Lisa Kearns l Councillor l Burlington.ca/Ward2 |
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March 27, 2021
Engagement Matters
Even though we can’t be together as usual, there are still many ways to connect:
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Ward 2 Newsletter
Ensuring the Ward 2 newsletter is in your inbox well before decisions at Committee happen keeps you at the forefront of decision making at City Hall. In fact, last month two newsletters were sent out to ensure you had time to know what Council was deciding on. You have the opportunity to review and comment on upcoming items ahead of Council's discussion and can make your position known. Feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends who can sign up directly as well.
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Ward 2 Community Mailbox
My office recently welcomed Co-op student Lainy who was tasked with thinking about ways to receive community feedback while we are not able to gather physically.
"Connecting you to City Hall! A way for your voice to be heard during these hard times. We have installed a contactless mailbox to drop any comments, suggestions, or compliments you may have. The box is located at City Hall on Brant Street. Use your walks to observe the community and pass on your thoughts to Councillor Lisa Kearns.“ -Lainy
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Ward 2 Community Update Meetings
Let's connect on what's important you you!
Attend my April virtual Ward 2 Community Update Meeting:
Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Accessibility is important to my office, if you require accommodations or feel uncomfortable with Zoom technology, please let us know.
The format will begin with a presentation followed by a Q&A session.
As always, everyone welcome.
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My office continues to work at full capacity. I can be reached through e-mail at Lisa.Kearns@Burlington.ca and appreciate every opportunity to hear what matters to you. Keep well & stay positive!
Lisa
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COVID-19 Response
- Province - COVID-19 Framework
- Restaurants, Bars - Dining Capacity Limits
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- Halton Region Vaccine Program
- Support for Businesses
- Stay Informed
City Hall Council + Committee Meetings
- Individual Committee Items Listed Below
- How Can You Communicate with Council?
- Watch Meetings Live
City Hall News
- 2021 Budget Approved
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Beachway Park - Webinar - April 1
- Burlington Transit Survey
- Climate Change
- Community Engagement
- Announcements
Ward 2 News
- Bike Repair Safety
- Cannabis
- Downtown - Loud Vehicle Noise
- Parking Reminders
- Spring/Summer Temporary Patios
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Ward 2 Virtual Community Update - April 22
Planning + Development
- City of Burlington Official Plan
- Interim Control By-law
- Region of Halton Official Plan
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2243, 2269 Fairview Street and 864 Drury Lane - April 21
- Ward 2 Current Projects
Community + Community Partners
In Closing
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Province - COVID-19 Framework |
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Restaurants, Bars - Dining Capacity Limits
On March 20, 2021, the Province announced adjustments to dining capacity limits at food/drink establishments under the Provincial framework. For Halton in the Red/Control Level, measures include allowing up to 50% capacity of the indoor dining area (50 max), so long as physical distancing requirements are met.
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Every level of government has an important role to play in the COVID-19 vaccination process, and are working closely together with the Vaccine roll-out. As we are on a four-tiered government system, the responsibilities listed in the 'Municipal Government' box above fall under Halton Region, with the city working in close collaboration. |
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Halton Region Vaccine Program - Halton is continuing to vaccinate priority groups identified by the Province.
Residents who require booking support can also call 311 and a customer service representative will assist in the booking process.
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Know the Facts - It’s important to know the facts. If you have questions about vaccines or the vaccine program in Halton, look for information from trusted sources. Here’s where you can find the most up-to-date information:
- Halton Region’s vaccine program and how vaccines work, visit Halton.ca/COVIDvaccines
- Provincial vaccine rollout and eligibility criteria, visit Ontario.ca/COVID19
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Vaccines approved for use in Canada, visit Canada.ca
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Support for Businesses
COVID-19 has presented a number of unprecedented economic and operational challenges for our city’s business owners. Resources for businesses include:
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Team Burlington
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Team Burlington and City of Burlington specific policies and programs
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Question related to your business operations? Leave a voicemail at the COVID-19 Business Support Number 1 289 337-5505, ext. 102 and a team member will get back to you.
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City Hall - Council + Committee Meetings |
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What is Happening at City Council in April?
I have highlighted the Agenda items I believe you might have interest in as well as the direct report link. I hope this helps as I know these large agendas can be discouraging to navigate.
Tuesday, Apr. 6 at 9:30 a.m.
- Milton Animal Shelter Services
- Burlington Brownfield Focus Community Improvement Plan Adoption By-laws
- Red Tape Carpet Update
- Burlington Urban Design Advisory Panel Update
- Regional Official Plan Review - Growth Concepts Discussion Paper
- 90 Minute Waived Downtown Parking Fees
- Grant Application from the Community Heritage Fund for 2411 Lakeshore Road
- Comments to Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) and Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) for the Burlington Nelson Quarry Extension
- City of Burlington Housing Strategy - Draft Engagement Plan
- Recommendation for Plan of Subdivision at 600 Maplehill Drive (Ward 4)
- Annual Report from the Burlington Ombudsman
- Council Remuneration Review Working Group Terms of Reference
- Provincial Bill 197 Process Update
- 2020 Annual Status Update on Community Engagement
- Naming of Corporate Assets Policy
- Procedure By-law Amendments in Response to SD-30-20 and Staff Directions Reporting
- Interim Advisory Committee Budget Allocation Process
- High Level Corporate Strategy Workplan Update
- Single Source Procurement - Regenerative Air Street Sweeper
- Single Source Report - Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicles
- Orchard Community Hub
- Presentation from Halton Region Police Chief Tanner
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Verbal Update
- Public Boat Launch Service Plan
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Beachway and Lowville Park Update (paid parking)
At time of writing, agenda not yet available.
At time of writing, agenda not yet available.
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How Can You Communicate with Council?
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Watch Meetings Live
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all City meetings continue to be held virtually. Residents are encouraged to visit the City Calendar to:
- Watch a live web cast of all city meetings
- Find links to view a copy of the agenda items being discussed at city meetings
- View video recordings of previous meetings
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2021 Budget Approved
The 2021 budget focuses on:
Sustaining city services, including:
- Additional resources to support ongoing and growing workloads in forestry and road maintenance
- Additional funding for on-going recreation facility maintenance as well as the conversion of part-time staffing to full-time
- Additional resource to support and enhance community engagement.
Managing community growth, including:
- Funding to carry out the comprehensive review of the zoning bylaw
- Funding to complete area specific planning for the Major Transit Station Areas (MTSA) around the three GO stations in Burlington
- Additional resources to enhance the delivery of development review and building services.
Enhancing services, including:
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A continuation of the free transit service for seniors pilot program, Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- A continuation of the plumbing grant program that provides financial assistance for basement flood prevention work.
Modifications to services to address COVID-19, including:
- The introduction of new parking measures at Beachway Park and Lowville Park
- Additional bylaw enforcement officers, funded by Halton Region, to assist with the enforcement of COVID-19 public health measures.
My comments: The efficiency and prudent use of funds, as well as strategic financial planning for tax stabilization continues to be the focus. Stay tuned for a breakdown of the Operations Budget similar to this Capital Budget video.
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Beachway Park (Ward 1)
Virtual Public Engagement Webinar
With the added volume of people and traffic at Beachway Park last summer, the city experienced significant increase in challenges around parking management and crowd control, even with the addition of staff during peak times. As we look ahead to another busy summer and continued increases in visitors to our great city, staff will be presenting some initial recommendations to manage these challenges around Beachway Park. Here's the link to the report which will be considered at the April 8, 2021, Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services Committee Meeting.
Your feedback required - You are invited to participate in a virtual public engagement webinar and share your own experiences at Beachway Park and any ideas or suggestions you may have to improve it going forward. City leaders and staff together with the Mayor and Council will be in attendance to listen to your feedback and answer questions you may have.
Thursday, April 1, 2021
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
ZOOM DETAILS:
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Passcode (if applicable): 789475
Or One tap mobile Canada: +16473744685,,85122050189#,,,,*789475#
Join By Telephone Only:
Dial: 647-374-4685
Webinar ID: 851 2205 0189
Passcode: 789475
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Burlington Transit - Your Feedback Required
During COVID-19, Burlington Transit has been running a reduced service and wants to hear from you so that they can improve the safety of customers and drivers. Complete the survey at Get Involved Burlington. Survey available until April 9, 2021.
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Climate Change
Are you ready for warmer, wetter and wilder weather? Our climate is changing. No one is immune to the impacts of climate change. That’s why the City is going through the process of developing a formal plan that will help us to identify potential climate impacts to which we are vulnerable and come up with an action plan to address the risks. Read more.
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Planning for a New Deck or Swimming Pool?
Thinking about a new deck or making a splash in your very own backyard pool? Each summer, the City usually gets a rush on applications, however last year the city received even more due to COVID-19. Beat the rush so you can get the most out of your summer. Learn more.
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Tax Deferral Program
Applications are now being accepted for Burlington’s 2021 property tax deferral program. If you are experiencing financial hardship related to COVID-19, learn more about how to apply for a deferred pre-authorized monthly payment plan
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Announcements
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Global Covenant for Climate and Energy. Burlington is one of 25 Canadian municipalities that successfully completed the Showcase Cities pilot focusing on local climate action. By participating in this pilot, Burlington has been recognized as a leader on local climate action both nationally and internationally.
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Festival & Events Ontario recently recognized the City with an Achievement Award for virtual Canada Day Celebration and Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail. Burlington Fire Department volunteer firefighter Scott Dynes was also nominated for a Volunteer of the Year award in recognition for his time and efforts in delivering Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail.
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Bike Repair Stations
Small things matter - We cannot consider a Master Cycle Plan without removing barriers at the most basic level. Fixed! The mobile bike station and pumps at our two Downtown Burlington locations: Spencer Smith Park & City Hall have been fixed! Learn more.
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Cannabis
On December 18, 2020, the Alcohol and Gaming commission of Ontario (AGCO) received an application for a 19th cannabis retail store called Pleasantries to be located at 372 Brant Street. The application does not meet the City's approved guidelines as it is within 500m of another cannabis retail store. The application is under review with the AGCO.
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Downtown - Loud Vehicle Noise
Picture to the right: A peaceful moment after being nearly scared to death by revving motorcycles and loud vehicles ripping up the street at Brant Street and Lakeshore Road.
I continue to engage with our Halton Regional Police partners for strengthened compliance of downtown vehicle behaviour that becomes more offensive as the warmer weather increases. I can advise that earlier in the season, signage was posted and patrols have been out to curb this excessive noise on our community streets. Thank you to the many residents who have e-mailed my office sharing concerns and request for better compliance with loud vehicles / noise by-laws.
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Pleased to see that the HRPS is hosting a HRPS Drive-in Q&A for Car Modifications - Unsure if your car’s modifications are legal? Burlington officers are hosting a drive-in Q&A Sunday, March 28, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Halton Regional Police Services Station in Burlington. No fines will be issued but unsafe cars will not be permitted to drive away. All COVID-19 precautions will be taken.
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Parking Reminders:
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5-hour Limit Reinstated - Enforcement of the 5-hour parking limit was reinstated for on-street parking effective Feb. 11. Residents needing to park on-street past the 5-hour limit can apply for a parking permit or exemption.
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Downtown Parking - Pilot Project in Effect Pay $0.25 and get 90 minutes of parking on the City! To encourage residents to visit Downtown Burlington retailers and restaurants, Council approved this Pilot Project which is recommended to extend through to the end of June 2021. City Staff are requesting additional time while in a "Red Zone" or lower for at least three months to gather the required data to present a more fulsome report to Council. Staff Report Here.
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Downtown Parking - 20 Minute Curbside Remains in an informal effect for facilitating quick retail pickups and curbside hospitality orders. As a continued Covid-19 response measure this option is being continually reviewed and parking enforcement is responding accordingly.
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Spring / Summer Temporary Patios
Time to start planning for patio season! Applications are being accepted now until March 31 if you would like to take advantage of the streamlined approval process. You can still apply after March 31 but may not have your permit as quickly. Patios can be installed and open as early as April 15 for this year's temporary patio program.⠀
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If you were approved for a patio last summer and want to install the same thing, your permits can be renewed this year based on 2020 patio approvals. And the best part? Application fees for the 2021 temporary patio program are being waived to help businesses recover during the COVID-19 pandemic.⠀Read more.
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City of Burlington Official Plan - Appeals
After significant work and engagement, Burlington’s new Official Plan was approved by Halton Region on Nov. 30, 2020. This was followed by a 20-day appeal period, during which 48 appeals were filed.
It should be expected that following any new Official Plan, appeals are customarily filed for major planning matters. The reason for appeals must include how the appeal:
- relates to how a municipal or approval authority decision is inconsistent with the Provincial Policy Statement,
- does not conform or conflicts with provincial plans, or
- does not conform with an applicable official plan
Read more including which are Ward 2 appeals and if you are curious, I've compiled a consolidated list for Ward 2 with the Legal Representation / Resident appeal party information. Click to enlarge
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Interim Control By-law (ICBL)
The ICBL remains in place. On Jan. 19, 2021, LPAT held the first Case Management Conference (CMC) regarding appeals to OPA 119 and ZBL 2020.418, the instruments arising out of the ICBL study of the downtown and lands around the Burlington GO station. The next CMC is set for Apr. 26, 2021. Official Plan Amendments and Zoning By-law Amendment reviews are being processed by staff up to the Statutory Public Meeting stage.
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Region of Halton - Official Plan Review
The Regional Official Plan (ROP) is a land use policy document created by Halton Region to shape the Region's future growth and development. The Planning Act requires that the ROP be reviewed every 5 years to both reflect changes in our communities and the vision for the Region; and ensure that the Official Plan remains aligned with Provincial policies. Halton Region is currently in Phase 2.
The Region has developed four concepts of how and where Halton could grow over the next 30 years. Each concept helps answer questions about the future of Halton—whether it’s how quickly our region will grow, where new jobs will be located or what types of homes will be built. Visit the Growth Concepts Page.
At the April 6th CPRM Meeting, Curt Benson, Director, Planning Services and Chief Planning Official, Halton Region will present a Regional Official Plan review - Growth Concepts Discussion Paper.
Work and public engagement continues. These concepts are important as decisions today will directly affect how our communities grow tomorrow.
The first amendment to be considered by Regional Council as part of the Regional Official Plan Review is ROPA 48. This amendment helps define and provide direction on urban structure, such as Urban Growth Centres, Major Transit Station Area, Regional Nodes and employment areas. It is the first amendment to be considered by Regional Council as part of the Regional Official Plan Review.
See proposed map 1H - Regional Urban Structure associated with ROPA 48. Note the Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) for Burlington is proposed at the Burlington Go Station and no longer the John Street Bus Terminal as a MTSA.
An urban structure is how the land use of a city or town is determined. It helps further the growth within our community by providing a way to guide the development of buildings, spaces or municipal infrastructure. An urban structure can consist of growth areas, employment areas, stable residential areas and the transportation and growth corridors that connect these areas.
The ROP shapes how and where Halton grows and your input is valuable as these decision are made for our community. Read more.
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2243, 2269 Fairview Street and 864 Drury Lane
CLV Group Developments
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Project:
- 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:
- The Site Plan application is currently under review by various internal staff and external agencies.
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An Information Report was presented to the January 14, 2021 Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility Committee.
- The subject property is within the Interim Control By-Law (ICBL) area. No planning decisions are being made until appeals associated with the ICBL are resolved.
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Learn more about this project at a virtual public information meeting which will begin with Fairview LP presenting the project design and an update on the site plan process, followed by a Q&A. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the proposal, ask your questions and share your comments.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
at 7 p.m.
Participate online using Zoom Meeting ID: 939 0580 7029
Participate by phone 1 647 374-4685 (audio only)
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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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Burlington Youth Student Council (BYSC)
Calling all high school students who are looking to learn more about City initiatives, get involved and provide feedback. Join BYCS's next meeting - April 7, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn more.
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Community Clean up Green Up
Burlington’s annual Clean Up Green Up registration is now open! Sign up to participate in this popular and rewarding city-wide opportunity to safely collect litter from our community. Register to also participate in various green up activities that you can do at home to help grow the local tree canopy and strengthen local biodiversity too! Learn more.
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Light House for Grieving Children
Lighthouse for Grieving Children is an important organization that relies on fundraising events and donations in order to offer grief support services to grieving children and their families. Upcoming Events:
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John McDermott Concert - April 30. This exclusive ticketed event includes a virtual evening with John McDermott.
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RUN4LH: May 15 – June 15. Join in the quest to travel virtually across Canada from Lighthouse2Lighthouse. Run, walk, roll, ride, paddle, swim, skate ...you choose!
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Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund
The Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund is now accepting applications for community-led projects that will help make our city a better place to live and play. Your project could receive up to $10,000. Learn more.
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Parks & Recreation - Get Active!
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, all programs offered meet health guidelines designed in consultation with Halton Region Public Health and in alignment with Provincial health guidelines.
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Aquatics Spring Registration -The City is offering a limited number of swimming lessons and aquatic leadership programs this spring. Registration for swim lessons at Tansley Woods Pool begins Monday, March 29 at 9 a.m.
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Spring into Health - Join in on 14 days of fun Spring into Health challenges in April and May. Work with another household to complete daily tasks for a chance to win some great prizes.
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Spring Break Recreation Programs include Youth Camp, Student Theatre Camp, and PA Day programming is now open for registration.
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Lending Library Pickleball Equipment - The Lending Library for Pickleball Equipment at Burlington Seniors’ Centre provides the opportunity to borrow equipment for those wanting to play pickleball including at Ward 2 outdoor pickleball courts at Leighland Park and Optimist Park.
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Art Gallery Burlington (AGB)
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Stellar exhibits are happening right now at the AGB. I was fortunate to have a tour with the AGB Curator as we discussed the impact of art on the viewer through their experiences and how art can challenge our preconceptions. It is a true gift to have this high calibre gallery and programming right here in our community.
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Spring Break Art Camp Takeout Art Kits engage children in art, craft and storytelling projects in response to daily prompts that encourage them to be mindful of their present realities, while exploring and imagining exciting new possibilities for the future.
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Course Registration - From on-site courses to on-line courses, spring course registration opens March 31, 2021, at 9 a.m. Check out the various course listings and see what the AGB has to offer. There is something for all ages.
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Burlington Fire Department
3 Words Could Help Save Your Life
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Burlington Public Library - Calling all Teens!
The library is holding its annual Teen Writing Contest for teens grades 7-12 to submit poetry, short stories, or comics! This is a great open forum for young writers to express their ideas and creativity. Deadline for submissions is April 16, 2021.
The library offers free online programs. Some are available anytime and others are presented 'live' and require registration. Read more.
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Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH)
Seeking New Board Members
Join the Board of Directors of our local hospital. JBH is recruiting two new Board members who will reflect the hospital's needs and aspirations with respect to knowledge, attributes, competencies and experience. A virtual information session will be held on April 1, 2021. Learn more.
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Sound of Music (SoM)
With the continuing pandemic, we'll certainly miss our traditional SoM Festival at Spencer Smith Park. This year SoM however, Sound of Music has been offering the 'Return to Live Series', from March through August.
This Saturday, March 27, 2020, Return to Live Series and the Burlington Performing Arts Centre presents Monster Truck with Helix.
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Virtual Tax Clinics - Free
Just like traditional in-person free tax clinics, virtual clinics connect eligible individuals with trained volunteers who will complete and file their tax returns. If you need help preparing your 2020 income tax return, there is support. Learn more.
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If you are in need of support, there is a comprehensive list on the City's website.
If you or someone you know is struggling as a result of COVID-19, please know that you are not alone and there is help available. You can call #311 or #211 to be immediately connected to services.
Thank you to everyone for staying in this together, following the public health recommendations and for being kind and respectful of one another.
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 changes 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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