If you’ve spent any time in downtown Oakville, you know Towne Square. It’s been the heartbeat of the core for over 30 years, with farmers markets, summer events, and weekend strolls. After decades of use, the Town is finally moving forward with a revitalization that’s been a long time coming.
WHAT’S PLANNED
New paving, furnishings, and lighting · Tree plantings along three sides for shade · An enlarged central lawn for events · A signature water feature connecting Lakeshore Road to the Square · Accessibility upgrades throughout, including tonal contrast in paving and softer grade transitions.
The project has grown to $6.5 million, up from the original $4.3 million estimate. It’s had its share of delays. Originally approved back in 2017, it was paused for the Lakeshore Road construction, then again through the pandemic. The Town also discovered the waterproofing membrane on the underground parking garage beneath the Square needs replacing, which added complexity and cost to the timeline.
The project hit another snag in October 2025, when Council voted to pause construction after hearing from downtown business owners, particularly restaurants, who warned that an 11 month closure with no summer patio season could put their survival at risk. The Downtown Oakville BIA and nearby condo residents also raised concerns, citing lost event space and the impact of overnight construction noise and dust.
The result is a smarter plan. Rather than one continuous closure, the Town has approved a phased construction approach, with work zones designed to keep the downtown open and connected throughout. George Street will serve as a temporary event space during construction, so things like the annual Holiday Tree Lighting and other BIA events can carry on uninterrupted. Construction is now tentatively scheduled to run from early fall 2026 through late 2027.
Thank you for reading.