Oakville moving ahead with revitalization plan for Towne Square

Oakville is moving forward with renewal plans for Towne Square in a carefully phased approach that will keep the downtown open and active – supporting local businesses and the community during construction and for years to come.

Town Council approved an “Optimal Phasing Plan” for the Towne Square Revitalization Project presented by Parks and Open Space staff at the May 26 meeting. The project’s overall approved budget is $7.5 million. This is inclusive of measures to reduce construction impacts, as well as to keep the downtown vibrant by accommodating events, and businesses and residents informed through communications while work is underway. The plan is reflective of direct input and feedback from local businesses, community partners, and interested parties.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to run from early fall 2026 to late 2027 and will be carried out in phases with work zones carefully planned to minimize disruption. Businesses and residences will remain accessible throughout the project, unless short closures are required and arranged directly with those affected. Key services in the area, such as elevators, underground parking, and internal building access, will remain available.

Measures are also planned to be in place to support visibility and customer access to area businesses. Decorative hoarding and clear wayfinding signage will guide visitors to open businesses.

Additional steps will be taken to reduce impacts from construction activity on local businesses and visitors to the downtown. These include managing noise and dust, limiting extended work hours to only when needed, and moving construction staging and worker parking off-site to reduce congestion in the downtown core.

The additional mitigation measures will also assist in ensuring downtown events will continue during the construction period to help maintain foot traffic and support local businesses. George Street will be used as a temporary event space to host popular activities, such as the annual Holiday Tree Lighting and other Downtown Oakville BIA programming.  

Learn more about the mitigation measures and features of the preferred design concept by visiting the Towne Square Revitalization Project page and reading the staff report.

Quote:

“When Towne Square is complete, it will be a defining milestone for downtown Oakville. The phased construction plan approved by Council reflects what our community asked for: keep the downtown open, stay connected, and keep moving forward.” 

– Mayor Rob Burton

Background:

• Towne Square is a 35-year-old-plus public space in Downtown Oakville, and its revitalization is considered a legacy project to benefit residents, businesses, and visitors for generations. It was originally approved for reconstruction in 2018 but paused due to the pandemic in 2020.
• In October 2025, Council approved a project pause for additional public consultation with businesses and the community. Staff worked closely with local businesses, the Downtown Oakville BIA, community partners, and interested parties to better understand construction impacts to the downtown area.