We Make Milton - Official Plan project

I've reviewed both the "Official Plan" and the 5yr Transit Plan and both are disappointing to say the least. We have attracted many businesses and warehouses to the town that offer job opportunities which is great, but there is no way to get to these jobs unless you own a car, these are generally lower paying jobs wherein employees rent rooms in the area or live with family, the properties do not allow for multiple vehicle parking and there are no public overnight lots available so just how are people supposed to access these new job opportunities? How can we have a transit plan that does not evolve to include access to the job market that has developed in the town?

The new by-law allowing anyone and everyone to build secondary dwelling units is destroying property values all over town because once again, there is no parking! People are paving over the lawns, it's looking despicable, in another year it will be like Brampton with 6 cars parked on a single driveway unit! How could this administration allow this to happen? There is no on street overnight parking available in the communities, and there are no public parking available overnight, the community side streets are so narrow that 2 cars barely fit past each other. Milton was a young town 20 years ago but the families have grown up, teens are buying cars, young adults are staying home longer because the housing prices are out of control, where are people supposed to put their family vehicles? Never mind the renters that are staying multi family in small homes because of the cost of living. The town is quick to dish out parking tickets but not parking solutions for those people that do not want to turn their front lawns into a parking spot, or for people who still value the aesthetics of their communities, lets put some attention on these real life issues and concerns for families that want to stay here but its becoming increasingly difficult to watch the decline in exchange for higher property taxes, minimal amenities, and poorly planned infrastructure to support the growth we have seen over the last 20 years and the next 30, the university will bring many additional issues with nothing for the students to do in terms of entertainment on weekends. Its becoming a mess.

With all the “Growth” Milton has lost shopping…there is no police presence, the transit system has to be the worst in a town with over 100,000 residents, people drive where they like with no regard for rules of road, we have theft , and generally people running riot, residents are not spending money here, we have to go outside town for shopping..clothes etc ….we only see councillors when they are running for election , the only plan is for it to grow more housing .

Milton is becoming a busy city with congestion everywhere. Aggressive drivers seem to dominate the roads. Instead of having Halton police sitting in recreation facility parking lots often perhaps they should be set up to catch these light running and speeding drivers along Derry road, Bronte street, Steeles ave and Thompson. I have never seen a speed trap set up along any of these roads.
Not sure who the town contracts to pave our roads but we have manhole covers along all of our roads which sink to become dangerous potholes, even on the newly paved roads. These should be repaired on a regular basis. There is one along Bronte street just North of St. Laurent that has been there for 5 yrs now and many others all over our city…completely unacceptable.
Last subject is retail shopping. These is very little here in Milton. Most of us go into Burlington or Mississauga weekly to shop for Food,clothing,furniture,sporting goods etc. What is the town and council doing to attract business and retail to our city? I have been here for 6 yrs and have not seen anything more than a couple new little plazas being built with perhaps another pizza joint in it.
People wake up, we need to vote in different town management if we want to have proper infrastructure, business and retail in this ever expanding city.

The lack of support for small business is appalling. So many family run small businesses are disappearing in the town, it is shameful! Where is your support for anything other than a condominium! Wake up Milton ! Small business owners are squeezed out with nowhere to relocate to. All that will be left is big name corporations and restaurant chains in town.

The lack of support for small business is appalling. So many family run small businesses are disappearing in the town, it is shameful! Where is your support for anything other than a condominium! Wake up Milton ! Small business owners are squeezed out with nowhere to relocate to. All that will be left is big name corporations and restaurant chains in town.

My concern is outdoor space. Milton has many parks but the Town has not bothered to keep clean,or well groomed. When you go to the libraries and sports complexes the weed are not controlled. Where is the summer student help these past few years. The town is not that broke. Millions have been sent to us from the OLG/ Mohawk raceway. Send some of it on our community. We recently visited Cambridge ON and saw their Sculpture Park along the River. We also visited the Elevated Park in St. Thomas ON. We have many artist and residents in Milton who would love to be part of making the community beautiful. We have a beautiful Mill Pond that is not groomed or presented to it splendour. This is a gem of our community. If the Town of Milton took pride in their community maybe the residents would follow suit.

Removed by moderator.

Include policies to protect and enhance the Town's Niagara Escarpment areas. Leverage the beautify of these natural areas to promote a better quality of life and tourism in our Town. Policies should be firm regarding the type of development allowed to be built around the escarpment areas. Future adjacent development should not block the views to the escarpment or have detrimental impacts. Avoid policies that allow for the development such as the industrial buildings along Campbellville road which completely block the view to the escarpment.

Include policies to protect and enhance the Town's Niagara Escarpment areas. Leverage the beautify of these natural areas to promote a better quality of life and tourism in our Town. Policies should be firm regarding the type of development allowed to be built around the escarpment areas. Future adjacent development should not block the views to the escarpment or have detrimental impacts. Avoid policies that allow for the development such as the industrial buildings along Campbellville road which completely block the view to the escarpment.

Include policies to protect and enhance the Town's Niagara Escarpment areas. Leverage the beautify of these natural areas to promote a better quality of life and tourism in our Town. Policies should be firm regarding the type of development allowed to be built around the escarpment areas. Future adjacent development should not block the views to the escarpment or have detrimental impacts. Avoid policies that allow for the development such as the industrial buildings along Campbellville road which completely block the view to the escarpment.

With respect to Housing Policy, Section 3.1, p.84, the proposed policy would support re-development and conversion of existing housing to create additional residential units. This activity is taking place on my street and it is not going well. Basement apartments have been created resulting in paving over front yards for additional parking and the construction of side entrances to basement units directly opposite living room windows of adjacent homes, resulting in a complete loss of privacy. Building new units with accessory residential units would make more sense so that adequate setbacks can be created between houses and provision can be made for parking to accommodate the tenants without having to pave the front yard.
With respect to the proposed policy on Emergency Services, the policy should encourage co-ordination not just with other municipalities but also with the Ministry of Transportation (highways) and CN and CP (railways). Accidents/incidents can occur involving highways and railways and the policy should encourage the involvement of and collaboration with these entities in such situations.

Recently visiting Waterloo, they have the correct set up for an urban sprawl. Trams, bike lanes, parks, public restrooms. Resolve traffic issues with roundabouts. I think the most important issue will be mental health. I see too many people stressed now-a-days with nothing to do during their weekends or free time other than “going for a walk” on the sidewalk, but they never do. The urban sprawl is focused on money making which is a very North American idea, how can politicians stay in office by pleasing big corporations and how do we squeeze out every acre for $$. Big corps are important, but community mental health is far more important. I’ve lived in Melbourne and visited Europe and their cities are filled with parks and public areas for leisure. I’ve seen Mississauga turn into a traffic and high rise nightmare.

If this was too long, I’m kindly requesting more parks and public areas for leisure.

Recently visiting Waterloo, they have the correct set up for an urban sprawl. Trams, bike lanes, parks, public restrooms. Resolve traffic issues with roundabouts. I think the most important issue will be mental health. I see too many people stressed now-a-days with nothing to do during their weekends or free time other than “going for a walk” on the sidewalk, but they never do. The urban sprawl is focused on money making which is a very North American idea, how can politicians stay in office by pleasing big corporations and how do we squeeze out every acre for $$. Big corps are important, but community mental health is far more important. I’ve lived in Melbourne and visited Europe and their cities are filled with parks and public areas for leisure. I’ve seen Mississauga turn into a traffic and high rise nightmare.

If this was too long, I’m kindly requesting more parks and public areas for leisure.

Recently visiting Waterloo, they have the correct set up for an urban sprawl. Trams, bike lanes, parks, public restrooms. Resolve traffic issues with roundabouts. I think the most important issue will be mental health. I see too many people stressed now-a-days with nothing to do during their weekends or free time other than “going for a walk” on the sidewalk, but they never do. The urban sprawl is focused on money making which is a very North American idea, how can politicians stay in office by pleasing big corporations and how do we squeeze out every acre for $$. Big corps are important, but community mental health is far more important. I’ve lived in Melbourne and visited Europe and their cities are filled with parks and public areas for leisure. I’ve seen Mississauga turn into a traffic and high rise nightmare.

If this was too long, I’m kindly requesting more parks and public areas for leisure.

Recently visiting Waterloo, they have the correct set up for an urban sprawl. Trams, bike lanes, parks, public restrooms. Resolve traffic issues with roundabouts. I think the most important issue will be mental health. I see too many people stressed now-a-days with nothing to do during their weekends or free time other than “going for a walk” on the sidewalk, but they never do. The urban sprawl is focused on money making which is a very North American idea, how can politicians stay in office by pleasing big corporations and how do we squeeze out every acre for $$. Big corps are important, but community mental health is far more important. I’ve lived in Melbourne and visited Europe and their cities are filled with parks and public areas for leisure. I’ve seen Mississauga turn into a traffic and high rise nightmare.

If this was too long, I’m kindly requesting more parks and public areas for leisure.

I am writing to you today to express my deep concern regarding the lack of trees in our city, particularly in residential areas and parking spaces. As we continue to develop and expand our urban environment, it is crucial that we consider the benefits of integrating more greenery into our neighborhoods. I believe that by introducing a rule to plant at least one tree per garage and parking space, we can significantly enhance the quality of life for our residents.
Trees play a vital role in creating a more humane living environment. They provide shade, reduce temperatures, and contribute to a sense of tranquility and well-being. In urban areas, where concrete and asphalt dominate the landscape, the presence of trees can mitigate the urban heat island effect, making our city more comfortable during the hot summer months. This is especially important as we face increasing temperatures due to climate change.
Moreover, trees contribute to a more environment-friendly atmosphere by improving air quality, reducing carbon dioxide levels, and providing habitats for wildlife. They also help in managing stormwater runoff, which can prevent flooding and reduce the burden on our city's drainage systems.
Implementing a policy to plant one tree per garage and one per parking space is a practical and effective way to increase the number of trees in our city. Particularly in new and future construction planning. This initiative would not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our streets but also promote a greener and healthier environment for all residents. It would demonstrate our city's commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of our community.
I kindly urge the city council to consider this proposal and take the necessary steps to implement it. Together, we can create a more livable and sustainable city for current and future generations.
Thank you for your time and consideration.

As a resident who deeply cares about the community, it is disheartening to see the current state of planning and development. The following points outline key areas where significant improvements are needed to ensure Milton becomes a more livable and vibrant town.

Lack of Identity and Cohesive Design:
Milton suffers from a lack of a unified identity and cohesive urban design. The town's landscape is a disjointed mix of random plazas, predominantly featuring chains like Tim Horton's and McDonald's. There is no consistent architectural style or thematic unity that ties the town together, which is crucial for creating a sense of place and community pride. Successful urban planning involves creating a unique character for the town, one that reflects its history, culture, and aspirations. Without this, Milton feels like an aggregation of generic commercial spaces rather than a distinct community.

Abysmal Infrastructure:
The town's infrastructure is inadequate and unable to meet the needs of its growing population. Roads are congested, public transportation options are limited, and there is a lack of essential amenities within reasonable distance for many residents. Infrastructure development needs to be proactive, anticipating future growth and demands rather than constantly playing catch-up. Efficient public transport, well-maintained roads, and robust utility services are the backbone of a livable city. Currently, Milton's infrastructure falls short on all these fronts.

Inadequate Library Facilities:
The Sherwood Library, while new, is shockingly small for a community that is rapidly expanding. A knowledgeable and forward-thinking planner would understand the need for ample space in such a critical community resource. Libraries today are not just about books; they serve as community hubs with meeting rooms, study areas, and spaces for various community activities. The Sherwood Library lacks these essential features, limiting its ability to serve the community effectively. Investing in a larger, more versatile library would greatly benefit residents.

Delayed and Insufficient Infrastructure Projects:
Infrastructure projects in Milton take an inordinately long time to complete, and by the time they are finished, they no longer meet the current needs of the population. This reactive approach is inefficient and frustrating for residents. Urban planning should involve long-term vision and strategic execution to ensure that developments are not just timely but also scalable and adaptable to future demands.

Lack of Parks and Trails Within Communities:
Milton's neighbourhoods are missing the green spaces and trails that are essential for a high quality of life. Parks and trails offer recreational opportunities, promote physical and mental well-being, and foster a sense of community. In comparison, neighbouring towns like Oakville have successfully integrated trails and parks within their communities, making them more attractive and livable. Milton needs to prioritize the development of parks and trails within residential areas to enhance the overall living experience.

Questionable Allocation of Funds:
There is a growing concern among residents about the allocation of town funds. Despite the visible shortcomings in infrastructure, parks, community centres, and libraries, it is unclear where the budget is being spent. Transparency in financial planning and spending is crucial. The town must prioritize investments that directly enhance the quality of life for its residents, such as parks, public spaces, and efficient infrastructure.

Need for Enhanced Bylaw Enforcement:
The lack of bylaw enforcement is another significant issue. Residents are increasingly altering their properties, often detracting from the town’s aesthetic and functional value. Examples include ripping up lawns to accommodate multiple cars and installing artificial turf. Effective bylaw enforcement is necessary to maintain community standards, ensure safety, and preserve the town's environment. Hiring more bylaw officers and enforcing regulations consistently would help address these issues.

It is difficult to have faith in the current administration and staff when the results of their planning and development efforts are consistently poor. Milton has immense potential, but realizing it requires a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to urban planning and development. I urge the town to consider these points seriously and take meaningful action to create a more cohesive, livable, and vibrant community.

What do we have to do to get the current fairground owners out? As someone who has lived in Milton for the last 20 years, nothing has changed. Other locals avoid it because it's the same thing every year and there's no reason for people to come from out of town when there are better options elsewhere. We also have almost 0 events planned in the fairgrounds for the entire year. What a waste of great space. What can be done about this?

What do we have to do to get the current fairground owners out? It's run by out of touch people that have no idea how to plan good events. We have the absolute worst Canada Day event for a town of this size and almost 0 events planned in the fairgrounds for the entire year. What a waste of great space. Their website is abysmal as well. Calendar is buried somewhere on the site and functions like a website from the 90s. What can be done about this?

The population in Milton has been growing steadily.
We need more grocery stores and another Wal-Mart, maybe even a Costco.
There are so many more vehicles on the road which do not adhere to the speed limit, so radar or photo radar would be a good idea.
We also need more affordable programs at the community centres for the seniors and people with disabilities, that are on a fixed income, for example to go swimming for a senior over 65 years of age it costs $3.55 and and adult between the ages of 18-64 regardless if you have a disability or not it costs $4.99.
The city keeps promoting staying active but for these people it means making a choice between eating (because we all know the price of food is very expensive) or staying active.
Since they are on a fixed income, they would buy food instead of paying to go swimming. The fees for the recreational activities are excessive which excludes many low income Milton residents and the subsidy that some residents may qualify for is inadequate since the fees keep increasing but the subsidy does not and creates inequality for many Milton residents (another case of the haves vs the have nots).
Why can't Milton follow Torontos lead and make swimming and skating free.
As we all know since the population has been growing, that means more tax dollars for the city.