May 2019
Happy Spring! The green grass, blue skies and colourful flowers are a welcome reminder that winter is gone and sunny days are here. Whether enjoying our parks, visiting our shops & restaurants, or strolling down to the lake, it's wonderful to be outside and enjoying our community.
After a long and harsh winter, the city's street sweeping program is now underway. Thanks to our Roads, Parks & Forestry crews for cleaning the winter sand and debris from our roads.
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With the warmer weather, we'll see more pedestrians, people on bikes, and children playing - so please be cautious and courteous when using the roads and obey the Share the Road signage.
In this issue:
Week in Review
A Bridge So Near
Burlington Transit
City Manager Search
Construction
Development and Planning
Federal Infrastructure Top-up Funding
Panhandling
Playground Improvements
2019 Tax Levy Bylaw
Waterfront Park Master Plan
City Hall - Quick Links
Halton Region and Quick Links
Halton District School Board - Meetings
Provincial Government - MPP
Healthy Living/Environment
Community Happenings
Get Involved
In & Around Our Community
In Closing
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A Bridge So Near
Our very own Drury Lane Bridge was featured in a Metrolinx blog entitled,
A Bridge So Near – Planned Burlington pedestrian crossing will span GO tracks as well as decades of use
.
Read the article here
.
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Burlington Transit - Latest News / Update
- Proposed across-the-city route changes for Sept. 2019.
- Effective June 3, 2019, Adults 65+ ride for free on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Effective May 1, 2019, customers using the Subsidized Passes for Low Income Transit program will receive a free PRESTO monthly pass.
- Increase in fares as at May 1, 2019 for users of PRESTO cards and tickets. Cash fare is unchanged at $3.50.
- BFast Transit Forum - Excellent turnout at the 5th annual Burlington for Accessible, Sustainable Transit Forum. We are fortunate to have advocates that work tirelessly in our community. Thus far, Council’s transit initiatives are good news for all transit users. We all have much more work to do, together.
As suggested by residents at my recent Community Update meeting, I've invited Sue Connor, the Director of Burlington Transit, to attend our next Ward 2 Community Update meeting and present on the above programs and the proposed route changes.
It is so important to use a Presto Card - this tracks the ridership and informs the amount of funding our transit system receives. If you need any assistance in getting a card set up, please contact my office. We can help.
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City Manager Search
A fulsome recruitment process has been undertaken to select a City Manager for the City of Burlington. Here's an update on where we are:
- Plan to have City Manager to be in place this July
- Council has been actively involved with developing criteria for this leadership role that reflects the community input and staff values.
- Council will make the final selection for this position.
- City Manager reports to the Mayor and Councillors and provides strategic vision, leadership and guidance on the general management of the corporation.
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Construction in our Ward
There are changes happening in our community.
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Construction projects are essential in order to keep our infrastructure
safe and reliable for many years to come.
Please be safe, use caution and observe signage.
Your patience & understanding during these projects is
appreciated – Thank You.
Construction - Road Improvements
Contact for both the above projects:
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Construction - Downtown Parking Lot Improvements
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Lot 3, 533 John St. -
Work to extend parking Lot 3 at the corner of Caroline St. and John St. is underway, with construction anticipated to finish by the end of May. Once completed, the extension will provide:
- 66 new parking spots
- 3 new accessible parking spots
- additional lighting
- new storm sewer
- new pavement, concrete curbs and sidewalk along Caroline Street
During construction, Lot 3 will remain open with the exception of the west side.
Lot 7, 500 Locust St. -
Parking Lot 7 at 500 Locust St. will be closed for one week in May 2019, to allow for improvements to the lot, including:
- new pavement
- new wooden fencing and red cedar tree along the back of the parking lot
- new line painting
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Construction - Spencer Smith Park Seawall Repairs
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Over the next month, repairs will be made to sections of the seawall in Spencer Smith Park that were damaged after severe weather, including high winds and waves. Several pile caps came off and some are lifted along the top of the seawall (photos above).
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Development and Planning
Interim Control Bylaw.
Much discussion has occurred with the many stakeholders of our community. I have listened to every voice and maintain the position to not support any further exemptions to the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL).
I further do not accept the line of dialouge that this strong action by Council excludes welcoming new residents, particularly seniors, to our city or stops affordable housing.
Quite simply, more housing in a very desirable area of our city, where condos are priced for the top 10% of Canadians does nothing to support a diverse socio-economic mix or inclusive community.
There are many opportunities for development in Burlington, the ICBL only affects 1% of the City - the portion that if we don't get it right now, we cannot course correct later. Further, at this time, market corrections are C
It was clear that height and density of development is concerning in Ward 2 - I knocked on thousands of doors with only two being supportive of tall buildings. My job is to ensure that we engage in a planning vision that brings our community together, not divides it.
Residents overwhelmingly welcome smart, sustainable, supported, quality and compatible growth. What we have seen in recent years has questioned these values, and at this time a pause, refocus and breath from the development pressures will serve our community well. Delivering on a clear framework for growth will provide a vision and certainty about how our unparalleled waterfront, unique retail and transit area will develop into something we can all be proud of, together.
The Interim Control Bylaw does this.
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441 Maple Avenue - Statutory Public Meeting
The city is in receipt of a proposal for 441 Maple Avenue consisting of:
- 11-storey building
- 153 residential units
- residential units accessed from Maple Avenue
- 3 levels of underground parking, 164 parking spaces
- 15 parking spaces proposed within the adjacent hydro corridor
- Common indoor amenity area on the ground floor
- Common outdoor amenity area on the tenth floor
A Statutory Public Meeting will be held to review the proposal by way of a staff information report. The report does not include a recommendation at this time.
What: Statutory Public Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Council Chambers - 2nd floor, Burlington City Hall
Pre-Application Consultation Meetings:
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418 and 422 Guelph Line
On Apr. 29, 2019, a Pre-Application Consultation Meeting was held regarding a proposal for the properties located at 418 and 422 Guelph Line.
The proposal is for a 13-storey mixed-used residential development with commercial uses at grade.
Purpose of the meeting? To received feedback from the community prior to a development application submission.
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2294 and 2300 Queensway Drive
What: Pre-Application Consultation
Meeting for 2294 and 2300
Queensway Drive
When: Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Burlington Seniors Centre,
2285 New Street
All are welcome to attend the above Pre-Application Consultation Meeting regarding a proposed residential development at 2294 and 2300 Queensway Drive. The proposal includes for 23 townhouse dwelling units, 3 storeys in height.
For more details,
see the notice
.
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Development Applications - Direct Links:
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Federal One-time Municipal Infrastructure Top-up Funding
On Apr. 24, Burlington MPs the Honourable Karina Gould, MP - Burlington, and Pam Damoff, MP - Oakville North-Burlington, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Council at Skyway Arena to announce the Burlington projects that will benefit from the Federal One-time Municipal Infrastructure Top-up funding:
- Elgin Promenade, Phase 4 - $700,000
- Transit Bus renewal program - $500,000
- Wolfe Island Bridge, additional rehabilitation - $230,000
- New Street resurfacing, advance from 2023 to 2020 - $2.050,000
- Beachway Pavilion, decking and accessibility improvements - $350,000
- Civic Square, additional enhancements - $265,000
- Skyway Arena, new small indoor walking track - $1,500,000
Most projects are expected to be completed within 18 months, with the exception of the New Street resurfacing, which is anticipated to happen in 2020 and Skyway Arena enhancements, which will take two to three years to complete.
More information here
.
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Panhandling
Over the last couple of months, I've heard from residents concerned about panhandling, particularly at our busy intersections. Halton Regional Police Services and city staff have advise that this current panhandling activity is within the law. As we are a generous and caring community, there is little reason to voluntarily stop. Our HRPS team has reached out to each panhandler and offered assistance, whether it be food, shelter or counselling. All pass on the offer and we've also learned that the majority of these individuals travel from other cities to come to Burlington to work the intersections.
Your Council is concerned about the panhandler situation. Compassion and safety are a big factor. In Dec. 2018, the following staff
direction was brought forward by our Mayor, Council voted unanimously to support this motion.
Direct the Director of City Building to assign appropriate staff to consult with Halton Regional Police Services and Halton Region Health and Social Services Department, and report back on options to eliminate panhandling in busy intersections in Burlington, and identify social supports available to residents in need by Q2 2019.
I will keep you posted as this report should be coming forward. Stay tuned.
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As indicated in my
April newsletter
,
Spencer Smith Park playground
is currently undergoing improvements and scheduled to be open for play in June. See the exciting sneak peak of the
play structures being assembled
(photo to the right).
During construction, please visit the following area playgrounds:
🌳 Central Park – 2299 New St.
🌳 Lions Park – 471 Pearl St.
🌳 Maple Park – 750 Maple Ave.
Renewal of Maple Park is scheduled to start in Sept. 2019. This includes for a new playground, new lighting and ball diamond replacement. Stayed tuned.
You may have noticed construction in the immediate area - this is the
Maple Avenue Area Minor Reconstruction Project
which includes the Girl’s Gymnastics Club’s (710 Maple Ave.) parking lot and rear access. The Maple Park lot to the west and the BG Gymnastics lot to the south will not be affected by this Capital Works project.
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2019 Tax Levy Bylaw
What is the 2019 Tax Levy Bylaw?
The 2019 Tax Levy Bylaw, approved at the Apr. 25 Council meeting, allows the City to bill 2019 property taxes and set payment due dates for final tax bills on June 20 and Sept. 20, 2019.
The 2019 Tax Levy Bylaw reflects the budget processes of both the City and Halton Region. The province provides the education tax rates. The overall tax increase is 1.96 per cent or $15.08 for each $100,000 of urban residential assessment. Tax impacts will vary by property based on actual changes in the assessed value of the property relative to others. Learn more about property taxes and assessment at
www.burlington.ca/propertytax.
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Waterfront Park Master Plan
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Phases 1 and 2 (Spencer Smith Park) are complete. These projects included improvements at the west end (gazebo area) and the promenade.
The next phase is to complete various studies in Beachway Park (environmental, archaeological and engineering). The Region will be issuing the RFP for this work, for completion in May/June 2020. Once the studies are complete, the detailed design for future phases in Beachway Park can be initiated with phased construction to follow.
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2019-2022 Strategic Business Plan
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Halton Regional Council is developing a
2019-2022 Strategic Business Plan
that will guide the Region’s work over the next 4 years.
The Plan includes 5 strategic themes, and will be Halton’s roadmap for delivering on the priorities that matter to you.
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Recycling and Waste Events
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Upcoming
Recycling and Waste Events
include:
Special waste drop-off days
- for recycling of household hazardous waste and electronic waste.
Compost giveaway
- collected yard waste and leaves are processed into nutrient-rich, natural compost. This is a free compost giveaway at the Halton Waste Management Site.
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Need a Blue Box?
If you are in need of a new recycling bin, please e-mail me at ward2@burlington.ca. Be sure to include your address and I'll gladly drop off a blue box at your home.
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Halton Region - Quick Links …
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Halton District School Board - Education Action Meetings
HDSB Trustees are hosting local Education Action meetings to gather feedback from parents, students, and community members to inform their submission to the Ministry of Education’s consultations on class size, e-learning and hiring practices. Learn more at
HaltonEducationAction.ca.
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Healthy Living / Environment
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At its April 23, 2019, Council unanimously passed a motion to declare a climate emergency. The climate emergency declaration would increase the city’s ambition on climate change initiatives, including in the community, and provide staff and residents with clarity of purpose regarding Council’s view of the importance of climate change. Read the
Press Release
.
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Walk the Talk and Community Activity Challenge
- Burlington Walks the Talk
- ParticipACTION's Community Better Challenge
- Art and the City - a self-guided downtown public art walking tour
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Park Play Experience Fund
The Park Play Experience Fund, expanded from the Healthy Kids Community Challenge initiative, will provide up to $1,500 to bring people together and encourage our community to get outside and play in our city's parks, trails, and open spaces.
Ideas for types of Outdoor Play Experiences include:
- Create a walking group on our trails
- Organize a neighbourhood park play day or recreation program
- Introduce new outdoor park play experiences to enhance an existing program and encourage more people to get outside
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Community Happenings
May 18 - Community Park Spray Pads Open
June 1 - Nelson Pool and Splash Park Open
June 1
-
100in1Day
takes place across Canada.
June 15 - LaSalle Outdoor Pool /Splash Park and Mountainside Pool/Splash Park open
Of note:
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June is Join the J Month
Like many community hospitals, Joseph Brant Hospital is a place where many of life's most critical moments take place. And it is these moments that join us together. The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation is inviting our community Join the J in support of local healthcare this June during Join the J Month.
Photo: At the
Nothing Bundt Cakes POP UP earlier this week at the Jo Brant Foundation Kiosk, 20% of all sales will be directed toward funding critical care.
Joining the J is about making a difference and supporting leading practice healthcare close to home. It is a call to action, an invitation to come together as a community to make big things happen. Visit
jointhej.ca
for more information and to learn more.
Save the date:
What: Flag Raising / Proclamation Ceremony to celebrate Join the J Month in
support of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation
When: May 22 at 3:30 p.m.
Where: Civic Square, Burlington City Hall
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Sound of Music Notes ... from the desk of Myles Rusak, Executive Director:
Sound of Abilities:
In 2019 SOMF will prove that music has no barriers! From the amazing supergroup Superfire (including members with Down Syndrome, Williams Syndrome and Acquired Brain Injury) who will blow your minds with their rock sound, to YMCA Battle of the Band winners Obi!
Sound of Abilities will showcase the amazing abilities found right here in our own backyard. And if you want to show off your own abilities, you can get up on stage with Rockstar Live (karaoke with a live band!).
Carnival:
We want to be sure that the Festival is accessible to everyone and we know everyone enjoys a carnival! To that end we are excited to announce, in partnership with Robertson Amusement, the following opportunities for discount rides at the midway:
- Thursday - Special accessible rides between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- Thursday - Toonie Night Special, all rides $2.00 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday - Bracelet Day Special $30.00 per person from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday - Free amusement rides for one hour between 11 a.m. to 12 noon
- Advances ticket sales at a discounted price
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Fireworks:
Celebrate our 40th Anniversary under the stars as we enjoy a beautiful fireworks display! Saturday, June 15 at approximately 10:55 p,m,
Buskers:
New to Streetfest in 2019! These variety performers are guaranteed to leave you speechless with their feats of magic, juggling and artistic performances!
Mike Taylor Music Education Bursary:
The Sound of Music Festival and the law firm of Taylor Oballa Murray Lerland are proud to honour Burlington's "Beard Guy" Mike Taylor with the Mike Taylor Music Education Bursary with an annual $1000 bursary award to a student who embodies the spirit of Mike Taylor. Applications will be available in the Fall of 2019.
Calling all Volunteers!
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Burlington Central High School (BCHS) Reunion
BCHS Class of ’69 is celebrating its 50th anniversary the weekend of Friday, June 21, 2019.
BCHS students who attended grade 9 at BCHS in 1964 (or joined later) or who graduated from the 4 or 5 year programme in 1968 and 1969 are invited to join the celebration.
For further details, e-mail bchs69@cogeco.ca, and please pass this news on to other grads as the committee is still looking for email address and contact information.
In addition to this year’s event, historic BCHS, the first Burlington high school, will celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2022. Planning has begun and for details, e-mail
bchs69@cogeco.ca
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Get Involved
There are various opportunities to get involved including:
Get Involved Burlington
- an online engagement site that allows you to contribute your ideas and feedback on municipal issues and projects important to you!
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Citizen Advisory Committee Reviews
The City is asking citizens of Burlington for collaboration and feedback on the current approach and to explore alternative methods related to Citizen Advisory Committees and to explore other methods of getting and using citizen input.
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Civic Square public art shade structures
The
Civic Square renewal project
includes public art shade structures, and the city is seeking your feedback on three design concepts.
View the artwork concepts from May 13 to 27 at City Hall in the lobby atrium and at Central Public Library. The concepts will also be available online at
www.burlingtonpublicart.com
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We Love Burlington - STOP Amalgamation
is a community group of citizens concerned about the Provincial Government’s regional review. On Friday, May 17, they will be delegating at Halton Region in front of the government’s two appointed special advisers, Michael Fenn and Ken Seiling who are heading up the review.
The group has several concerns about the process itself, which is being rushed through in only six months, with two people attempting to conduct a review of 82 municipalities and preparing a report for the Government which may or may not be released publicly and may or may not be taken into account. The review could result in the following scenarios:
- The amalgamation of Burlington with Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills to form a large regional bureaucracy such as the City of Halton
- The restructuring of Halton Region and/or the City of Burlington Councils potentially resulting in a loss of sensitivity to local issues and how councilors are elected
- Overloading our municipal governments with unnecessary change at a time when critical resources are seriously overburdened as a result of provincial downloading of program responsibilities.
They believe that it is the taxpayers, not the Province, who will bear the risks and pay for the costs of amalgamation and changes to local or regional councils; therefore, we must have the ability to accept or reject any proposed changes.
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In & Around Our Community
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It was truly an honour to participate in the flag raising ceremonies:
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On behalf of the Mayor, I proclaimed May 3-10
Navy Week
.
The White Ensign is the official flag of the Royal Canadian Navy. Joined by Burl-Oak Naval Veterans, the flag was raised in honour of those who have served and those in service.
A true honour today, we are in gratitude for your dedication to our safety and freedom.
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On behalf of the Mayor, I offered the Proclamation for
Polish Week
.
This year, on the 3rd day of May, Poland will celebrate a 228th anniversary of the proclamation of its Constitution of 1791.
The 2nd of May has become the Holiday of the Polish Flag and Polish Emigrants Day. The Polish community in Burlington will also celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the end of World War II on May 8.
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WELCOME to new Ward 2 Businesses ...
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Kay at Home
offers unique, curated and personalized home and lifestyle items - a true shop of wonder.
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Posh Couture
@poshcouture to 372 Brant Street.
Drop by and and enjoy women's
luxury consignment and gently used handbags, shoes, jewelery, clothing and accessories!
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We'd be pleased to welcome new businesses to our Ward 2 community. If you are or know of a new business joining Ward 2, please contact my office ward2@burlington.ca with details.
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Photos top left to right:
- At the annual Sakura Festival, hosted by the city's Mundialization Committee. The Sakura Festival is an important Japanese custom to welcome spring and included demonstrations of: taiko drumming, koto harp, odori dancing, kimono fashion show, martial arts and yosakoi dancing.
- New Car....(for a month). Follow me this month as I prove that a family with kids can get around our wonderful city in an electric vehicle gas free. Thanks to Burlington Electricity Services Inc. as they work to promote their new charging station initiative.
- With Councillor Kelvin Galbraith, Ward 1, and Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, Ward 6, at an exciting sneak peek at Joseph Brant Museum.
- With Patrick Deane, President of McMaster University where we discussed strengthening the opportunities and partnership between neighbours.
- City hall Get Loud and Burst the Bubble event - about mental health stigma. Our City staff are the reason we are all so committed to fostering a psychologically healthy and safe workplace for all. It was an amazing turn out showing commitment to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health issues through communication, education, and promotion.
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Thank you for your support! It’s a pleasure to bring your voice forward as we work together to make our Burlington the best place to live, work and play! Contact my office at any time through email, telephone, social media or attend my next Ward 2 Update meeting:
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All the best,
Lisa Kearns, Ward 2 Councillor
City of Burlington & Region of Halton
Lisa.Kearns@burlington.ca
Ward2@burlington.ca
905-335-7600 x7588
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Let's Stay Connected!
- Visit my Ward 2 webpage located on the city's website.
- Attend my in-person monthly Ward 2 Community Update meetings. The next meeting is Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 7 p.m. at the Burlington Art Gallery.
- Add Lisa.Kearns@burlington.ca to your address book so that my Ward 2 newsletters arrive in your in-box.
- Forward this newsletter on to friends, family, neighbours and colleagues so that they can sign up as well.
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City Hall - Quick Links …
Service Requests
- Report a pothole, traffic sign and signals, street lights, graffiti, nuisance signage, coyote sightings
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