Milton (2006 census population 53,939) is a town in southern Ontario, Canada, part of the Greater Toronto Area, located 40 km (24 miles) west of Toronto on Highway 401, and is the western terminus for GO Transit's Milton Line commuter train and bus corridor. Milton is the seat of Halton Region, and is on the edge of Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO world biosphere reserve and the Bruce Trail.

Milton received a tremendous amount of publicity following the release of the results of the 2006 Census, which indicated that Milton was the fastest growing community in Canada, with a 71.4% increase in population between 2001 and 2006. In 2007, the population has been estimated nearing 75,000, as posted on town signs.

The town has very easy access throughout the GTA by Highways 401 and 407 towards Oakville, Burlington and Hamilton on the town, or by the former Highway 25 (Halton Road 25). There are two key freight railway routes (both by CN and CP), passenger services from GO Transit, and VIA Rail passenger connections in the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor in both neighboring Oakville and Georgetown. There is close proximity to Toronto Pearson International Airport along Highway 401 (under 40 km from 401/Halton 25 exit).

Milton Transit was reorganized in 2004, to provide public transportation service throughout the urban centre, as well as a feeder route for GO Transit trains and buses. Milton is currently renting buses from Oakville Transit.

While most of the development is suburban in nature, larger lots are being developed closer to the Escarpment. The major industries in Milton are automotive, advanced manufacturing, distribution and food production.

Residential growth has increased substantially over the past several years due to completion of "The Big Pipe" project; designed to deliver water to the town from Lake Ontario. Since this time, Milton has developed 4 new subdivisions, including Hawthorne Village, and several new ones are under development by Mattamy Homes and various other builders. Two new grade schools have been built as well as the Crossroads Centre shopping plaza that includes various major retail stores and restaurants. An eight screen movie theatre is operated by Cineplex Entertainment under their Galaxy Cinemas brand and opened on June 30, 2006. The population in Milton continues to rise. It has been forecasted that by 2021, the population of Milton will have risen to 106,000.

Recreation

Milton has many conservation parks, campgrounds and recreational areas. The conservation parks in the Milton area are owned by Conservation Halton, a conservation authority.