Milt Dunnell Field Revitalization Project

• COR 42-2023 Milt Dunnell Project – Short-Term Priorities Update (begins on page 16)
• DEV 38-2023 80 Water St N. (The Flats) Proposed Public Washroom Layout (begins on page 4)
• COR 32-2023 Flats Conceptual Designs for Public Engagement
• COR 37-2023 Milt Dunnell Field Project Update (begins on page 68)
• July 18 Strategic Priorities Committee Meeting - Agenda Package

• New dock to enhance river access in St. Marys
• Town seeking feedback on Milt Dunnell Field Revitalization Project
• Town provides update on Milt Dunnell Field Revitalization Project
• Town Council outlines priorities for Milt Dunnell Field revitalization

Why are we doing this?

Our 2017 Strategic Plan included a vision to reprofile Milt Dunnell Field to be an improved outdoor amenity for residents and visitors.

Since then, we have seen an increased demand for self-guided activities and events, and a growing use of the space. The Farmers' Market has been running in Milt Dunnell Field on Saturdays in spring and summer; community events hosted by local services clubs are also happening in the park. Our residents and visitors are taking advantage of the park’s beautiful landscape.

We want to build on this momentum by making improvements to accessibility in the park and adding more features that create additional opportunities for passive recreation. Planned enhancements like new washrooms and parking upgrades will continue to build the park’s profile as the ideal outdoor event space. 

I like the park how it is now. Why are you changing it?

We like it too! And like many of St. Marys’ historic buildings, it has good bones. We are simply making some tweaks to enhance what’s already there and to:

• Improve accessibility
• Increase usability and functionality
• Attract more residents and visitors

You can learn about other proposed enhancements by reading our most recent media release. 

Isn’t the park prone to flooding? How are you dealing with that?

Yes, the park has been known to flood. That’s why we’re working with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) to devise a plan that is practical, achievable for this space. UTRCA has reviewed the proposed concepts and will be consulted on the final design to ensure it is feasible, safe, and sustainable.

Will the ring road be closed to cars?

No. While the concepts provided in the initial public input period suggested that part of the road be used for pedestrian traffic only, Council ultimately decided to retain the road as it is today.

Will any trees be removed? 

No trees will be removed as part of this project. The idea is to embrace the park’s natural elements and encourage more people to get out and enjoy them. In fact, during Council's most recent meeting about the project, they included additional trees as one of their main priorities for the upgraded park. Read our media release for more information.  

How much will this cost? Where is the money coming from?

The development of a master plan for the Milt Dunnell Field and upgrades to parking and washrooms were approved as part of the Town’s 2022 budget. The Town has committed $137,500 from its capital reserves and received $250,000 from the federal government to support this project.

The master plan will include full costs, which will help us apply for future grants to finish the project. The enhancements to the park will be completed in phases over the span of approximately five years.

How long will this take? When will see changes to the park?

This project will be a phased approach over the next several years, pending grant funding.

What about the WinterLights?

The WinterLights will remain a staple part of Milt Dunnell Field. They will continue to operate in the park each year and will be incorporated into any new design of the space.