New report begins process of shaping Milton’s future

A large scale study on the future of Milton shows residents want creative planning when it comes to development as well as less reliance on cars and the creation of more local jobs.

A large scale study on the future of Milton shows residents want creative planning when it comes to development as well as less reliance on cars and the creation of more local jobs.

As part of the We Make Milton visioning report, the conclusions will form the basis of updating the Town’s official plan, an official binding document that will be used by local politicians and staff to evaluate development proposals and guide decisions about infrastructure, such as transit and roads.

The process began last year and will involve several more months of steps before it is revised and adopted by council. The plan envisions the future of Milton up to 2051.

The current completed phase involved several rounds of consultations with the public and local stakeholders.

Findings in the report show:

• When it comes to Living in Milton, many people want to live here and grow old here. In 2051, residents will have a lot of choice about where to live – a new townhouse with a view, a condo beside a GO station, a historic home or a rural lot, for example. Community members also want access to a wide range of services and amenities, and will have a great deal of choice about where they play, exercise, gather, socialize, shop, worship, find entertainment and more.
• When it comes to moving in Milton, people expect travel between home, work and other services to be fast and convenient. In 2051, residents will have a lot of choice and can prioritize their mode of travel based on individual preference. Some people will drive, some will walk, some will bike and some will take transit. All residents will find Milton accessible and will also feel connected to the rest of Halton and the GTA/Ontario.
• When it comes to Working in Milton, some people will still commute outside of Milton for work, but more people will also expect to work here. In 2051, residents will have a lot of choice about where and how they work. If residents want to run a business or farm, work for a local company, commute to another municipality, work from home, upgrade skills or advance their education – they can. They will be supported by a wide range of choices to help get the job done.
• When it comes to growing in Milton, population growth and changes in demographics will bring a need for more infrastructure, housing and services in different locations and forms. In 2051, landowners, businesses, developers and investors will have a lot of choices about where and how Milton grows. We will grow up (intensify), grow out (expand), and sometimes we won’t grow at all. In some parts of Milton, there will be certainty about land use and development. Other areas will adapt in a flexible and innovative way as the need arises.

Public feedback to the report will be taken to October 9 and it will be present to Milton councillor on November 16.

The complete report can be found at http://ow.ly/NdLr50BJRk5.