Growth is the idea behind the City of Mississauga ‘s Downtown 21 Master plan. On January 19th, the city presented a plan called “Downtown 21″ to citizens in what was an interesting Public Presentation. The plan is to truly develop downtown Mississauga into an area that will be more sustainable for future generations.
To assist the City of Mississauga in preparing the Master Plan, the acclaimed firm of Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin was retained as lead consultant. They are joined by N. Barry Lyon Consultants, Ken Greenberg and the Canadian Urban Institute.
The Consulting Team brings with them expertise in urban design, place-making, transportation, land use and development planning, economics and real estate, marketing, landscape and sustainability.
A key objective of the plan will be to make the downtown truly sustainable by improving access to public transit and other modes of transportation such as biking and walking. The plan will also be positioned to have a green approach to conserving and enhancing the quality of the natural systems and urban life in the Downtown , offering places for quiet contemplation, leisure, recreation and environmental stewardship in the construction of new buildings and streetscapes. Moreover, the Master Plan will provide a clear guide for all of those individuals who have a stake in the evolution of the Downtown, such as residents, land owners and developers. The process will ensure that all future public and private investments in the Downtown will contribute to the realization of the Master Plan.
The plan calls for downtown Mississauga to be transformed into a number of new districts, including Rathburn, Hurontario, Mississauga Valley, Sussex, Main Street, Cleary Park, Civic, Confederation, and Square One .
The focus area of the project is around a new Main Street District , which will create a mix of residential, commercial, and green space. The theory being that this new plan will finally give Mississauga a true downtown feel. It will cater to foot traffic and smaller boutique businesses.
The Civic District will be home to the new Sheridan College campus, which is expected to add to the demand for rental units in the area. The flush street concept, which should allow for slower traffic and increase the foot traffic around the campus, is an interesting feature. This area will be framed by Rathburn Road, Duke of York Blvd, Living Arts drive and Burnhamthorpe Road.
Cleary Park is currently undeveloped, but is planned as a mixed use residential /commercial area, which will be centered around a large green area, which will include public parks and sports areas. This area will focus around the Burnhamthorpe Road, Duke of York Blvd, Webb Drive and Grand Park Drive area.
Confederation Park is an interesting development on its own. The plan is for a heavy push on residential and condominium development, and it should be a real hot spot when completed. This area will be framed by Burnhamthorpe Road, Living Arts Drive, Centre View Drive and Confederation Parkway.
Rathburn will be the main hub for all transit within Mississauga , and be home to many new commercial developments. This area will encompass Center View Drive, Confederation Parkway, Square One Drive and City Center Drive.
Sussex, Hurontario and Mississauga Valley will have the least amount of new design, with development focusing on enhancing the development that is already there. These communities are primarily in the Hurontario Road and Burnhamthorpe Road area.
A huge part of this plan is the City’s commitment to what they call a Public Realm which is intended to create social and tourism benefits, while promoting a sense of well being.
The plan could take years, if not decades to be completed, but the message is clear, Square One is an area that is targeted for extensive development over the next few years. Property owners and residents who are looking to acquire property in the area now have a vision as to the city’s plans.
The time is right to invest, make no mistake about it.
Sean Lafortune
Sales Representative
Signature Service GMAC
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