BURLINGTON: Karina Gould, Minister of International Development and Member of Parliament for Burlington, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Jane McKenna, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington, on behalf of the Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; Effie Triantafilopoulos, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care and Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington; and Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of the City of Burlington, have announced joint funding for the revitalization of the Civic Square in downtown Burlington.
Ottawa is investing over $1.9 million in this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan.
The Government of Ontario is providing more than $1.6 million, while the City of Burlington is investing over $1.3 million.
The work involves the replacement of the existing pavement and stairs with a new, fully accessible and barrier-free surface. The existing fountain will be replaced with a new water feature, and trees will be planted to provide a healthy canopy.
Further, new seating will be installed, and the outdoor mechanical and electrical systems upgraded.
This investment will support the City of Burlington’s efforts to make the Civic Square an accessible, safe and inclusive gathering and event space where festivals and community programming can be offered to all residents and visitors.
The Civic Square Revitalization Project schedule is as follows: 2023 – engagement/conceptual design 2024 – detailed design/permit 2025 – construction This schedule ensures the City of Burlington has time to do a fulsome engagement process and also allows for Civic Square not to be under construction while the condos across the street are also under construction.
• The federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
Mayor Marianne Ward said: “Burlington’s Civic Square is a beloved gathering space where our entire community comes together for countless events including flag raisings, concerts, festivals and friendship. The investment in its revitalization will create even more opportunity for the community to connect and engage with one another for decades to come.”