Ultra Trendy Walkerville Area’s Future Gets Even Brighter As Samek Takes The Reins

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New Walkerville BIA Coordinator Veronica Samek poses at Jubilee Park at Wyandotte and Kildare, Friday afternoon

A new chapter is being written for the Walkerville business area following a year of streetscaping, night markets, theatre shows and even more growth as one of Windsor’s trendiest neighbourhoods.

The Walkerville Business Improvement Association has hired a new coordinator, is putting together a strategic plan and is set to drive promotion, beautification and economic growth in the very popular dining and shopping district.

The first task for the BIA when new city councillor Chris Holt came on board was to hire w.a.v.e.s. Festival superstar, and community powerhouse Veronica Samek to coordinate the area.

Board Chair Jake Rondot said Samek’s skill-set made her perfect for the role.

“As a trained journalist, event planner and community development professional with experience across Windsor-Essex. You may have already spotted her nearby already, leading historic walking tours in Walkerville,” he said.

Rondot said Samek’s work with the Cultural Affairs Department at the City of Windsor — Samek coordinated the w.av.e.s. Festival last September — brings experience in arts, culture and events to help build on the revitalization and retention of Walkerville’s historic heartbeat.

“[I’m] really excited to rally for the hottest area in the region,” said Samek. “Our BIA may be the smallest but we play to that feature, it’s like you’re visiting family and that’s a warm welcome we want to extend to the world.”

Samek says the BIA will dare to be different, raising the bar to provide more value to the region and explore boundaries through creative partnership and interactive communication, including a dynamic e-digest to involve more of the community. “Every place and person within the BIA has a story that builds on Walkerville’s microcosm of cool.”

She plans to continue working alongside businesses and residents throughout the community, and push the BIA’s mission to be involved in a wide range of activities including marketing, business recruitment, streetscape improvement, seasonal decoration and the organizing of special events.

“There’s so much in the works and we’d love to connect with those interested in helping us make this year the best, hear any feedback and keep everyone informed,” she said.

What does Walkerville have in the works this year?

The first is a call for volunteers to help with a vast array of neighbourhood activities.

The Le Chocolate run sprints through the area, starting and finishing on Argyle Road in early May. Then on May 9th the annual tweed ride takes a casual, old fashioned cruise through the neighborhood.

Walkerville will have a bicycle valet for Art in the Park attendees who choose to skip the chore of finding parking close to Willistead Park.

In July, the annual Art, Walk & Rock returns on the 24th and 25th.

The BIA is also planning to launch a new website to further its promotion efforts. DIG Walkerville will also return as construction and streetscaping of Devonshire Road gets underway.

To stay up to date with the Walkerville area, you can find them on Facebook.

New Walkerville BIA Coordinator Veronica Samek checks out the business are along Wyandotte Street, Friday afternoon