Destiny Milton

Our Vision for the Future

Destiny Milton 2 is the broad vision for Milton for the next 10 years, setting priorities for Milton's quality of life and service delivery.

It will guide and provide context for all short and long-term planning for the Town through the Service Area Master Plans to ensure that the right services are being delivered to Milton's growing population.

It will also provide a framework for Milton's land use policy through the Official Plan Review process, also currently underway.

Goals and Directions

The vision for Milton is: Engaging, Balanced, Connected

Destiny Milton 2 sets out five main goals, each with their own directions and initiatives.

GOAL

DIRECTION

A responsible,
cost-effective and accountable local government

  • Establish priorities that support the municipal service requirements of the majority of local residents
  • Engage in transparent and accountable decision-making processes and actions
  • Properly fund municipal services and community infrastructure through a combination of fiscally responsible operating budgets, capital budgets, effective reserves and reserve fund management
  • Demonstrate leadership in matters that affect Milton

Well managed growth, well planned spaces

  • Encourage the provision and maintenance of an appropriate mix of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional uses
  • Facilitate the safe movement of people and goods, and enhanced travel to, from and within the community
  • Encourage cost effective and timely municipal/community infrastructure development
  • Encourage well timed service delivery

A safe, livable and healthy community

  • Promote and facilitate active and healthy lifestyles and lifelong learning
  • Maximize community safety and security
  • Protect and enhance our heritage, identity and character

A diverse and sustainable economy

  • Make the Central Business District the main focal point of the community
  • Attract and retain employers that provide a range of employment opportunities and assessment growth
  • Encourage the private sector to meet the retail needs of a growing population in a reasonably timed manner

A thriving natural environment that is a valued community asset to be protected, maintained and enjoyed

  • Protect and enhance natural features
  • Encourage new development to be integrated with the natural environment
  • Promote the enjoyment and responsible use of natural areas

Key Findings

Current impressions of Milton are favourable. Almost 9 in 10 residents surveyed say their impressions are either very positive or positive. More than 75% of residents say Milton is a 'better place to live" compared to other GTA (Greater Toronto Area) communities.

What Residents Like About Milton

  • A sense of caring population and "small town" character
  • Proximity to both major urban centres and rural/natural areas
  • A sense of safety and security
  • Greenspace, parks, recreational areas and natural assets

Five Most Important Issues Facing Milton (according to residents)

  • Pace of development/growth
  • Traffic/roads and parking
  • Insufficient services, programs and community amenities
  • Lack of housing options and general infrastructure
  • Lack of transportation alternatives

Next Steps

The adoption by Council of the Destiny Milton 2 Strategic Plan's vision, goals and directions represents the completion of the first of three phases of the process. Service Area Master Plans have been completed and adopted by Milton Council.

In addition, the Destiny Milton 2 Strategic Plan will provide context for the Official Plan Review which structures land use planning for the next five years. It is further anticipated that the Destiny Milton Strategic Planning process will be updated in 2011 to coincide with the new term of Council.

Consultation and Context

The Destiny Milton 2 process took over a year of consultation, interviews, surveys and research with nearly 1,000 Milton residents plus Town staff and elected representatives.

Opinions and ideas were heard and incorporated. Consultations with residents included:

  • public forums
  • group meetings with key stakeholders
  • paired/individual interviews
  • comments received by phone, e:mail, mail and fax
  • a telephone survey of 600 residents
  • a public feedback session
  • three focus group sessions to review draft concepts

The first Destiny Milton process was completed in the early 1990's and addressed the growth and lifestyle changes that were anticipated for the next 10 years. In fact, Milton's forecast growth was delayed until water services were installed in 2001. Since then, Milton's population has more than doubled. It was at 85,000 at the end of 2009 and is expected to grow steadily, reaching upwards of 150,000 by 2021. The Town believes it is essential to have a guiding vision that is embraced by its residents and will set standards for Milton's lifestyle for the next ten years of growth and development.