Milton

What was once rural farmland is now the bustling and beautiful Town of Milton. Located in Halton Region, Milton is located between Mississauga and Hamilton. It has a population of over 100 000 and is one of the fastest growing communities. Having earned the title of “the fastest growing City in Canada”, Milton blends traditional architecture and historical charm with modern amenities, expansive new subdivisions, and a multiplicity of green space. Situated near the 401, Milton is conveniently located between Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Halton Hills. Milton sits at the base of the Niagara Escarpment and offers exceptional outdoor adventures like rock-climbing, hiking, and camping opportunities.  It provides outdoor enthusiasts with a plethora of nature trails and conservation areas to explore, such as Crawford Lake and Rattlesnake Point. In the Summer and Fall, residents and visitors alike love the many pick-your-own farms, located on the town’s outskirts.

Milton is a fantastic mix of conservation areas, horse farms, golf courses, ski hills, suburbs, retail and business parks, playgrounds, and a picture-perfect downtown core. If shopping is more to your liking, then The Toronto Premium Outlets on Trafalgar Road have something on offer for every taste and style. Boutique shops, bakeries and popular restaurants line the downtown core and have something to satisfy every appetite. Historic church buildings and homes lend an old-world charm to the centre of the town.

History

Established in the early 19th century by the Martins, a family of settlers, Milton was originally called Martin’s Mill after the gristmill they built. In 1837 the area was renamed Milton. The street names in Old Milton still reflect the founding family and are named after Martin family members such as Jasper Street, James Street, and Joseph Street. In 1857 Milton was chosen as the administrative centre of Halton Region.

A Canadian businessman and inventor from Milton, Peter Robertson of Robertson tools, designed the first square-indented screw and opened a successful manufacturing plant in Milton in 1908. This was the catalyst for Milton to become a successful manufacturing town in the Region. There are many regional heritage sites and museums to explore in Milton including the Halton County Radial Railway Museum, 25 minutes west of Milton.  Visitors can view local railway history and a visit includes a ride on the two-kilometer electric railway and streetcar track. The very active Milton Historical Society preserves local history and tradition, by putting on heritage-related community activities and Heritage Village serves as a backdrop for many educational camps and events.

Neighbourhoods

Old Milton is a mix of heritage buildings and suburbs built in the 60s and 70s. The neighbourhoods of Old Milton, Bronte Meadows, Dorset Park, and Timberlea are found here. New Milton has grown up around Old Milton, with suburbs stretching to the East, South, and West, all located south of the 401. Mountain View is one of the older suburbs with homes dating back to the 1930’s. These houses enjoy wonderful views of the Escarpment.

Events

Milton’s Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings from May to September, has been providing residents with the best local produce and artisanal items for over 50 years. The Downtown Milton Street Festival offers community fun for everyone with live performers, and vendors from every store on Main Street. The Arts are well supported by Miltonians and The First Ontario Arts Centre encourages local artists to flourish.  The Centre holds performances, exhibits and community classes throughout the year.

Milton needs to be experienced in all its diversity. Throughout its history it has continued to be a growing, vibrant, family-friendly community, with a dynamic future and the ideal place to call home.