Ward 2
Community Update
Lisa Kearns l Councillor l Burlington.ca/Ward2
May 4, 2020
Hello,

In these times, we are fortunate Burlington is a city filled with resilient and caring people.

I am inspired and deeply grateful for all essential service workers, health professionals and community leaders that are working around the clock - compassionately, competently and relentlessly. Keeping our community safe and reassured in these uncertain times is our top priority.

I also know that recovery is top of mind for many. Rent dues and expenses keep coming and business is eager to rebound. My ask of you is to continue to be led by science and our best experts. On the business front, today marked the launch of the Burlington Economic Recovery Network. Many are enthusiastic to return to the best of what Burlington offers, we must see this through and return to the places and faces we love.

As always, I'm here for you. The best way to reach me is through e-mail at

Keep well, Lisa
In this Issue
City Hall - Upcoming Meetings for May
City Hall News
  • Mobility Hub Designations and Major Transit Station Area
  • Proposed Changes to Bill 108
  • Development Charges during COVID-19
Ward 2 Community Update Follow-up
  • Spencer Smith Park
  • Next Ward 2 Community Update - May 28th at 7 pm
COVID-19 Updates
  • Current Cases in Halton
  • Workplace and Public Spaces
  • Recovery Coordination Group
  • City Hall - Strategy & Financial Impact
  • Emergency Control Group
  • Burlington COVID-19 Task Force
  • Drive-by Parades & Processions
  • Traffic Signal Timing Changes
  • In-Home Activities
  • City Resources & Information
COVID-19 Updates - Business Community
  • Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
  • Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
  • Support for Industrial and Commercial Electricity
  • Certain Businesses Allowed to Reopen
  • Workplace Safety Guidelines
  • Burlington Economic Recovery Network
  • COVID-19 Virtual Business Support Forum Series
Support our Local Business Community
In closing
City Hall - Upcoming Meetings for May
Standing Committee Meetings
  • Due to COVID-19, all Council meetings will be conducted virtually.
  • During the meetings, the Committee Chair is the only member of Council present in Council Chambers along with the City Clerk/designate and an information technology technician.
  • All other staff, members of Council and delegations will participate in the meetings remotely.
  • All meetings are live webcasted and archived on the city website.

Register to Speak to an Agenda Item
  • Requests to delegate to the virtual meetings can be made by completing the online delegation registration form or by submitting a written request by email to the Clerks Department by noon the day before the meeting is to be held.
  • All requests to delegate must contain a copy of the delegate’s intended remarks which will be circulated to all members of committee in advance as a backup should any technology issues occur.

Submit Feedback to an Item
  • If you do not wish to delegate, but would like to submit feedback, please email your comments to clerks@burlington.ca. Your comments will be circulated to committee members in advance of the meeting and will be attached to the minutes, forming part of the public record.
Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee
May 12, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.

C onsent Items:
  • Sustainable Development Committee Annual Report

Regular Items:
Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility
May 12, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

C onsent Items:
  • Amendment to Nuisance and Noise By-Law No.19-2003
  • Amendment to Physical Distancing By-law 17-2020

Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability
Thursday, May 14 at 9:30 a.m.



Confidential reports may require a closed meeting in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001. Meeting attendees may be required to leave during  the discussion.
Regular Meeting of Council
May 25, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
Agenda not yet available
City Hall News
Mobility Hub Designations & Major Transit Station Area
We received welcomed news from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Ministry of Transportation that there is no Provincial requirement for mobility hubs to be identified in municipal official plans, including Downtown Burlington. The Province also agrees that the John Street bus terminal does not constitute a mobility hub.

Background
On January 30, 2020, City Council approved the revised recommendations from the findings of the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) Land Use Study, including the approval of the proposed Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments resulting from the ICBL Land Use Study. The detailed ICBL study examined the role and function of the John Street bus terminal. The study concluded that the terminal functions as an intercity bus transfer point and is not serviced by higher order or frequent transit as is expected for an MTSA as defined by the province.  

The ICBL has helped the City of Burlington continue to work towards establishing a clear vision for the Burlington Downtown and around the Burlington GO Station. The City heard delegations at the January 14, 2020 Statutory Meeting and received submissions from the public, stakeholders and Metrolinx regarding the proposed Official Plan policies and zoning regulations related to the establishment of maximum building heights in proximity to the Burlington GO Station. The findings of the ICBL Land Use Study respecting the role and function of the Downtown MTSA will inform the City's consideration of the appropriateness of the MTSA designation for the Downtown.

Next Steps 
The City of Burlington and Region of Halton will work together to seek changes to the MTSA designation. As outlined by the Province, this can be achieved through Regional and Burlington Official Plan amendments under section 17 of the Planning Act now, or during the Region’s next Municipal Comprehensive Review, which is currently underway.

The City’s Executive Director of Community Planning was previously requested by City Council to consider the appropriateness of requesting the removal of both the provincial MTSA and Urban Growth Centre designations from the Downtown. This report will be brought forward to City Council in the coming months.
Proposed Changes to Bill 108
At its April 20, 2020 meeting, Council unanimously supported submitting comments from the City to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding proposed changes to regulations in the Province’s Bill 108 . Comments submitted include:

  • The City of Burlington is supportive of the proposed changes to the Development Charges Act allowing the municipality to continue to collect Development Charges (DCs) for the development of “soft” services such as public libraries, long-term care, park development, recreation facilities and public health. Development charges are levied to help municipalities recover the cost of growth. 

  • The City of Burlington is not supportive of the proposed changes under the Planning Act, which if the proposed changes to the Bill 108 regulations come into effect, it would impact the City’s ability to collect community benefits (under Section 37) in return for additional height and density granted on a development application. These community benefits agreements between the City and the developer help municipalities fund municipal infrastructure such as lands for parks, affordable housing, public art, community facilities and streetscape improvements. Read more.
Development Charges during COVID-19
COVID-19 is causing unprecedented working conditions to all industries, including the business and construction industries. The City recognizes that building permit applicants who normally would have been able to complete the process before April 1 have experienced unexpected delays.

To help ease this delay, the City, Halton Region and the other local municipalities will provide the pre-April 1 development charge rates for building permits issued up until May 29, 2020. This will require two agreements under section 27 of the DCA to be executed before issuing the building permit; one for Halton Region and one for the City.  Read more.
Ward 2 News
Thank you to all who joined in the first *virtual* Ward 2 Community Update on April 30th. A welcomed turnout of 60 participants may signal that this is a forum to use in the future. The presentation covered updates on COVID-19, Planning & Development, City Hall News, Healthy Living and Community Happenings. I appreciate the positive feedback on the open Q&A session following the presentation as being thorough and informative for all.
Ward 2 Community Update Q&A Follow-up

Spencer Smith Park / Cyclists / Beachway Trail - Residents shared concerns about Spencer Smith Park usage. No doubt with the warmer weather approaching, more residents will want to enjoy the park. The safety of our community is our priority and due to the COVID-19, here's what we've done thus far:
On May 1st, the day following my Ward 2 Community Update meeting, I forwarded concerns both about limiting people entering Spencer Smith Park and cyclists on sidewalks to the city's Emergency Control Group (ECG) for their consideration. The same day, the ECG team advised that these concerns were discussed at the May 1st ECG meeting.
Action: Effective May 2nd, the city's uniformed Bylaw enforcement team's presence will increase during peak times at Spencer Smith Park. The By-law team will also monitor cyclist use of the Beachway Park Trail and other pathways on weekends and if required, similar signage to that on the Spencer Smith Park promenade will be installed.
Update: as at May 4, 2020, I received the following Spencer Smith Park Special Attention Report about activity over the past weekend: 
  • 4 special attention patrols and 2 stationary/fixed Spencer Smith foot patrols were present for a duration of approx. 3.25 hrs. from 1:30p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
  • No contraventions of Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act
  • 1 education & 3 verbal warnings/cautions for Physical Distancing
  • Officers reported at most approximately 80 persons observed within all of Spencer Smith Park area
  • Overall Officers advised public interactions were positive however a lot of questions regarding signage and bike use along promenade
Next Ward 2 Community Update
Mark your calendar for the next Virtual Ward 2 Community Update on Thursday, May 28th at 7 p.m. Further details to come.

COVID-19 Updates
The City of Burlington is committed to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 to protect its residents and employees. City facilities and park amenities remain closed and staff are focused on providing essential services to the community.

The Province of Ontario is solely and directly responsible for lifting or easing their Emergency Orders under which the City operates to deliver essential City services.
Current COVID-19 Cases in Halton Region
Daily case table updates include the number of lab-confirmed cases by age range and municipality to show a clear image of the current situation. This approach aligns with the information provided at ontario.ca/coronavirus .
Last update: Monday, May 4th at 11:30 a.m.
Workplace and Public Spaces
On April 28th, the Province released A Framework for Reopening our Province , a 3 stage road map, focusing on protection, reopening, recovery.

It is important to remember that this plan is a road map, not a calendar, and that each part of the plan must be rolled out carefully and with great consideration and consultation. The plan would reopen Ontario in stages . Learn more.
The City will implement a similarly phased approach, and will be cautious and careful with each step so that we can safely reopen our economy, manage risk and keep our community healthy.
Recovery Coordination Group
The mayors of Halton’s four municipalities of Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville have joined together to form the Halton Mayors Recovery Coordination Group. The purpose is to coordinate and work together to prepare for a successful transition to a post-COVID19 emergency, reopening and recovery, and living with the changes it has brought. Read more .
City Hall - Strategy & Financial Impact
The City's COVID-19 Emergency Response 3-month Strategy was endorsed at the April 20 Council Meeting. The Strategy defines the City’s resource needs including what staff are working on while dealing with the impacts of the coronavirus on the community and city staff.

At the same April 20 Council Meeting, staff presented a financial impact analysis providing a snapshot of the high-level financial impacts to the City to June 30, 2020. Key financial numbers include:
  • The city estimates a revenue impact of $7.6 million to June 30, 2020
  • The city estimates potential draws from program specific reserves of $2.2 million to June 30, 2020
  • The city estimates an expenditure savings of $5.2 million to June 30, 2020
  • Net Projected tax base shortfall of $200,000 to June 30, 2020.
  • City Hall and facilities will remain closed to the end of June
Emergency Control Group (ECG)
The City moved to a Level 3 – Full Emergency Activation, our highest level, on March 17th. This Emergency Level means we are in a high level of crisis and in a mission-critical stage. In order to support and protect our first responders, field and administrative staff and our community while continuing to provide critical and essential services, a Level 3 emergency enables a body of decision-makers known as the Emergency Control Group (ECG) under the Corporate Emergency Response Plan (Appendix B to the by-law).

The ECG is vested with decision-making responsibility related to time-sensitive and immediate actions to address the emergency at hand, including operations and crisis communications. The goal of the ECG is:
  1. Keep staff and public safe, minimize spread
  2. Maintain essential services
  3. Build and maintain strong awareness
  4. Provide for the overall management and coordination of support activities and consequence management issues
  5. To ensure that response priorities are established, and that planning, and response activities are coordinated
Burlington COVID-19 Task Force
T he Burlington COVID-19 Task Force has been created to help support our community through this unprecedented emergency.

As an appointed Council representative, you are requested to provide any community concerns to me in order to address at this weekly Task Force.

The purpose of the T ask Force is to share information and mobilize community and agency resources to support our hospital and healthcare workers and the broader community during COVID-19. Members will bring information and/or requests for assistance back to each of their own organizations and emergency response tables. Read more and view minutes from meetings.
Drive-by Parades and Processions
Communities all over the world are finding new and unique ways amid the social distancing requirements of COVID19 to celebrate significant milestones, including birthdays, retirements, weddings, health progress and more.

One of these ways is “drive-by” processions. Family and friends drive by the location of their loved ones to wave and offer some cheer from a safe, social distance. These drive-by celebrations have a small but powerful, positive influence on the participants, the recipients as well as the surrounding neighbourhoods and we need to find a way to support them in a controlled and legal manner.

On April 30th, the Mayor and City Emergency Control Group issued a press release and guideline that as per the Provincial Emergency Orders, any parade larger than five vehicles at one time would be prohibited. As at May 2nd, the city received clarification from the Province regarding their Emergency Orders that a 5-car limit doesn’t apply to drive by parades where people remain in their vehicle, don’t stop or get out. Read the Mayor's statement.

We encourage our community to continue to find alternative ways to celebrate and come together while staying apart, in adherence with provincial emergency orders and public health advice, such as Zoom parties, or charitable donations in the individual’s name.
Traffic Signal Timing Changes
Keeping you safe is a priority and we are continually adapting to make things a little easier. Recent changes include:
  • Traffic signal timing at key intersections to help shorten the wait times for pedestrians and vehicles. Intersections include Lakeshore Road and Maple Avenue, Lakeshore Road and Nelson Avenue, and Lakeshore Road and Brant Street
  • You do not need to push the 'walk' button. The 'walk' push button has been temporarily disabled – the pedestrian walk symbol will automatically be activated during each cycle in order to address the issues of physical distancing as pedestrians wait to cross.
I n-Home Activities
The best thing residents can do to protect themselves and the community is to stay home. To help you stay active while at home, check out the city's Programming Activities and Resources webpage where you'll find a series of virtual activities from fitness to crafts for people of any age to do while at home.

The list includes:
  • Virtual fitness
  • Free music
  • 30/60 Home Play Challenge
  • Videos for recreation programming such as games, activities and crafts
  • Ebooks, emagazines and online resources from Burlington Public Library
  • Plus more
City Resources and Information
Visit the city's website for COVID-19 information including:

  • News and Notices
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Telephone Townhalls (listen to past Townhalls)
  • TelePALS - a free phone service to help adults stay connected
  • Community Resources including Volunteering, Where to Donate, Get Support, Apply for Grants and Funding, Mental Health & Wellness and Community Resources Mapping
COVID-19 Updates - Business Community
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses provides much needed relief for small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. It offers forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners so that they can reduce the rent owed by their impacted small business tenants by at least 75% for the months of April, May and June, 2020. Learn more at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website where you can also sign up to be advised when more details are available and when the application process opens.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
If you are a Canadian employer whose business has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 12 weeks, retroactive from March 15, 2020, to June 6, 2020. This wage subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, help prevent further job losses, and better position you to resume normal operations following the crisis. Learn more.
Support for Industrial and Commercial Electricity
The Ontario government is taking steps to defer a portion of Global Adjustment (GA) charges for industrial and commercial electricity consumers that do not participate in the Regulated Price Plan for the period starting from April 2020. This initiative is intended to provide companies with temporary immediate relief on their monthly electricity bills in April, May and June 202 0. Read more .
Certain Businesses Allowed to Reopen
As at May 1, 2020, the Province announced that it will allow certain businesses and workplaces to reopen as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. The list includes seasonal businesses and some essential construction project. Read more .

Although certain businesses are being permitted to reopen, it is critical that people continue to stay home, practice physical distancing and only go out for essential reasons, to pick up groceries, prescriptions or to keep a medical appointment. It is through these simple actions that Ontario is making progress to stop the spread of COVID-19. 
Workplace Safety Guidelines
On April 30th, the Ontario Government released the  Framework for Reopening our Province which outlines the criteria that Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts will use to advise the government on the loosening of emergency measures, as well as guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services, and public spaces. Read more .
Burlington Economic Recovery Network
The impacts of COVID-19 are already being felt in our community and will continue to be felt long after the state of emergency has ended. It is anticipated that in Burlington alone, just under 2,000 businesses and 29,000 jobs may be directly affected.

The creation of the Burlington Economic Recovery Network is a natural extension of the work Team Burlington is currently doing to support businesses in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. The B urlington Economic Recovery Network will bring together key stakeholders and business leaders from across Burlington to develop a recovery strategy that will prepare our economy for recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The impacts of the global pandemic are already being felt locally and there is a strong need to align economic stakeholders and business support groups to position Burlington for short and long-term economic rec overy. Read more .
COVID-19 Virtual Business Support Forum Series





DeGroote Business Virtual Support Forum - Ask an Expert
May 5th at 10 a.m. - DeGroote professors with expertise in marketing, strategy and innovation, as well as operations management will be available to answer your most pressing business questions during COVID-19. Learn more and register here .





Mohawk Business Support Forum - Ask an Expert
May 13th, 2020 , you will have an opportunity to speak directly with a team of experts from Mohawk College to explore and discover how Mohawk College can support your business as the economy enters into the recovery stage. Learn more and register here.
Support our Local Business Community
BurlingtonProud
A newly launched website focused on our small local businesses of Burlington that need our support now more than ever. The immediate shut down of all non-essential businesses severely affects critical cash flow.

Whether it’s your favourite neighbourhood coffee shop, your best friend who owns a storefront or a local grower you support at the farm market, its easy see our businesses are disrupted when employees and customers must stay home.

BurlingtonProud believes our community will step up to purchase merchandise that directly sponsors a small business of choice and gift cards provide cash flow and welcome you back later. It’s a win-win.

Visit BurlingtonProud to learn how you can support our small businesses.
In closing
The effects of COVID-19 are feeling more significant by the day.

I find comfort in the perspective that no one is doing this perfectly, but we are all doing this together. Leaning into our community is providing that sense of connection we all value – we are seeing that in the messages of support and inspiration all around us. It is the generosity of caring for others by staying home and our genuine compassion that provide the best possible outcome for everyone.

As we continue to progress through the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations such as the Burlington Food Bank can still use our support. If of the means, I encourage you to donate to organizations that serve our community.
Keep well, stay calm, show kindness.


Lisa Kearns
Ward 2 Councillor
City of Burlington & Region of Halton
E-mail: Lisa.Kearns@burlington.ca or Ward2@burlington.ca

DIRECT CELL PHONE: 289-962-2679
Stop the Spread of COVID-19
COVID-19 Resource Links
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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