What's on this page

↓ Current status
↓ About the study


Rapid growth in Milton has resulted in development pressure and significant interest in redevelopment in Milton’s mature neighbourhoods. This has led to large residential developments, property renovations, additions and demolitions to accommodate large homes. This development has raised public concern about the character and future of our mature neighbourhoods.

The Mature Neighbourhoods Character Study assessed, with community input, the elements that add to neighbourhood character and the Town's Official Plan and Zoning By-laws to find out if they effectively manage development and maintain the character of mature neighbourhoods in Milton.

On Oct. 19, 2020 Milton Council enacted Official Plan Amendment No. 60 (By-law No. 080-2020), updating policies to better manage development in mature neighbourhoods and character areas. For the full amendment, view the Council report. The amendment applies to the locations in all three phases listed below.

Current status 

The study is now complete.

About the study

We are assessing Milton’s stable, low-density neighbourhoods within the Established Urban Area. The Established Urban Area represents the area bounded by Highway 401 to the north, Peru Road and the Canadian Pacific Railway to the west, Bronte Street to the south, Derry Road to the east and Ontario Street to the northeast.

Phase one

The study assessed the low-density residential neighbourhoods within the Downtown Character Area and the residential properties fronting onto Martin Street. The approved Zoning By-law Amendment (By-law No. 081-2020) introduces new standards that apply to low-density residential development in the Downtown Character Area.

For the full amendment, view the Council report.

Phase two

The study assessed the Mountainview neighbourhood and the residential section of Old Milton located outside of the Downtown Character Area and west of Ontario Street North and South. The approved Zoning By-law Amendment (By-law 077-2021) introduces new standards that apply to these mature neighbourhood areas.

For the complete amendment, view the Council report

Phase three

Phase three covered the Fallingbrook, Forrest Grove, Bronte Meadows, Valley View, Dorset Park and Timberlea neighbourhoods. 

Staff sought the community’s input on the proposed Zoning By-law amendment for the Dorset Park and Timberlea neighbourhoods. A statutory public meeting for the proposed Zoning By-law amendment was held on Dec. 13, 2021. For details, view the Council report.

On Feb. 7, 2022 Council enacted By-law No. 007-2022, introducing new standards that apply to the residential low density areas in the Dorset Park and Timberlea neighbourhoods.

For the complete amendment, view the Council report

Interim Control By-law

In order to restrict any large scale dwellings within mature areas of the Town during completion of the Mature Neighbourhoods Character Study, Council adopted an Interim Control By-law (ICBL) under Section 38 of the Planning Act on October 19, 2020. Interim Control By-law 082-2020 was originally enacted for one year, however, was subsequently extended for an additional five months on October 4, 2021 through By-law 078-2021 to allow for completion of Phase 3 of the Study. Interim Control By-law 082-2020 expired in March 19, 2022.