A Community Collaboration in Full Colour
This summer, the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce partnered with local artists Gina McIntee, Frances Porter and their talented young team of apprentices. Their creativity, vision, and dedication turned simple bins into vibrant pieces of public art that will inspire residents and visitors for years to come. Keep It Grand, Keep It Clean initiative—a community beautification project with a vision to transform ordinary garbage bins into works of art. The goal? To create 13 beautifully painted bins across Dunnville, each one telling a story, sparking a smile, and reminding us of the power of community.
For the Chamber, this project fit seamlessly with our own motto, Bridging Growth, Empowering Community. We know that small businesses often face the challenge of wanting to participate in community projects but struggle to stretch precious marketing dollars. By sharing resources and working together, we made it possible for more of our members to be part of something truly special.
And when we found a way to connect this initiative with our Dunnville Days of Summer campaign—already supporting local songwriter Marc Williams—we knew it was the perfect fit. Keeping with the summer theme and Gina’s mission, each participating Chamber member chose a symbol to represent their business. They had the choice of animals, flowers, and other natural elements—something that could speak to their story, their values, or their work.
CLICK OR SWIPE to see all sides of the bin
The Chamber’s Bin – The Bridge & Fireworks
The Chamber chose the bridge, representing our motto Bridging Growth, Empowering Community. We asked Gina to include fireworks over the bridge—a nod to our year-round fundraising efforts for the Mudcat Festival fireworks, which bring people together under one shared sky. Across the bridge are the words Together, We Thrive—our belief that when individual efforts unite, they create a transformative impact. This bin is more than art; it’s a testament to every voice, every business, and every idea building a flourishing Dunnville.
Watertite Roofing – The Busy Squirrel
Zak and Dahye Keyes of Watertite Roofing chose the busy squirrel as their symbol. “They climb trees all day like we climb ladders, and they search for holes in trees like we search for holes in leaking roofs. They’re busy bodies, with great initiative and a strong work ethic—ascending and descending in search of food, just as we work hard every day to make our living.” The squirrel is both practical and persistent—just like the Watertite team.
Dunnville Craft Emporium – The Blue Butterfly
For Sheri Croxon, owner of the Dunnville Craft Emporium, the choice was deeply personal: a blue butterfly. “It represents my daughter who passed away and is part of the reason I started this store.” In this symbol, the beauty and fragility of the butterfly reflect both remembrance and transformation—a reminder that even in loss, creativity and community can help us grow.
Grand Erie Home Hardware – The Tree
Grand Erie Home Hardware selected a tree for its powerful symbolism of community. “The roots represent the foundation of connections our business holds within our community. The trunk represents the strength and support we provide each other. The branches represent diversity and growth. The leaves signify each individual who contributes, and the canopy provides shelter and protection.” In every way, this tree mirrors the way Dunnville’s businesses and residents support one another.
OTB Marketing & Publishing – Bees
Angela Brooks, Marketing Strategist and owner of OTB Marketing & Publishing, chose bees to represent her philosophy: Bee There, Bee an Expert, Bee Referred. The honeycomb structure reflects the networking she fosters—strong, interconnected, and built with purpose—just like a thriving hive. In Angela’s world, “One Thought Beyond” means thinking past the obvious, finding creative ways to connect, and ensuring every piece of the marketing puzzle works together for the greater good.
Bliss Laser and Skin – Wildflowers
Marlie Case chose a bunch of wildflowers to reflect her business, Bliss Laser and Skin. Beyond their botanical beauty, wildflowers represent diversity, renewal, and natural healing—qualities that align perfectly with her work in helping clients look and feel their best. Each flower is unique, just as each person’s self-care journey is, and together they create a sense of peace and well-being.
Safebridge Financial Group– The Mini Yorkie
For Nicole Breadner of Safebridge Financial Group, the choice was personal and joyful—a mini yorkie. Her beloved dogs bring her happiness every day, reminding her that loyalty, trust, and companionship are values worth protecting. In business and in life, these traits are the foundation of lasting relationships.
Grand Disposal – Supporting the Project
A special thanks goes to Laura and Ian Fletcher of Grand Disposal for supporting this initiative. Their commitment to community beautification ensures that projects like this have the resources and backing they need to succeed.
In Dunnville, we believe in the magic of collaboration. From small businesses finding a shared way to give back, to artists pouring their talent into beautifying the town, to community members enjoying the results—projects like this remind us that together, we can make our community brighter, cleaner, and more connected.