By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Something like this is probably coming your way.
It is labelled the 2022 Preferred Concept for the Waterfront Hotel site that was put before about 110 people that took part in a virtual presentation Wednesday evening,
Proposed 2022 Preferred Concept – half the height of what the developer is asking for and a lot more park space.
It is considerably different than the plan the developer has before the city Community Planning department; basically half the height and much more park space..
There are two towers in the concept but they are between 15 and 17 stories each rather than the 30 and 35 storeys the developer has before the Community Planning department.
The two towers rest on a 3 storey podium instead of the five storey podium the developer is asking for.
The biggest difference is a 20 metre wide piece of land on the west side of the site that runs from Lakeshore Road to the southern end of the property. It was described as a needed addition to Spencer Smith Park which was described as closes to full capacity on many occasions.
There was some additional park space to the lower right of the 2022 Preferred concept.
Evan Sugden, the Bousfields Inc., planning consultant hired by the developer was taken aback when he saw the concept and asked where the justification was for taking land to be used as park space. He wanted to know where the report was that set out the need for additional park space.
All developments are required to provide park space, either in land or cash in lieu.
The developer wanted two soaring towers that would be 40 storeys including the podium.
While well attended the virtual meeting ran out of steam at the one hour point of a meeting that was scheduled for an hour and a half.
All members of council were reported to be in attendance but other than the Mayor none had anything to say.
The Mayor did take a shot at having a straw poll done on the spot – that didn’t work out – the consultants running the event said i would not be appropriate at this point to hold a straw poll.
Next step? The city wants opinions and feed back from the public. They are fully aware that this development is going to go to the Ontario Land Tribunal for a decision and they want to build the strongest case possible.
The city wants feedback from the public no later than March 1st. For those who did not take part in the virtual meeting – the presentation was recorded and will be available on the GetInvolved section of the city web site.
This report is closer to what every Coastal City would want Today in the Face of Climate change, rising waters and Future the repercussions of Shoreline Development.
Long after the Developers have gone home with their Money to Toronto, Burlington will pay and suffer the consequences of this Project.
Current messages/ warnings from all Scientists, and Researchers to prevent Flooding of Shoreline properties and Flood planes–
(Many will Remember! our Issue with the Creeks and now the costs for mitigation) Even Insurance Co. have adjusted policies in anticipation.)
De-Pave, Plant trees, Maintain Natural Shoreline,-Manage Waste Water.
Does the Provincial Government & our MPP, and OLT, OR the ‘Developers’ have any requirement to do Due Diligence on these issues OR even Watch the adds they pay for on TV?
A critical Long term decision and Maybe fight on the Future of Burlington.
“Evan Sugden, the Bousfields Inc., planning consultant hired by the developer was taken aback when he saw the concept and asked where the justification was for taking land to be used as park space.”
Mr Sugden, where is the justificaction for two 30+ storey towers other than referring to other applications in process which like this owner have ignored the OP, the zoning bylaws, and most importantly the clearly expressed wishes of residents?