Towne Square Revitalization Project

Redevelopment of the Towne Square, located at 210 Lakeshore Road East in Oakville’s historic downtown, is a key Town initiative as outlined in the Council Strategic Action Plan Update 2023-2026 (pdf). Towne Square has served as the hub of downtown Oakville for more than 35 years and remains vitally important to the culture, vibrancy and prosperity of the downtown core.  It is being revitalized as part of a long-term investment to support Oakville’s growing community and economy.

This revitalization promises an accessible, green, comfortable, distinctive, and vibrant square in the heart of downtown Oakville. 

The project has an overall budget of $7.5 million that includes funding additional mitigation measures to deliver the project efficiently and responsibly.

Construction updates

• September 9, 2026 – The Millennium Tower Clock in Towne Square will be removed and placed in storage.

Tentative construction timeline

• Phase 1 construction – September 2026 to November 2026 (underway)
• Pause for 2026 holiday season – November 2026 to early 2027
• Phase 2 construction – Early 2027 to mid-September 2027

Design concept features

The highlights below demonstrate the Town’s commitment to addressing the public’s concerns brought forward in 2019 and comments from the delegation by Ward 3 Resident Associations in November 2024. 

Highlights:

• Accessible design including tonal contrast in pavers coupled with soft grade transitions between the promenade, lawn and stairs 
• More seating opportunities through planter walls, amphitheatre seating, and integrated bench seating, and flexible and movable seating options
• Improved views and safety through strategically placed planters, while maintaining an intimate feeling for the square
• Tree plantings along three sides of the square to provide shade and comfort 
• A distinctive water feature to act as a hinge point that ties Lakeshore Road with Towne Square
• Updated central lawn area to accommodate a variety of different programs and uses 
• New paving, furnishings, light standards, and tree planters to complement the Lakeshore Road streetscape redevelopment
• The Towne Square clock will be temporarily stored off-site during construction and returned to the square after construction is completed

Additional background

In October 2025, Town Council responded to significant concerns raised by key community partners. These concerns included construction impacts, the loss of a summer patio season, and the potential for serious economic effects on restaurants and businesses in Towne Square.

As a result, Council directed staff to pause the Towne Square revitalization project. This pause allowed staff to work with downtown businesses and residents to address concerns and develop additional mitigation measures.

At the meeting on May 26, 2026, Council approved an updated plan from Parks and Open Space staff with additional mitigation measures to help move forward the Towne Square Revitalization Project. A phased construction plan will help keep the downtown open, support local businesses, and allow events to continue. 

Towne Square is an important space for the business community and residents. Building on the work done on the downtown streetscape design, a new design for Towne Square will enhance the vibrancy of the neighbourhood and provide more opportunities for public events.

The redeveloped Towne Square will complement the Lakeshore Road streetscape and will incorporate the traditional style of furniture and materials endorsed by local residents and businesses and approved by Council in 2017 as part of the Lakeshore Road Reconstruction and Streetscape Project (pdf).