 By Staff
October 25th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Shaping Burlington’s 2022 budget: key meeting dates coming up, including a virtual town hall with Mayor Marianne Meed Ward on Nov. 22
Work to determine the 2022 budget continues. An overview of the budget will be presented to Burlington City Council at a virtual Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 9:30 a.m. The overview will include a look at the proposed 2022 operating budget as well as the 2022 capital budget and forecast.
Key areas of focus for the proposed 2022 budget
Each year, during the City’s budget process, decisions are made to ensure an appropriate balance between affordability, maintaining service levels and financial sustainability over the long term.
The proposed 2022 budget focuses on:
- Mitigating the financial impacts of COVID-19
- maintaining service levels
- ensuring city assets are maintained in a good state of repair
- continuing to provide strategic investments aligned to the City’s work plan, 2018 to 2022: Vision to Focus
- upholding legislative requirements while ensuring competitive property taxes.
 City plans to add more bylaw enforcement officers. Proposed capital budget
The proposed 2022 capital budget is $77.3 million, with a ten-year program of $829.5 million. From this total:
- 68.5% is for infrastructure renewal
- 15.1% goes towards growth-related projects
- 12.8% is for new/enhanced projects
- 3.6% goes towards green projects which support the City’s climate goals.
Proposed operating budget
The proposed 2022 operating budget is $284.8 million and includes new funding to support:
- Sustaining city services ($685,333)
- Additional funding for on-going recreation facility maintenance to meet lifecycle requirements and reduce risk
- One-time funding to support a Gypsy Moth spraying program in 2022
- One-time funding to extend the contracts of two bylaw officers
- Modifications to services to address COVID-19 ($332,733)
- Funding to make the bus cleaning pilot program permanent
- Dedicated operations space for building inspection and bylaw enforcement staff.
Proposed tax increase
This represents a 5.45% increase to the City’s portion of the tax bill.
When combined with the estimated regional and education tax levies, the overall projected tax increase for a Burlington homeowner in 2022 is 3.18% or $24.76 per $100,000 of assessment. For example, homeowners with a home assessed at $500,000 would pay an additional $123.80 per year or $2.38 per week.
A copy of the proposed budget for 2022 will be available online at burlington.ca/budget.
 Pre Covid19 there were meetings with staff where questions could be asked. Now it’s all virtual. Public Input
To gather feedback from residents about how municipal services are valued and which ones are a priority for residents, the City hosted an online budget survey from July 5 to Sept. 30, 2021, at getinvolvedburlington.ca. A total of 539 responses were received.
Survey results:
- 71.7% indicated they are satisfied with the services provided by the City of Burlington
- 64.5% rated the value they receive for their tax investment as good or very good
- 70.3% said it is important to them for funding to be put aside for infrastructure renewal
- 86.3% said it is important to them to set aside additional funding to address potential future emergencies like a pandemic or natural disaster.
Get Involved Burlington also features an interactive budget simulation tool where residents and taxpayers can show the City how they would balance the budget. Users can increase and decrease funding for different City service areas as they see fit while still maintaining a balanced budget.
Virtual 2022 Budget Town Hall – Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.
An additional opportunity for public input on the 2022 budget will be held on Monday, Nov. 22, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. during a virtual town hall hosted by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. The live, online meeting provides residents an opportunity to learn more and ask questions to City staff about the proposed 2022 budget priorities. More details about the link to join the virtual meeting will be available on getinvolvedburlington.ca in the coming days.
 Marianne Meed Ward has never shied away from budget increases. Her approach reflects the Red Liberal in her. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward explains: “The budget process is one of the most important exercises the city undertakes each year. Determining key spending priorities in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is challenging as COVID continues to present significant financial impacts.
“To assist City Council in the budget process, we want residents and taxpayers to share their input and tell us what services are important to them. Please join in the conversation at the Nov. 22 virtual town hall that I will be hosting. We know our citizens expect us to maintain a high quality of services as our city continues to grow and evolve and we want everyone to share their feedback with us, so we can continue to deliver on their expectations.”
 Joan Ford knows her numbers inside out. She gives council the facts and advice when they ask. They don’t ask very often. Joan Ford, Director of Finance gives her side of the budget story: “The City’s annual budget process provides an opportunity to review existing operations and make investments in key City programs and services. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to provide significant financial challenges for the City, the 2022 budget process will focus on maintaining the city’s financial position, addressing corporate risks, and ensuring residents continue to receive the programs and services that provide a high quality of life in Burlington.”
 By Pepper Parr
October 20, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
This Background piece is on the long side. It is the first time we have seen such a comprehensive engagement plan with so much detail and really relevant information. While we are surprised we also want to thank the Communications people for being this candid.
Burlington is in the next phase of city-building as it approaches full build-out of the urban area. The undertaking of area-specific plans (ASPs) for Burlington’s Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) represents the City’s continuing implementation of its vision for appropriate intensification and the protection of established neighbourhoods by focusing future population growth to key areas, and in particular, a focus around higher order transit.
 Way back in the beginning the GO stations were called Mobility Hubs and at that time the bus terminal in the downtown core was included a Hub. That mistake made it possible for a developer to put up a 26 storey tower which opened things up for other developers. This is a big big deal – it involves something in the order of 20,000 people and or jobs in what will be a small village of its own. It will take decades to get through it all and it may well change in some form going forward.
The city has put together an Engagement Plan – it runs 13 pages long – with a lot of surprising information.
Area Specific Plans for the properties within each MTSA have to be created.
This work started out as a Mobility Hub study which was placed on hold in Q1 2019 to allow for a shift in focus to emerging planning priorities, including the Region’s Municipal Comprehensive Review, the scoped re-examination of the adopted Official Plan and the Interim Control Bylaw Land Use Study.
There are a number of key differences that resulted in significant changes to the scope and considerations of the work that had to be done including the completion of all required technical studies, further public and stakeholder engagement and the completion of three (3) area-specific plans, as well as the associated implementing Official Plan and Zoning By-Law amendments and other implementation strategies which may be required to get everything before Council.
 Citizens will show up for a meeting if you make it interesting enough and promote it effectively. We will have to wait until we are out of Covid19 rules for events like this to take place The Engagement Plan highlights the points in the process at which engagement will take place, who will be engaged, and the level of engagement. The plan also clearly defines which aspects of the process the City and public can influence throughout the discussion.
Decision Statement
At the beginning of an engagement process, it is helpful to know, “what is the decision to be made?” A decision statement clearly identifies:
• what decision needs to be made;
• who is the decision maker; and
• when the decision is required.
The decision statement for the MTSA ASP project is as follows:
“By June 2022, Burlington City Council will vote to adopt amendments to the Burlington Official Plan, 2020 to incorporate Protected Major Transit Station Area (MTSAs) area-specific plans to guide development and investment around the Burlington, Appleby and Aldershot GO Station Areas.
“Amendments adopted by Burlington City Council will then be forwarded to the Region of Halton for approval.”
Summary of Stakeholders
A stakeholder is anyone who has an interest or concern about a specific topic. To identify the stakeholders for the MTSA ASP Project, a mapping process will be used to confirm all the people who are affected by this work, those who have influence or power over the work and those that have an interest in its outcome, based on the stakeholders previously identified through the Mobility Hubs Project. It is expected that various individuals and groups will be identified across the following categories:
• Residents and resident groups (including newcomers, young families and young people) • Community organizations; special interest, advocacy, and activism groups
• Government and public service providers (internal and external) • City Advisory Committees and arms-length city agencies
• Indigenous Communities • Development industry
• Businesses and business groups • Major facilities1 within or adjacent to study areas
• Private and non-profit community service providers • Elected officials
• Media
Once the stakeholders and interested or affected individuals and groups have been confirmed, the engagement milestones in this plan will be refined to reflect the tactics and level of engagement required for each party throughout the MTSA ASP Project.
Objectives of Engagement
The following objectives provide a clear understanding of what the public engagement will strive to achieve through the community discussion about the MTSA ASP Project:
• Provide relevant information about the project, decision-making process, and how the public can provide input and feedback;
• Work with City communications and engagement staff, as well as consultants, to provide a coordinated approach to engagement, communication and evaluation of the MTSA ASPs and their implementing policies.
• Provide multiple channels for people to provide meaningful input virtually and, if possible, in-person at appropriate decision points;
 The Getting Involved web site has loads of information and is the place documents are stored for quick retrieval. It takes some practice to get the hang of it all – but it works. • Create an ongoing record of what is said during engagement opportunities and make it available to the public throughout the process, so they can track the progress of the project, including reports back to the community that highlight how feedback was or was not incorporated into the final recommendations to Council;
• Gather meaningful input from members of the community whose voices are historically underrepresented in conversations about city issues;
• Establish a project page on getinvolvedburlington.ca as the main online platform for up-to-date information about the project and upcoming engagement opportunities;
• Use clear, plain language in the delivery of the Engagement Plan to inform the public about what can and cannot be influenced through the MTSA ASP Project.
Project Stages and Engagement Milestones
At a Special Meeting of Council on June 8, 2021, City Council [modified/endorsed] the work plan for the MTSA ASP Project. The key project stages and associated engagement milestones are presented below. For each project stage, the engagement plan identifies where public input will take place, who will be involved in the engagement and what level of engagement will occur.
The strategies that will be used for public involvement in the MTSA ASP Project reflect the feedback provided to the City in the May 17, 2021 Council Workshop. Relevant feedback from related projects has also been considered, including the new Burlington Official Plan, the Scoped Re-Examination of the Downtown and the Interim Control By-Law Land Use Study. These strategies will be further refined by the MTSA ASP Project Steering Committee.
Policies and Factors That Cannot be Influenced
In every public engagement process, it is important to be aware of the things that cannot be influenced: either because they are beyond the City’s control (for example things that are required by regional or provincial policy or law), or because they are outside the scope of the project as set out in the Council-approved work plan. In discussing the Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) Area-Specific Planning (ASP) Project, the following aspects are considered ‘givens’ and will not be included in engagement activities:
1. Planning policy at the local municipal level is informed by legislation, policies and plans such as the Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan, Halton Region Official Plan, Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan and others.
2. City Council can adopt proposed amendments to the Burlington Official Plan, but Halton Region is the designated approval authority. Halton Region may modify City-proposed amendments prior to approval and, if appealed, the approved amendments may be subject to further change through the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, (Now named the Ontario Land Tribunal) except for PMTSA policies and zoning regulations protected from appeal under the Planning Act.
3. The proposed Area-Specific Plans and associated implementing mechanisms will be prepared for the Burlington Official Plan (2020), not the Burlington Official Plan (1997).
4. This study is focused only on the Downtown Burlington Urban Growth Centre/Burlington GO MTSA, Aldershot GO MTSA and Appleby GO MTSA. MTSA boundaries and the corresponding minimum growth targets are being set by Region of Halton through its Municipal Comprehensive Review. Draft Halton Regional Official Plan Amendment (ROPA) 48 proposes updates to the Regional Structure and includes formal boundaries for each of the MTSAs within Halton Region. Once approved by the Province, these boundaries and targets cannot be appealed.
 5. Urban Growth Centres (UGCs) are strategic growth areas that are planned for greater population and job growth and higher rates of development than other areas in the City and Region. Provincial policies set out minimum density targets for these areas, which are implemented through the Regional Official Plan, and then through the Burlington Official Plan. Draft ROPA 48 includes an adjusted boundary for the Burlington Urban Growth Centre (UGC). If approved by the Province, the adjusted UGC boundary will center around the Burlington GO Station Area.
6. In 2017, a new policy framework for “Protected Major Transit Station Areas” (PMTSAs) was established in the Planning Act, R.S.O 1990. PMTSAs are a municipal tool used to support Higher Order Transit infrastructure around Major Transit Station Areas by establishing minimum density targets and transit-supportive land uses which are protected from appeal. In accordance with Planning Act section 16(16), once identified in an upper-tier municipal official plan and approved by the Province, PMTSA policies cannot be appealed.
Similarly, once implementing policies and zoning have been enacted at the lower-tier municipal level, the prescribed policies cannot be appealed.
PMTSAs may also require Inclusionary Zoning to support affordable housing objectives. Specifically, official plan policies may authorize Inclusionary Zoning by authorizing the inclusion of affordable housing units within buildings or projects containing other residential units, and by providing for the affordable housing units to be maintained as affordable housing units over time.
7. This project will refine and build upon the draft precinct plans developed through the former Mobility Hubs Study in 2018. However, as these plans were released as preliminary and were neither endorsed nor approved by City Council, they are subject to change based on further public engagement and the completion of technical studies.
8. Certain aspects of this project will be informed by the outcome of various technical studies, many of which are required by legislation and policy. These technical studies are undertaken in accordance with established criteria and completed by qualified experts.
9. The Burlington MTSAs are complex, previously developed areas with multiple landowners. The City does not have control over the speed of change related to development. Property owners decide when and if they will develop or redevelop their property.
10. The implementing Official Plan Amendments must be adopted by City Council by June 2022.
11. The implementing Zoning By-Law Amendments must be approved by City Council by December 2022.
 Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director, Corporate Communications & Engagement at City of Burlington, has set out a demanding criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the Engagement Plan. Burlingtonians haven’t seen an approach like this before. How the City Will Collect and Respond to Feedback
Throughout the engagement process, City staff will diligently collect and record all input provided by stakeholders. All input will be recorded by theme into response tables, showing in detail how the comments were considered and how they did or did not shape the study process, the Area Specific Plan and their associated implementing Official Plan amendments recommended to Council, and why.
Evaluating the Engagement Process
Throughout the MTSA ASP Project, City staff will capture interim feedback on the engagement process through measures such as feedback/satisfaction surveys. This will allow for ongoing and incremental evaluation of engagement efforts and will support an iterative process where feedback may influence the engagement process throughout the project.
To assist in measuring how the public participation contributed to the final project decision to be made, the following will be used to evaluate the overall public participation process.
1. Once the project is complete, measure the degree to which community members felt they:
a. Understood the project’s process and its limitations
b. Understood how the feedback they provided influenced the outcome of the City Council approval.
2. Evaluate each form of engagement. How did each of the engagement approaches used help to achieve the engagement objectives?
3. Analyze how the feedback received about the forms of engagement informed new or alternative approaches to the overall public participation process as the project moved forward.
 By Staff
October 22, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Booklovers and writers, take note!
 The 1st annual Burlington Literary Festival launches in November, just in time for NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month.
“During this month-long celebration of literature, we welcome authors, celebrate books, and (virtually) visit with local and national literary treasures.
“All sessions are online this year due to the pandemic. We look forward to hosting in-person and virtual festival events next year. Please bookmark this page and follow #BurlLitFest to get the latest festival news.”
WORKSHOPS
How to Research with Denise Davy, investigative journalist, social issues advocate & author
A Bookseller’s Perspective with Ian Elliot, A Different Drummer Books owner
National Novel Writing Month with Brian Henry, writer, creative writing instructor & former book editor
Digital Publishing with Mark Leslie Lefebvre, author, former bookseller & e-publisher
The Art of Writing Memoir with Dr. Ellen Ryan, pyschologist, professor emeritus, McMaster University
Story Development with Lynda Simmons, author & creative writing instructor
Haiku for Remembrance Day with Kimiko Horne, published haiku writer & teacher
AUTHOR TALKS
Lana Button, children’s author, educator & entertainer
Tonia Evans Cianciulli, soprano, singer-songwriter & author
Ian Hamilton, crime/mystery writer & former journalist
Terry O’Reilly, author, broadcast producer & CBC Radio One podcast host
Zoe Whittall, poet, novelist & TV writer
AND MORE
AGB presents About Prison Libraries with Kirsten Wurmann and Ashley Huot, Prison Libraries Committee of Manitoba
HPO presents Composing Literature-Based Music with Abigail Richardson-Schulte, Composer-in-Residence
Treaty & What it Means to the Law of the Land presented by Elder Garry Sault, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Participating partners
A Different Drummer Books
Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB)
Burlington Mundialization Committee – Itabashi
Burlington Writers Group
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO)
Harper Collins Canada
McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA)
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Southern Ontario Lyric Opera Company (SOLO)
Related links
REGISTER for BurlLitFest events – registration opens Oct 25, 12pm
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| By Staff
October 22nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Public Library will start a major move to a new library software system and service provider on Tuesday.November 2.
“The new system, designed to manage our collections and customer information, brings many improvements to help us serve you better. Still, we regret that there will be limited services while all our data relocates to its new home. We expect to complete all work and be back to business as usual by November 18.
“We need to minimize any data changes to make sure no information gets lost between the old and new systems.” Here’s what to expect during the transition and important changes to note:
 1. NO online catalogue access; CHECK OUT only.
- No searching or browsing the online catalogue.
- No access to your My BPL account.
- No placing holds. Holds already waiting for you won’t expire. No new holds will be available for pick-up.
- No renewals.
- No returned items will be checked in. You can still return items but they will not show as returned in your account until after Nov 18.
- No payments will be taken for fees or other financial transactions.
- Check-out kiosks will be unavailable.
- No online self-registration for a library card.
- Some digital resources may be temporarily unavailable during the transition. This information will be posted on our website as needed.
You will be able to:
- Check out books and other items available on our shelves.
- Check out eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines and stream movies and music directly through the resource’s website (for example, OverDrive, Hoopla, Kanopy) or the resource’s app (such as Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy etc)
- Register in person at any branch for a library card.
- Register to attend virtual library programs.
- Use public computers, printers, and free wireless access at all locations.
 2. NEW – PIN reset
During the data migration, your PIN will be reset to the last four digits of the telephone number we have on file for you. You can reset your PIN after Nov 18.
3. NEW – Borrowing history
BPL now retains the borrowing history on all customer accounts to serve you better and bring collections of the highest interest to our community. We will use the data to understand our general use trends; we will not access information at the individual level. If you wish to access your borrowing history, you must enable this feature in your My BPL account. Library staff will only access your borrowing history with your permission.
We encourage you to contact us online, stop by and talk with our staff, or give us a call at 905.639.3611 if you have any questions. |
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 By Staff
October 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is holding a virtual I-STEM Open House on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at www.hdsb.ca for students, families and community members to learn about the innovative, regional program for secondary students. The four-year program begins with students entering Grade 9.
 This was just part of the parent crowd that showed up for the first ever iStem briefing session. The program is one of the hottest educational programs in the Region. The I-STEM program will be offered at Aldershot School in Burlington and Elsie MacGill Secondary School in Milton for the 2022-2023 school year.
Available to students in Halton and beyond, I-STEM (Innovation – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) enables students to develop innovation skills related to engineering design and design thinking, entrepreneurial thinking skills and global competencies.
Students will have enhanced learning opportunities through community and post-secondary partnerships.
I-STEM Virtual Open House Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021
7 p.m. www.hdsb.ca
The presentation will be hosted by I-STEM faculty, followed by a live Question & Answer session. The Open House will be recorded and posted on the HDSB I-STEM webpage. Those interested in viewing the Open House can submit questions, before and during the presentation, through this form: https://forms.gle/uzrrv51K55aZ9ewb7.
During the Open House, students and families will learn about the:
four-year program and I-STEM certificate,
unique opportunities and partnerships (in person and virtually),
STEM learning resources,
new location for the program at Elsie MacGill SS in Milton (in addition to Aldershot HS in Burlington), and
the application process.
 Terri Blackwell, Superintendent of Education for the HDSB. “I-STEM has been designed to prepare students for future trends in the workforce and help students solve complex economic, social and environmental problems,” says Terri Blackwell, Superintendent of Education for the HDSB. “With the success of the I-STEM program at Aldershot School in Burlington, our Board is excited to expand the program at Elsie MacGill Secondary School in Milton.”
“We look forward to sharing with families and the community what current I-STEM students and faculty are accomplishing in the program and showcase the innovative learning space.”
The I-STEM program has been developed in collaboration with innovators, educators, industry leaders and community members. I-STEM Program Development and Advisory Partners include: McMaster University, Mohawk College, Canada 2067, Let’s Talk Science, Engineers of Tomorrow, Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), TechLink, and I-THINK.
To learn more about the I-STEM program, visit www.hdsb.ca (Search “I-STEM”) or email I-STEM@hdsb.ca. Follow I-STEM on Twitter @ISTEM_hdsb and Instagram @ISTEM_HDSB.
 By Staff
October 21, 2021
BURLINGTON.
The Election writ hasn’t been issued but the date is set – the province will go to the polls on June 2, 2022 – the Liberals are putting their plans in gear and doing a door to door canvas on Saturday.
 Mariam Manaa Join candidate Mariam Manaa and other BPLA members in a Day of Action this Saturday, October 23rd. You can help us connect with Burlington residents by:
- participating in a COVID safe door-to-door canvass between 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- making calls from your own home anytime between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
No experience is necessary. Training for canvassing will be provided prior to the start of the canvass, or click here to register for virtual canvasser training session on Saturday at 10 a.m. .Phone bank training can be accessed at any time by clicking here
The Burlington Liberals appear to be planning on using a lot of technology this time around to talk to their membership base and their volunteers – not always the same.
This is also a great opportunity for any high school students looking to fulfill their required volunteer hours.
No word yet on what part of the city the door to door will take place.
By Staff
October 21sr, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Another Brant Street development – this one at Brant and Prospect – 789-795 Brant Street
Applicant is
Camarro Developments Inc.
 Described as having a seven level podium with a tower that will have 307 units – but no mention of the actual height. The paucity of information has the ward Councillor upset. The proposed development concept for redevelopment of the Subject Lands currently provides for a mixed-use development consisting of one residential tower containing 307 residential units, ground floor retail at the base of the tower. The application includes three ground-level townhome units integrated into the building. The proposed development will have a mix of 1-bedroom plus den, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units.
 No mention of how high the building will go other than noting that the proposed development includes a podium with a height of 7 storeys facing Brant Street. The townhome built form, with frontage along Prospect Street, will reflect the building height of the neighbouring apartment development to the east.
The Preapplication presentation will take place this evening at 7:00 pm
Oct. 21, 2021, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Virtual Meeting)
 By Pepper Parr
October 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s the trees again.
Burlington has this struggle going on within the bosom of the city over the trees
Some see a tree on their property as their tree that they can do anything they wish with.
Others see trees as something for which we are the stewrds – to ensure that they are cared for and preserved wherever possible.
 Roseland residents writing comments on plans for tree preservation at a 2016 meeting. Finding a consensus and strong views for better preservation isn’t in place yet. It’s an ongoing battle – and one that the city administration and Council are going to do everything they can to get a consensus – thus another Public engagement on proposed Tree Protection and Enhancement Guiding Principles and the Private Tree Bylaw Update.
They want feedback from residents, businesses, developers and forestry professionals on the proposed policy statements and bylaw amendments.
There are two opportunities to provide feedback: online survey and online public information session.
The online survey is open now until Nov. 12, 2021 at getinvolvedburlington.ca/privatetree
Online information session:
Date: Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Online. Link will be posted on getinvolvedburlington.ca/privatetree
 Belvinea -one of the streets in the city that makes your heart swell as you drive along it on a Spring day. Staff will be presenting information and receiving feedback on the proposed Tree Protection and Enhancement guiding principles which will form the basis of a new city policy. The focus of the discussion will be on how these guiding principles will help to develop city policies and how they will influence future amendments to the City’s Public and Private Tree Bylaws.
The Proposed Tree Protection and Enhancement Guiding Principles are:
A healthy urban forest improves the quality of life of City of Burlington residents. By providing a framework for protection and enhancement of all trees on public and private property, the City of Burlington’s urban forest will continue to grow with the goal to reach 35 percent tree canopy cover by 2041.
 Roseland has an aging collection of trees that need attention and a replacement plan A multi-faceted approach is required to meet this goal, which is addressed through four guiding principles:
 Just two weeks ago trees were ripped out in rural Burlington and there was no one at the city or regional level that could do anything to prevent it. • Tree Planting and Replacement
• Protection and Preservation
• Asset Maintenance
• Community Outreach, Education, and Collaboration
To get involved, please visit getinvolvedburlington.ca/privatetree.
By Pepper Parr
October 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Here is an interesting situation.
Our Mayor sits on the Burlington Hydro Board.
Electrical Utilities across the province are undergoing a process of consolidation – but not Burlington. Haven’t heard anyone asking why Burlington is going to sit on the sidelines.
But that is another matter.
CUTRIC – Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium has released a report reviewing and assessing the transportation electrification strategies of electricity generators and distributors – electrical utilities – from across Canada.
Titled Electrical Utility Strategies for Transportation Electrification: Canadian Market Scan & North American Case Studies, the insightful report reveals, amongst other things, a distinct shortage of utility-led transportation electrification strategies in Canada today.
 If the transit fleet is going to be electric Burlington Hydro might want to invite Sue Connor, Director of Transit, to talk to them about how this can be done. “With utilities needing to play a vital role in the electrification of transit systems, including both battery and hydrogen electric transit systems, Canadian transit agencies recognize the need to develop robust utility relationships,” said Josipa Petrunic, President and CEO of CUTRIC. “However, this report shows that most major utilities in Canada are poorly prepared for transit electrification and have no or minimal transit electrification strategies.”
The report provides a full market scan of strategies launched by Canadian electrical utilities, as well as a review of electrification case studies and best practices across North America, including current initiatives from BC Hydro, Newmarket-Tay Power Distribution Ltd and Toronto Hydro, who are members of CUTRIC. The report also reviews legislation and regulation that promotes utility involvement.
As Canada strives to reach 5,000 zero emissions buses, utility-led transportation electrification strategies are a critical component and will aid a faster and more efficient transition.
 Sue Connor, Director of Burlington Transit The report can be had for $299 – the Director of Transit probably has one. The city is lucky to have one of the most creative and highly respected transit professionals in the country serving as the Director of Transit. Sue Connor performed miracles when she ran Brampton’s transit operations and has made huge differences at Burlington Transit. Ridership growth was soaring until Covid19 kicked that operation in the shins.
There is an opportunity for the city to lead on the electrification of the Burlington Transit fleet – Mayor Meed Ward is a big fan of transit but has anyone ever seen her on a bus?
We learned recently that the fees for the C.Dir designation Meed Ward earned last year were paid for by Burlington Hydro. It was a perk that was available to every Burlington Hydro Board member.
The C.Dir. Board Director Education program is a globally recognized, university-accredited professional designation.
One has to wonder why Meed Ward just didn’t declare this when we asked the question some time ago. Where did her lofty cry for transparency when she was a ward councillor go?
By Staff
October 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington will continue to follow the Provincial mandate and require proof of vaccination in City recreational facilities for all who are eligible for the vaccines.
City-operated services and facilities not impacted include:
- City Hall at 426 Brant St.
- Outdoor sports fields
- Diamonds, parks and playgrounds
- Burlington Transit
- Halton Court Services
 Parents can watch – but they must show their proof of vaccination papers. To enter a City facility, visitors will need to show a piece of identification with their name and date of birth and either:
• Show their vaccine certificate with QR code (paper or electronic), or
• Show their vaccination receipt (paper or electronic)
Parents and/or guardians may enter a facility for a maximum of 15 minutes to drop off and pick-up a participant for a program, without showing proof of vaccination. Parents who are required to stay in the facility for the duration of the program must be fully vaccinated.
All current regulations around screening, masking and physical distancing will not change based vaccine status.
To download your vaccine certificate, go to ontario.ca/get-proof.
 By Pepper Parr
October 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
To get some sense as to where your ship is going – you want to know something about the person at the wheel and the decisions they make.
Same rule applies to the Mayor of Burlington.
There have been some very good decisions. The decision to have the Urban Growth Centre moved north was a good decision.
 A smart lawyer and a planning department that didn’t understand just what the concept of Mobility Hubs (now called MTSA’s) was all about. The Mayor was dead on about the bus station that was declared a Major Transit Service Area – as soon as she had all the information she saw the obvious.
The disturbing part of that was that the council that served from 2010 to 2018 neither knew or weren’t told by the planning department that the designation given that bus station was an error. Instead they left it in place and the result is the 26 storey Nautique that is now under construction.
Someone in Planning should be wearing that one.
Meed Ward understood the mood of the electorate and chose limiting development and making sure that the development that was coming was the right kind in the right place.
She basically chased the developers out of the downtown core.
Admittedly there are a number (about four with several pieces of land within the football that have not been dealt with) of development along Lakeshore Road and within the football that are a problem.
 Mayor Meed Ward does not appear to be ready to take a position on the re-development of the Waterfront Hotel site. Is this one of those “right things in the right place”? And of course there is the Waterfront Hotel development that could take the growth of the city as we know it today in a much different direction.
Perhaps it is time to think in terms of how Burlington could adapt to the change and make it work for them. We don’t see the city planning department getting in front of issues and being proactive.
The decisions in front of the Mayor now that are a concern are:
The Holiday market, which is now a done deal that got through Council under the shadiest of circumstances;
The park within the Molinaro development at Brant & Ghent;
The Waterfront Hotel site and the redevelopment of that property; and
her enthusiasm for the Holiday market scheduled for December 9th to 12. The Mayor buys into the claim that 1000 people will take part. What that market will do to the merchants in the downtown core who are struggling to stay above water is something they Mayor doesn’t seem prepared to take into account.
Very recently the Molinaro Group took part in a Statutory meeting in which they revealed their plans for a half acre park that would be created at the east end of the development at Brant and Ghent.
 Traffic for the towers on either side of Brant would exit and enter via Ghent. The half acre park is shown on the far right. Title to the land would be registered with the Condominium Corporation . The plan was to create the park, then turn it over to the condominium corporation that would eventually be set up to represent the interests of the condominium unit owners.
The idea that the unit owners will go along with their owning and maintaining a park that would be open to the public is a real stretch.
Anyone who has served on a condominium board would tell you that this is one of the craziest things they have ever heard of.
 This is described as a half acre part which was described as bringing some of Spencer Smith Park north The Mayor seems to think that the city would get another park at no cost and residents of a condominium will cover the costs of keeping it operational.
 Renderings on what a park could look like. Will the information about the park for which unit buyers will have to be clearly set out in the sales literature? Will it be clearly set out in the condominium agreement – those things run to several hundred pages which only the lawyers read.
The Mayor does not appear to have taken a position on the proposed redevelopment of the Waterfront Hotel site. One has to ask: Where is the claim that this Mayor wants the right development in the right place ?
 There was a time when Meed Ward was all about Truth to Power – now that she has the power Truth seems to have been mislaid. Growing from a really ballsy ward councillor who brought about some significant changes to the way the city operates, we appear to have a Mayor who has lost the wind she used to have in her sails.
She has pulled together a large part of her re-election team and she is in campaign mode.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman – considering his options? And at this point there doesn’t appear to be anyone willing to run against her – except for Councillor Sharman who is probably considering his option.
Go for it Paul!
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
 By Staff
October 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
This is one of those clear as mud messages from city hall.
 The Tansley Woods pool will be open on Wednesday. If you use the Tansley Wood Pool you might understand.
Updated: Tansley Woods Pool Closure
The issue will be resolved by the end of today (Tuesday, Oct. 19) and regularly scheduled aquatic programming will resume for Wednesday, Oct. 20.
Due to an unplanned maintenance issue, Tansley Woods Pool will be closed effective immediately (Friday, Oct. 15, 2021) until further notice. Staff will reach out to impacted customers and renters. The facility is still open for non-aquatic programming.
Update: The issue will be resolved by the end of today (Tuesday, Oct. 19) and regularly scheduled aquatic programming will resume for Wednesday, Oct. 20.
By Staff
October 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health (MOH), Dr. Hamidah Meghani, has issued a letter of instructions to indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities to implement vaccination policies that require all eligible individuals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to participate in organized sports and recreational fitness activities in these settings.
 For businesses and organizations, this means establishing, implementing and ensuring compliance with a COVID-19 vaccination policy by no later than November 26, 2021 for all persons 12 years and older who attend an indoor area of the indoor sport or recreational facility for the purpose of actively participating, coaching, training, instructing, officiating or having similar involvement in organized sports and recreational fitness activities.
These instructions are being introduced to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and outbreaks, further protecting the health of all participants, coaches, officials, volunteers, spectators and others including those with weaker immune systems or who cannot be vaccinated because of their age or for medical reasons.
 Robust compliance with masking, physical distancing and other public health measures in all facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities in Halton Region also remains essential to protect our community.
To read Dr. Meghani’s instructions for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities or for additional public health information and guidance, please visit halton.ca/COVID19.
By Pepper Parr
October 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
From time to time there are news stories that grow to something more than a one or two day event.
We have covered a few that were significant – and important.
The legal problems surrounding the pier: when a crane toppled and steel that bent much more than was expected was found to be below the required standard.
 It was a Pier that was built twice – at double the cost The end result was the tearing apart of much of the first version of the Pier and starting all over at double the projected cost.
Another important event was the dumping of un-inspected land fill on the Burlington airport lands without the required permits.
We followed that story for three years, stayed strong during the libel suit that was filed against the Gazette and Vanessa Warren and Monte Dennis.
 Tonnes of landfill from unknown sources was dumped on the air park lands. It is still there ruining at least one property for which there was never any compensation. The libel suit was dropped but the land fill is still on the site – and the city is the poorer by half a million in legal fees.
Then there is decision on the part of Vrancor, owners of the Waterfront Hotel, who are expected to take the first required step to demolish the hotel and replace the 9 storey building with a 35 story tower and a 30 story tower that would sit atop a four storey tower.
There are those who like the idea; there are those who think it is a mistake. The Plan B group certainly think it is a mistake.
The design of the towers is striking – it would be nice to live in it – but the Gazette does not believe those towers should be built on the Waterfront Hotel site.
During the pre-application presentation both the Mayor and the ward Councillor were given the right to speak. Neither made comments for which they will be remembered.
When first running for City Councillor Marianne Meed Ward was leading the Save our Waterfront Committee, demanding that the city not permit high rise towers anywhere near the lake.
 The waterfront is once again at risk Ten years later and all the Mayor had to say during the pre-application presentation was that the city had yet to receive an application. The first rule of stopping a development is to do everything possible to prevent it getting momentum.
If the Mayor is opposed to this development – and it this point we don’t know if she is or if she isn’t – saying nothing is not what the citizens of Burlington elected her for.
She was noisy noisy about Saving the Waterfront in 2010; she was noisy noisy when it came to pushing to get the Urban Growth Centre moved north and away from the Downtown Core in 2018.
She was close to mute when she had a chance to say something about two towers that would loom over Lakeshore Road if they are built.
The Gazette is of the view that few people fully understand what is taking place. There were less than 100 citizens participating in the virtual pre-application presentation.
In the two pictures set out below we try to give people an idea of what a 35 storey tower looks like when compared to what already exists on Lakeshore Road.
 The tower on the left is expected to be on the Brant Street side of the development. It is 39 storeys high, the Hotel is 9 storeys high which would make the development more than four times as high as the current structure. When set against what is currently the highest building in the city the difference is also very significant.
 The Waterfront hotel – stands 9 storeys high.  Bridgewater condominium, currently the tallest structure in the city.  The tower on the right would be next to the Bridgewater development and at 30 storeys plus a four level podium come in at 35 storeys – one third higher than the Bridgewater condominium.
By Pepper Parr
October 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Following the proceedings at an Ontario Land Tribunal hearing is not for the faint of heart.
It seems to take forever to get to the point where a hearing actually takes place.
Actually getting to a hearing for development applications in Burlington is complicated by the fact that there are at times more than a dozen developers appealing a city decision or appealing for relief from the OLT because the city has not made a decision before the clock ran out.
Among the issues before the OLT at this time are the Interim Control By Law and the newest Official Plan that has been approved by City Council and Regional Council and awaits the signature of the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs after which it becomes the law of the land.
 Controversial from the very beginning, the long term care residence got caught up in the creation of an Interim Control Bylaw The ICBL was holding up all kinds of development including the AMICA project that will rise on the Northshore Road and the ramp to the QEW.
At the OLT Case Management Conference last Thursday the Commissioner agreed with the lawyers (there were 20+ of them on the call) that the ICBL could be lifted except for several properties along Fairview between Brant and Drury Lane.
 Some of the most valuable land in the city with some of the loosest zoning as well.
 By Staff
October 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is warning residents of a fake taxi scam that is occurring in the region.
 The fraud typically involves two suspects – one acting as taxi driver and the other acting as a customer. The fake taxi driver will refuse to accept cash from the fake customer for a fare. The suspect playing the role of customer will then prey on unsuspecting individuals nearby, asking them to use their debit card to pay the fare in exchange for cash (which will be given to the victim at the time).
The intent is to draw the victim to the taxi, where the fake taxi driver presents a point of sale machine to the victim. The debit card is swiped/inserted into the machine and the PIN number covertly obtained by the suspects. The victim is then distracted by the suspect playing the role of customer, at which point the driver switches the debit card (retaining the victim’s card and giving them a different one back).
The stolen debit card is then used by the suspects to withdraw money and/or make purchases.
The HRPS is investigating three such occurrences that took place in Oakville over the weekend; however this scam has been occurring across the province for some time.
HRPS investigators also issued a similar warning about this scam in November, 2020.
The HRPS would like to remind the public of the following tips:
• Taxis DO and WILL accept cash;
• Never give your debit/credit card to someone else;
• When making a purchase attempt to conceal your PIN;
• Be mindful of the point of sale machine when making a purchase and if you suspect it has been tampered with, choose another payment method; and
• If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact police immediately.
 Anyone with information in regards to these incidents, or anyone who has information about similar incidents, is asked to contact the Fraud Intake Line at 905-825-4777 ext. 8741.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
 By Staff
October 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We start with the city of Burlington within which there is the village of Aldershot, within which there is now Aldershot Corners. The Corners has five precincts.
There is a Preliminary Vision for the Aldershot GO Major Transit Station Area, and Aldershot Corners – a community within a village.
Located minutes from Hamilton at the western edge of Burlington, Aldershot Corners is a visitor’s first impression of Burlington when travelling east from Hamilton and Niagara on the Lakeshore West GO line.
The area is nestled within the Aldershot Village Business Improvement Area and focused at the corners of Plains Road, Waterdown Road and Cooke Boulevard. Part of the Treaty 3 lands, Indigenous People were stewards of the land for thousands of years before settlers arrived. Post-Colonially, this area was a major hub for brick manufacturing, and also has a rich agricultural past rooted in fruit production.
Aldershot Corners will continue to evolve as an urban area with a distinct sense of neighbourhood character, supported by a mix of residential, commercial and employment uses.
 The colour coding sets out the precincts – detail elsewhere in this article explains what is planned for each of the precincts. Taller buildings will be concentrated along the rail line and will decrease in height and intensity closer to Plains Road and the existing residential neighborhoods.
Aldershot Corners will be a vibrant, livable community with urban shopping and dining opportunities serving those living and working close by.
New multi-modal urban streets and active transportation facilities will better connect the existing community, providing enhanced mobility and improved access to the GO Station, leisure and recreation opportunities in urban parks and open spaces, as well the many other amenities Aldershot already offers.
The planners created a number of precincts, which are boundaries within which specified levels of development are permitted.
There are five within the Aldershot Corners part of the Aldershot part of the city.
 Mid Rise Residential.
Compact residential communities, with a variety of low-rise and mid-rise building forms up to 11 storeys closer to main streets. This Precinct will provide housing forms at a lower scale and intensity including family oriented and ground oriented housing to support the creation of a wide range of housing options, including affordable housing.
Opportunities for commercial activities at street level on strategic streets may be permitted. Policies will guide appropriate transitions from low rise residential development to more intensive mixed uses. Policies will guide appropriate transitions from the maximum height (11 storeys) to adjacent low-rise neighbourhood, which may include angular planes, setbacks and/or stepbacks.
 Aldershot Main Street
This Precinct will advance the Plains Road Village Vision and establish a unique community destination with a focus on a continuous retail frontage and main-street pedestrian experience along the frequent transit corridors (Waterdown Road and Plains Road E.) Policies will introduce a requirement for buildings to have a “lower building” design to create a pedestrian scaled environment at the street level. Policies will guide appropriate transition from the 11 storey maximum height to existing low-rise neighbourhoods, which may include angular planes, setbacks and/or stepbacks. Precinct lands that are adjacent to existing low rise neighbourhoods, will have a maximum height of 6 storeys. To ensure functional retail and commercial spaces are created, a wide range of approaches will be considered, including but not limited to establishing minimum floor height for the ground floor of buildings, and considering a minimum retail unit size. Opportunities for affordable housing will be considered in the Aldershot Main Precinct.
 Cooke Commons
Serves as a unique retail and dining destination creating a comfortable and vibrant pedestrian environment with active uses at the street level and increased emphasis on pedestrian and multi-modal movement. A flexible street is being considered to provide opportunity for a community gathering space and potential to close for special events.
Mixed-use buildings throughout the Precinct contribute towards the creation of lively, vibrant and people-oriented places. Along the west side of the street, heights range up to 19 storeys maximum adjacent to the GO Central Precinct and up to 11 storeys maximum generally along Cooke Boulevard. On the east side, there will be up to 11 storeys maximum generally along Cooke Boulevard which gradually steps down to 6 storeys with appropriate transitions, which may include angular planes, setbacks and/or stepbacks, to the adjacent low-rise residential neighbourhood. Policies will introduce a requirement for buildings to include a “lower building” design to create a pedestrian scaled environment at the street level. Direction to support the function of these areas to accommodate loading and services and support a wide range of retail use will be investigated and imbedded in policy.
Opportunities for affordable housing will be considered in the Cooke Commons Precinct.
 Emery Commons
This precinct will accommodate a concentration of residential, retail, employment and commercial uses.
Opportunity exists for a higher concentration of high density residential due to its proximity to an existing public park, a potential new major public park and the GO Central precinct. Mixed-use buildings, of varying heights to a maximum of 19 storeys, contribute towards the creation of lively, vibrant and people-oriented places. Opportunities for affordable housing will be considered in the Emery Commons Precinct.
 Aldershot GO Central
The preeminent destination for Major Office, affordable housing and urban format retail in this MTSA focusing the tallest buildings (maximum 30 stories) close to the GO station. Where Aldershot GO Central abuts Waterdown Road and Masonry Court policies will require pedestrian orientation development, including an emphasis enhanced public realm and enhanced spaces for waiting for transit. There is particular emphasis on the need to design a functional, safe and accessible transit plaza. Polices will ensure that the MTSA will accommodate a proportional mix of residential and employment opportunities and ensure that the Aldershot GO Central precinct will be planned to accommodate major office employment.
 This map provides additional detail on what is planned for the different parts of what is being called Aldershot Corners. What is it that is driving these changes?
KEY CHANGES – A number of things have changed since the Draft Precinct Plans were presented to the public and Burlington City Council in 2018. The following highlights the key changes that have been made or are being considered and the drivers for these changes.
Aldershot GO MTSA –
MTSA Designation and Boundary – Identified in Provincial Policy, the Regional Official Plan must first delineate and assign density targets to Major Transit Station Areas. Regional Official Plan Amendment (ROPA) 48 delineated the boundary for the Aldershot GO MTSA which identified the removal of existing parks (Hidden Valley Park, Grove Park and Aldershot Park), areas north of the rail line, and established neighbourhoods from the 2018 Aldershot GO Mobility Hub boundary.
Employment – Regional direction through Regional Official Plan Amendment 48 is to include employment within MTSAs. While Aldershot GO MTSA does not have an employment only precinct, Major Office employment type uses will be required in the Aldershot GO Precinct and it will be outlined through policy. Other employment types, such as retail, institutional and personal services is broadly encouraged throughout a number of the mixed-use precincts. Specific targets for Major Office will be established.
 Comments made by the developer suggested there would be some retail – a Starbucks Coffee shop – but no mention of a supermarket – something the ward Councillor is anxious to see. Retail – The Aldershot MTSA will provide two unique pedestrian focused retail experiences. The Aldershot Main Street Precinct provides ground floor retail with a main-street pedestrian experience. Policies will be considered for ground floor heights and minimum retail unit sizes to ensure functional spaces are provided. The Cooke Commons Precinct will serve as a unique retail and dining destination leading to the GO Station, with a focus on creating a comfortable and vibrant pedestrian environment with active uses at the street level and increased emphasis on pedestrian and multi-modal movement. In addition to those unique areas the opportunity to require, or in some cases encourage retail in every other precinct to support the day to day needs of existing and future residents.
 The only decent park is LaSalle Park; a 15 minute hike that will be stressed once all the residential development is completed. Great park with splash pads and a wading pool. Upgrades will be needed at some point. Public Parks and Linear Parks – As noted in the Provincial Policy Statement publicly accessible built and natural settings including parklands are important ways to promote healthy, active communities. Potential locations for parks are identified with a green tree symbol. The City is considering other opportunities for wider corridors along streets to act as linear parks to provide valuable open space/park space and facilitate connections. A linear park along Masonry Court connecting Hidden Valley Park with Grove Park will connect residents, employees and visitors to existing green spaces. A new linear park extending along Cooke Boulevard from Plains Road East to new development north of Masonry Court will focus on providing opportunities to linger and to support safe, comfortable pedestrian access to the station. Enhanced connections, linear parks, new parks and other connections are required throughout the MTSA in order to facilitate safe and more direct pedestrian and active transportation routes to and from the GO station.
Public Service – As noted in the Provincial Policy Statement, public services such as healthcare, education, emergency and protective services, cultural activities and civic administration are necessary to sustain healthy, liveable and safe communities. Key precincts will provide community spaces, alongside new residential and retail development in key locations. In addition to that new focus in key precincts the “PS” icon remains in key locations where the consideration of the incorporation of public service facilities is critical. Public services will be located strategically throughout the MTSA and policies will be developed to ensure that these services are located strategically to support population and employment growth in coordination will be coordinated with future development.
Integrated Mobility – In 2019, the City launched its Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP). This plan establishes a vision of safe, accessible, sustainable, balanced and livable mobility for the City of Burlington. The goals of this plan represent a shift from a focus on cars to more choice in transportation options; with a target of 20+% of trips in urban areas to shift towards transportation choices other than personal vehicles. A Transportation Assessment is being undertaken to identify the local street network for each MTSA (see technical studies below) which will integrate the vision and goals of the city-wide IMP.
 Newly built part of Station West – not much in the way of a complete street or parkland for that matter. Complete Streets (formerly referred to as Green Streets in the 2018 Draft Precinct Plans) – The City’s new Official Plan identifies the need for complete streets strategy for all future street and road projects (new construction, reconstruction, resurfacing and rehabilitation). The OP also states that MTSA primary and secondary connectors (Plains Road East and Waterdown Road) shall be complete streets. With a long-term view, the City is proposing that all existing and proposed streets in the MTSA allow for inclusion of some complete street elements over time which could include space for pedestrians, cyclists, transit, and streetscaping in addition to travel lanes for cars.
Active Transportation – The City is committed to implementing active transportation corridors to improve connections and transportation choice. Planned active transportation corridors have been updated to be consistent with the 2021 Cycling Master Plan and the 2015 Community Trails Strategy. Active transportation corridors and connections proposed through consultation are also shown in the MTSA.
Climate Change & Sustainability – The City’s Climate Action Plan establishes a net carbon neutral goal by 2050 for community emissions. Work continues to identify ways for the City of Burlington to address the impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to the transit and active transportation focus of the Aldershot GO MTSA consideration will be given to other ways future development of this MTSA could address climate change including encourage building energy efficiency, urban design policies to address heat and tree cover, and opportunities to consider district energy.
 Public Art at the intersection of Waterdown and Plains Road Frequent Transit Corridors – Plains Road E. and Waterdown Road are identified as Frequent Transit Corridors in the City’s new Official Plan. Pedestrian-oriented development is desired along these corridors to support the frequent transit service. Policies will be identified to encourage pedestrian-oriented development along these corridors including consideration of lower heights at street level, urban design and public realm requirements. Urban design and public realm can also improve the experience for those waiting for transit along these corridors.
Technical Studies Underway – The following technical studies are currently being undertaken and may result in the need for further revision of the Precincts.
- Land Use Compatibility – There are some major facilities in and around the Aldershot MTSA which may require separation from sensitive land uses like residences, day care centres and education and health facilities. Work is being completed to confirm the potential for land use compatibility issues within the MTSA and to develop a framework for technical assessments to be completed as part of future development proposals. This work may result in changes to the precincts or area specific policies in the Plan to guide land use change and minimize the potential for land use compatibility issues over time.
- Transportation Assessment – The current Aldershot GO MTSA shows the planned South Service Road and Masonry Court as shown in the new Official Plan as well as the proposed new streets included in the 2018 Mobility Hub. Traffic congestion has been regularly raised as a concern by the public and a transportation assessment is being undertaken to determine the potential impact of adding the new people and jobs to this area. In keeping with the vision of the IMP, it is anticipated that the Transportation Assessment results will focus on non-auto infrastructure and ways to shift people to other transportation choices. One of the key outcomes of the Transportation Assessment will be to confirm the need and location for any new local streets to support safe, efficient movement throughout the area.
- Inclusionary Zoning – As part of the City’s Housing Strategy, an assessment of options to implement Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) is being undertaken. IZ is a tool to integrate affordable housing into future development. IZ can only be applied to MTSAs identified as protected by the Province and Regional Official Plan Amendment 48 which requires the City to establish affordable housing targets for its Major Transit Station Areas. Should IZ be recommended for Aldershot GO, there will be a need for the appropriate guidance on how the tool will be applied.
- Environmental & Hazard Lands –Studies are underway to identify areas that may be prone to flooding. Completed Flood studies for Aldershot are currently being reviewed by Conservation Halton. Identified areas may need to be protected through policies within some of the Aldershot GO MTSA Precincts. A Provincially Significant Wetland has been identified to the northeast of the MTSA and any potential policy requirements are being assessed through updates to an Environmental Impact Study being undertaken as part of the background technical work.
Heights and Transition – The maximum heights in the Aldershot GO Precincts generally remain as presented in 2018. There have been some minor changes including changing lands just east of Cooke Boulevard from Emery/Cooke Commons Precinct with a maximum height of 19 storeys to a new Cooke Common Precinct with a maximum height of 11 storeys. Policies will be included to guide transition from the maximum height, typically closer to the main streets, to lower rise buildings adjacent to existing low-rise neighbourhoods.
There will be an in depth look at the Plans for the Burlington GO station area on October 19th and a similar event for the area around the Appleby GO station on October 26th. On November 4th there will be a review of the plans for all three MTSA’s.
All will be virtual events.
There is a WORKBOOK for those who want to pass their views and opinions along to the planners. The link to the WORKBOOK is HERE
By Staff
October 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington has embarked on a huge city building project.
When completed the city will have three distinct neighbourhoods; the eastern part of the city will have a new neighbourhood centered on the Aldershot GO station.
 This is the western boundary of the Station West Development built by the ADI Group. A significant part of the community building has already taken place in Aldershot. The Station West development by the Adi Group is well underway with three more towers to be built on the south west corner of the property that edges onto Masonry Road.
The other two new neighbourhoods will be centered on the Burlington and Appleby GO stations.
The city Planning Department is now working to get feedback from the people who will be impacted by these very significant changes.
A public meeting was held to explain what is planned. To get feedback from the public the Planners have devised a WORKBOOK that they say will take 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
Completing the WORKBOOK is voluntary and the information people provide is confidential (even to city staff).
The Planners recommend you complete the workbook on a laptop, tablet or PC to view the images in a larger format and keep a copy of the Preliminary Preferred Precinct Plan open in another tab or browser window to assist you in answering the questions and as a point of reference.
The link to the WORKBOOK is HERE. It is a little complicated. Just scroll through the pages, click on the images and then return to the page. There is enough instruction to get you through it.
The workbook is available in other languages. To request, e-mail getinvolved@burlington.ca. You may also use the “Select Language” translate button found on the project page to translate both the page and workbook.
An MTSA (Major Transit Service Area) is the area within 500 to 800-metres of a higher order transit station (these are the three GO stations) that are expected to be about a 10-minute walk from the GO station.
These are seen as the three most critical locations within the urban area expected to accommodate the majority of the City’s forecasted growth to 2031 and beyond.
Through the preparation of the new Official Plan, new policies were developed to guide development and change in the Downtown and Uptown (at Appleby Line and Upper Middle Road). The MTSAs are now the remaining priority locations for which detailed planning must be completed to establish the vision for growth, to guide development, investments in transit, infrastructure and public service facilities, including parks, and to support significant future population and employment growth.
To some this project may feel familiar. From 2017 to 2019 the City worked on developing area-specific plans (ASPs) for the three GO Station areas, then called the Mobility Hubs Study. The MTSA ASP project will build upon, and advance, the work done through the Mobility Hubs Study.
The objective of this project is to plan to accommodate new residents and jobs by setting a vision for three unique, complete communities that are centered around the City’s three GO Stations along the Lakeshore West rail line. These communities will be environmentally friendly, infrastructure-efficient, walkable, bikeable, and will support local and regional transit with a diverse mix of employment, housing, recreation, and shopping features.
What have we heard so far?
Engagement was a key element of the previous Mobility Hub Study work. From the feedback received through 2017 and 2018, a number of key themes emerged to provide guidance in planning for these areas:
Increase, Improve and Support…
Public spaces by supporting existing and new open spaces, parks and other community spaces that are safe, usable, inclusive and interactive, and incorporate public art, landscape features etc. to enhance placemaking.
Community amenities by encouraging an increased scale and mix of commercial/retail uses at grade, including grocery stores, coffee shops, community and recreational space etc.
Mobility by designing a well-connected, safe and accessible public realm with active animated streets and robust cycling and pedestrian networks, focused on direct connections to and from GO Stations.
Housing options by planning for a diverse range of different and affordable housing choices to cater to all ages and abilities.
Private Spaces by encouraging sustainable design and variety of architectural styles to create distinct buildings and enhance neighbourhood character, and by reinforcing midrise corridors.
Public engagement by providing residents with enough time to engage and increase resident engagement and clearly explaining the required growth targets for Burlington.
Parkland by planning for park and public spaces that consider the needs of the entire area including developing fair approaches to meet that objective.
Traffic congestion by supporting the public transportation network and investing in additional facilities for walking and cycling.
 Solid Gold site as it exists today. Building height and transition concerns by clearly explaining planning rationale for where height is being located, ensuring and explaining how height will be regulated, and by reducing losses of sunlight and privacy through appropriate building height transitions.
 Speaking of height limitations – this rendering represents what the owners of Solid Gold want to build on a site that currently has a single story structure. Protect…
Established residential neighbourhoods by ensuring built form, height and transition support and respect existing character, and providing clear policies for heritage protection.
The planners learned that:
Beyond the broad themes highlighted above, a number of key themes specific to the Aldershot GO MTSA also emerged, including the consideration of:
– opportunities for new bike paths, including through Aldershot Park;
– opportunities for amenities to support residents and employees;
– opportunities for complete streets, including Cooke Boulevard;
– ways to manage the impacts of increased traffic along Plains Road;
– opportunities to incorporate mid-rise development along Plains Road and Waterdown Road; and
– excluding the low-density residential properties located on Clearview Avenue and a portion of St. Matthew’s Avenue.
A little more detail on what might go where Now the planners need your feedback. The input you provide may inform:
– Refinements to the vision (i.e. land uses, building heights, urban design considerations etc.);
– Precinct changes (i.e. policy directions, boundaries, built form directions, etc.);
– The preparation of the area-specific plans or the development of policy.
There are more specific details about all of the work that has informed the preliminary preferred precinct plan, including technical studies, can be found at getinvolvedburlington.ca/mtsa.
By Pepper Parr
October 15th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There they were. Three Mayors: ours, the Mayor from Barrie and the Mayor from Mississauga.
Talking to the media and voicing their complaints.
No masks, sitting at what looked like a safe Covid19 social distance, not much different than the way they would sit in a non-pandemic environment.
The complaints about the province were the same – the only thing different was that we currently have a Premier who now knows he can do whatever he wants – and has a court decision to back him up.
Cutting the size of a city council down to about half of what it was “during” an election lets you know that Doug Ford isn’t going to listen all that closely to complaints from municipal politicians.
Mayor Meed Ward had a venue to die for; the set up at the Pearle Hotel and Spa was something to experience. Being the politician she is Meed Ward would make the best of it all.
What most people don’t understand is – why can the Mayor hold an event and talk to the media the way she would in normal times but people in Burlington cannot delegate to their council in a similar live setting.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward – doesn’t appear to be prepared to meet her constituents in conditions that allow for real engagement. Basically because she can. She has said on any number of occasions that holding council meetings in a virtual setting works for her and it appears to work for a majority of city council.
It is less than a pleasant experience for those delegating virtually, fumbling their way through the technology that works – sort of.
The human interaction is missing. The buzz that exists in a room when people can talk to each other and exchange opinions; support each other as they ask questions.
 Gary Scobie with his eyes focused on members of Council as he delegates to the elected. Democracy right in front of your eyes  Jim Young reminding council that the power they have was given to them by the people who elected them. Much is lost when people like Gary Scobie, Jim Young or Tom Muir arrive at the podium putting fact after fact on the table. This city misses the likes of Vanessa xxx standing at the podium and setting the record straight.
It is time for Burlington’s city council to put at least put a toe in the water and begin to loosen its pandemic bonds.
Related news story:
Mayor takes off the masks and meets with media with looser social contact rules
 By Staff
October 15th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Investigators with the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Street Crime Unit in Burlington have made three arrests and seized multiple weapons including a shotgun.
 Several of those weapons could do some very serious damage. On October 13, 2021, officers executed a search warrant at a residence near downtown Burlington. As a result of this search, the following items have been seized (see attached photo):
- 1 12 Gauge Shotgun
- 24 shotgun shells and 1 small calibre pistol round
- 1 machete
- 1 hatchet
- 1 flick knife
- 5 grams of methamphetamine
- Drug trafficking paraphernalia (scales, phones, packaging)
- $890.00 Canadian currency
- 1 stolen licence plate
- 1 motorcycle
Police have also made three arrests in connection with this drug investigation.
A 40 year old male from Burlington has been arrested and charged with:
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Tampering with a Serial Number of Firearm
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
- Careless Use/ Storage of a Firearm
- Careless Use/ Storage of Ammunition
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (x2)
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (x4)
- Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
- Possession of a Controlled Substance: Methamphetamine (x2)
- Breach Firearm Prohibition Order (x2)
A 38 year old female of Burlington has been arrested and charged with:
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Tampering with a Serial Number of Firearm
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
- Careless Use/ Storage of a Firearm
- Careless Use/ Storage of Ammunition
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (x4)
- Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
- Possession of a Controlled Substance: Methamphetamine
A 33 year old male of Burlington has been arrested and charged with:
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Tampering with a Serial Number of Firearm
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
- Careless Use/ Storage of a Firearm
- Careless Use/ Storage of Ammunition
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (x2)
- Fail to comply – Being on an Undertaking Form
 All three accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing on October 14, 2021.
Names of the arrested were not released by police – unusual
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the 3 District Street Crime Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 2342.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
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