Lisa Kearns l Councillor l Burlington.ca/Ward2 |
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Hello,
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Development pressures are once again mounting particularly in the downtown / waterfront at a rate and scale far beyond Burlington's Official Plan(s). I continue to be your stong voice on development matters as you have given me a crystal clear mandate - sensible development that adheres closely to Burlington's planning vision and by-laws. I want to assure you that not a day goes by without efforts to protect what residents value and I continue to strategize with senior staff on carrying out community responsive growth management.
A huge thank you to the folks who participated in the Ward 2 Community Update held on Sept. 22nd. It was a successful first true hybrid public meeting, live streamed interactive zoom webinar AND in person with all COVID protocols at the Art Gallery of Burlington. It is important to note the format is a presentation followed by open discussion and Q&A. It is clear that development pressures remain a major issue.
I respect that some people may be at different levels of comfort and access to technology, and it is my hope that by offering options to discuss important matters in our community that everyone will feel heard and engaged.
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We covered a lot of material concerning Ward 2 and the City of Burlington, I invite you to review the Community Happenings. Click the photo to the right to view the presentation. |
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My office continues to support all requests and is here to serve you, please reach out.
I sincerely hope you and yours remain safe and well.
Lisa
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COVID-19 Recovery
- Current Status
- Vaccine - Continue to Protect Yourself and Others
COVID-19 Recovery - Support for Businesses
- Team Burlington Resources
- COVID-19 Business Support Phone Line
- Digital Transformation Grant 3.0
- Free Antigen Screening Kits
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Ward 2/4 Local Business Roundtable - Nov. 23 at 8:30 a.m.
City Hall Council + Committee Meetings
- Individual Committee Items Listed Below
- How Can You Communicate with Council?
- Watch Meetings Live
- Comments on Items up for Discussion at Committee
City Hall News
- Statements of support for Healthcare Workers
- COVID-19 Impact to City Services
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Update
- Burlington Transit
- Climate Resilient Burlington
- Community Support Fund
- Tree Requests
- Windrow Clearing Program
Ward 2 News - Infrastructure Improvements
- Basement Flooding Mitigation Program
- Downtown Sidewalk Repairs
- Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge
- Roadway Crack Sealing Program
Ward 2 News
- Downtown Noise
- Spencer Smith Park - Free Wi-Fi
- Ward 2 Community Fund
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Ward 2 Community Update Meeting - Oct. 20
Planning + Development - Overview
- Official Plan
- Interim Control By-law
- Urban Growth Centre Designation
- Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs)
Planning + Development
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Brant Street and Ghent Avenue - Oct. 12
- 535-551 Brant Street
- 407 Martha Street
- 2020 Lakeshore Road
- 2243, 2269 Fairview Street and 864 Drury Lane
- 1134 and 1167 Plains Road East
- 2020 Lakeshore Road
- 407 Martha Street
- Ward 2 Current Projects
Community
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Sept. 30
- Events & Activities
- New Mural Downtown
Community Partners
- Burlington Fire Department Sound On
- Dare To Be You
- Freeman Station
- Halton Children's Aid Society
- Halton Climate Collective Reads
- JBH - Support with Fundraising
Get Involved Burlington
- Community Survey
- 2022 Budget Survey
- Your Parks: Park Improvements
In Closing
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Current Status
We remain in Step 3 of the Province’s Roadmap to Reopen. Recent updates to Provincial regulation includes:
Sept. 25 - Capacity Limits Increase. With public health and health care indicators stable and proof of vaccination now in effect, the government, based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is cautiously easing capacity limits for select indoor and outdoor settings where proof of vaccination is required.
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Sept. 22- Proof of vaccination policy. Proof of being fully vaccinated along with photo identification must be shown to access certain businesses and settings including:
- Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout)
- Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres
- Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport
The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts will continue to monitor the data to determine when it is safe to exit the Roadmap and lift the majority of public health and workplace safety measures currently in place.
My comment: We are just not ready to move on yet. The COVID-19 vaccine is an important step to stop the spread of the virus. I continue to encourage those who are eligible and haven't yet received their COVID-19 vaccine, to do so today to do their part to help keep themselves, their loved ones and our communities safe.
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COVID-19 Recovery - Support for Businesses |
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COVID-19 Business Support Phone Line
If you have a COVID-19 question related to your business operations, leave a voicemail at this number and a team member will get back to you.
289-337-5505, ext. 102
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Digital Transformation Grant 3.0
Digital Main Street is a digital “how to” guide and program to help businesses grow and is now open for a third round of grants.
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Free Antigen Screening Kits
Free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Screening Kits are available to small and medium-sized businesses in Burlington. Learn more about the program here.
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Ward 2 Local Business Roundtable
I continue to champion our strong business presence in the Downtown. There are over 400 small local businesses here that have many owners and staff working and living within our neighbourhoods - keeping people invested in our community. This creates a great place to live and promotes culture and economic vibrancy.
This forum is a great one to connect with other business owners and operators to share what you need for continued success in our city.
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Next meeting of the Ward 2 Local Business Roundtable:
Nov. 23, 2021 at 8:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 893 4627 8279
Passcode: Ward2
Any questions? E-mail Ward2@burlington.ca
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City Hall - Council + Committee Meetings |
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What will Council be talking about in October?
Statutory Public Meetings:
- Zoning By-law Amendment for 1600 Kerns Road (Ward 1)
Regular Items:
- Revenue Funded Positions for Development Services
Confidential Items:
- Confidential Advice Regarding a Planning Matter
Consent Items:
- Election Symposium Update
- Audit and Accountability Fund - Intake 3
Regular Items:
- Lobbyist Registry Implementation
- Burlington Lands Partnership
Confidential Items:
- Confidential Insurance Report
- Confidential Update on a Litigation Matter
- Confidential Update on a Real Estate matter
- Confidential Update on a Litigation Matter
- Confidential Appendix B to Burlington Lands Partnership Update
Regular Items:
- Support for Joseph Brant Hospital's Mental Health and Addictions Redevelopment Project
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Verbal Update
Confidential Items:
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Verbal Update (if required)
- Confidential Regulatory Litigation Report
Statutory Public Meetings:
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Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments for 774, 778, 780, 782 Brant Street (Parcel A); 769, 779, 783 Brant Street & 2023, 2027, 2031-2033 Ghent Avenue (Parcel B); and 747, 761 Brant Street (Parcel C)
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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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Comments on Items Coming up for Discussion at Committee |
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Lobbyist Registry Implementation
My comments: I continue to believe that you have every right to know who your elected-officials are talking with. I am delighted that the Lobbyist Registry has progressed to a recommendation and implementation proposal. I look forward to this continuing to strengthening transparency around legislative actions.
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Statements in Support of Healthcare Workers
The City of Burlington is condemning, in the strongest terms, the targeted and misdirected abuse and harassment of healthcare workers. Protestors are asked to please take their messages to the decision-makers at City Hall, Queen's Park and Parliament Hill, and away from our hospitals and the private homes of our community leaders.
Please be considerate of those who need access to our hospital for life-saving treatments and those visiting their loved ones. Please be kind.
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COVID-19 Impact to City Services
The City's top priority is the health and wellbeing of our employees and community and we will continue to monitor ongoing developments.
City-Operated Facilities
As per Provincial regulation effective Sept. 22, individuals entering indoor facilities used for the following purposes are required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination:
- Sports
- Recreational fitness activities
- Meetings and events
City-operated facilities not impacted
City-operated services and facilities not impacted by the Provincial regulations include:
- City Hall at 426 Brant St.
- Outdoor sports fields and diamonds, parks and playgrounds
- Burlington Transit
- Halton Court Services
A COVID-19 screening, physical distancing, face masks and capacity limits remain in
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COVID-19 Emergency Response Update
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Burlington Transit
Burlington Transit is now operating at pre-pandemic service levels, with increased service on Routes 1, 10 and 81. Questions? Call 905 639-0550 or visit Burlington Transit.
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Climate Resilient Burlington (CRB)
All residents are invited to the CRB project launch event on Oct. 27. Learn more about the CRB project and hear from the keynote speaker David Phillips as he presents “Climate and Weather: It’s Not What Our Grandparents Knew.” Visit Get Involved Burlington for more details.
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Community Support Fund
The Community Support Fund has received 127 applications since last summer and was able to fund 95 virtual or limited in-person events, programs and projects in Burlington. You showed us many safe, innovative ideas that connected and enhanced our community while complying with public health and safety measures and Provincial orders. The City is accepting one last round of applications until Oct. 15.
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Tree Requests
Did you know that residents can now submit an online request for a free tree to be planted on the City right-of-way in front of their house? This is in keeping with the City's 2015-2040 Strategic Plan, wherein a healthy and green city, mature tree canopy, is a top priority for the City.
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Windrow Clearing Program
Did you know that the pile of snow that is left at the bottom of a driveway by roadway plows is called a windrow? In order to assist those with disabilities, the City offers a Windrow Clearing Program.
Previous Registrants from 2020-21 Season:
- Participants registered in last season’s program will be contacted directly by City staff to determine if they wish to register for the season, and if they continue to meet the conditions for the program.
- Staff will then work with residents to complete registration and payment prior to opening registration to general public on Oct. 15
- Registrants will be contacted by phone or email between Oct. 1 to 14, 2021
Remaining available Windrow Clearing spots will be available to the public Oct. 15 to Nov. 5, 2021.
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Ward 2 News - Infrastructure Improvements |
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Basement Flooding Mitigation Program
Halton Region is planning wastewater collection system enhancements in our Ward on the following streets:
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The purpose is to mitigate basement flooding risks by rehabilitating existing wastewater infrastructure. Design work is currently in progress and construction is tentatively scheduled for the Fall 2022. Read the notice.
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Downtown Sidewalk Repairs
Weather dependent, City crews will be undertaking sidewalk repairs throughout the Downtown starting the week of Oct. 4. Click on the photo to the right to view map of sidewalk repair locations.
Road closures are not anticipated and minimum impact is expected to on-street parking. Questions? Contact Scott Hutchison at 905 333-6166, x 6143 or e-mail Scott.Hutchison@Burlington.ca
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Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge
Metrolinx is working with the City of Burlington to replace and enhance the Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge, which is nearing the end of its service life. Enhancements include improved pedestrian access and accessibility compliance. Work is expected to start in 2022.
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Roadway Crack Sealing Program
The City's annual roadway crack sealing program is underway, weather dependent. View the map of Ward 2 showing affected streets. Questions? Contact Matt Koevoets at 905-333-6666,
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Downtown Noise
Many of you have shared concern about pedestrian and traffic safety, including the increased in vehicular noise and traffic particularly since the onset of Spring, continuing throughout the summer. I too have experienced the same disruption while enjoying the downtown neighbourhoods, main business area, and waterfront.
The health and safety of our residents is a top priority and my office continues to work closely with both the City's Traffic team and the Halton Regional Police Service on ways to keep our community safe.
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My June Newsletter shares of traffic safety initiatives put in place in the spring, and my office is currently working with the city’s Traffic Safety team for the installation of ‘Quiet Zone’ signage in the downtown.
I also need your help. Road Safety is a shared responsibility and there are a number of tools available for residents to help address traffic safety concerns including:
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Have a look here for information about the various tools available and about how you can help.
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Spencer Smith Park – Free Wi-Fi
The City of Burlington, in partnership with Cogeco, has launched free, public-facing Wi-Fi in Spencer Smith Park (1400 Lakeshore Rd.). The free Wi-Fi network is open to all park visitors daily and is available throughout most of the park.
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Ward 2 Community Fund
Did you know that each Councillor is allotted $5,000 per year towards community events and initiatives? Please let me know if you have an idea or request for Ward 2 Community Funds! Next Newsletter will outline how this funding has been used.
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I'm very proud of our community and the various volunteer/charitable programs in place which make our City a great place in which to live, work, play and age in place.
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Ward 2 Community Update Public Meeting
Let's connect on what's important you you!
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021
Time: 7-8 p.m. Presentation, followed by a Q&A
Place: Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB), 1333 Lakeshore Road
Agenda:
- Covid-19 Update
- City Hall News
- Ward 2 Updates
- Planning & Development
- Our Community
- Q&A Session
There are two options to participate:
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In person at the Art Gallery Burlington (AGB) where we are required to strictly adhere to public health protocols, including face coverings hand sanitizing and social distancing. Review the COVID-19 Health and Safety protocols in place at the AGB.
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- Virtual using Zoom technology to live stream the Community Update as a webinar.
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Planning + Development - Overview |
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Official Plan – Where are we at?
- Nov. 30, 2020 - Region approved Burlington’s Official Plan
- Dec. 23, 2020 - 48 Appeals filed with Ontario Land Tribunal
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Oct. 15, 2021 - Next Conference Management Case will be held online by the Ontario Land Tribunal, case #PL210040
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Interim Control By-law (ICBL)
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Urban Growth Centre Designation (UGC)
The adjustment of the boundary of the UGC, once centered on our downtown core, will put the focus of the designation on the Burlington GO Station, allowing the City to direct future height and density near mass transit and help build more complete communities.
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Major Transit Station Areas (MTSA)
The City is in the next phase of city-building as we approach full build-out of our urban area.
City staff are looking at area-specific plans which contain policies to guide future development within a specific geographic area. It is also important to protect established neighbourhoods by focusing future population growth to key areas, such as around higher order transit.
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Brant Street and Ghent Avenue
Molinaro Group
Oct. 12, 2021
6:30 p.m.
You are invited to attend a virtual Statutory Public Meeting under the Planning Act to consider the staff report concerning this application. As not all technical comments have been received, and given the complexity and scale of the application, Planning staff are recommending that Council direct staff to continue to review and process the application.
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Proposal:
- Phase 1 (NW Brant/Ghent), 25-storey tower and a 14-storey tower (with ground floor commercial area) and 425 residential units
- Phase 2 (NE Brant/Ghent), 25-storey tower (with ground floor commercial area) and 328 residential units
- Phase 3 (SE Brant/Ghent) 8-storey mid-rise building, 28 residential units
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535-551 Brant Street
Proposal:
- Mixed-use development
- 25-storey tower with 248 residential units
- Overall height of tower is 85.75 m (281.33 ft)
- Mechanical and rooftop outdoor amenity space
- 253 parking spaces and bicycle parking
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Additional 1,068 m2 of ground floor commercial
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Status:
- Appealed Sept. 20 for non-decision
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At its Sept. 9 Special Meeting, Council directed staff to proceed with processing the submitted Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, including evaluating and incorporating all comments received by Committee and Public and comments received through the ongoing technical review by agency partners and internal departments.
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407 Martha Street
Proposal:
- 11-storey residential building
- 130 units, density of 407 units per hectare
- 167 vehicle parking spaces within four levels of underground parking
- 88 bicycle parking spaces
- Vehicular access to the site from Martha Street
- Indoor and outdoor common amenity area at the ground level and through terracing of the building
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Status:
- At the Sept. 14 Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility Committee staff provided an update report recommending that Council direct staff to continue to review and process the application
- Within the ICBL, no planning decisions made until appeals resolved
More Information:
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2020 Lakeshore Road (Pre-Consultation)
Proposal:
- Two towers, to include a 35-storey tower and a 30-storey tower
- 557 apartments
- 130-room hotel
- 5-storey podium
- Retail and service commercial use at-grade to include offices, a banquet facility and restaurants
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Status:
- Completed application not yet received
- Pre-Application Public Consultation meeting held Sept. 8
- Public comments may be directed to the applicant
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- Once a complete application received, the public will be notified and comments will be received by City staff
- Within the ICBL, no planning decisions made until appeals resolved
More information:
My comments:
It is important to note that Council members must review all technical documents and recommendation reports from Planning Staff and reserve any positions (in favour / not in favour) to their dialogue in Council Chambers.
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2243, 2269 Fairview Street and 864 Drury Lane
CLV Group Developments
This is one of the rare sites in the City of Burlington where the applicant intends to comply with the Zoning By-law, the site is zoned MXT. 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.
The project includes 7 residential towers on top of 4 mixed use podiums with heights ranging between 29 and 37 storeys. Details can be found here:
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Status:
- The Site Plan application is currently under review by various internal staff and external agencies
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Jan. 14, 2021 - Information Report presented to CPRM Committee
- Apr. 21, 2021 - Ward 2 hosted Community Public Information Meeting
- As this property is within the Interim Control By-Law (ICBL) area, no planning decisions are being made until appeals associated with the ICBL are resolved
More information:
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1134 and 1167 Plains Road East (Ward 1 and 2)
Proposal:
- Four mixed-use towers
- Towers ranging in height from 22 to 35 storeys
- 1,049 residential units
- 1,219 parking spaces
- Commercial space at grade
- Density of 673 units per hectare
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Status:
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At its Sept. 9 Special Meeting, Council directed staff to proceed with processing the submitted Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, including evaluating and incorporating all comments received by Committee and Public and comments received through the ongoing technical review by agency partners and internal departments.
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More information:
My comments:
It is important to note that Council members must review all technical documents and recommendation reports from Planning Staff and reserve any positions (in favour / not in favour) to their dialogue in Council Chambers.
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Ward 2 Current Projects
Project Timelines - To keep updated on the progress of local construction projects, my office requests updates so we all know what is happening in our community. Recent 'timeline' updates on current Planning projects include:
To find out more about Planning applications and development projects underway in our community, visit Ward 2 Current Projects. Project pages include details, timelines and contact information.
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The City observed the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday, Sept. 30. To mark the importance of the day, City of Burlington administration buildings were closed.
Many joined the Urban Indigenous People of Burlington at Spencer Smith Park for educational events and opportunities that reflect on the nation's past and recommit to understanding the truth of our shared history and advancing reconciliation.
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New Mural Burlington Downtown
Burlington’s Downtown core just became even more colourful thanks to a new mural celebrating the vibrancy and resilience of the downtown community. Located just north of Lakeshore Rd. at 404 John St., the mural is the vision and accomplishment of Canadian artist, Chris Perez.
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Burlington Fire Department
Contest Alert! Help the Burlington Fire Department by making sure everyone you care about can hear their smoke and CO alarms. Until Oct. 11, anyone who likes, shares and tags three friends using the hashtag #SoundOnBurlON will be entered to win one of several great prizes. For full details, visit Sound On Save Lives.
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Dare To Be You (DTBY)
Driven by mentorship and leadership initiatives, DTBY is dedicated to supporting young adults and empowering personal growth and self-discovery to create a community of future leaders that inspire change. DTBY initiatives:
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Freeman Station
For all you car enthusiasts, now on display at Freeman Station is a 1951 Canadian-built Chrysler Windsor Inspection Car #1, modified to run on the Toronto Hamilton and Buffalo Railway tracks, photo credit Alan Harrington.
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Halton Children’s Aid Society
There are so many ways to help. If you are interested in volunteering to enrich the lives of vulnerable children, youth and families, visit Halton Children's Aid Society to learn more.
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Halton Climate Collective (HCC)
The HCC Reads campaign is back again to engage our community about the complex issues of Climate Change. HCC Reads aims to engage residents in reading, listening to, and asking about Climate change while learning how we, as a community, can act to protect our planet.
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Joseph Brant Hospital - Support with Fundraising
Walk, BBQ or Celebrate for Joseph Brant and raise funds to support the urgent needs of our community hospital. Support healthcare close to home by creating a custom fundraising page to celebrate a milestone or you can create a tribute page In-Honour or In-Memory of a loved one.
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Get Involved Burlington
Get Involved Burlington is the City's online engagement portal. This is the page to find projects and initiatives that require public input. Be sure to check regularly as projects are added. Current initiatives requiring your input include:
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2021 Community Survey - Complete an online survey and let the City know how do you prefer to be involved with the City? Do you feel you are part of the decision-making process? Survey is available until Oct. 15.
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2022 Budget Survey - Help the City understand your priorities and the value you place on services.
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Your Parks: Park Improvements - Suggestions for park improvements? Perhaps a new bench, bike rack, play area/feature, drinking fountain or seasonal washroom? Share your suggestion directly using an integrative map.
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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 to be immediately connected to services.
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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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