councilor for Ward 2.

Lauren Johnson is communications manager for the city of Canton.

Enhancing Canton’s Economic Vitality

BY LAUREN JOHNSON

All great cities dedicate time and resources toward increasing economic strength, so it is no surprise to find a tenet dedicated to regional economic growth in Canton’s Roadmap for Success. But, what exactly does working to advance regional economic success mean?

The key component of this tenet centers on development and investment in the city: creating jobs, attracting investors and creating tourism opportunities. These results ultimately serve the larger community, not just those within Canton’s city limits. Advancing regional economic success depends on all of the Roadmap tenets.

An important step forward was taken in 2021 when Canton’s leadership requested a new position: manager of economic development and tourism. Angie Busby joined Team Canton in that role, and is working to define what tourism means here.

One major initiative under Busby is creating a product to market Canton as a destination, which requires the designing and building of a destination-branded website to share Canton’s history, as well as its future. Additionally, with the creation of the Canton Cultural Arts Commission (CCAC), economic goals are being met through vibrant public arts projects that create a sense of community and place. The CCAC has many projects in the pipeline, and is overseeing a new, citywide Arts Master Plan, due to be completed in 2023. (Turn to Page 10 to get to know the artist who created Canton’s most recent mural on Lee Street.)

“Capturing the synergy between culture and commerce is a top economic driver, not just in Georgia, but nationwide,” said City Councilor Brooke Schmidt, who has taken an active role promoting public art and tourism in Canton since 2020. “Businesses, residents and visitors are drawn to a city where arts and culture are known to be an essential element of life.”

In addition to public art placemaking, the city recently applied for an Appalachian Regional Commission grant for a connector bridge allowing access from its park trail system over the Etowah River to The Mill on Etowah, an award-winning, mixed-use development that sits along the river. This connection will allow walkability from Canton’s parks to the downtown district, and will promote the Etowah River as a destination. Building on connectivity to

Utilizing existing business strengths in industry, health care and an entrepreneurial spirit, Canton seeks to expand its economic footprint. Diverse and innovative business growth will support jobs, attract investment and create tourism opportunities.

Roadmap for Success

drive the economy, the city also has hired a firm to come up with plans to create a more pedestrian-friendly West Main Street, to better join The Mill on Etowah and the Railroad Street area to the downtown district, boosting visitors to each.

Of course, the foundation of all economic drivers is attracting industry to our area. Offering companies a location that is attractive to potential employees when it comes to livability is key. Canton works closely alongside the Cherokee Office of Economic Development to attract international, light industrial businesses. Canton recently partnered with COED to secure a technology park of more than 40 acres off Bluffs Parkway, while Canton Corporate Park already is underway off Knox Bridge Highway.

“Economic development is all about building partnerships — an area where the city of Canton excels. From the up-and-coming Canton Corporate Park to mixed-use projects like The Mill on Etowah, our team at the Cherokee Office of Economic Development is proud to work alongside the city in developing and promoting high quality projects like these that keep talent local, diversify the tax base and create a premier destination for companies looking to locate or expand in Cherokee By Choice [a strategic plan that guides the county’s economic development efforts],” COED President Misti Martin said.

“Creating a community our residents are proud to work in and to call home is the ultimate goal,” Busby said. “The economic vitality of the city of Canton is dependent on our leadership, businesses and residents to help navigate the course to success.”

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

COUNCILOR

SPOTLIGHT

Brooke Schmidt is a city councilor for Ward 3.

Angie Busby is Canton’s manager of economic development and tourism.

Lauren Johnson is communications manager for the city of Canton.

“ ... the foundation of all economic drivers is attracting industry to our area. ”

Redeveloping the Heart of Canton

BY LAUREN JOHNSON

Downtown is the heart of Canton. While the area was a thriving mill district in the early 20th century, the 1970s saw the arrival of big box stores and mall-style shopping, bringing the bustle of downtown to a halt. Serving only as a pass-through to other destinations, local businesses shuttered. In the early 2000s, a downtown resurgence occurred as people began to value all things local, nostalgic and historical once again. It was then that stores, offices and restaurants – such as the popular Downtown Kitchen – believed in and began to create the vision for what downtown Canton could be.

Main Street Magic

Established in 2010, the Canton Main Street program aims to create a vibrant downtown through historic preservation, small business development, private investment, increased tourism and more. With its eye on the future, the city of Canton is building an economy for the next generation, while restoring buildings from past generations. In the last two decades, more than 300,000 square feet of historic buildings have been restored, including former schools that now are home to City Hall and commercial offices; a former textile mill transformed into the awardwinning The Mill on Etowah; the revived historic Canton Theatre, which recently was named to The 10 Best Historic Theaters in Georgia by AmericanTowns Media; and the historic Jones Mercantile building at the center of downtown. The latter will see even more improvements starting this fall, as the developers of The Mill on Etowah create another mixed-use space featuring restaurants, office space and much more.

“The development of the Jones Building is the next opportunity to showcase the city of Canton,” developer Penn Hodge said. “The private-public partnership of this historical landmark will define the future of downtown. We see the Jones Building project as the next

Preservation, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, and community-centric activities are cornerstones of economic development within downtown Canton. Benefiting the entire city, downtown redevelopment creates jobs, attracts investment, increases property values and generates tourism.

Roadmap for Success

adaptive reuse challenge, which will continue our theme of ‘Honoring History’ for the city.”

Honoring history not only for Canton but for the entire county is History Cherokee’s new History Center, that just so happens to call downtown Canton home. The museum documents the history of Cherokee County, spanning from Native American inhabitants to the industries, people and events that have shaped the area to what it is today. (For more details, turn to Pages 16-17.)

“The new history center being around the corner also has people really curious to see what Canton has to offer,” said Cindy Brooks, Canton’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) president. “People who may not have known that we have had a wonderful historical society for many years are now really interested to see more exhibits and how that building has really changed.”

Popular downtown events also highlight the area’s special value for residents and visitors. From dine and wine events to holiday and farmers markets to music and concert series, such as First Fridays, downtown Canton draws in young and old all year long.

“Canton, through its Main Street, DDA and Roadmap approaches, is able to leverage its history, its incredible local businesses and its residents’ compelling sense of community connection, to build momentum for maintaining a strong central business district, area placemaking initiatives, tourism growth and so much more,” Canton City Councilor Brooke Schmidt said. “We are seeing a growing interest from residents who want to live downtown, and Team Canton is committed to supporting this key to economic vitality.”

• For a list of places to eat, drink and grab a treat, scan the QR code.

• Turn to Pages 52-53 for a map to help you shop local at The Mill on Etowah and in downtown Canton.

Lauren Johnson is communications manager for the city of Canton.

Canton Theatre Director Kristin Norton Green and City Manager Billy Peppers celebrate the theater’s recent recognition. https://bit.ly/3dJoMUv.

Downtown Dining and More

Canton Projects Promote Interaction With Nature

BY LAUREN JOHNSON

When a city values its greenspace and wildlife, people want to be part of that and raise their family or retire there. Canton’s Roadmap for Success tenet, Sustaining our Natural Environment, was a natural fit (pun intended) into the overall vision the city had for itself, as well as in the initiatives that were already taking place.

Recycling, river cleanup and earning the designation as a Tree City USA, 30 years and counting, have been long-standing efforts in the city, encouraging residents and visitors to place value on preserving our local environment.

Kelly Pendley, operations director of public works, came on board for the city in 2017, and much of her work focused then, and continues now, in sustainability for the city. Pendley helped establish a Green Plan for Canton, pursued the Atlanta Regional Commission Green Communities Certification and coordinated the city’s first Earth Day event. She started a city recycling program, held twice a year, for hard to recycle items, such as paint, tires and electronics, and she serves as the staff liaison for the Environmental and Sustainability Advisory Board.

“The board will be at the Canton Farmers Market on Oct. 15,” Pendley said. “We will serve there as recycling educators, and to ask for and listen to community input. The board really wants to learn from residents about new ideas of environmental efforts the city can make.”

City council puts emphasis on the Sustaining our Natural Environment tenet through any development that comes to Canton by asking developers to incorporate the Roadmap’s sustainability objectives.

Master Gardeners identify plants in Etowah River Park.

Roadmap for Success

City Councilor Sandy McGrew explained, “We, as city councilors, bring sustainability to the table for new developments by asking them to:

1. Invite the Georgia Native Plant Rescue Program onto the property to remove any plants that are endangered or native.

2. Under the direction of the city’s plant palette, we ask the developer to require their landscape architect to use as many native plants as possible.

3. Check and recheck to make sure stream buffers are protected.”

Something the council often hears is residents want to save the greenspace and protect the wildlife, and having the sustainability tenet has made this a priority. The city purchased property in South Canton (Ward 3) to use as park land, and purchased the last 300 acres on Lake Canton (formally known as Hickory Log Creek Reservoir) to preserve greenspace and make a master plan to reflect the vision of citizens and council for that area.

“In an effort to sustain our residents’ wellbeing and inner peace, we’ve also expanded our trail system to pass through some of the most beautiful natural areas and along the Etowah River,” McGrew said. “And, on top of that, we have our police department patrolling the trails for pedestrian safety on electric motorcycles.”

On Oct. 6 at 5 p.m., you can help the city “cut the cord/ribbon” to celebrate the grand opening of its newest infrastructure project, the downtown parking deck at City Hall. The deck includes two exciting sustainability initiatives: a solar array that spans the top level, and will help offset the electric costs of City Hall, and 10 electric vehicle charging stations. Don’t miss this exciting event … it’ll be electric!

Lauren Johnson is communications manager for the city of Canton.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Kelly Pendley is Canton’s operations director of public works.

COUNCILOR SPOTLIGHT

Sandy McGrew is a city councilor for Ward 1.

Canton Police Department reduces its carbon footprint with electric motorcycles.

Trail Expansions to Connect People and Parks

BY LAUREN JOHNSON

When the city of Canton was building its Roadmap for Success, the tenet of Connecting Citizens to Parks & Recreation already was taking shape. The nine parks and recreation areas in Canton were being used by residents and visitors year-round, and more people were discovering them every day. So, what else did the city have in mind for this tenet?

Improvements

In September, the city kicked off a $4.3 million project to update Harmon Park and bring it up to the standards of excellence of the newer green spaces. Improvements to the park will include the construction of the mini-pitch soccer field, as well as a new pavilion, resurfaced basketball court, new batting cages, baseball field upgrades, connecting sidewalks, a continuous park drive and additional parking.

“Harmon Park is a focus area for the city,” Assistant City Manager Nathan Ingram said. “The city aims to construct a re-imagined park that will offer a better overall experience for its citizens, be more inclusive and inviting to all groups, and be an integral part of the overall goal for an interconnected park/trail system throughout the city of Canton.”

Long-term goals and future additions to the park will include public art installations by the Canton Cultural Arts Commission, riverside landscaping, and a bridge crossing and trail connection to the Canton’s three larger parks.

Expansions

You most likely noticed construction that took place last year through the

Harmon Park currently is undergoing renovations.

A healthy community provides access to nature. Residents should be connected with local parks through trails, sidewalks and additional transportation options. Recreational opportunities should be available to and inclusive of all.

Roadmap for Success

center of Heritage Park, which currently continues under Waleska Street and along the Etowah River. This is the extension of the city sewer lines to the Water Pollution Control Plant at Boling Park. Part of that project includes a trail extension leading from Heritage to Boling.

Once complete, the fully paved system of interconnected sidewalks will take parkgoers from Etowah River Park to Heritage to Boling, or vice versa, without having to cross any major roadways and — for runners — a complete 10K without ever passing the same spot!

Additions

Heritage Park has seen many additions to its offerings, with a few that are coming soon. Through the vision and planning of Adam Dodson, Canton’s parks and recreation manager, a plyometric gym opened this time last year. Located at the park’s center edge and adjacent to the G. Cecil Pruett YMCA, this unique gym incorporates exercises in which muscles exert maximum force in short intervals of time.

On the way for Heritage Park is the addition of a new inclusive playground and muchneeded public restrooms.

On the Horizon

Earlier this year, the city purchased 5 acres in south Canton to further expand its parks and recreation offerings. Canton’s 10th park likely will undergo planning later this year, and include an opportunity for public input.

And, one of the most-requested projects by citizens may be on its way as early as next year: a new dog park! Planning for this park for our furry friends will begin in 2023, and will be incorporated into Canton’s plan for use of special-purpose local-option sales tax funds.

CANTON PARKS

All parks and sites are open from dawn until dusk, other than Hickory Log Creek Reservoir, which is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

1 Boling Park - 1098 Marietta Highway

Amenities include a 1-mile gravel walking trail, covered pavilion with bathrooms, playground, baseball fields, tennis courts and more. No dogs allowed in this park.

2 Brown Park - 251 E. Marietta St.

Amenities include a playground, field space and picnic tables.

3 Burge Park - Crisler Street

Amenities include a basketball court, playground, swing and bench.

4 Cannon Park - 130 E. Main St.

Located in downtown Canton, with a gazebo.

5 Etowah River Park - 600 Brown Industrial Parkway

Amenities include an amphitheater, public bathrooms, pavilions, inclusive playgrounds, a public canoe launch, walking trail, field space and more.

6 Harmon Park - Harmon Circle

Amenities include baseball fields, playground, picnic tables and a mini-pitch soccer field (under construction).

7 Heritage Park - 508 Riverstone Parkway

Amenities include a 1-mile walking trail, connecting to Etowah River Trail and Etowah River Park, and recreational field space used for soccer.

8 Hickory Log Creek Reservoir - Fate Conn Road at Bluffs Parkway

Cost is $5 per day, per vehicle.

9 McCanless Park - Muriel Street

Amenities include a pavilion, playground, Boy Scout Hut and picnic tables.

Lauren Johnson is communications manager for the city of Canton.

Canton’s Infrastructure to Help Residents, Businesses

Achieve Goals

BY LAUREN JOHNSON

Improving infrastructure for future demands was a part of Canton’s plans before the Roadmap for Success was created. To achieve this tenet, the city will continue to build on this foundation. Here are some updates on infrastructure projects in the works, including the Water Pollution Control Plant, state Route 140 improvements and city-county road connectivity projects.

Heritage Park Restrooms

New restrooms are being installed at Heritage Park. The facility will be located at the trailhead, near the parking area behind Popeye’s and Canton Mill Lofts.

Roadmap for Success

Transportation Master Plan

A major initiative of the city this year is the Transportation Master Plan. Using community input, this plan will assist in forming decisions for upcoming transportation projects including roadway design and expansion, pedestrian enhancements and other mobile opportunities. A final presentation of the plan will be provided during a January City Council meeting.

State Route 140 Improvements

The city is working with engineering consultants on improvement plans from state Route 140 at the intersection of Marietta Highway and Riverstone Parkway up to Mary Lane and, additionally, at the intersection of state Route 140 and Reinhardt College Parkway. These projects are funded through a partnership between the city of Canton and Georgia Department of Transportation.

Water Pollution Control Plant

In January 2021, Canton successfully secured $65 million in financing for the expansion of its Water Pollution Control Plant, which will allow for a complete upgrade of the existing systems and structures as well as an expansion of treatment limits from 4 million to 7 million gallons daily. To date, the expansion of the city’s sewer plant continues to be on time and on budget. Canton expects to provide biological treatment processes to expand capacity by summer 2023, with the final project completion in late 2024.

Canton Police Records Management System

Residents, businesses and visitors need access to the Canton infrastructural network to succeed in their goals. Transportation, power supply, gas availability, water and sewer, and digital connectivity are part of building a great network for success.

Canton Police Department has a new software system through Central Square that will provide more efficiencies in police operations. It will take a period of months to convert the data and roll out the operation, but thanks to the hard work of the police department research team, this system will be in place very soon. Additionally, new Panasonic Tough Books were purchased for the department. The funding for the software was from Police Impact Fees charged on new developments in the city, and the new laptops were funded through the special-purpose local-option sales tax.

The expansion of the Water Pollution Control Plant is underway, with completion set for late 2024.

City-County Collaborative Efforts

A city-county project aimed at providing better road connectivity cleared several hurdles recently. The Technology Ridge Parkway project will realign the Heard Road and Fate Conn intersection in north Canton. Phase I recently was approved by the state, and the county started construction. In this phase, a new roadway will be built between Bluffs Parkway and Fate Conn, just north of Park Village. The final project will include road improvements to the Cherokee County Airport.

Teasley Middle School Intersection

The construction of new turn lanes and a traffic signal at Hickory Log Creek Drive and Reservoir Drive near Teasley Middle School is almost complete. A delay in the scheduling of concrete pushed the curbing portion of the project beyond the start of school. The turn lanes have been installed and utilities have been relocated. The mast arms and signal equipment are the remaining portion of the project to be completed.

Pedestrian Bridge Grant

The city’s grant application, seeking more than $600,000 in matching funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission for a potential pedestrian bridge on the Etowah River, recently was approved. Canton’s Economic Development and Tourism Manager Angie Busby worked tirelessly to submit all the documents and credentials for the project. Once constructed, the bridge will connect the trail segment, currently under construction, between Heritage and Boling Parks with The Mill on Etowah. As a second phase to the project, the city would provide for the creation of river access for canoes, kayaks and tubes at The Mill side of the bridge.

Lauren Johnson is communications manager for the city of Canton.

Serving Ethically, Responsibly and Efficiently

BY LAUREN JOHNSON

When the city of Canton created its Roadmap for Success and adopted it in 2021, it was a plan to guide the city for the next 10 years of work. Now, at a little more than two years in, the city has accomplished more than 70% of the goals and projects the Roadmap set forth. This was possible because of the excellence in leadership from the mayor, council, city staff, boards and commissions.

Celebrating City Services

“Municipal government is the level of government closest to the people,” City Manager Billy Peppers said. “Our city government is nonpartisan, so it is built on people with ideas, and not party platforms. The services of your city government impact your daily life: police, fire, water, sewer, parks, streets, development, code compliance, recreation, sanitation and community events.”

Canton will celebrate Georgia Cities Week, sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), April 23-29, with a variety of events to recognize the leadership and services the city provides to the community.

“The city of Canton works diligently to maintain the highest possible quality of services to our citizens,” Mayor Bill Grant said. “In celebration of Georgia Cities Week, we will share the ways we continue to move Canton forward.”

City Council, staff and citizen boards will foster civic participation and serve ethically, transparently, responsibly and efficiently.

Roadmap for Success

Initiatives to Lead

Canton recently was named one of five municipalities in the state selected to participate in the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH). This three-year program provides collaboration and technical assistance to help communities create and implement a locally based plan to meet their housing needs.

Housing Initiatives Director Ken Patton led the charge on providing a thorough application for GICH on the city’s behalf. He believes participation in the program is critical for the city to have a successful strategy for building a housing plan.

Game Changer

GeorgiaForward selected Canton City Planner Brittany Anderson, who has worked for the city for more than five years, as one of the 50 evolving professionals to serve the organization’s 2022 Young Gamechangers (YG) program. YG is a unique leadership action program hosted by GeorgiaForward, a nonprofit organization administered by GMA. YG brings professionals from across the state to work on the persistent challenges of one Georgia community; the 2022 selected city was Dalton.

City Planner Brittany Anderson

A Vision for the Future

During the GMA 2022 Cities United Summit, GMA and Georgia Trend magazine presented the city of Canton with a Visionary City Award for the City’s Roadmap for Success. Awarded to nine cities each year — three from each population size group: less than 4,999, 5,00024,999 and more than 25,000 — the award honors cities that have created positive community change through effective civic engagement and collaboration.

“The city was extremely honored to receive the Visionary City Award from GMA and Georgia Trend magazine,” Grant said. “This prestigious recognition for the city of Canton’s forward thinking, collaboration and civic engagement is a true testament to the exemplary leadership our council and management team have demonstrated with the creation and implementation of our Roadmap for Success.”

Top 10 in 10

In 2022, City Engineer Bethany Watson was recognized as one of the Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch in Cherokee County. The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce and Enjoy Cherokee Magazine give this annual award to 10 county residents, under age 40, to watch in the next 10 years.

“As a member of Team Canton, Bethany leads many projects including trails, transportation, development engineering and the new parking deck,” Peppers said. “We are proud of her and this recognition.” Watson has worked for the city of Canton for more than eight years.

Canton’s Boards and Commissions

For more details, visit www.cantonga. gov/government/city-council/boardscommissions.

• Board of Appeals (Variance Board)

• Canton Building Authority

• Canton Development Authority

• Canton Housing Authority

• Canton Main Street Board

• Canton Tourism Board

• Cultural Arts Commission

• Diversity and Inclusion Task Force

• Downtown Development Authority

• Environmental and Sustainability Advisory Board

• Historic Preservation Committee

• Library Board

• Public Safety Citizen Advisory Committee

host the 2023 Georgia Downtown Association Annual Conference, Aug. 21-24. This annual conference attracts more than 200 downtown professionals from across the state to network, learn and grow through a variety of session topics and tours.

Lauren Johnson is communications manager for the city of Canton.

From left, City Manager Billy Peppers, Mayor Bill Grant, council members Brooke Schmidt, Sandy McGrew, Dwayne Waterman and Assistant City Manager Nathan Ingram accept the Visionary City Award.

City Engineer Bethany Watson

Canton’s annual Multicultural Festival. Photo by Lauren Johnson.

Canton’s Tree Lighting. Photo by Velinda Hardy. First Fridays take place May through October.

Photo by Teena Coogle Photography.

Downtown Canton’s annual Think Pink Cherokee Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. Photo courtesy of Velinda Hardy.

River Rock concert.

Photo by Red Baryl Portraits.

Canton Farmers Market.

Photo by Teena Coogle Photography.

CITY OF CANTON

Mayor Bill Grant Bill.Grant@cantonga.gov

CITY MANAGER

Billy Peppers

Billy.Peppers@cantonga.gov

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Lauren Johnson

Lauren.Johnson@cantonga.gov

PUBLISHER

Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Jennifer Coleman | 470-263-8414 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Candi Hannigan | 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com

CONTENT EDITOR

Jessica Forrester | 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com