While the holidays may look a little different this year, it’s still a time to celebrate and enjoy the season safely with those we hold dear.
‘Bright Nights’ is the perfect opportunity to do just that. From City Hall, up and down Brant Street to the Elgin Promenade and along the Lakeshore, Bright Nights has our downtown covered in a spectacular display of festive holiday lights.
Adhering to health and safety protocols, residents and visitors are invited to stroll the streets, stop by interactive displays like the new ‘singing tree’, capture the moment under an illuminated canopy, enjoy the holiday marketplace atmosphere created at Village Square, and so much more.
During these challenging times, little acts of kindness can go a long way to picking someone’s spirits up. People who look like they’ve got it all together may be the ones struggling the most. Remember we are in this together and are here for each other. Ward 2 is so blessed to be such a caring community with many great, neighbourly acts happening everyday.
My office continues to work at full capacity, I can be reached through e-mail at Lisa.Kearns@Burlington.ca.
Keep well,
Lisa
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COVID-19 Response
City Hall Committee Meetings
City Hall News
- Budget 2021
- Parks & Recreation
- Public Art - Call for Jury Participants
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Town Hall - Dec. 16
- Announcements
Ward 2 News
- Downtown Parking - Pilot Project
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Metrolinx GO Rail Layover - Update
- Veteran Square
- Ward 2 Virtual Community Update
Planning + Development
- New Official Plan
- Downtown Urban Growth Centre & Major Transit Station Area
- Interim Control By-law
- Pre-Application Public Meetings
- 2243, 2269 Fairview Street and 864 Drury Lane
- Applications Appealed
- Ward 2 Current Projects
Community
In & Around Town
In Closing
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Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework
As of Nov. 13th, Halton Region moved into the Control (Red) Level of the Ontario Government's Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. The framework is meant to ensure that public health measures are targeted, incremental and responsive to help limit the spread of COVID-19, while keeping schools and businesses open, maintaining health system capacity and protecting vulnerable people, including those in long-term care.
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Public Health Measures
General
- Gathering limit: 5 people indoors, 25 outdoors
- Religious Services: 30% capacity in, 100 outdoors
- Workplace screening, face coverings
Restaurants
- Max. people to be seated indoors is 10, limit of 4 people seated together
- Dancing, singing, live performances prohibited
- Limited operating hours, close at 10 p.m.
- Outdoor dining, take out, drive through and delivery permitted
Sports & Recreational Fitness Facilities
- 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors
- No spectators
- Team sports must not be practiced or played
Meeting & Event Spaces
- 10 people max. per facility indoors or 25 people outdoors
- Limit of 4 people may be seated together
Malls / Retail
- Retail Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue
- 2 metre distance and face covering required
- Malls - 10 max. seated in mall food court
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Supporting Local Businesses Safely
This year has been difficult for many of our local businesses and with the holiday season around the corner, it is important that we support them, but that we do so safely.
It is strongly encouraged to avoid crowds at big stores and shopping malls and shop online where possible. Many stores have adjusted their services to keep their staff and patrons safe, such as online and phone orders, curbside pick-up and delivery, and it is important that we support these businesses now more than ever.
While it is important to continue supporting our local businesses, residents are asked to use caution during the pandemic and to only visit stores in person when needed. If you are shopping in-person for essential goods and services, please follow all public health measures, including:
- maintain a 2-metre distance from others
- wear a face covering or non-medical mask
- follow any in-store protocols and rules
Many businesses have implemented additional guidelines to keep everyone safe—please remember to follow these rules and to be respectful of one another.
Please continue to follow public health direction—the actions of each individual can make a big difference.
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City Hall - Committee Meetings |
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What is Happening at City Council in December?
Agenda items of note specifically to Ward 2 include: (select the Committee name to view the complete agenda)
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Metrolinx presentation on the third round of public consultation for the GO Expansion program
- Designing and evolving our organization (Phase 2) – department functional design and management structures
- Update on the Downtown Burlington Urban Growth Centre (UGC) and Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) Supplemental Discussion Paper
- Financial highlights as at September 30, 2020
- Financial policies
- 2021-2030 Capital budget overview
- Asset management program update
- Low-income seniors property tax rebate program update
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Due to COVID-19, all city meetings are conducted virtually. Only the chair of the meeting, clerk and audio/visual technician are in Council Chambers, with all other staff, members of Council and delegations participating in the meeting by calling in remotely. All meetings are live webcast and archived on the city website.
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Budget 2021
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is placing considerable pressure on the city’s financial position with a forecast of over $18 million in revenue losses by the end of 2020.
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While a large portion of these losses are being mitigated with an on-going expenditure restraint program and support from senior levels of government, the City is projecting an unfavourable variance at year end of over $2.7 million. It is anticipated these challenges will continue to impact city finances until such time as a vaccine is developed and provincial restrictions are fully lifted.
To partially mitigate the 2021 impact of COVID-19 on the city’s operating budget, the planned increase to the city’s dedicated infrastructure renewal levy in 2021 (1.25%) has been temporarily redirected to the operating budget for one year. This will provide $2.18 million of one-time funding to offset the anticipated one-time COVID-19 impacts in 2021, reducing the amount of 2021 capital funding.
2021 Budget - Key Meeting Dates:
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Capital Budget Overview - An overview of the capital budget will be presented to Burlington City Council at a Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee meeting on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 9:30 a.m. A livestream of the virtual meeting is available on the City’s website, along with a copy of the report being presented (F-42-20).
Proposed 2021 Capital Budget
The proposed 2021 capital budget is approximately $72.1 million, with a ten-year program of $786.4 million. From the 10-year capital program:
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70% is focused on infrastructure renewal projects, e.g. repair, refurbishment or replacement of an existing asset to extend its useful life, in accordance with the city’s asset management plan
- 16% is for growth projects, e.g. capital to service growth in the city
- 14% is for new or enhanced projects, e.g. increases to current service levels that are not the result of growth.
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The community is invited to participate in the budget meetings. To speak (delegate) at a meetings, registration is required.
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Parks & Recreation
Current restrictions - Facilities & recreation programming remain open, new restrictions include:
- 10 people max for indoor programs, i.e. ice pads and gymnasiums
- 25 people max for outdoor programs
- Drop-in skating max of 10 people
- Indoor pickleball cancelled
- No spectators permitted at sports and recreation facilities
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Public Art - Call for Jury Participants
Do you love art and your community? Help make your mark on the City’s Public Art Program by applying to participate on a public art jury. The City is looking for local artists, creative professionals and residents to evaluate public art applications throughout the year.
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Town Hall
Mark your calendar for the next COVID-19 Town Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. The purpose is to share information and answer resident questions about our ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Announcements
Fire Chief - Congratulations to Karen Roche in her new role as the Fire Chief for Burlington. Chief Roche brings more than 24 years of progressive Fire service experience working in many facets of the emergency services.
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Director of Capital Works - Congratulations to Scott Hamilton in his new role as the Director of Capital Works. Hamilton has been with the City’s Capital Works & Engineering Departments since 2009, holding various positions including over the past year as Interim Director of Capital Works.
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Director of Roads, Parks and Forestry - Congratulations to Enrico Scalera as the new Roads, Parks and Forestry Director. Scalera brings 30 years of private and public-sector experience in engineering and operations to our city. For the past 10 years, he served as Director of Roads & Works Operations with the Town of Oakville.
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Downtown Parking - Pilot Project
Pay $0.25 and get 90 minutes of free parking. To encourage residents to visit Downtown Burlington retailers and restaurants, Council recently approved this Pilot Project which runs until April 20, 2021.
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Metrolinx GO Rail Layover / Transit Project Assessment Process TPAP
In my Feb. 2020 Newsletter I shared information about Metrolinx's plans to expand its GO Rail Program, the "Beach Layover Facility". I have continued to share my concern and advocate for our community about a shunting/wash yard in such close proximity to an established neighbourhood.
Important Update: Metrolinx Public Consultation Round 3 is underway and your input is required.
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At the Dec. 7th Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee, Metrolinx representatives will be presenting an update on the GO Expansion Project and public consultation.
As with all city meetings, this meeting is being live-webcast and available for viewing after the meeting as well. You can access the meeting on the city’s calendar.
Additional information:
Note that Round 3 is underway until Dec. 11, 2020.
Your participation and feedback are a crucial part of the TPAP. Metrolinx advises that while public consultation will continue throughout the GO Expansion project, this is the last public consultation during the assessment phase. The results from this round will confirm the design of infrastructure across the region.
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City Council has approved the naming of the area around the Burlington Cenotaph. Its new name is Veteran Square, an area to reflect, respect and revere those who gave residents their freedom and built up this country. Visit Veteran Square and pay your respects and appreciation to Veterans, peacekeepers and their families. The City will be installing a sign with the new name, Veteran Square, in the near future.
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Ward 2 Virtual Community Update Meetings
Stayed tuned for the next Ward 2 Community Update meeting which will be held in early 2021.
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Planning + Development - Where are we at? |
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New Official Plan
On Nov. 30, Halton Region released a final Notice of Decision approving the new Burlington Official Plan, as modified and previously endorsed by Burlington City Council on Nov. 26, 2020.
The Notice of Decision from Halton Region considers that the new City of Burlington Official Plan conforms to, or does not conflict with, the Regional Official Plan, is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement 2020, and conforms to, or does not conflict with, the applicable Provincial Plans and policies.
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A twenty-day appeal period is in effect and will end Dec. 21, 2020. Sections of the Official Plan where a Notice of Appeal has not been filed by Dec. 21, 2020 with the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal will come into effect on Dec. 22, 2020. At the appropriate time, through consultation with City legal staff, planning staff will bring forward a repeal bylaw for the former Burlington Official Plan. |
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Downtown Urban Growth Centre and Major Transit Station Area
The Region is looking for feedback on a new supplemental discussion paper about the Major Transit Station Area and Urban Growth Centre in Downtown Burlington.
The Region has been working with the City to reconsider the MTSA designation and to examine options to adjust the UGC boundary to generally align with lands around the Burlington GO Station. The full discussion paper can be downloaded from the Region’s summary webpage:
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Ways to participate:
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E-mail ropr@halton.ca to submit comments directly to project staff or request a more focused consultation session to address your interests
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Complete a topic-specific questionnaire on the supplemental Discussion Paper by Dec. 22, 2020
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To learn more about the review process, submit questions in advance or request presentation materials, visit halton.ca/ropr, email ropr@halton.ca or call 311 to connect with a member of the project team
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Interim Control By-law (ICBL) - Status Quo
At the Jan. 30 Special Council Meeting, Council approved the revised recommendations from the findings of the ICBL Land Use Study. The city has received appeals to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) for both Official Plan Amendment 119 and Zoning By-law Amendment 2020.418 which have been filed with the City Clerk. As a result, the ICBL remains in effect and will remain in effect until LPAT has issued a final decision on each appeal.
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Planning - Pre-Application Public Consultation Meetings |
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The Fall was busy for Ward 2 with Pre-Application meetings (3) whereby the proponents shared the proposed plans with the community, followed by the opportunity for residents to ask questions, share concerns and comments. As the Ward 2 Councillor, I listened intently to the valid concerns and issues raised by the community. When the city receives a formal application, I will work hard to ensure our residents are listened to so that our community remains the best place to live, raise a family, retire or run a business.
The three meetings included:
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1134-1167 Plains Road East
Molinaro Group
Proposal:
- 134 Plains Rd E - 20 & 25 storey towers, 426 units
- 1167 Plains Rd E - 30 & 35 storey towers, 733 units
- Preservation of Davids Homestead Heritage site
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Brant and Ghent Intersection
Molinaro Group
Proposal:
- Lot A: Two 25-storey residential mixed-use towers and podium, with 426 units and retail space at grade
- Lot B: One 25-storey residential mixed-use and podium with 316 units, retail space at grade, and 7 separate townhouse units
- Lot C: One six-storey residential mixed-use building with 108 units and retail space at grade
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535-551 Brant Street
Renimmob Properties Limited
Proposal:
- 26-storey mixed-used building
- 248 residential units, including one, two and three bedroom units
- Ground floor commercial space
- Adjacent to Joe Dogs Gasbar Grill
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My Comments:
- I own property in proximity to this proposal and am not in conflict of interest per the City appointed Integrity Commissioner. This means I will not have to recuse myself from any planning conversations
- The proponent did not contact my office or set a meeting to review a potential application; whilst this is customary, it is not mandatory. I learned of this proposal at the exact same time as the public did in the public forum
- Residents have struck a new residents association; Wellington Community Residents Association to speak out on this proposal
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Residents have started a PETITION
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Planning + Development - Applications |
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2243, 2269 Fairview Street and 864 Drury Lane
CLV Group Developments
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Proposal:
- 7 residential towers on top of 4 mixed use podiums
- Heights ranging between 29 and 37 storeys
- Podium heights ranging from 2, 5 and 6 storeys
- Total of 2,494 residential units of mixed type and tenure
- 3993 m2 of commercial space
- 41, 821 m2 of shared amenity space
- 5 levels of underground parking
- 4 storey parking structure, will be integrated with residential units
- Pedestrian connections to surrounding neighbourhood, Burlington GO
- Publicly-accessible park connected to Fairview St offering various outdoor amenities
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Status:
- Site Plan Application under review by city and technical agencies
- An information report will be presented to Council early 2021
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Planning + Development - Applications Appealed |
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Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) Appeals
Recent Appeals:
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2107 Old Lakeshore Road, 2119 Lakeshore Road
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Proposal includes 27 storey mixed-use, 150 units, ground floor retail, 6 levels underground parking
- Statutory deadline for Council to make a decision lapsed on Oct. 1
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418-422 Guelph Line
- 13 storey building, 170 units, 220 parking spaces
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At its Sept. 28 meeting, Council approved staff’s recommendation to refuse this application
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2085 Pine Street
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Proposal includes 11-storey building, total of 40 units
- Commercial and office units on ground floor, residential units above
- The existing dwelling, listed on the Municipal Heritage Register, to remain
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2069-2079 Lakeshore Road, 383-385 Pearl Street
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29 storey mixed use with 291 residential units and ground floor commercial retail fronting on Lakeshore Road and Pearl Street
- 5 levels of underground parking (291 spaces), 11 at grade
- Car access from Lakeshore Road
- Appealed for non-decision of site plan
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Ward 2 Current Projects
To find out more about Planning applications and development projects underway in Ward 2, visit Ward 2 Current Projects. Project pages include details, timelines and contact information.
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BPAC Festival of Trees
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre hosts the 4th annual Festival of Trees. Up until Dec. 22, enjoy the beautiful Festival of Trees exhibit in the lobby. Each tree is donated and sponsored by a local business and you can also purchase raffle tickets to enter to win your favourite tree.
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Burlington Public Library
In adhering to Provincial Red Zone directives, the Library has taken the following safety measures:
- Maintain branch open hours for limited Browse & Borrow, holds pick-up, and computers by appointment
- No Sit & Stay for leisure, work, or study is permitted
- Limit occupancy at all locations to 10 people maximum in customer service areas, including two people using public computers by appointment
- Library staff helping customers will wear face shields and masks, and wherever possible, staff will work from home
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Downtown Burlington
Downtown Burlington is a magical place during the holiday season.
- There are festive-themed events, including Bright Nights, Festival of Lights, Festival of Trees, plus much more
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Dine in, enjoy a toasty patio, buy a gift card or order take-out at a Downtown Restaurant
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View the Burlington Downtown Holiday Guide and find that perfect gift at one of the many unique Downtown shops
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Holiday Savings Pass
Tourism Burlington's Holiday Savings Pass offers special savings and discounts at Burlington businesses that are perfect for holiday gift ideas and experiences. Sign up for your Holiday Pass.
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Lakeside Festival of Lights
Come and celebrate the season at the 25th annual Burlington Festival of Lights, the City’s longest running festival that lights up our beautiful waterfront each holiday season. Safety measures to help keep our community safe and healthy include centralizing the displays to allow for better drive-by viewing and placing physical distancing reminder signs through out park. Runs until Jan. 8th, 2021.
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Santa's Holiday Magic Trail and Storytime
Due to COVID-19, the traditional Santa Claus Parade will not happen this year as the City continues to follow public health direction and the need to maintain physical distancing and avoid crowding. We will certainly miss our annual Christmas Parade however, as an innovative alternative, the city staff team has developed Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail and a special Storytime with Santa that everyone can tune into online.
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Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail is visiting Burlington this December! Santa will be leaving his reindeer at the North Pole and hopping in an antique firetruck to visit our neighbourhoods. Taking place on weekends leading up to Christmas in December, Santa will spread some “Ho Ho Ho Merriness” along the trail.
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Storytime with Santa - Santa will bring the magic of the holidays to your home and reads ’Twas the Night Before Christmas' and shares stories of the north pole, his reindeer and the nice list. Begins Dec. 19 at 6 p.m., available for viewing until Dec 31.
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Skating
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Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond's ice rink will open as soon as weather permits. To help control crowds and slow the spread of COVID-19, residents will be able to book a 60-minute time-slot. Stay tuned for details.
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Free Holiday Skate - Tm Hortons free holiday skating is back starting Dec. 20. Following current Provincial and public health directives, each skate time will allow for 10 people and can be booked up to 25-hours before your preferred ice-time.
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Tobogganing
Tobogganing is a popular winter activity that promotes active living and family fun in the community. Ward 2 Central Park (the hill northwest of the Community Garden) has been designated as one of the six locations that are safe for tobogganing.
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Bubbles & Blow
Welcome to Nikki and team at Bubbles & Blow! In her time here, Nikki has shown an enthusiastic community spirit and can often be seen enjoying all things downtown. Her passion and professionalism has been boundless - she is living proof that Burlington is the best City to call home and start a business in.
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Burlington Super Food Drive - Nov. 22
A valiant community effort that raised nearly 7500lbs of food and just under $1500 across two food drives. I was humbled, along side Burlington resident Chania Allen, to organize 41 drop-off locations across two events that supported The Burlington Food Bank.
Thank you to all the porch drop off locations and volunteers.
- November = 3,041 lbs of donated food plus $510
- April = 4,376 lbs of donated food plus $915
Please consider donating today - visit Burlington Food Bank for a full list of the most convenient ways to give.
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Socks For Hope
Even though it’s a year like no other, and things (like me!) may look a little different, our community continues to provide compassion and caring. Socks are the #1 most requested clothing item amongst our community members that may be experiencing homelessness.
Until Dec. 18, I will be accepting *new* socks of all sizes at the public doors of Burlington City Hall. Check out 3 ways to donate if you don’t want to leave the house!
- Reach out to your favourite local retailer for online options
- Pick out Socks on our Amazon Wishlist delivered directly to SocksForHope
- E-transfer a small donation to socksforhope@burlingtontaxi.com
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2020 has sure been a year none of us will forget. I am so grateful for the resilience, sense of unity and resourcefulness of our community. I'm grateful to our frontline heroes stepping up and supporting us through these unusual circumstances.
Adapting and finding creative ways to be connected with our extended families, friends, and work environments has had a big impact on many, including relying on technology in ways we never conceived before. As you celebrate this holiday season, I encourage you to be in contact with those in your household only and celebrate with your extended family and friends by virtual means or by telephone.
Thank you to everyone for staying in this together, taking this seriously and above all for being kind and respectful of one another.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year.
Kindly,
Lisa Kearns
Ward 2 Councillor
City of Burlington & Region of Halton
E-mail: Lisa.Kearns@burlington.ca
DIRECT CELL PHONE: 289-962-2679
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Links & Resources:
Please check these frequently. Information is changing quickly so these trusted online sources are the best ways to get the most up-to-date information:
Mental Health Support:
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