Burlington's Civic Square is getting a major makeover — here's what to expect

If you've walked past City Hall recently, you may have noticed things are about to change. Burlington's Civic Square is in the middle of a significant transformation, and the results are set to be worth the wait.

What's being refreshed?

The City of Burlington is refreshing the entire area surrounding City Hall — Civic Square itself, the front entrance and facade of City Hall, and the streetscapes along both Brant Street and Elgin Street. Public art installations will also be woven into the design to bring energy and identity to the space.

The vision is a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming gathering place that strengthens community connections, celebrates Burlington's arts and culture scene, and serves as a backdrop for festivals and events year-round.

Funded by the community, built for the community

The project carries a total estimated budget of $7.6 million, covering both design and construction. About $3.64 million comes through the federal and provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) under its Community, Culture and Recreation stream. The remainder is funded through the city's previously approved capital budget, with funding for the new Brant Street entrance approved in the 2024 Capital Budget and Forecast.

You helped shape the design

This isn't a top-down redesign — Burlington residents had a real say. The city ran extensive community engagement, inviting residents, businesses, and community partners to share their ideas. Three design concepts were developed and put to a public vote, and a final concept was chosen in August 2024, shaped directly by that community feedback.

What's the timeline?

Construction is well underway. The project was tendered in January 2026, a contract was awarded in March 2026, and active construction runs from April 2026 through to April 2027. The project is expected to be fully complete in early 2027.

Stay in the loop

Want to follow along as the project progresses? Visit the city's Civic Square project page for regular updates, and sign up for email notifications to hear about changes as they happen. By early 2027, Burlington's downtown will have a reimagined civic heart — built with community input and designed to welcome everyone.