• The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville will host a high-level public open house to introduce the upcoming Downtown Revitalization project.
  • The event will take place at Nineteen on the Park on Jan. 30 from 7 to 8 p.m.
  • Revitalization efforts will combine major infrastructure upgrades with the long-anticipated reconstruction of Main Street.
  • The project area includes both sides of Main Street between Edward Street and Park Drive.
  • Stouffville has contracted Accardi Engineering to oversee design consultation and delivery as the Town moves toward execution.
  • Accardi will consider past plans to inform updated designs and conceptual drawings.

 

The redesign and revitalization of Stouffville’s Downtown Main Street “will create a walkable, distinctive downtown with social gathering points, renew streetscapes and underground infrastructure, improve accessibility, and include sustainable, green features,” the Town states on its website.

Stouffville formed its first Main Street reconstruction working group in 2019, and public meetings were held in 2022 to introduce draft designs and gather feedback from the community.

That work led to a comprehensive draft plan that included tree plantings, pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, streetscape redesigns, and amenities such as benches and patio extensions. A final conceptual rendering of the future Main Street was also created.

Bullet Point News was told that the earlier efforts will provide foundational direction for Accardi.

While the Town acknowledges the project could temporarily deter new business investment, a more pedestrian-friendly streetscape is expected to boost economic activity and support local businesses.

“Running a business during reconstruction of Main Street when scaffolding may be up and portions of the sidewalk could be closed can be challenging temporarily,” a recent Staff report notes. “But, in the long term, this will be a tailwind as it will provide a more desirable streetscape that will entice businesses and attract visitors.”

Initial investigations predicted an estimated 17 parking spaces would be removed from Main Street to allow for bump-outs and curb extensions while accommodating increased bus traffic. However, these parking reductions will be reconsidered during the updated planning process.

“The Town is very cognizant of the parking concerns downtown,” Town Spokesperson Glenn Jackson told Bullet Point News. “We are still assessing how parking will be impacted through this project.”

Infrastructure and utility work will also replace aging watermains, sanitary sewers, and storm sewers. Depending on costs and logistical constraints, rerouting or underground relocation of overhead hydro lines may also be considered.

Surveying and investigative work for the infrastructure side of the project began last year. The planned upgrades aim to support future commercial and residential redevelopment in the area.

Over $22 million has been budgeted for Main Street reconstruction over the next five years, with a 1% capital levy included in recent budgets to help fund the project. An additional $1.5 million has been allocated for the revitalization of Civic Square in 2025, which the Town views as a key pillar of Stouffville’s historic downtown upgrades.

“This project is not just about updating infrastructure; it’s about creating a dynamic, welcoming downtown that blends history with modern amenities,” the Town’s website adds. “Join us as we reshape downtown Stouffville into a vibrant space that truly reflects the spirit of our community!”

Stouffville’s Public Works department, along with members of the Economic Development and Communications teams, will attend the meeting. Mayor Lovatt will also be present to deliver remarks.

As many as six public consultation sessions will be offered throughout the project’s timeline, with the first design consultation expected in May or June of this year.