Mayor Ann Lawlor's March 2026 Message

HALTON HILLS, ON –  Setting the stage for more commercial and industrial growth in our town.

Helping shape our community is a big part of what town councils and staff do, and that means every municipality gets involved in land-use planning. Here in Halton Hills, we’re lucky to have a team of professional planners who know the provincial policy rules, understand the building and development world, and can help guide smart growth—so our town stays a great place to live and work.

Planning is really about the big picture—where things should go and how everything connects. That includes roads, schools, parks, and areas for shops, jobs, and homes. It also means looking after what makes Halton Hills special, like heritage buildings, forests and natural areas, and our agricultural landscapes. Done well, land-use planning and local policies help create a town where people can truly thrive.

At our March 8 meeting, Council talked about two big planning projects focused on commercial and industrial growth. First up: a new vision for the Guelph Street commercial corridor in Georgetown. This is an urban “refresh” I’ve been championing, with the long-term goal of bringing more people into the area and making it feel more attractive, lively, and vibrant.

The Town’s consultant shared ideas like better landscaping and welcoming gateway features, more housing options, and a stronger mix of uses along the street. With parks, schools, shopping, and great transportation already nearby, there’s real potential—over time—to create a more modern, people-friendly streetscape.

Imagine Guelph Street being easier to walk and bike along, with more apartment-style living, patios and pocket parks, more shops, and less empty asphalt. That’s the direction we’re exploring.

Everyone is welcome to come and check out some of the early concepts (including a few AI-generated images of what a refreshed Guelph St. could look like) at an Open House on March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Mold-Masters SportsPlex. Please drop by and tell us what you think about the future of this busy commercial area.

The second major planning item from the March 8 Council meeting was the next phase of industrial development in the Premier Gateway area (north of Steeles and the 401, between Trafalgar Road and Winston Churchill). Because it’s so close to major transportation routes, this area is a key spot for new jobs and employment opportunities in Halton Hills—and it’s a great location for investment.

Before any building happens, we need a solid plan so roads and infrastructure are laid out in a way that makes sense. We also need to clearly identify and protect natural areas—part of our “green infrastructure.” And we’ll be looking closely at watercourses and stormwater flows to help prevent flooding and reduce pollution.

Council reviewed the terms of reference for planning this area, and the next step is to hire a consulting firm to take on this complex work. It’ll likely be a couple of years before shovels can go in the ground—but with careful, effective planning, we’re confident future investment here will be a success.

And to end this Council update on a lighter note: don’t forget to check out the Town’s March Break activities! There’s swimming and skating, plus lots going on at the Library in both Acton and Georgetown. Further afield, our conservation parks have tapped their trees and are open for sugar-bush fun, too. You can find schedules and more spring programs online at haltonhills.ca.

Welcome Spring!