The public will have a chance to hear updates on the Mill Street Streetscape Master Plan on Nov. 14.
Jeremy Mantesso, the new chairperson of the streetscape committee, says the public is encouraged to attend the meeting to hear updates, provide feedback and ask questions.
This is Phase 2 of the plan to establish a long-term vision for Creemore’s downtown. The plan is a collaboration between the Creemore Business Improvement Area (BIA), the Creemore Community Foundation and the Township of Clearview. They have engaged ERA Architects, the same firm that led the design of Creemore Village Green.
The plan aims to improve the look and experience of Creemore by improving walkability, supporting community meeting spaces, planting trees and public art.
Mantesso said the exercise is meant to expand on the successful public- private partnership of the Creemore Village Green by extension into the main downtown core.
“We want community stakeholders, residents and businesses to feel like they have a voice and have ownership, that it’s not just a unilateral decision by the committee.”
Developed in collaboration with the Streetscape Committee, Township staff, and the broader community, the plan aims to enhance the village core while preserving the heritage, character, and sense of place that define Creemore, providing a roadmap for future investment, ensuring Mill Street remains a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient destination.
“The goal is to ensure Creemore has a fruitful and sustainable future by taking ownership of the change and growth that is inevitable,” said Mantesso.
ERA Architects says, “The Plan promotes a context-sensitive and complete streets approach that balances the needs of all users. This includes reducing dependence on vehicles, promoting active transportation, slowing traffic though design measures, improving pedestrian comfort, and enhancing the public realm.”
Some of the specifics outlined in the plan include creating gateways to the village, traffic calming intersection, curb extensions to extend public space and slow traffic, more seating, lighting, artwork, decor, vegetation and time limited parking to encourage turnover.
Once the plan is finalized it could be phased in over time with some immediate results, and more significant one implemented over time. Mantesso said subcommittees would be struck to address specific elements, hopefully capitalizing on local expertise.
ERA states, “Implementation of the Creemore Streetscape Master Plan is envisioned as a long-term process that will be advanced incrementally as funding opportunities, municipal priorities, community partnerships, and infrastructure renewal projects align.
The meeting will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Station on the Green.
Key opportunities outlined in the plan:
• Gateways and arrival: Strengthen arrival experiences through wayfinding, interpretation, public art, and landscape improvements
• Streets and crossings: Improve accessibility, comfort, safety, and pedestrian connectivity.
• Activation zones: Support community events, social interaction, and year-round activity.
• Streetscape character: Create a cohesive public realm through coordinated materials, furnishings, lighting, and amenities.
• Nature and greening: expand tree canopy, biodiversity, shade, and ecological performance.
• Parking and traffic calming: balance vehicle access, parking optimization with a more walkable village core.
Vision:
Nurturing the Heart of Creemore – Guided by a longstanding culture of stewardship, the Mill Street Streetscape Master Plan envisions a village core that is welcoming, vibrant, and distinctly Creemore by celebrating the community’s heritage, creativity, and natural setting, the plan seeks to strengthen Mill Street as a place where residents and visitors can gather, connect, and experience the unique character of the village.
