By Staff

June 20th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

Get ready to embark on a summer reading adventure when Burlington Public Library’s Summer Reading Club registration opens on Saturday, June 22. This exciting reading club is for ages birth to 18. Read what you want – when you want – how you want. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s easy.

Starting June 24 through to August 18, set your own weekly reading goal and strive to achieve it. This year, read a galaxy of books and discover new adventures along the way!

Frances Hanemaayer, Manager, North Branches, holds a reading tracker participants receive with they register for BPL’s Summer Reading Club

“When kids keep reading during summer vacation, they’re ready to jump back into the school routine in September,” says Lita Barrie, BPL Chief Executive Officer. “Setting a reasonable goal and achieving it is a great way for young people to build confidence in reading skills and in themselves.”

Rewards & Prizes Galore

Although reading a good book is its own reward, participants can visit their nearby branch every week with their Summer Reading Club (SRC) passport and check-in with Library staff. Share what you’ve read to receive a weekly giveaway prize and a chance to win a gift card to a local Burlington business.

Plus, every check-in gets you entered into the end-of-summer grand prize draw. Reach the halfway point of SRC, and you’ll receive a voucher to make a free button in the Library’s MakerSpace.

Stay Engaged with Weekly Staff Picks

To keep the momentum going over the eight-week program, we’ll send out freshly curated Staff Picks booklists to participants every week, along with a friendly reminder to check-in. These selections are sure to keep young readers and parents engaged and motivated.

“Summer Reading Club is an excellent way to reinforce a positive reading habit while also making the most of all the free programs for kids throughout the summer,” Barrie adds.

www.bpl.on.ca

By Pepper Parr

June 20^th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

Few people understand just what the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) is in place to do.

It gets described as an unelected body that consistently fails to respond to what some people in a community want.

Understanding the rules will help in understanding the decisions the OLT makes.

The Millcroft decision disappointed just about everyone in that community.  There were two community groups who were involved as participants.  Unfortunately the two groups could not work as one which resulted in the Member admonishing one of the groups for using data that was shaped to create an impression that was not correct.

Three lawyers representing the parties; two community groups that couldn’t agree on what the issue was – all focused on a community built around a golf course. The developers won – but there is a heavy price in what they are required to do when they start construction of what is now 90 homes – not the original 98.

In making a decision with respect to an OPA, ZBA, and PoS appeals, the Tribunal must have regard to matters of provincial interest as set out in the Act.

The Act requires the Tribunal’s decision be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 (“PPS”) and conform to the applicable Growth Plan which, in this instance, is a Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2019

When hearing Appeals related to Burlington the Tribunal has to first briefly summarize the policy scheme in regard to the previous OPA 117 and the new OP 2020 and the in-force-and-effect OP 1997.

Burlington’s most recent Official Plan is itself stuck at an OLT hearing that was brought about when more than a dozen developers appealed the Official Plan that was put in place by the current city council

At a recent hearing the Member  said the following: (In the OLT world the person making the decision is referred to as a Member of a Tribunal)

“For the benefit of the members of the public that are here today, I would like to make a couple of general statements about the way the Board reaches its decisions. We can’t make decisions with our hearts, because once you do that, you make bad decisions. We do not make decisions arbitrarily because to do that, you need the wisdom of Solomon and very few people have that. What we do is get the facts which are obtained from the evidence or any reasonable inference that can be drawn from that evidence and then apply the law of the land, including approved government policy. Whatever decision we arrive at doing that is the one we are obliged to give.”

What this comes down to is the quality of the evidence that is given and how it stands up to both examination and cross-examination.

Each side then looks for the best witness they can find or afford. Good lawyers know how to ask the questions that will get the answers they need to make their case.  At times not asking a question is the path taken.

All a Member can do is make a decision based on what they hear.

Unfortunately the rules the OLT have in place make it very difficult for media to report in depth.  We are not allowed to record what is said, we are not allowed to use any of the visual material unless we obtain permission to do so – and we are required to get that permission BEFORE the hearing starts.

Given that we don’t know what is coming it is hard to be specific when asking for visual material.

In a future article we will give you examples of how strong legal talent can impact a decision made by a Member.

Related news stories:

OLT Member admonishes MAD

By Staff

June 19^th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

This came in from the media people at Metrolinx:

They list the GO lines that they expect will have problems with the tracks  because of the heat wave we are dealing with.

They listed Barrie Line; Stouffville Line and Lakeshore East.  They did not show Lakeshore West (that’s us).  We reached out and asked if this was correct?

GO Lakeshore West line – tracks don’t soften and the heat wave doesn’t impact the service.

The response: “That’s right – currently, there are no impacts to Lakeshore West rail services due to the extreme heat. If anything changes we will keep you posted.”

How does that happen?  Are they using a different kind of steel for the Lakeshore West line?

Does the heat wave stop before it gets to Oakville and Burlington?

Whatever – this is their story and they are going to stick with it.

None of the following applies to us.

During prolonged periods of high heat, rail tracks have the potential to soften and expand that require us to run trains at slower speeds. To ensure the safety of our customers and crew, slow orders are issued along the network which also reduce the risk of track damage.

As a result of ongoing heat patrols and slow orders, the following trips have been impacted:

Barrie Line: 

Union Station 12:54 – Aurora GO 13:44 – Customers can take a GO bus from Union Station Bus Terminal running express to Rutherford GO, and making all stops north to Aurora GO.

• Aurora GO 15:04 – Union Station 15:54 – Customers can take a GO bus from Aurora GO, making all stops south to Rutherford GO station, and then running express to Union Station Bus Terminal.
  • Customers travelling to and from Downsview GO are encouraged to use the TTC.

Stouffville Line: 

Union Station 14:12 – Mount Joy GO 15:07 – Customers can take a GO bus from Union Station Bus Terminal running express to Unionville GO, and making all stops north to Mount Joy GO.

• Mount Joy GO 15:34 – Union Station 16:29 – Customers can take a GO bus from Mount Joy GO, making all stops south to Unionville GO station, and then running express to Union Station Bus Terminal.
• Customers travelling to and from Kennedy, Agincourt and Unionville GO are encouraged to take TTC.

Lakeshore East: 

Union Station 15:20 – Durham College Oshawa GO 16:22 trip has been cancelled. Please consider taking the 14:50 or the 15:50 train departing at Union Station.

• Durham College Oshawa GO 16:40 – Union Station 17:42 trip has been cancelled. Please consider taking the 16:10 or the 17:10 train departing at Durham College Oshawa GO.

Kitchener Line:

The Bramalea GO 15:22 – Union Station 15:59 train will not stop at Etobicoke North GO today due to weather related track conditions.

Customers at Etobicoke North GO are encouraged to use local transit.

We know that heat-related delays can be frustrating for customers, however we must take proactive measures to ensure the GO Transit network operates safely in all kinds of weather conditions.

By Staff

June 19^th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

The Burlington Performance Arts Centre has an Interim Executive Director: Lucy White now has a city phone number and an email address she can be reached at while she keeps the wheels moving.

The Board realized that it had to have someone in place to keep the the doors open while the Board gets on with the search for a permanent Executive Director with experience in running a theatre with two stages.

Then they have to develop a Strategic Plan – the one they have is outdated – not a word about the Sound of Music in that document.

Fox, who apparently developed the relationship with the Sound of Music on her own, explaining that it was an operational decision that didn’t need Board approval.

Celebrating the start of a new Performing Arts season

Tammy Fox had everything you could ask for in the way of a skill set; the reasons behind the  very abrupt resignation are not yet clear.  Rumours are swirling within the arts community on what really happened; they include personal relationships getting in the way of doing the job to funds being moved inappropriately from the Sound of Music that is now “presented” by the Performing Arts Centre.

Those with knowledge of what did take place are not prepared to be named. “This is too small a community to go public in” said one person we discussed this with.

Many thought this photograph sent the wrong message.

There are still some financial issues to be resolved; including  the untangling of the who paid for what and when and how much did the Board of Director’s know.

Everyone just wants to put this behind them and get it off the front page.  So much for transparency and accountability.

The City had to loan the Sound of Music (SoM)  $125,000 if needed and six months to pay it back and have agreed to working with the city to get some Governance in place at the Sound of Music.

During the debate last week approving the loan we got a clearer sense as to just what the problem was and why Sound of Music had a problem.

Dave Shepperd, now the Chair of Sound of Music, spoke at the Special Council meeting last Tuesday.

The back and forth on that debate is set out below.

It seemed pretty clear that the City wants to get back into bed with the SoM – what impact will that have on the “presenter status BPAC is unknown.  The word BPAC was never mentioned at the Special Council meeting

Dave Sheppard taking part in a Special Council meeting virtually from his van.

David Shepherd appeared today, representing the Sound of Music Festival, and spoke virtually from his van regarding the loan request.

Shepherd. “We are at the park today, getting ready for the festival. In regards to the item on the agenda. We were asking the city for a bridge loan to get us through the next few weeks. We were behind schedule with all the changes in our leadership and staff at the sound of music over the last month, and to be quite honest, we were late in getting a grant into the MCTS. It was finally put in just over a week and a half ago, but it’s going to be at least two weeks before we see the funding.

“The loan funding, in essence, gives us financial cash flow through the festival to take care of our vendors at the time of the of the festival. Our cash come in after the festival. So in order for us to make sure that the entertainers are paid immediately before they go on to the stage, we have to have that cash in hand. So we’re asking for a, in essence, a bridge loan of 125k to be paid back as soon as we can get approval from our MCTs grant that we put in,

“We have a close relationship with the with the MPP office, Natalie Pierre, we are expecting that this to be no longer than two weeks for processing. It’s kind of where we stand. I think that’s the situation we’re in.

“Going forward, our plans, with myself as chair. I plan to stay on for as long as it’ll have me and really see the festival continue to get stronger and better with a new board that started already to come in with two new board members join to really strengthen our board matrix, our skills matrix, and really get back to a governance situation, instead of an operational board, and let the volunteers and the city members that run the festival really get back to what they do best.

Lisa Kearns: You’ll probably hear this theme through your delegation. You did mention that the board is currently in an operational status, and more likely than not, the City of Burlington looks to have boards maintaining a governance position. What steps are you open to taking to get back to that governance positioning of the board?

Sheppard: The intent is to get back to that governance state  – we’ve looked at over the last couple of weeks of what needs to be done to get to their post festival. Our board will meet to start looking for a full time executive director so we can get back to that state where we have a full time staff and running the festival, and the board can go back to not being an operational and running the show.

“There was some turnover last year. Unfortunately, it happens, but at the time, we thought it was doable, and we learned it wasn’t to be an operational board. So the board members that we brought on over the last month, are aligned with it as well, and have governance and experience as well. So our board members that we have currently, and the new recruits that we brought on are all on board with going back to governance and having a full time staff running the festival.

Councillor Lisa Kearns taking part virtually and hearing what she heard at about the same time last year.

Kearns: And then, just quite simply, for anyone tuning in, if this isn’t approved by Council today, what may you forecast as consequence,

Sheppard: we may have bands walk off the stage or not start at all – to be blunt, that would be worst case scenario.

Kearns: Appreciate that clarity.

Councillor Sharman brought up the question of reputational risk;not something he wanted to see the city take on.

Councillor Sharman: You just caused us to think about reputational risk. Because somebody will be saying the city didn’t lend us the money and we couldn’t pay. That actually leads to my question about exactly reputational risk, and the fact that depending on the city to bail out sound of music again, which I’m sure is not something you would ever want to do.  While recognizing the Sound of Music is a fundamentally important and iconic event within the city. To what degree are you thinking we might create a more formal relationship with the city, between the city and the board. I think that’s something that’s 100% needs to be talked about.

Sheppard: the current board of directors, you know, has spoken to that, so I can’t speak for the past, I can only speak for going forward, and that. is definitely something that, you know, we would definitely look at. .  Natural partnership. It makes sense. We’re here together, promoting this great city, it only makes sense for, for us as a not for profit organization to be partners with the city.  I  think it’s one hundred percent something that our board wants to to look into.

Sharman: I know that Emilie Cote is interested in, or is already talking to you. Presumably there would be conditions associated with that, Dave, are you willing to consider those?  I think this condition, with both partnerships, whether it’s marriage, or a city, not for profit, relationship, I think we have to look at all. We have to look at all options that are going to be on the table for this to continue to be a success. Thank you, parting words, I believe, one way or the other. We’re together on this. And we have to, therefore, figure it out.

Councillor Bentivegna asked Sheppard how long he has been Chair of the SoM.

Councillor Bentivegna: Just for clarity, so that everyone understands, how long have you been the Executive Director for the sound of music,

Sheppard: four weeks.

I’ve been doing this for more than 18 months already. Know, we have a great board, a great of people. The volunteers are just the best. So it was natural for for me to say, I want to be part of this and step up and help lead.  I’ve been a Burlington resident for 20 years. It seemed like a no brainer.

Meed Ward:  “There have been periodic times that the sound of music would come forward for an increase in grant or funding, and we would see their financials occasionally. And at one time they had some fairly significant reserves because of the cash business that you’re in, you have to pay it all up front. You don’t get it back until, maybe even after the festival, or whenever the grants come in. So we understand the the situation. So if you can speak to it, what’s the state of your reserves? They’re not at a level of previous years, when I think there was enough to cover off termination and severance for the full time staff when we did have full time staff.

Sheppard: We do have a small reserve. It’s not six figures, I’ll say it’s in the five figures. It’s enough to keep us going, but not long term. So our festival is depended on funding from our weekend and sales,

Sharman: Let’s be honest about long term plans. I mean, we need to look at all options as a festival committee to say what is best to keep this a viable option, obviously looking for partnerships with the city. But there also needs to be tough conversations about, you know, what are the prices we need to look at.

Shepperd: Certain things need to be charged, perhaps, but we need to keep all options on the table to be a self sustaining festival. To be quite honest,  that’s my outlook on it, and I think the rest of the board looks that way as well. We don’t want to come back to the city and ask for money. That’s not something that’s on our agenda to do. So I think, you know, from a reserve point of view if we have to dip into it, we would, but at some point, you know, as a festival, we have to say, Is it, a viable option to continue the way we are, compared to what’s needed going forward in this world of free festivals.

Sharman: I was really pleased to hear your remarks about governance and that you’re looking to rehire the staff to deliver this. My one question is around the board, and I don’t have it in front of me and sorry, my memory isn’t as good as it once was. I know we have a council liaison on the board. Are there any city staff we have that relationship with some of our other boards, like art gallery or BPAC.

WHO Shepperd: I think we have a city staff person as well on a board. Do we have that now? Is there a city staff appointee on the board? I know you have a very good working relationship with our festivals and events team, but just curious.

Sheppard: No, we have no city staff on the board. You’re absolutely right. We have a great relationship with the festivals and events team, and they’re great people. But no, the only, the only city employee, I guess, would be Council Kearns.

Councillor Sharman:  “Emilie and I  had a brief chat about it. But as we move forward beyond this. What are the options of getting the getting the Sounded Music to work with this in the line with the Agencies, Board and Commissions (ABC) logic.

Emilie Cote: Director Recreation Parks and Culture

Cote:It’s absolutely something Dave is aware of the ABC and JV, I can’t really framework that council will have to approve it – we’re on the same page. So the plan is to have staff report back in the fall with some options on and go forward basis. That’s all.

Councillor Kearns: The predicament – are there any other recommendations staff might have to explore at this time, or is this the most time appropriate solution to the challenge that’s been presented?

Cote: I think you’re speaking about the current financial situation. I think just given days away from the festival. I don’t think there’s any other options at this point.

Kearns: My second question is, we were here last year, and I said, I never want to be here again, but we are here again. Do you feel comfortable that after this year, with enough diligence, we can not hit a hat trick and be here days before a festival with a cash flow situation next year – is staff prepared to support that?

Cote: . I think you know, as you heard through the Festival and Event policy and the work that we’re doing, staff are committed to support event organizers like this. This is an important event for the City of Burlington. So you have our commitment in terms of working with them to find ways to sustainability. Dave is the right person. I’m just so impressed at the work that he and the board have done to put this festival on. We are a committed partner. We will work through the ABC framework. I think it goes back to role clarity. We need to have clear definition around who’s responsible for what moving forward, and I think all the options are on the table. I think free festival of this size is amazing that we have that, but there needs to be ways to be able to fund that, whether it’s through, you know, grants, or through ticketed events, like Dave mentioned. So we’re willing to work with them to look at some of those options. And again, we’ll be reporting back in the fall.

Rory Nisan: I’ll be in the beer tent every day of the festival.”

Councillor, Nissan: Emily. Are you able to share with us now or later? Perhaps this would be a post event report back on how much unanticipated staff time has had to be spent due to unanticipated requirements from sound and music above and beyond the usual.

Cote:  Certainly this year, we’ve been a very good partner. We’ve stepped in. Definitely. It was all hands on deck. We’re making it happen. We’ll include some of those details back in that fall report.

The report was moved, comments followed.

Councillor Nisan said he was pleased to announce that “I’ll be in the beer tent every day of the festival, and I call on my colleagues to do the same.

Mayor Meed Ward: Are you buying?

Interesting way to adjourn a meeting.

By Fredrik Andersson

June 18th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

Remote work has surged in popularity over the past few years, driven by technological advancements and evolving work cultures. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, making remote work not just a temporary measure but a long-term trend. Companies and employees alike have recognized the benefits of working from home, from increased productivity to a better work-life balance.

Well appointed furnishings that reflect the standing you have becasue of the work you do.

The rise of remote work has also led to a significant change in how people set up their home offices. Gone are the days of makeshift workstations on kitchen tables. Today, employees are investing in creating personalized and functional home office spaces. This trend includes a focus on aesthetics, with many choosing to decorate their workspaces with prints and other art pieces. But why is this shift happening, and what does it mean for our urban environments and personal well-being?

The impact on urban living

The move to remote work is transforming urban living in profound ways. One of the most noticeable changes is in housing demand. With the need to commute reduced or eliminated, many people are choosing to live further away from city centers. Suburban and rural areas have seen a spike in housing demand as remote workers seek more space and a quieter environment.

This shift has economic implications for cities. Urban centers that once thrived on the daily influx of workers are experiencing a decline in foot traffic. This change affects local businesses, public transportation systems, and even real estate markets. Cities are now grappling with how to repurpose vacant office spaces and adapt to a new urban reality.

Urban planning is also evolving in response to these changes. City planners are rethinking the use of urban spaces, focusing on creating more mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational areas. The goal is to make cities more adaptable to the needs of remote workers, who may still want access to urban amenities without the daily commute.

Home office setups: a new focus on aesthetics

Early in the pandemic this was what working at home amounted to – things have changed.

As remote work becomes more permanent, employees are paying more attention to their home office setups. A functional and visually appealing workspace can significantly impact productivity and overall job satisfaction. Ergonomics play a crucial role, with many investing in adjustable chairs, standing desks, and other equipment to ensure comfort during long work hours.

Natural lighting is another essential element of a good home office. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can boost mood, energy levels, and productivity. Therefore, many remote workers are setting up their workspaces near windows or using daylight lamps to mimic natural light.

The psychological benefits of a well-decorated workspace

The psychological impact of a well-decorated home office should not be underestimated. A visually pleasing workspace can enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. This effect is particularly important for remote workers, who spend a significant portion of their day in their home offices.

Plenty of natural light and decor that relaxes.

Research supports the idea that workspace aesthetics can influence mental health. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that individuals working in well-decorated environments reported higher levels of job satisfaction and lower levels of stress. The presence of art and personal items in the workspace was linked to positive emotions and a sense of belonging.

Prints and other decorative elements can also serve as sources of inspiration and motivation. For example, a print featuring a favourite quote or an image of a serene landscape can provide a mental break and a moment of relaxation during a busy workday. These small touches can make a big difference in how remote workers feel about their work environment.

By Pepper Parr

June 18^th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

It was a short Council meeting.

Mayor Meed Ward applauding Gordon Schottlander during a Citizen recognition event.

Three group photo ops took place

It was also a very emotional meeting for Mayor Meed Ward.  As she was recognizing Gordon Schottlander Marianne had to pause and take several moments to collect herself before she could continue.

Among the groups recognized were: Burlington Historical Society, 2024 Special Olympics Ontario and Gordon Schottlander who was recognized as the Ontario Senior Citizen of the year.

Mayor Meed Ward said: Earlier this past year, I nominated Mr Gordon Shawn lander as Ontario’s senior of the year. This award honours one outstanding local Ontarian who, after the age of 65 enriches the social, cultural or civic life of his or her community. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving than our very own, Gordon Schottlander.  MrSchottlander served as a soldier in World War II , valiantly fighting for our freedoms and peace as a 19 year old young man who, 80 years ago, this month, he landed on Juno Beach and fought bravely alongside Canadian soldiers as part of the D Day invasion that would lead to the successful end of the Second World War. He later came to Canada with his wife, Colleen, building a big and wonderful family here that now includes four sons, 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.  His many accomplishments include President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Burlington Planning Board, serving with the Knights of Columbus for many years, chairman of the committee that raised over $1 million for the local YMCA. He was named as Burlington citizen of the year 1968 and received the key to the city in 2020 he continues to make Burlington his home, living in the Aldershot area.

I have a few remarks regarding the Historical Society proclamation, and I have a certificate to present to Don Thorpe, who is representing the Historical Society. The Burlington Historical Society was founded in 1899 and is an affiliated member of the Ontario Historical Society. Their mission is to preserve and share Burlington’s past for the enjoyment and education of the community, making our history accessible and relevant for today while nurturing interest in future generations. The effort shown by the Burlington Historical Society today will inspire the generations of tomorrow to continue the traditions of community service. Thank you for the devotion to preserve Burlington’s heritage and history for 125 years.

Our final recognition this morning is for our Special Olympics team, and thank you for joining us. Those of you who could be here this morning the Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games 2024 was hosted in Waterloo Region from May 23 to 26 these games are a testament to the resilience and determination of the athletes who participated in basketball, rhythmic gymnastics, 10 pin bowling and swimming. We are so proud of all of you.

By Staff

June 18th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

The City of Burlington’s Live and Play Plan is now ready.

Staff will new begin preparing an implementation plan to present to Council in the Fall.

The Live and Play Plan will guide recreational and city-operated cultural facility decisions over the next 20 to 30 years and will ensure that Burlington continues to provide a range recreational and cultural choices that engage residents. It also works to ensure that the city grows as an environmentally sustainable, vibrant and economically strong community with ties to the Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan, Climate Resilient Burlington and the Vision to Focus 2022-2026.

The plan and more information can be found at burlington.ca/liveplayplan.

The Live and Play Plan replaces the current Parks, Recreation and Cultural Assets Master Plan (PRCAMP) for recreational and cultural space needs. The current plan was approved in 2009.

Key Recommendations

It is important to note this plan only provides recommendations. It does not provide a plan, budget or timeline for implementation and does not impact culture boards. Key recommendations include:

·        Revisiting the Sherwood Forest Park Revitalization Plan

·        Re-imagining Central Park

·        Urban parks and spaces

·        Climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability

·        Upgrading and new park washrooms

·        Meeting emerging recreational needs like pickleball and cricket

·        Creating flexible and adaptable spaces to meet a varying number of recreational needs

Public Consultation on the Live and Play Plan

Staff and consultants worked to engage with many sport user groups, cultural groups, community groups, community partners and individuals. The consultants also attended the Food for Feedback and Appleby Line Street Festival events.

Each group was contacted through their leadership team and were invited to complete an online survey and participate in group workshops.

The initial online survey and ability to provide feedback on draft plan recommendations were available for the community at different times throughout the planning process.

City staff and elected officials were also a part of the consultation process.

When the report was presented to Council there was just the one delegation; an unfortunate presentation from the consultants.

The plan is a lengthy 158 page report with some very useful data.  The Gazette will, over a couple of weeks set out what the report had to recommend and what can be expected in the decades ahead.  The presentation of this report is something the public missed hearing and being in a position to delegate to council.

Emilie Cote: Director of Recreation, Community and Culture

Emilie Cote, Director, Recreation, Community and Culture said:  “This is a significant plan with many recommendations on how we could build and upgrade recreational and city-operated cultural facilities over the next decade to meet the demand of our growing and changing city. This plan presents a guideline for future projects. The next key tasks are deciding what we can do and when.”

By Pepper Parr

June 18^th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

How best to describe the event.

It is huge. Doesn’t represent what most people see as the Burlington they want to live in. Population growth determined by the province is going to require this kind of development.

The first stage design is for a property that straddles Fairview with the GO service train tracks on the north.

At the start of the 4:00 to 7:00 pm meeting the room was packed.

By 4:45 the audience had thinned out considerably.

The people staffing the poster boards had residents questioning everything they saw.

Korsiak Planning Consultants had people staged at each of the posters – in place to explain what was being proposed.

None of the Alinea top people were present.

This was basically a research event – testing the waters as it were.

There was nothing interesting, exciting or innovative about the building designs.  What struck most people we talked to was the massing.

People wanted to see visuals of what had been described by Stolte as a development that would consist of 28 high-density residential and mixed use commercial buildings ranging from 12 to 45 stories tall with a housing capacity upwards of 25,000 new residents.

No application has been submitted to the City as of yet, nor has this proposal come before Council for any decision. The purpose of a Pre-Application Community meeting is to give the residents in the neighbourhood the opportunity to give feedback on the proposed development before an application is submitted.

The meeting will follow and Open-House format, featuring informational stations with poster boards. Members of the developer team will be present to discuss elements of the development and gather community feedback. City staff will be in attendance, as well as myself, to observe and respond to queries regarding City process.

He was explaining – she wasn’t buying.

She wanted more information which they didn’t seem to have.

Many were stunned at the size of the development as it was being presented.

The event was managed by Korsiak Urban planners, a corporation Alinea  had hired to explain the plans and gauge public reaction.

They got a reaction – my personal doubt is that there was not a single citizen in the room that liked what they saw on the poster board spread along the walls of the room.

Former Mayor Rick Goldring

Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte – did not make an appearance.

The Mayor attended, several Councillors popped in for a period of time.  The Councillor who didn’t show up was Shawna Stolte representing Ward 4.  She apparently had a meeting elsewhere that she chose to attend.

Interesting that former Mayor Rick Goldring made an appearance.  While we were there Golding didn’t look at any of the poster boards – he chit chatted with people instead

Mayor Meed Ward had one citizen who was determined to argue with her.  Watching the Mayor patiently listen to an obviously irate resident

By Pepper Parr

June 17^th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

The Member of the Ontario Land Tribunal took exception to some of the comments made during the 17 day hearing saying in the 146 page report that:  “Counsel for the Applicant did take exception to MABD (Millcroft Against Bad Development), specifically during closing submissions. Counsel pointed out MABD’s website which showed a doctored air photo or overlay of the existing Subject Lands and the proposed development which covered all areas of the Millcroft community including the existing golf course that was to be retained. Counsel submits this is a total misrepresentation of the proposed development which leads mistaken assumptions, adds to concerns, fear and anxiety which many Participants have addressed in their statements.

“Counsel submitted he emphatically encourages Resident Associations to be part of the public planning process and proceedings but there has to be a level of accountability and transparency within their associations.

“… but when there are misrepresentations that are blatant as in this case…”

“The Tribunal does not weigh lightly into this discussion, but under the evidence provided it, agrees wholeheartedly with Counsel that Resident Associations provide a valuable Public component to the planning process but when there are misrepresentations that are blatant as in this case, with the proposed development overlay on the website, this only undermines the Public confidence in the entire Tribunal administrative process and the Resident Associations themselves.

“As Counsel noted this may have caused the unnecessary fear and anxiety regarding this proposed development and adds to mistaken assumptions especially with over 6000 members of MABD as described by its Director.

“These Applications require balancing the private right to develop against the public interest in protecting open space and the environment. The assessment of the Applications should not be approached as an exercise to prevent development on this land, but rather to balance such proposed development within the Provincial, Regional and Local planning framework.

“The Applicant, Region and CH have worked to try to find this balance between public and private interests in these Applications. Through updated studies and conditions required to be provided by the Applicant, the Tribunal is satisfied that balance will continue.

“Ideally, the owner of golf course should not be left with vacant land they cannot use, and for which they have not received any compensation from the City. However, such lands, with natural heritage features, should only be developed in a way that respects the applicable provincial, regional and municipal policies, represents good planning and is in the public interest.

“The Applicant, Region and CH have worked to try to find this balance between public and private interests in these Applications. Through updated studies and conditions required to be provided by the Applicant, the Tribunal is satisfied that balance will continue.

“Finally, this hearing was of a non-decision by City Council and therefore, the Tribunal did not have to have regard to a Council decision as one was never made. In the course of hearing evidence, the Tribunal reached its own conclusions and decision based on the evidence provided.

“The Tribunal would describe these proceedings as professionally conducted by all Counsel and witnesses involved. Many witnesses were qualified as experts for the first time in these proceedings. During the hearing Counsel presented their evidence on behalf of their clients in a reasonable and thorough manner. The many local representatives that stood in for their Associations were also professional and courteous.

“The Tribunal is satisfied that procedural fairness was maintained for each Party and finds that through the comprehensive public and agency consultation, the Applicant has met the planning process obligations under the Act.

“At times it appeared the City was grasping at technical straws to make suggestions and options now at the Hearing that were never brought up as a concern before, which teetered on procedural fairness concerns.”

The Tribunal’s only unease was with the City raising issues or options at the Hearing rather than during consultative phases of this application.

“Evidence was heard that different Applicant witnesses were never asked about certain options such as removal of the pond or relocation of the parks or phases of development in Area E, that were not brought forward earlier or commented on. At times it appeared the City was grasping at technical straws to make suggestions and options now at the Hearing that were never brought up as a concern before, which teetered on procedural fairness concerns.”

By Staff

June 17th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

This article was originally published by Policy Options

How can Canada fix the housing crisis? Across the country, rents have risen sharply and home prices have skyrocketed. The shortage of affordable accommodation is acute. It is causing generational conflict, straining the social fabric, and eroding the traditional welcoming stance Canadians have had toward immigration. The country needs to build homes now.

In this series, we explore the many facets of the crisis. (See full list of articles below.) Our authors examine philosophical questions about whether housing should be treated like a commodity or a social value, like universal health care. They tackle ground-level issues, like how citizens can stand against the NIMBY phenomenon that blocks construction in so many Canadian cities and towns. Is there a role for Ottawa to play the captain of a Team Canada strategy?

Truly affordable units that low-income renters can actually afford.

The country’s political leadership does not offer enough incentives for the construction of truly affordable units that low-income renters can actually afford. Why? To fix the crisis faced by renters who live in substandard housing or government-assisted housing, leadership at the national, provincial and municipal level is required. And governments need to move fast.

In First Nations communities, an Indigenous-to-Indigenous housing finance model could get far more homes built in communities where banks won’t go and the federal government won’t back loans. The role of immigration in housing shortages has come under the microscope. How much does it actually contribute to the problem?

A million Victory Houses were built in Toronto between 1946 and 1960 thanks to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Could the CMHC again underpin this kind of grand strategy to finance social and affordable housing?

Are there fundamental flaws in the way the country treats the housing market?

The federal government has announced a GST rebate on the construction of apartment units. Should the provinces follow with similar breaks on their provincial taxes? Quebec has decided it won’t. It plans instead to invest in public housing, co-ops and not-for-profit housing. Which approach is more effective?

This series explores the fundamental flaws in the way the country treats the housing market. It also examines the effectiveness of government action. Most importantly, it proposes potential solutions to one of Canada’s great current domestic challenges.

In this series:

Why bricks and mortar alone won’t solve the housing crisis | by Juste Rajaonson 

Can building more affordable housing be compatible with local democracy? | by Mario Polèse 

Yänonhchia’ would draw on First Nations’ proud history of sustainable housing | by Jean Vincent and Lance Haymond 

The precedent for a federal leadership role in housing | by Alexandra Flynn 

Advancing a Team Canada approach to housing | by Jacob Gorenkoff 

Ottawa picked the dicey road to lower rents; Quebec is right not to follow | by Ricardo Tranjan 

Let’s stop calling it a housing crisis | by Ren Thomas 

Ottawa must make sure it’s truly boosting housing supply with its funding surge | by David Jones 

A million new non-market homes in 10 years: That should be the goal | by Carolyn Whitzman 

Adding community housing can help solve the productivity problem | by Deanna Veltri and Jacob Gorenkoff 

The double housing crisis needs a potluck approach | by Alison Smith

The Liberal government’s unshakable support for private housing markets | by Ricardo Tranjan

Originally published by Policy Options; https://irpp.org/