Destiny Milton
Our Vision for the Future

Destiny Milton 2 is the broad vision for Milton for the next ten 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 Plans, now being developed, 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 new vision for Milton is - "Engaging, Balanced, Connected " with five main goals, each with its 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 4. Encourage well timed service delivery
*A safe, livable and healthy community*	Promote and facilitate active and healthy lifestyles and life long 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

Consultation and Context

The Destiny Milton 2 process took over a year of consultation, interviews, surveys and research with nearly 1000 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 and 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 ten years. In fact, Milton's forecast growth was delayed until water services were installed in 2001. Since then, Milton's population has nearly doubled. It is expected to be 65,000 by the end of 2006 and to grow steadily through 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.

Key Findings

Current impressions of Milton are favourable. Almost nine-in-ten residents surveyed say their impressions are either very positive or positive. Over 75% of residents say Milton is a 'better place to live' compared to other GTA (Greater Toronto Area) communities.

Milton's appeal is multi-dimensional. What residents say they like about Milton include:

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

Residents identified the five most important issues facing Milton today as:

The 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

What's Next

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. Currently underway is the development of Service Plans for each Town Department:

Fire Services
Information Technology
Library Services
Engineering Services
Community Services
Executive Services/Economic Development
Corporate Services

Service Plan development includes research/analysis and in most cases, public consultation, all leading to specific action plans. These action plans will be taken into consideration in annual operating and capital budgets and work plans.

In addition, Destiny Milton 2 Strategic Plan will provide context for the Official Plan Review which structures land use planning for the next five years.

Related Information:

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Phone: 905-878-7252 ext 2154
Fax: 905 878-5927