A new website, www.thorolddowntown.com, was unveiled last week at a city hall meeting by Serge Carpino, chair of the downtown business association.

"This is part of our effort to promote the downtown as one of our precious gems in the city," said Carpino.

The website promotes the heritage and businesses of downtown, with full listings of everywhere you can shop, dine and enjoy the historic downtown Thorold.

There is a section for news, events, a business directory, links and a photo gallery.

"The website enables us to work within the community," said Paul Carfedni, of Devine Media, who made a presentation of the website to council.

"We can have some fun and showcase our community and businesses in the photo gallery," he said.

The business directory features a summary of more than 100 businesses in the BIA district and the members have the ability to link their business listing on thorolddowntown.com to their own website.

"For businesses who do not have a website, it allows them to have access to an online portal," he said. "The website is a great showcase of the beauty of our downtown."

Coun. Fred Neale said the new website is a fantastic way of promoting the downtown.

"I think it will help businesses expand and promote events," he said.

"Cheers to downtown Thorold," said Carfedni.