Stouffville set to break ground on downtown Main St. revitalization project

By Gene Pereira, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Construction on Stouffville’s long-anticipated Main Street Reconstruction and Downtown Revitalization Project is set to break ground this October, kicking off a comprehensive transformation of the historic core scheduled for completion in 2028.

The multi-million-dollar initiative will replace aging underground water, storm, and sanitary infrastructure beneath Main Street while transforming the surface into a modern, walkable gathering space.

Following a contract award expected this month (September), the first major construction phase will span Main Street from Park Drive to Edward Street. Beyond critical utility upgrades, the master plan — designed by Accardi Engineering Group Ltd. — aims to evolve the core into an experiential destination featuring renewed streetscapes, social gathering points, accessibility improvements, and sustainable green features.

“A dynamic and inviting downtown attracts businesses, residents, and visitors, enriching the area’s cultural life and fiscal health,” the Town of Stouffville said on its website.

Community feedback has already reshaped the preliminary design, which initially began with utility investigations in late 2024, building on 2022 public consultations. Following input from local business owners and residents — including feedback gathered at the Stouffville Leisure Centre this summer —planners restored planned on-street parking in the village area from 42 spaces up to 76.

To minimize disruption to downtown shops, work will be strictly phased to avoid total road closures, though there will be temporary route adjustments. A public open house is scheduled for this fall to allow residents and business owners to review the final construction schedule and meet contractors before work begins.

Local leaders view the project as essential to preserving the district’s long-term commercial vitality.

“If your only intention is to shop, there are other alternatives, but if your attention is to browse and peruse, and enjoy the ambiance of a functioning and functional downtown, get to restaurants, sit out in the sun, and watch the world go by, that’s what downtowns are morphing into,” said Councillor Hugo T. Kroon.

He pointed to recent projects such as the Urban Plaza on Main Street and planned enhancements at the clock tower as indicators of the town’s direction.

Regarding the restored parking spaces, Kroon affirmed council’s commitment to supporting the core.

“Anything we can do to support downtown businesses,” he said.

Kroon also added that the focus should remain on ensuring ongoing construction has as little effect on downtown businesses as possible.

“I think it’s important we get it done with as little impact to the residents and businesses as possible,” Kroon said, adding that the council’s priority is ensuring public feedback is reflected during execution while leaving operational details to municipal staff.

Contract bidding for the project should be competitive, believes Kroon.

“Just the way the industry is right now, I think companies are chomping at the bit to do some work, so I think we’re expecting some very favourable pricing,” Kroon noted, adding he hopes the project finishes on time and under budget.