Roger da Cunha
Manager, Park Development and Operations
Town of Stouffville
parksadmin@townofws.ca
Civic Square Expansion Project
The Town of Stouffville is excited to announce plans to expand Civic Square. As part of this initiative, we have incorporated the newly acquired property at 6343 Main Street, adjacent to the current square. This addition adds 400 m² (4,316 sq. ft) of space, significantly enlarging and enhancing this vital public area.
Current Status
Construction is underway on site as of October 2026 and is expected to continue through to May 2027.
During construction, access to Civic Square will be limited. The project will expand Civic Square onto the property at 6343 Main Street, adding approximately 4000 square feet of public space. The expanded square is being designed as a welcoming, accessible gathering place with more greenery, improved connections and space for community events.
19 on the Park Theatre will remain open throughout construction; however, access from Main Street may be impacted. Guests to the theatre are asked to proceed west on Main Street, south on Market Street, then east on Somerville Street to the parking lot. Directional signage located along the east side pedestrian walkway leads to the main entrance and Box Office.
For more information about the theatre visit townofws.ca/theatre.
Background
Town staff have been working with Landscape Planning Landscape Architects to refine the design concept for the Civic Square. The vision is to transform this central gathering place into a fully functional and engaging Urban Park that better serves our community.
Last year, residents were invited to 19 on the Park to share their ideas and aspirations for the Civic Square. These insights have been incorporated into the updated design concept. The consultant team is currently advancing the 50% design drawings, which will be converted into tender-ready documents later this year. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2026, following the award of contracts in late 2025 or early 2026.
The renderings showcase both the day-to-day uses of the Civic Square as well as its flexibility to support signature events such as the Holiday Market and expanded programming for the Stouffville Market.
Design Objectives
The expansion of Civic Square focuses on several key objectives. Please note, the following is only a summary of the main themes captured during the April 24 Public Workshop.
- Creating a Welcoming Environment: We aim to develop a space that is not only accessible but also vibrant, safe, and comfortable for everyone.
At the Public Workshop, we received feedback that you would like lighting; noise mitigation from Main Street and consideration of adjacent lands including residential; and that safety of users (security) be considered. - Celebrating Our Heritage: The design will respect and integrate the town’s cultural history, ensuring our past is honoured.
At the public workshop, we received feedback that we need to commemorate the cultural heritage of the Town, not just the features specific to the site, including honouring Indigenous past and our peaceful history; you are also interested in the showcasing of educational, interactive, artistic, and/or fun elements to celebrate the Town's history; as well as to consider the preservation of heritage elements first before considering re-use of materials; balancing preservation vs. function. - Fostering Community Identity: By integrating arts, culture, festivals, and events, the expanded square will be a cornerstone for community engagement.
At the public workshop, we received feedback that the space should be utilized to provide music, entertainment, art, and market opportunities; that it should strengthen both physical and cultural connections; and the landscaping should be softened with the addition of greenery, planters, colours, and patterns. - Enhancing Connectivity: Improving walkability and adding amenities will make the square a more connected and pedestrian-friendly environment.
At the public workshop, we received feedback that the connection for different modes between Main Street and Memorial Park should be improved (treating the site as a gateway, including adjacent properties); that the space should provide accessible elements and features; and that there are unobstructed paths throughout the site through proper programming of the space such as placement of furniture and planters).
Public Workshop
The Public Workshop took place on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 19 on the Park, 19 Civic Avenue.
The drawing presented at the meeting is available here.
Contact:
Timeline
Design
Contract Tendering and Awarding
Construction
October 2026 - May 2027
Key Dates:
Public Workshop
April 24, 2024
111 Sandiford Drive, Stouffville ON, CA
customer.service@townofws.ca
(905) 640-1900
Accessible formats available upon request. Contact 905-640-1900 or customer.service@townofws.ca for assistance.
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