Milton Council to Consider Launching Civic Precinct: A Walkable Town Square for the Future

At its upcoming meeting, Milton Town Council will decide whether to move forward with developing a pedestrian-focused Civic Precinct — a future community gathering space that could serve as a central feature of downtown for generations.

The vision reimagines the area between the Town Hall forecourt and Main Street East as a vibrant, walkable town square. This space would replace existing municipal parking with a flexible plaza surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and shops, creating a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.

The Civic Precinct concept is rooted in extensive public input and reflects five core goals endorsed by Council:

• Establish a strong civic presence downtown

• Celebrate and build upon existing heritage

• Create a lively and inviting public space for the whole community

• Promote pedestrian-friendly, interactive design

• Foster placemaking that brings people together

Project Phases

Phase 1: Present to 2031

• Introduce new public space between Town Hall and businesses along Main St. E.

• Enhance Mary Street for occasional pedestrian-only events while keeping through traffic on main roads

• Allow Main Street businesses to expand into the precinct with patios, eateries, and other features

Phase 2: 2031 to 2045

• Encourage private development on both sides of the precinct, gradually reducing municipal parking as new parking becomes available

• Shape the space into a dynamic pedestrian hub usable throughout the week and across seasons

Phase 3: 2045 to 2051

• Fully pedestrianize the precinct once alternate downtown parking is in place

Next Steps

Downtown parking remains a key consideration. The Town has already secured a new location on Mill side Drive to compensate for any parking repurposed during the precinct’s development. Municipal parking will remain free and will be transitioned gradually.

If Council approves the project, staff will begin a bidding process in 2025 to start the design phase — which will include further opportunities for public input on layout and features.

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“Multiple Milton Town Councils have affirmed the Civic Precinct as a project of strategic significance,” said Andy Scott, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives. “The precinct responds to our community’s desire for downtown placemaking and continues to position Milton as A Place of Possibility.”

For more information, including concept visuals, refer to the July 14 Council report.

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