Civic Square Renewal, City Hall Facade and Streetscaping

The last major renovation of Civic Square was in 1986, when the City Hall addition was constructed. The Millennium Fountain was added to Civic Square in 2000.

Civic Square is an important part of the City’s network of public spaces. The main objectives of this project are to improve accessibility, functionality, and the character of Civic Square, thus contributing to a more vibrant and complete community.

It will improve the overall look and welcoming feel to the downtown core. It will continue to be a vibrant space for meeting people and festivals and events.

In 2021 the city received Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – Community, Culture and Recreation Stream funding for the renewal of Civic Square and Brant Streetscape.

The Government of Canada is investing $1,984,900. The Government of Ontario is providing $1,653,917 and the City of Burlington has already committed capital funding of $1,323,432. 

Funding to support the new Brant Street entrance was approved in the 2024 Capital Budget and Forecast.

Yes. There were multiple opportunities for public input. Engagement specialists Spruce Lab, with the support of MBTW and City staff, implemented meaningful and extensive engagement efforts as community and stakeholder engagement is very important for the Civic Square and Brant Street Renewal project. A comprehensive plan and approach to engagement has brought together the preferences and priorities of the Indigenous community, residents, external stakeholders, internal stakeholders, and members of City Council. Consensus built during engagement helped build the concept design.

Yes. The public was consulted and informed on proposed changes to the streetscaping, façade and entrance to City Hall.

Yes. The new space will be barrier free and accommodating of all mobility devices.

The project will be designed giving consideration for our warmer, wetter, and wilder weather by incorporating features for climate resiliency. It will demonstrate how successful public spaces can be built with an environmental (low impact design) approach.

No. Exterior washrooms are not included in the scope of work for this project.

No. The project will not impact the heritage building at the corner of Brant Street and Elgin Street.

Yes. There will be flagpoles. During construction, flag raisings and ceremonial flags will be flown at Veteran Square, at the corner of Ontario Street and Brant Street.

The fountain is being replaced with a water feature. The granite from the existing fountain will be repurposed into a memorial feature at Burloak Park.

Yes. Public art will be incorporated into the project.

Yes. The Brant Street entrance to City Hall will be relocated to the central location on the facade of City Hall. This will require the relocation of the security desk inside City Hall. These relocations will align with the recently completed renovation of the first floor of City Hall and the City Hall Modernization Project.

Civic Square and the Brant Street entrance will be closed during construction. City Hall will remain open, however there will be disruptions. Accommodations will be made to minimize disruptions for visitors to City Hall.  

While no in-road work is in scope for this project, except to accommodate servicing requirements, there may be temporary traffic disruptions during construction.

Yes. During construction, there will be an impact to downtown parking, specifically Parking Lot #13 located at City Hall. Accommodations will be made to provide accessible parking for visitors to City Hall.

Current events that use Civic Square will be able to use the renewed space once complete. The renewal will improve the space for events by providing a barrier-free space with access to improved electrical and audio systems, as well as potable water.