FAQs
- create an inclusive space for people of all ages and abilities
- support changing community needs; support tourism
- demonstrate how successful public spaces can be built with an environmental (low impact design) approach
- make City Hall a welcoming, community gathering and event/program space.
- Accessibility - Create a space that is barrier free and accommodating of all mobility devices.
- Enhancing community connections - Focus on walkability and amenities for pedestrians
- Consideration for maintenance operations – Design to support how the space will be operated and maintained.
- Preserving and enhancing nature
- Developing community identity - Bring together arts and culture through festivals, events, and ceremonies.
- Creating a welcoming and comfortable public space – a public space that is vibrant, safe, and comfortable for all.
- Versality – flexible spatial design that can accommodate many activities.
- Civic pride through the design process - through community and stakeholder engagement, collect feedback and integrate as many ideas as possible into the final design.
When was the last time Civic Square was renovated?
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.
Why is Civic Square being renewed?
Civic Square is being renewed to:
How does the renewal of Civic Square benefit the community?
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.
How is this project being funded?
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 will be approved in the 2024 Capital Budget and Forecast.
Will there be public consultation?
Yes. There will be multiple chances for public input. Engagement specialists SpruceLab, with the support of MBTW and City staff, will implement 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 will bring together the preferences and priorities of the Indigenous community, residents, external stakeholders, internal stakeholders, and members of City Council. Consensus built during engagement will help build the the concept design. Reporting back to the community and stakeholders to show how their feedback influenced the design is key.
Will the public consultation include the streetscaping, façade and entrance to City Hall?
Yes. The public will be consulted and informed on proposed changes to the streetscaping, façade and entrance to City Hall.
What are goal and objectives of this project?
The goal of this project is to visualize, design, and implement the renewal of Civic Square, City Hall entrance and facade, and adjacent streetscapes to contribute to a healthier and more vibrant downtown core. Through a combination of upgrades and improvements, the success of the project
will be measured on its ability to bring people together in an environment that is welcoming to people of all abilities and backgrounds, while better supporting the community and local downtown businesses.
The following design objectives will contribute to achieving the project goal:
What existing features will remain?
Features to remain will be determined by public engagement and detailed design.
Will the new space be accessible?
Yes. The new space will be barrier free and accommodating of all mobility devices.
Will this project incorporate sustainable development?
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.
Will there be exterior washrooms?
No. Exterior washrooms are not included in the scope of work for this project.
Will the project impact the heritage building at the corner of Brant St. and Elgin St.?
No. The project will not impact the heritage building at the corner of Brant Street and Elgin Street.
Will public art be incorporated in the project?
Yes. Public art will be incorporated into the project.
Will there be changes to the inside of City Hall?
Yes. It is expected that the Brant Street entrance to City Hall will be relocated to a more prominent and central location. 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
Will Civic Square and City Hall be closed during construction?
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.
Will there be an impact to the roads?
While no in-road work is in scope for this project, except to accommodate servicing requirements, there may be temporary traffic disruptions during construction.
Will there be an impact to downtown parking?
Yes. During construction, it is expected that there will be an impact to downtown parking, mainly Parking Lot #13 located at City Hall. Accommodations will be made to provide accessible parking for visitors to City Hall.
What events will the renewed Civic Square accommodate?
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.