The City of Burlington has officially begun construction on a $7.84 million renewal of Civic Square, a project designed to modernize the downtown gathering space and improve accessibility for residents. Work commenced in mid-April 2026, with the primary goal of creating a more welcoming area for community events and festivals.
The project, which also includes updates to the City Hall facade and surrounding streetscaping, is funded through a mix of municipal property taxes and contributions from the federal and provincial governments. Improvements to the site will feature a new barrier-free surface, updated electrical systems to better support public gatherings, and a new water feature to replace the existing fountain.
Design plans for the space incorporate several climate-friendly features, including native plants, stormwater management systems, and electric vehicle charging stations. New canopies equipped with lighting and public art from LeuWebb Projects are also part of the final design, which was selected in August 2024 following extensive community consultation led by Spruce Lab and The MBTW Group.
While construction is underway, the public should note that the Brant Street entrance to City Hall and the Civic Square itself are closed. Visitors can still access City Hall through the Locust Street entrance. Additionally, the public parking lot adjacent to the building (Lot #13) is out of service for the duration of the work.
The current project follows a lengthy planning process, which included a redesign after city council rejected an earlier proposal in 2019 due to concerns regarding tree preservation. The city expects the project to be completed in 2026.
