Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Burlington has unveiled the final preferred concept design for the Civic Square renewal project, selecting LeuWebb Projects has been as the Lead Artists for the initiative.
The reconstruction project will renew vital infrastructure while transforming Civic Square into a vibrant, accessible public space. The final design evolved from Concept 2 – Atrium, incorporating features from other proposals based on extensive community feedback.
Key elements of the design include:
- a new entryway
- focal point canopies at Brant Street/James Street and Elgin Street
- continuous canopies along the building façade
- transitions to nearby properties and streets
- seating options
- poles at the building entrance
- an in-ground water feature with jets
- wave-themed paving patterns
The schedule for the Civic Square Renewal includes detailed design, permits, and approvals from July 2024 to March 2025, with tendering set for February/March 2025 and construction slated to run from June 2025 to June 2026.
The total construction budget is $6.6 million, funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Burlington.
The preferred concept was chosen through a collaborative process involving consultants, residents, businesses, community partners, and Indigenous and First Nations groups. Participants viewed three proposed designs and provided input through surveys and in-person feedback, leading to a final design that combines the best features of all concepts.
LeuWebb Projects will collaborate with the project team to develop permanent public artworks for Civic Square. Over the summer and fall, the artists will identify public art opportunities and draft a detailed plan. The public will have opportunities to provide feedback on the art plan at upcoming events, such as Food for Feedback. The artwork will be installed in 2026 as part of the overall construction project.
The public art budget of $200,000 covers all aspects of the artwork design, engineering, fabrication, and installation, with 10 per cent allocated to the Public Art Maintenance Reserve. Funding comes from a prior Community Benefits Charge contribution.
Construction is set to begin in summer 2025, with project completion expected in 2026. For more information and to provide feedback, visit getinvolvedburlington.ca/civicsquare.
“We’re excited to have a preferred concept design for the Civic Square and Brant Street project. The feedback and public engagement on this project have been instrumental in helping us reach this exciting milestone,” said Marion Rabeau, manager of parks design and construction. “The preferred concept design is an evolution of Concept 2 – Atrium with some modifications to include design features from the other two concept designs.
“The project is meeting all critical milestones, so construction is expected to start in June 2025. Not only will the modernization of Civic Square ensure important infrastructure is renewed, but it will also foster a healthier and more vibrant downtown core.”