Ward 1 News from Councillor Kelvin Galbraith
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IN THIS ISSUE:
- Greetings from Councillor Galbraith
- North Aldershot Ward 1 Meeting - recap
- Metrolinx Town Hall - Mayor Meed Ward's 1 on 1 conversation
- Ward 1 Development
- Ward 1 Construction
- News from City Hall
- Ward 1 Community Spotlight - Around The Bay Road Race 15 Mile Marker
- Community Photos
- Community Events, News & Links
- Local Boards and Community Involvement
- Stay Connected
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Dear friends and neighbours, welcome to the February 2020 edition of Ward 1 News!
We have nearly completed our first 2 months of the year and I for one am happy to say that much of the downtown studies have been completed and are not taking as much time on our agendas. This has allowed me to focus and work in and on many Ward 1 issues as you will see by the content in this newsletter.
February and March tend to be long, cold months so I encourage everyone to manage the cold with winter activities that keep you moving, allowing your mood to be as good as it can be. I have always been a promoter of outdoor winter activities to pass the time in this Canadian climate.
We have some great parks, the RBG, skating rinks and nearby ski hills that can accommodate winter activities. Hiking, snow shoeing, skating, skiing, and even ice fishing on the bay are possible in long cold winters in Burlington.
Unfortunately, this winter has not been one of those typical Canadian deep-freezes. I build an ice rink in my back yard every year for my kids, so we keep a close eye on the weather on a daily basis to see when skating is possible. This year, we have only had 5 days where that was possible unlike a few years ago when we had the polar vortex and we skated for 2.5 months straight. Our family is one that hopes for the real cold winters and enjoys them as best we can!
Either way, whether outdoors or in, there is plenty in Burlington to keep you busy. For ideas on things to do this winter, visit
tourismburlington.com
There is much information in this newsletter but if you feel that I have missed something or you would like an update on anything else in Ward 1, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at
ward1@burlington.ca
What I've been up to this month:
- Mayor Meed Ward's State of the City Address
- Meetings with residents regarding ward-specific issues and concerns
- Meeting with regional staff to address resident concerns
- Partnering Aldershot Board meeting
- Aldershot BIA Social After 5 event
- Meetings with Staff to discuss various ward issues
- Grindstone Creek Erosion Control Class Environmental Assessment PIC
- Committee and Council Meeting
- Halton Regional Council Meeting
- Aldershot BIA Board Meeting
- Food For Life 25th Anniversary event
- WSCA Monthly Meeting (delegate attended on my behalf)
- Aldershot BIA Board Planning Meetings
- 1600 Kerns Rd Working Group
- Meridian Quarry Community Council Liaison meeting
- Ward 1 North Aldershot Community Meeting
- 1 on 1 with Mayor Meed Ward to discuss ward/city/regional issues
- Council Workshop
- Burlington Economic Development Board Meeting
- Green Meadow Drive & Canterbury Area Reconstruction PIC
If you would like to
stay up to date on events both at City Hall and in and around Burlington, be sure to Like our
Facebook Page
, Follow on
Twitter
or
Instagram
.
As always, you can contact my office with Ward 1 related issues. We'd be happy to help.
Kelvin Galbraith
Ward 1 City and Regional Councillor
City Of Burlington
kelvin.galbraith@burlington.ca
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North Aldershot Ward 1 Meeting - Recap
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Thank you to all those who attended this, my first North-Aldershot focussed Ward meeting, held at Woodview Learning Centre on February 20th from 6:30-8:30pm.
The agenda for this meeting was very full, as we had quite a bit of ground to cover. In this section of the newsletter, we will go over the information shared with attendees:
Staff presentation regarding the Waterdown Road Widening Project:
Staff included project timelines for Mountain Brow Road Project (City of Hamilton Project):
- Land Acquisitions: Ongoing
- Niagara Escarpment Permit: Ongoing
- Bell Relocations: Spring 2020
- Construction: Summer/Fall 2020, subject to permits
We then discussed the Waterdown Road Craven to Mountain Brow Project timelines (City of Burlington Project):
- Land Acquisitions: Complete
- Environmental Agency Permits: Ongoing
- Union Gas Relocations: Summer 2020, subject to permits
- Advanced Works & Vegetation Compensation: Fall 2020
- Burlington Hydro, Cogeco, Bell Relocations: 2021
- Main Construction Contract: 2022 to 2024
The Proposed Advanced Works includes the following:
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Residents who would like to discuss specific parts of this project or who have further questions are invited to contact:
Ryan Stoneman, Interim Project Manager
905-335-7600 x 7818
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Private Tree Bylaw and Exemptions:
- As of January 27, 2020, if you live within the Urban Boundary (south of the heavily dotted line), you will need to apply for a permit and on-site consultation to remove a tree 20cm (8”) or greater in diameter, measured at 1.4m from the ground, OR more than 5 trees between 10-20cm (4-8”) in a calendar year
- Heritage and endangered species trees are also protected
Permits are also required for any activity that may damage a tree, including:
- Landscaping (includes pools, decks, fences, patios, retaining walls, raised garden beds, driveways)
- Home or property renovations
- Demolition, construction, or replacement of buildings on the property
- Altering grade by adding or removing soil or fill, excavating, trenching, topsoil or fill scraping, compacting soil or fill, dumping or disturbance of any kind
- Temporary storage of construction materials
- Excavating for access of underground utilities
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It was noted that residents living in the green hatched section of the map above, (north of the heavily dotted line), are exempt from the bylaw.
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Gypsy Moth Spraying Program for 2020
:
Though forestry staff were unable to attend the meeting, they have provided the following update:
The Forestry team has been working with consultants that are experts in the field of pest management. A preliminary delineation of areas of interest was completed in late 2019.
Seven areas were identified for further study; LaSalle, Tyandaga, Brant Hills, and 4 smaller areas north of Dundas St.
Currently there are egg mass survey’s being conducted in these areas. If it is determined by the City’s consultant that there are more than 2,500 egg masses per hectare, considered an action threshold, the City will look to implement a control program through aerial application of a bio-pesticide, called Btk. This product is used extensively in organic farming, and is safe for people, pets, birds, and bees.
If a spray program is required, it will be completed at the end of May/Early June. We hope to have the information needed to make management decisions by the end of February.
If you have any questions about the Gypsy Moth program, please contact Roads, Parks & Forestry at (905) 333-6166 or
rpf@burlington.ca
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Open Air Burning Bylaw
- Open Air Burning Permit applies to Campfire, Chimnea and Fire Pit usage
- Open Air Burn Permits will only be issued to residents of properties within designated areas of the map. If the resident is NOT the property owner, the owner must apply for the permit
- Even in designated areas, a permit must be obtained
- Permits are valid from March 15 – November 15
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Eagle Heights Development
I spoke recently with the Realtor of this Developer and he indicated that they have submitted some engineering reports for the first phase of their OMB approved development which includes the Taylor lands.
Hey noted that they are looking to build the first approximately 100 units.
Lastly, they added that there are still Regional service approvals that they will need to obtain to provide water infrastructure so no movement will be seen in the immediate future.
As per the City of Burlington Development Page, the details of this development are as follows:
Proposed Development
- The proposed development of the Paletta International property, a 97-hectare parcel on the north side of Flatt Road, is for 203 single-detached houses and 587 cluster houses (attached units) for a total of 790 units.
- The proposed development of a 9.6-hectare parcel on the south side of Flatt Road, is for 32 single-detached houses and 102 cluster houses for a total of 134 units.
- The applications have been appealed to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal by the applicants.
I will continue to keep residents updated with regards to this development.
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King Paving Relocation
- The Region of Halton recently approved releasing the land for King paving to arrange for lease discussions and their potential move to the North Service road.
- King Paving has indicated that they hope to move early in 2021 once their new plant has been assembled.
- This is great news for the Aldershot mobility hub as it removes heavy industry further away from residential development and opens new lands for development around a higher order transit station.
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Quantum Automotive Group Expansion
- The Quantum Automotive Group operates the Mercedes Benz dealership along North Service Road.
- They have purchased several new sites along the North Service Road and surrounding area, and have plans to open additional dealerships.
- One of those sites is also on the Regional lands in front of the former dump site beside the new King Paving site. Any updates to this development will be shared in future newsletters.
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Aldershot GO Mobility Hub
- With much of the downtown planning work complete, we can look forward to work continuing on the Mobility Hubs including Aldershot Go Station.
- Station West which is currently under construction, is due to take occupancy this summer.
- There is still much work to do with regards to planning retail around the residential developments, which will make this more of a complete community.
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Ward 1 Reconstruction Projects (City of Burlington and/or Halton Region Projects)
Green Meadow Drive:
- work will include minor reconstruction of the roadway and the replacement of the watermain and services (Region)
Canterbury Area:
- work will include reconstruction of the roadway, storm sewer spot repairs and lining, replacement of curbs and sidewalk and the replacement of the watermain and services (Region)
- work will occur on Canterbury Drive, Agincourt Crescent and Chippendale Place
NOTE: PIC's for these two projects are scheduled for February 26th at Tyandaga Golf Course.
Plains Road Area:
- Improvements to storm sewer, roadway, curbs and sidewalks
- Will include the addition of bicycle facilities along Plains Rd W.
- Survey work is currently being completed along Plains Rd to allow for creation of proper road design
- Preliminary concepts are in place for Bike Lanes
- 3 Public Information Centres “PIC”s will be held before construction begins – bike lane design, street scaping, pre-construction
- Actual construction work is tentatively proposed for 2021
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Again, a big
thank you to residents & staff for attending this, our biggest ward meeting so far this term! I would also like to thank Woodview Learning Centre Staff for hosting us!
If you have any further questions regarding this meeting or the agenda discussed above, please contact my office at
ward1@burlington.ca
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Metrolinx Town Hall - Mayor Meed Ward's 1 on 1
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Metrolinx hosted a Town Hall in Burlington at the Fairview GO Station on February 5. Prior to that meeting, Mayor Meed Ward had the opportunity to meet with Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster to discuss issues important to Burlington. Here is an excerpt from her
webpage detailing what they discussed:
"On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, I met with Phil Verster, CEO of Metrolinx, here at Burlington City Hall. Phil became Metrolinx’s CEO in 2017 and it was helpful to meet him and hear about his vision for growth along the Lakeshore West GO Transit line.
We discussed issues such as the increased service goals of trains running to and from Toronto every 15-minutes on weekdays, their work toward having Wi-Fi on their trains, and the voluminous parking challenges we are facing at our stations, especially at the Aldershot GO station.
We asked Metrolinx to increase the size of parking lot at Aldershot in the short-term to provide relief, knowing many of the residents who use that station are not from Burlington and coming from fairly long distances so our transit isn’t an option, but we’re facing the impact of the overflow parking in our surrounding neighbourhoods. I gave him a letter outlining those concerns in more detail that council approved to be sent and co-signed by Councillor Kelvin Galbraith and myself. Please click this link to view the letter and memo from
Councillor Galbraith: Memo – Metrolinx Aldershot GO station parking
.
We also spoke about the possibility of paid parking at GO stations that was reported recently in the news, and why this would be a financial hardship for many of our residents whose busy schedules and family obligations don’t always have the flexibility to accommodate local transit options. We know there are a select quantity of paid parking spaces in premium locations already at GO stations and we support that approach, but we do not support making all spaces paid. At the Aldershot station, adding some premium reserved spaces to a new lot could help to pay for the initial capital cost of a parking lot expansion."
I will keep the community updated on any progress with Metrolinx' promise to add 450 new parking spaces at the Aldershot Go Station.
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1157 - 1171 North Shore Boulevard Ease - Case Management Conference Update
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Applicant
Spruce Partners Inc. and Amico Properties Inc. (Amica)
Applicant's Representative:
Tyler Grinyer
Bousfields Inc.
416-947-9744
Planner on File
Kyle Plas
905-335-7600, ext. 7824
The first Case Management Conference of Spruce Partners/Amico Properties Inc.’s appeal of the City’s lack of decision respecting its applications for Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments to permit the development of a 419 unit development containing 17 and 12 storey towers was held February 21 by the LPAT. In addition to the City and the appellant, there were between 15-20 residents in attendance, three of whom sought and were granted participant status in the hearing. There was a mix of support for and opposition to the development from the residents in attendance.
The appellant sought to have the hearing of the appeal scheduled at this time. The City opposed the scheduling of a hearing in the matter at this time on the basis that although the ICBL Study had concluded and the OP and ZBL amendments flowing from the ICBL had been approved, those amendments may be appealed and therefore the Tribunal should wait until a further CMC in order to determine whether a hearing should be scheduled at that time, or delayed until the appeal(s) of those instruments was dealt with. The City also argued that no hearing date should be scheduled at this time as the City had not had the opportunity to seek instructions from Council on the appeal or set its issues for hearing. The appellant opposed tying the scheduling of the hearing to the outcome of the OP and ZBL amendments flowing from the ICBL as the appellant first filed its applications in 2018 (and revised in August 2019), well before the ICBL was enacted. The appellant argued that the applicability/weight of the new policies, whether in force or under appeal, would be something dealt with in argument in a hearing, and would not be a reason to hold up the scheduling of a hearing. The appellant also argued that the scheduling of the hearing could take place now, with the City given an opportunity to obtain instructions and set issues prior to a procedural order being finalized.
The Tribunal considered the submissions and declined to schedule a hearing date at this time. Instead, it scheduled a second CMC by telephone on April 17th. However, the Tribunal advised that it would schedule a hearing at that time, whether or not there were appeals to the instruments flowing out of the ICBL, as there would be argument as to the weight/ applicability of those policies in a hearing (i.e. the Clergy Principle argument) given the date of the application for amendments.
My office will provide updates on this development as we receive them.
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1600 Kerns Road - Working Group
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The working group was established by several residents that live closest to the proposed development site at 1600 Kerns Road.
The townhouses to the south and several of the houses surrounding the site were represented in addition to a gentleman that was the author of a large petition.
A meeting was held on February 19th with these community members, city staff and the developer with myself and assistant included.
Unfortunately the community and the developer are still far apart on what they consider an ideal development for this site. I am committed to keeping the dialogue open and hopeful for future meetings but none have been scheduled at this time.
I will continue to provide updates throughout this process and welcome the opportunity to work with residents and developers.
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To view all Ward One development projects, please visit
here
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Construction in Your Neighbourhood
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We have launched a webpage which includes construction projects by both Halton Region and City of Burlington staff, frequently asked construction related questions, and a Permit Applications Online Map.
Also included are links to all current development and construction projects across the city, as well as a map of city projects in the 2019 Capital Budget.
For more information, please visit:
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Aldershot Pool will be temporarily closed from late June 2020 to early February 2021 for planned general repairs and maintenance to the facility. During this time, the pool area, including the community room will be closed to the public. Where possible, pool programs have been shifted to other pool locations to help accommodate participation levels across the City.
Area residents wanting to swim can use their passes and memberships at any City facility, including:
- Tansley Woods Pool
- Angela Coughlan Pool
- Centennial Pool
- Nelson Pool and Splash Park
- Mountainside Pool and Splash Park
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Basement Flooding Mitigation Project - Halton Region
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Green Meadow Drive Minor Reconstruction & Canterbury Drive Area Reconstruction
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Plains Road Area Reconstruction
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Notification letters have gone out to some Plains Road Area residents, alerting them to upcoming survey work in their neighbourhoods. The planned work will include:
- Improvements to storm sewer, roadway, curbs and sidewalks
- Will include the addition of bicycle facilities along Plains Rd W.
- Survey work is currently being completed along Plains Rd to allow for creation of proper road design
- Preliminary concepts are in place for Bike Lanes
- 3 Public Information Centres “PIC”s will be held before construction begins – bike lane design, street scaping, pre-construction
- Actual construction work is tentatively proposed for 2021
My office will continue to keep residents updated on any developments in this project.
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Ward 1 Community Spotlight - Around the Bay Road Race 15 Mile Marker
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The Around the Bay Road Race has a rich, detailed history. Thousands will run the course on event day March 29, 2020 - with many unaware of the pieces of history that line the route as they pass by.
On Christmas Day, 1894, 13 brave and no doubt bundled up men set out from Billy Carroll's Cigar Store on James Street North, alongside bicyclists, horses and buggies. The course began as a 19 mile, 168 yard run and through the years has now become an even 30 kilometres.
In the early years, the route was marked by stone mile markers, each 6 feet tall, engraved with the sponsor's name (The Hamilton Herald Newspaper) and the mile designation. Though heartily fashioned, these markers began to fall - likely through neglect as the race was put on hold for years sometime in the 1920's. Of the 19 original landmarks installed, only three are known still to exist: the 5-mile, the 15-mile, and the 17-mile post.
Interestingly, the 5-mile post is now located on Hamilton’s Beach Blvd north of Sierra Lane, having originally been installed on Barton Street East near Ottawa Street.
And now, in Aldershot, ultra marathoner Les Michalak and others in the Burlington Runners Club have made it possible to showcase the Herald Mile 15 stone in a memorable fashion. The marker now stands on Plains Road West, near the intersection of Spring Gardens Road.
Once hidden by overgrown vegetation, Les and team worked to raise money to move the Mile Marker stone closer to the street, and add a bench, a plaque and some public art.
The Aldershot marker has been on the move over the past few years. No one can determine the exact location where the marker was originally installed, and it has been relocated several times due to road construction. The marker was moved once again in 2000 when the stability of the stone was compromised by soil erosion. It has now been moved about 50 meters to the east where it will stay - thanks to the efforts and support of Les and the Burlington Runners’ Club, Around the Bay Race organizers, Heritage Burlington, Woodland Memorials, and private donors.
We congratulate Les and his community partners for all their hard work in commemorating this great piece of history, and invite residents to attend the opening - details will be shared by social media once confirmed.
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Ward 1 Community Event Photos
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Ward 1 Community News & Events
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HAUSER Announces Opening Date for New Modern Burlington Showroom - March 9
HAUSER is proud to announce that the new Burlington store located at 1273 Plains Rd. West will open March 9, 2020.
The company motto “Live Life Outdoors” has been conceptualized in the design of the new store which is located next to the Royal Botanical Gardens. The newly renovated building features over-sized windows and landscaping that extends the flow of the natural environment inside, creating a setting perfect for showcasing HAUSER’s extensive line of Outdoor Living collections.
The 8700 square foot open-concept showroom features both Outdoor & Indoor Living Collections, including furniture and décor. The new space also includes plentiful parking and an additional 900sq feet of temporary rental space ideal for trendy pop-up shops.
As a part of HAUSER’s commitment to customer experience, shoppers can also take advantage of the option to buy online, pickup in store.
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FLOUR CHILD BAKERY Announces Grand Opening Date for New Retail Store -
March 10
Flour Child Bakery, located at 355 Plains Road East in Burlington was formed in 2017 and acquired the assets of Sylvia’s Bakery & Café in early 2018.
A bricks and mortar location for this bakery has been years in the making! Our bakery is a labour of love with a passion to create authentic, European Pastries and Baked Goods in the traditional methods that have been handed down for generations. It is this kind of quality that has made Flour Child Bakery an indisputable success at Farmers Markets; from Milton to throughout the Niagara Region.
We will be open from 7:30am - 6pm. Join us at 10am, 2pm, and 5pm as we hold special events and offerings.
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Local Boards & Community Involvement
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In addition to serving as Ward 1 City and Regional Councillor, I have the opportunity to sit on a few other local boards and committees:
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Royal Botanical Gardens Board
As a member of the Board of Directors for Ward 1's own Royal Botanical Gardens, I meet with a team of dedicated individuals, aimed at serving Burlington and beyond.
We meet roughly every 3 months, with the Annual General Meeting occurring in June.
For more information on the Royal Botanical Gardens, please visit
www.rbg.ca
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Tourism Burlington Board
Tourism Burlington is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors who represent various sectors of the Tourism, Industry and Business sectors in the City of Burlington. The Board meets September to November and February to May on the 3rd Thursday of the month, with the Annual General Meeting held in May of each year.
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Aldershot Village BIA (Business Improvement Area)
The Aldershot Village BIA identifies Aldershot as a distinct community for shopping, dining and for doing business. The BIA contributes to a variety of initiatives including the completion of a full interchange at Waterdown Road and revitalization and development along the Plains Road corridor.
The BIA partners with several other Aldershot groups including the Aldershot Community Honour Roll, Plains Road Village Vision Group, Partnering Aldershot, Alderfest Community Festival and others to build support for approximately 250 retailers and service professionals.
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I have committed to sharing frequent updates via social media channels. I would love to connect with you there to be able to share day to day information. If there are specific items you would like me to address, send me a note!
You can find me at the links below. If you would like to pick up a paper copy of this newsletter, copies are available at The Fitness Firm, 15 Plains Rd. West, or Aldershot BIA office 193 Plains Rd E Unit 6. We can also mail a copy to you - to request please call my office at 905-335-7600 x7863 or email
ward1@burlington.ca
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In compliance with Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation, recipients of this newsletter may unsubscribe at any time. Please feel free to forward this newsletter on to friends, family, neighbours and colleagues so that they can sign up as well.
Please add kelvin.galbraith@burlington.ca to your address book so that this correspondence will be sure to arrive in your inbox.
As always, you can contact my office at any time through email, telephone, social media or by attending neighbourhood and public open house meetings.
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City of Burlington & Region of Halton
Ward 1 Councillor
905-335-7600 x7587
fax: 905-335-7881
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