Ward 2 Community News

Lisa Kearns l Councillor l Burlington.ca/Ward2

February 2020 Hello, Key decisions on land use planning for the Downtown Urban Area are now endorsed by Council to bring greater certainty on the community vision for downtown. As your Councillor, my position is aligned with the values many of you have shared with me - to deliver a focused plan that brings sensible development in the right places. I understand that the decisions recently made are complex, technical and may seem counter-productive at times. This is not an easy or simplistic path to deliver on a community vision for downtown; for the residents of today and the future residents who will cherish their community like many do now. It is clear that your Council has met the challenge given to us by the electorate to control growth in the downtown and waterfront. We can assure you that staff has put their best work forward and our most astute resources have delivered a defensible and strategic approach to development. We have worked with the Region and have been granted additional time to land the Official Plan through a provision in the Planning Act that no other municipality has used before, also allowing for a re-examination of the downtown policies! We have invested in crucial planning studies and unanimously resolved to eliminate the un-elected LPAT/OMB tribunal where defensible policies will make Burlington more successful in defending planning decisions. I have been a key part of this journey, still with more work to do, and without being knocked away from the issues residents feel are most important, such as climate, transit, service delivery, budget, and of course, community engagement. There are more steps on this journey, and thank you for your important feedback along the way. Best regards, Lisa

In this issue: What's Happening at the February Committee Meetings? Discussion on the February Committee Meeting agenda items: Neighbourhood Workshop Framework for Community Recreation Amendments to Heritage Designation By-law for 3083 Lakeshore Road Region of Halton 2020 Allocation Program External Audit Service Plan for 2019 Summary of Audit Results - CRM implementation & ongoing operations Summary of Audit Results - Accounts payable & purchase card program Enterprise Risk Management - 2019 risk register Internal Audit Resourcing Burlington Hydro Compensation 2019 Community Survey Results Staff Directions from 2020 Budget February Committee Meeting Agenda Items: Overview Audit Committee - Summary of Audit Results - CRM implementation & ongoing operations. Ward 2 News Downtown Burlington - Land Use Vision and Concept Interim Control By-law (ICBL) Land Use Study Metrolinx - GO Rail Expansion Downtown Burlington Business Community and MPAC Guelph Line and Harvester Road/Queensway Drive Intersection Planning + Development - 2243 & 2269 Fairview Street and 864 Drury Lane Planning + Development - 2069-2079 Lakeshore Road and 383-385 Pearl Street Planning + Development - 2093, 2097, 2101 Old Lakeshore Road and 2096, 2100 Lakeshore Road Construction in Your Neighbourhood City Hall News Private Tree By-law Municipal Accommodation Tax Road Safety - Lawn Sign Campaign Wind and Shadow Study Health + Environment Bay Area Climate Change Council (BACCC) Use a Climate Lens for Personal Decision-making Cigarette Butt Recycling Program Community Events Movies Under the Stars BurlingtonGreen's Clean Up Week Upcoming & Ongoing Events Community Partners Metrolinx - Town Hall Meeting HRPS and the City - Project 940 Closing Comments Quick Links

What's Happening at the February Committee Meetings?

Standing Committee Agendas - February Committee begins at 9:30 a.m. and if required continues at 6:30 p.m., delegations by our residents are first on the agenda. I will continue exploring ways to improve the delegation process and commit to an open line of communication that respects the value of citizen led input. City meetings are live web-cast, giving everyone the option to attend in person or view online.  Here's what's included in the 'Regular Items' section of the upcoming committee agendas for February: 

Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee February 10, 2020 - 1 p.m., and reconvening at 6:30 p.m. Agenda Neighbourhood Workshop Framework for Community Recreation

Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility Committee February 11, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. Agenda  Amendments to Heritage Designation By-law for 3083 Lakeshore Road Region of Halton 2020 Allocation Program

Audit Committee February 12, 2020 - 3:30 p.m. Agenda External Audit Service Plan for 2019 Summary of Audit Results - CRM implementation & ongoing operations Summary of Audit Results - Accounts payable & purchase card program Enterprise Risk Management - 2019 risk register Internal Audit Resourcing

Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee February 13, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. Agenda Burlington Hydro Compensation 2019 Community Survey Results Staff Directions from 2020 Budget

February Committee Meeting Agenda Items: Overview

Audit Committee - Summary of CRM We know that communication and issue resolution is important to everyone. There are many ways to contact the right service department or your Councillor. There are a number of links at the bottom of this newsletter to get you to the right contact to help serve you better. This past year, an audit was conducted on the progress of a new system designed to quickly and efficiently address service requests to the city, including the Councillors Offices. While this system is intended to work for us, there have been some limitations that are now identified. T he report t ells us that the successful outcome of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) implementation depends on 100% adoption, usage, and proficiency in the new system. Each of these human factors have a direct correlation to the expected benefits from this project. At its current implementation point, the first phase has not delivered the intended benefits and has resulted in a pause to address the model and other initiatives to achieve the Service Brilliance Strategy. My Comments: The Councillor offices were the first department to go live with this new technology - if you have emailed Ward2@Burlington.ca , then your request was entered into the CRM system, a case was created, and sent directly to the appropriate department to resolve. It is important to have issues resolved and to have a direct line of communication with your Councillor.   I am not always aware of requests through CRM, nor do I have complete access to the system to see what issues are happening. I received many follow ups asking when or if an issue was resolved and some issues took multiple requests to find out the status. We know that when you take the time to contact your city representative, you deserve the respect to have an answer - we can do better on this and are working on improvements.   Here's what we're doing: Getting further ahead of the issues. Improved email management across accounts with response acknowledgement. I will be re-booting my website www.LisaKearnsWard2.ca to deliver real time information and insight on what's happening. A new social media strategy has been developed to get ahead of broader community issues. Newsletters will continue well in advance of Committee Meetings so you can have your say on what's important. Community Update Meetings will continue in 2020 so you can hear and learn about the latest with an open Q&A to follow. A new video based approach to give you quick & easy updates on issue or site specific interests. More ideas? Let me know.

Ward 2 News

Downtown Burlington - Land Use Vision and Concept At its January 27, 2020 meeting, Council endorsed a land use vision and concept, subject to some items for further consideration, that will guide development in downtown Burlington as part of the City’s adopted Official Plan. The recommended concept was informed by several inputs including public feedback, technical studies, and an understanding of existing and approved development in the downtown. Next Steps: With the concept endorsed, City staff will begin working on the detailed modifications to the adopted Official Plan to help implement the vision. A modified adopted Official Plan, including the downtown policies to support the endorsed concept, will be brought to City Council for approval in spring 2020. Timeline:

Related links: View the endorsed concept at getinvolvedburlington.ca. View details of the vision and concept in Appendix A of PL-02-20. Review minutes or watch the video recording of the January 16, 2020 meeting. My comments: Now and in the coming years, Burlington will welcome many new residents and businesses. Planning is underway to guide where these people and jobs will best reside. There are two guiding processes happening now. One is the Re-examination of the Downtown Policies (Official Plan) and the policy outcomes from the Interim Control By-law (ICBL) / Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) Review. Together, these set how the City will respond to future development.

The Official Plan work has resulted in an endorsed preferred concept for downtown that is the result of significant public engagement. I have personally felt reassured that we are on the right track given the feedback at over a dozen pop-up forums to capture voices of our community not traditionally represented. I've connected to our business community and have monitored electronic feedback - all of which continues to push for a more sensible approach to growth and accountability in the new Official Plan. The endorsed development concepts seek greater setbacks from the Brant Street corridor, improved compatibility with existing neighbourhoods, enhances the waterfront access and protects cultural heritage areas (Village Square). I invite you to trust that community responsive growth management is happening in real time. Amendments to the proposed concepts have addressed the fine grain values within the concepts bringing community values to the forefront. I invite you to trust that the City is closer than ever in having an authentic and accountable conversation about a defensible, value driven, and visioned plan for a downtown we can all be proud of.

Interim Control By-law (ICBL) Land Use Study On March 5, 2019, Burlington City Council voted in favour of a staff recommendation for an Interim Control By-law (ICBL). The ICBL temporarily restricts the development of lands within a study area for a period of one year to allow a planning study to be completed.  Over the past year, the City has worked alongside Dillon Consulting to: Review the role and function of the Downtown Bus Terminal and the Burlington GO station as Major Transit Station Areas. Assess the role and function of the downtown bus terminal and the Burlington GO station on Fairview Street as Major Transit Station Areas. Examine the planning structure, land use mix and intensity for the lands identified in the study area, and Update the Official Plan and Zoning by-law regulations as needed for the lands identified in the study area. The result of the work done by Dillon Consulting and the City was a series of recommended amendments to the city’s current Official Plan and Zoning By-law (2020), as amended to: Strengthen the integration between land use and transit by introducing policies related to transit-supportive development. Introduce the concept of Major Transit Station Areas and a policy framework. Introduce development criteria for development applications within the study area. Update or add definitions to the OP to align with Provincial policy documents and/or assist in the interpretation of OP policies, and Introduce additional permitted uses and heights on lands in proximity to the Burlington GO Station. At a special meeting of council on January 30 th , Council unanimously voted to: Deem that no further notice is required in respect of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment in accordance with Section 34 (17) of the Planning Act concerning a change to a proposed by-law made after the holding of the public meeting. This means that it is expected that the Interim Control By-law is expected to lapse as of its first year anniversary on March 5 th , 2020. For more information about the Interim Control By-Law or Council's decision on the ICBL, please contact Samantha Romlewski , Planner II, Community Planning - Interim Control By-law Land Use Study. My comments: As the Interim Control By-law (ICBL) immediately affects Ward 2, I have worked closely with Senior Staff and the Mayor throughout this process to protect the interests of the community and ensure a community vision for downtown. I also extend my gratitude to all members of Council who have been deeply engaged in these matters with residents and staff. The ICBL responded to two major concerns: 1) Growth pressures that continue to emerge for the lands in the study area; and 2) The role and function of the John Street Bus Terminal as a Major Transit Station Area. It is now determined that the downtown terminal “does not function as a major bus depot” and that’s unlikely to change in the future and the Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) downtown “is not expected to be a significant driver for intensification”.  The Council decision positions us with solid planning rationale for future conversations with the Region and Province about how we intend to bring greater control around planning decisions at the Municipal level.

Metrolinx - GO Rail Expansion Metrolinx is planning to transform and modernize its rail system with the implementation of the GO Rail Expansion Program - an investment program intended to provide: More all-day service. Service in both directions. Trains every 15 minutes. Faster and more efficient trains. More accessible stations, and An expanded Union Station. This transformation will bring fundamental changes to GO Transit's seven operating rail corridors. It will result in the implementation of over 205 km of new track and 680 km of electrified track that will be laid to allow for the more frequent and efficient movement of trains. Metrolinx has identified infrastructure requirements (i.e. new tracks, rail facilities, bridge modifications, crossing improvements). Metrolinx is completing Environmental Assessments for these items. These EAs, together with their procurement, are called the OnCorridor (OnCorr) Program.

Specifically, along the lakeshore West Corridor, Metrolinx is proposing: New tracks and track upgrades A new layover facility (in the vicinity of the Burlington GO Station). see photo below

Public Consultation Meeting - Wednesday, February 26, 2020 Metrolinx is inviting the community to hear about the OnCorr Program's infrastructure requirements along the Lakeshore West corridor for GO Expansion. DATE:     Wednesday, February 26, 2020 TIME:    6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. PLACE:  Burlington Central Recreation Centre, 519 Drury Lane Related Links: Metrolinx GO Expansion infrastructure requirements Environmental Assessments (infrastructure required in Burlington is included in the New Track & Facilities TPAP section). My Comments: Investing and upgrading the current GO Transit system is an important part of getting our community to where they are going. I have recently found out about this proposal and have a meeting scheduled with Metrolinx officials. Initially my sense is that this major infrastructure project is onerous on the community and all associated environmental impacts. This is proposed across from established residential and in extremely close proximity to future residential. I will keep everyone apprised of the progress and information available. I anticipate that every possible mitigation effort will be used or that Metrolinx will consider an alternate location. This is the time to let me know your thoughts and to get involved:   Attend the Metrolinx Public meeting on February 26, 2020 and voice your concerns, and Share your concerns directly with Metrolinx (through their website).

Downtown Burlington Business Community and MPAC The Downtown Burlington Business community, representing many small businesses has voiced significant concern regarding the effect of the MPAC tax assessments. Inflated tax assessments have the potential to debilitate our thriving business community through exponential tax rates that affect a large portion of business expenses: I know that many feel enough is enough and want action. The MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) framework for assessing property and the guiding policies are overdue for their own re-assessment. Land assembly and speculation has led to a dangerous mix of inflated property values and the associated taxes. And while MPAC is just one piece of the puzzle, it’s important to identify all issues in order to find an appropriate solution. This is why it’s so important that we work with all community advocates and stakeholders to identify the problems and work towards a fair solution. This month I received unanimous support for my motion to Direct the Chief Financial Officer to review the current value assessment and taxation changes for the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) properties and consult with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and the Region of Halton regarding available tax policy initiatives and report back to council with the results of the review within the first quarter of 2020. We need to identify the suite of tax tools that can be applied in a way to deliver relief from exponential tax increases. My comments: I am truly impressed with the collaboration and ongoing support to address this pressure on our business community. In fact, buzzing behind the scenes on this issue has even included our very own, Carla Nell, President & CEO of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Tim Commisso, City Manager, and Brian Dean, Burlington Downtown Business Association, advocating for a ‘made in Burlington approach’ and assisting to prepare for provincial support to make the necessary changes to modernize the tax assessment process. I am also fortunate that the delegation I made to the Ontario Minister of Finance, Hon. Rod Phillips in August at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (photo above) has kick-started great interest in policy adjustments. I’m also looking forward to a panel, planned tentatively for May 13, 2020, co-lead by the BDBA and Burlington Chamber of Commerce. The panel will include the COO at MPAC and representatives from Halton Region and The City of Burlington’s Finance department. You are invited to receive an update and re-education on the issues, including the re-assessment timeline and tax relief tools that are being looked into to provide relief from the unintended planning consequences of the assessments and stability for our amazing business community.

Guelph Line and Harvester Road/Queensway Drive - Intersection Improvements Halton Region has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study for intersection improvements at Guelph Line (Regional Road 1) and Harvester Road/Queensway Drive. The Municipal Class EA is a phased planning approach that includes 5 main study phases and public consultation. Learn more .

Planning + Development

2243 & 2269 Fairview Street and 864 Drury Lane The site is a larger parcel at 8.5-acres located at 2243 & 2269 Fairview Street and 864 Drury Lane, East from the Brant and Fairview main intersection (Red square) near the Burlington GO. Proposal: Phased mixed-use development consisting of 7 towers with heights ranging from 29-37 storeys. Towers will include a combination of residential and commercial uses. Parking will be accommodated both underground and at the rear of the property in a parking structure utilizing the required 30 metre setback from the rail. The proposal features a public realm experience that includes a linear park located on top of the parking structure, public park, focal intersection at the heart of the site and POPS (privately owned public space).

Status: Site plan application has been submitted and it is now under technical review. Pre-consultation meetings have been occurring with City Planning staff, the Burlington Urban Design Review Panel, Councillors & Mayors Office, a public site walking tour and several other informal meetings with various city departments.  My comments: This is one of the rare sites in the City of Burlington where the applicant intends to comply with the Zoning By-law. This means that a development application proceeds straight to Site Plan - which it now has - and does not follow the process many are familiar with. In contrast, when a Zoning By-law Amendment is requested, the proponent will go through community meetings, a statutory public meeting, and receive a planning recommendation report for Council to vote on. None of these steps are required for applications that are in compliance with the regulations of the Zoning By-law - as is the case for the lands known as "Holland Park".   Residents have inquired why this development is not available for public review on the City of Burlington website Current Developments - Ward 2. This is because, unlike a Zoning By-law Amendment and/or Official Plan Amendment, Site Plan Applications are not a public process.   Policies deriving from the ICBL study, which these lands are part of, has now placed Zoning policies on these lands, however the applicant applied for Site Plan prior to the approval of the now in effect as voted on January 30th, subject to the appeal period. This application was recently filed and I will seek out engagement opportunities to identify additional improvements. I am still reviewing the technical files and will give more information as soon as possible. Please send me your initial feedback. Credit is due to the CLV Group as they have shown a positive approach to this comprehensive redevelopment with a community amenity focus and on improving housing choices with significant rental opportunity.

2069-2079 Lakeshore Rd. and 383-385 Pearl St. Proposal: Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendment applications to permit a 29-storey mixed-use building with 280 residential units and 675 square metres of ground floor commercial retail space fronting on Lakeshore Road and Pearl Street Adaptive re-use of listed heritage buildings fronting on Pearl Street as Live/Work units Five levels of underground parking (280 spaces) and at grade parking (11 spaces) Car access from Lakeshore Road Loading access from Pearl Street

Update: APPEALED - In December 2019, the city received an appeal for non-decision for 2069-2079 Lakeshore Road and 383-385 Pearl Street, Lakeshore (Burlington) Inc.     Status (December): On hold until the Interim Control By-law study is complete and the ICBL lapses. My comments:  As indicated in my June 2019 Newsletter , I do not support this application.

Core Development - 2093, 2097, 2101 Old Lakeshore Road and 2096, 2100 Lakeshore Road

Proposal: 27-storey mixed-use building 310 units, and 3 commercial units on the ground floor Privately-owned, public accessible open space on the west side Site access from Lakeshore Road, with a service lane along the east side of the site. Service lane to include access to four levels of underground parking.

Update: APPEALED - On January 28, 2020, the city received an appeal for non-decision for 2093, 2097, 2101 Old Lakeshore Road, 2096, 2100 Lakeshore Road (OP and rezoning), Core FSC Lakeshore GP Inc.  Status (January):  On hold until the Interim Control By-law study is complete and the ICBL is lifted.

Construction in Your Neighbourhood The City of Burlington issues building permits for construction and renovation projects requiring permits; however, the builder or developer is responsible for the physical work on and around the site. Other construction in the city may be related to planned or emergency road, sewer and watermain projects managed by the City of Burlington or Halton Region . To view permit applications in the City of Burlington, including Building, Driveway, Road Cuts, Site Alteration, Site Plan Applications and Tree Permits, view the city's interactive map.  If you have concerns or questions about a construction project in your neighbourhood, visit Construction in Your Neighbourhood where you'll find frequently asked construction-related questions with answers. Related links: Current development projects. Current construction projects. View a map of city projects in the 2019 Capital Budget.

City Hall News

Private Tree By-law Your Council is taking exciting and important steps to battle climate change through preserving and growing the City’s tree canopy. I am proud to report that City Council recently unanimously approved a Burlington Urban Private Tree By-law. Get the facts: As of Jan. 27, 2020, anyone within the City’s urban boundary will need to apply for a permit and on-site consultation to remove a tree greater than 20 cm in diameter (8”) measured at 1.4 m from the ground, or if you would like to remove more than five trees between 10 and 20 cm (4-8”) measured at 1.4 m from the ground in a calendar year. Heritage trees and endangered species are also protected. Permits are also needed for any activity that may injure or damage a tree. A private tree task-force is being assembled with a goal of creating an incentive program for homeowners to plant trees on their private property.

The city is hosting a series of public information sessions to help residents and businesses learn about the newly adopted Private Tree By-law. The information sessions will be held in various parts of the City at both afternoon and evening times to better accommodate people’s schedules: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 Appleby Ice Centre, Community Room 1 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020 Central Arena, Auditorium 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020 Burlington Seniors’ Centre, Freeman and Indian Point Rooms 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 Aldershot Arena, Community Room 7 to 9 p.m. Registration is not necessary. Presentation and Q&A will begin 15-minutes after start-times. The sessions will cover when a permit is required, when it is not, replacement trees and costs. Participants will also be able to ask questions of Forestry staff. Learn more .

My comments: My goal has been to develop a tree by-law that supports all of our community in a way that’s not cumbersome to private property or impeding on your rights but protecting us from things like clear-cutting properties and eroding our private tree canopy.

We have progressed from the December 3, 2019 Planning & Development Committee where I had indicated: Either we’re a Climate-forward Council or we’re not; Either we commit to our business plan or we don’t; Either we look to the priorities of the next generation or we don’t; Either we empower the best staff doing their best work or we don’t; Either we invest or we don’t; Either you’re on the right side of history or you’re not; I am, and I am supporting Burlington’s city-wide private tree bylaw.  We are looking for a healthy clean environment for generations to come, and with the January 27, 2020 approval of a private tree by-law, I believe we have taken a great important step forward.

Municipal Accommodation Tax In November 2019, Council approved the recommendation in report CM-23-19 regarding the establishment of a Municipal Accommodation Tax in our city. Staff will report back to Committee in March with recommendations on implementation and the associated by-law. This tax could generate an additional $500,000/year for Tourism Burlington. Learn more .

Road Safety - Lawn Sign Campaign The Lawn Sign Program will continue into 2020. If you would like a sign, I'd be happy to drop one off at your home; e-mail ward2@burlington.ca with your request and be sure to include your address. To read staff's recent review, visit Report TS-09-19 .

Wind and Shadow Study Sunshine and wind are two important factors that influence our level of comfort and well-being when we’re outdoors. As cities grow and new buildings are built, the size, shape, and articulation of these new buildings influence the amount of sunshine available at different times of the day, and change the patterns and speeds of air flow through the urban environment. The Wind and Shadow Study investigates the best approaches for the city to assess the expected impact of new buildings and developments on sun and wind, with an aim to maintain the high level of comfort and well-being currently enjoyed by its citizens and visitors. The city is looking to the local experience and expertise of people living, working, and playing in Burlington in helping to craft the outcomes of this study. To participate, vi sit Get Involved Burlington . To conne ct with city staff involved with this study, e-ma il Todd.Evershed@burlington.ca .

Our Health + Environment

Bay Area Climate Change Council (BACCC) The BACCC is hosting their annual Climate Change Forum on February 25, 2019 at Mohawk College in Hamilton.   Community members of all ages and climate change knowledge levels are welcome for a FREE dinner, discussion and workshop session where you will hear from local leaders and special guest speaker, Dr. Mark Jaccard .  BACCC will also report to the community on progress in 2019 and important climate initiatives for 2020. Learn more.

Use a Climate Lens for Personal Decision-making The decisions we make every day, such as how we live and move around have an impact on emissions that contribute to poor air quality and climate change. T he impacts of our daily decisions need to be considered now more than ever.  Our daily choices at work, home and play can make a difference in helping to reduce human-caused carbon emissions.

Ways you can help reduce carbon emissions: How do you, your children or grandchildren get to school? Consider walking or bike riding if the school is within walking/riding distance. Photo: Lakeshore Public School students ride to school along Burlington’s Centennial Bikeway. If you must drive, consider carpooling or how about combining your errands? If you have more than one vehicle, consider downsizing to one vehicle, renting or ride-sharing. Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Have you thought about electric vehicles? Learn more.

Cigarette Butt Recycling Program Have you noticed these receptacles? Thanks to the g reat efforts in our community by Linda and Lana for taking the lead in installing 9 (soon to be 10) cigarette butt receptacles. Funding was secured through their own fundraising, the city's Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund and my Ward Councillor Budget. Already over *4 Pounds* of waste have been diverted from our water system and sent for decontamination at @terracycleca . Thank you Linda and Lana for your passion and dedication in launching this community initiative. 👍 Great work!

Community Events

Movies Under the Stars Each summer, the city hosts Movies Under the Stars in various parks across our city for all to enjoy. Bring the family out, get your spot, bring a blanket or lawn chair, snacks and get comfortable for a fun night. Staff are looking for your help in selecting movies for the summer of 2020. Take the survey where you can list up to five of your favourite movies, and the most popular will be selected for the seven summer movie showings . Learn more.

 BurlingtonGreen's Clean Up Week Mark your calendars for this year's Community Clean Up, April 20-26th. Gather family, friends, neighbours and coworkers to take collective climate action and help make our city a cleaner home for all of us.  Visit BurlingtonGreen to learn more about Clean Up Week, Green Up Day and TLC (Tree Loving Care).

Upcoming Events: Feb. 8 - Breakfast at the Bistro, Burlington Seniors' Centre Feb. 8 - Navigating the Music Industry - Panel Discussion at BPAC Feb. 10 - Genealogy Club Meeting at Central Library Feb. 10 - Burlington Black History Society Meeting at Central Library Feb. 13 - OCC Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at St. Christopher's Anglican Church Feb. 20 - Ward 2 Community Update Meeting at AGB Feb. 21-23 - Burlington Comedy Festival Feb. 22 - Memoir Writing Workshop at BPAC Feb. 23 - Triple-Threat Workshop at BPAC Feb. 25 - Burlington Youth Student Council's [F]Empower: A Panel Discussion with Women in Politics at Central Arena Feb. 25 - Bay Area Climate Change Council Forum Mar. 1 - Chilly Half Marathon Mar. 7 - Breakfast at the Bistro, Burlington Seniors' Centre

Ongoing: 30/60 Winter Play Challenge Burlington Public Library Children's programs, events, book clubs, contests, plus lots more Downtown Burlington Community Lunches at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday Family Sunday Open Studio on Sundays at the Art Gallery of Burlington Friday Night Community Dinners at Wellington Square United Church Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mystic Creatures Exhibit at Joseph Brant Museum, Feb. 1 - May 10, 2020 Rotary Centennial Pond Skating at Spencer Smith Park- weather permitting Taste of Burlington, Feb. 17 - March 8, 2020

Note: For a full listing of city meetings and events subscribe to the city calendar and receive a weekly email providing you with a list of what's coming up.

Community Partners

 Metrolinx Town Hall Meeting - February 5, 2020 Questions about Metrolinx services including regional transit planning? Attend a Metrolinx Town Hall meeting: DATE:    Wednesday, February 5, 2020 TIME:    7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. PLACE:  Burlington GO Station, Main Station Building, 2101 Fairview Street Learn more.

HRPS and the City of Burlington - Project 940 Like most municipalities, there are often more complaints than by-law and police officers available to respond in a timely manner. One of the most common calls both the City and police get stems from noise complaints.   In 2018, the City of Burlington and Halton Regional Police Services (HRPS) agreed to work together on a pilot project to improve enforcement of our Municipal Noise By-Law. A “940” call is the radio code police use when there is a noise complaint, and thus the pilot was named “Project 940”.

The pilot began in May 2018 with the team responding to noise complaints over a five-month period on Friday and Saturday nights. A City Municipal Law Enforcement Officer (MLEO) and a HRPS Officer together would patrol in a police vehicle, responding to noise complaints from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., with a focus of educating the public about the noise by-law (and other municipal by-laws).   The results of the Project 940 pilot included Successful public education about noise and city by-laws. MLE Officers learned enforcement techniques, and Response times dropped on average from 90 minutes to under 15 minutes.   In 2019, Project 940 became part of the City of Burlington’s MLEO team’s regular duties and is now the standard service level the city provides in partnership with the HRPS.

Congratulations Tourism Burlington! Did you know that this year is the 50th anniversary of our city's Visitor Information Centre in the city? The first Visitor Information Centre came into being when a refreshment shack from Mountainside Park was delivered to Spencer Smith Park by the City Parks & Recreation Department. Read more .

Closing Comments

Over the last year, I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet many of you. The number one role as your Councillor is to always listen, understand, and work to ensure your voice is at the forefront of decision making. Your feedback and thoughts are important to me and our community. I truly believe this is your city and I am here to serve our constituents. Our community is better when we're connected! Forward this newsletter to friends, family, neighbours and colleagues so that they can sign up as well.   Mark your Calendars for the 2020 Ward 2 Community Update Meetings on a Thursday evening at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Art Gallery of Burlington. February 20 April 16 June 11 September 17 November 19 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! Best regards, Lisa Kearns Ward 2 Councillor City of Burlington & Region of Halton E-mail: Lisa.Kearns@burlington.ca or Ward2@burlington.ca Tel: 905 335-7600, x7588

Quick Links … City of Burlington Building Permits Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) By-law Enforcement Calendar of Meetings and Events City Budget City Projects Construction in Your Neighbourhood Council Agendas and Minutes Coyotes Delegation Registration Forestry and Trees Get Involved Interim Control By-law Joseph Brant Museum Love My Hood Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund Official Plan Project Parking Planning Process Pop-up Patios Red Tape Red Carpet Task Force Roads and Sidewalk Maintenance Service Requests - Report a traffic sign, traffic signal, street light Service Requests - Report a pothole, graffiti, nuisance sign, coyote sighting Ward 2 Business Meeting Registry Ward 2 Current Development Applications Ward 2 Meetings and Events Ward 2 Past Newsletters Windrow Clearing Program

Quick Links ... Basement Flooding Subsidy Children & Parenting Comprehensive Housing Strategy 2014-2024 – Five-year Review Council Meetings & Agendas Environmental Health Housing Supports & Services Immunization Newcomers to Halton OneHalton Regional App Recycling & Waste Events & Resources Roads and Construction Services for Older Adults Other Quick Links … Burlington Hydro - Power Outage Halton Legal Community Services Halton Region Police Service MP Karina Gould (Federal Government Representative) MPP Jane McKenna (Provincial Government Representative)

‌ ‌ ‌

In compliance with Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation, recipients of this newsletter may unsubscribe (at the button below) at any time.