By Pepper Parr
July 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
What happened at the Special meeting of Council this morning?
Nothing – they were there to discuss the a litigation matter – and that they did behind closed doors.
Before they went into Closed they heard from Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC) , who submitted some additional documents.
Do you see any smile on those faces? Council now knows just what the legal predicament is – and they need to find a way to wiggle out of it.
They talked about the need for a 50-metre covered swimming pool with ten lanes and seating for spectators, with a couple of members of council agreeing.
Before adjourning Mayor Meed Ward said when there was something to report, she would ensure the public is informed.
This meeting was to assess the damage that resulted from the mishandling of an RFP approach to allocating the existing pool capacity in the city.
They are in a bind: GHOC claims they have a “a signed contract” which may not be the case. There were conditions to the agreement and there is no certainty that GHAC will actually meet those conditions.
Later in the day, we will have a more fulsome report which will include a couple of questions from Councillor Kearns, who unfortunately had to tend to a family matter; one of her children took a tumble and is now wearing a sling.
The look on the faces of most of the Councillors as the vote to adjourn was taking place was that of a pretty glum bunch.
Caren, building a 50m pool with room for spectators was not suggested as a means to get COB “off the hook” for the RFP issue but suggested as a way of updating Burlington facilities to meet the needs of Burlington residents. There are more swimmers than pool time in this city and given that our parks and rec services haven’t had any new pool facilities in many years, we are likely overdue.
Bruce,
The ludicrous use of essentially a construction RFP approach is the root cause. The fact that the RFP was poorly developed and mishandled in my view is secondary, incidental. The COB need to act with urgency to mitigate if they are even capable of that.
“This meeting was to assess the damage that resulted from the mishandling of an RFP approach to allocating the existing pool capacity in the city.”
Like a broken record I ask is that actual fact or maybe fact?
What evidence is there to substantiate there being “mishandling” ?
Could Councillor Nissan look more professional . I know he’s mostly working from home as he is still hiding but at least make an effort
I really could care less how Nisan looks in Council – and he is in the chambers here not at home or travelling (for a change). What concerns me is that he did not ask a single question – either Monday or Thursday – of those delegating. Why? As a constituent of Ward 3 I have many and I have communicated those to him. Nada, zilch.
Burlington Property Tax Payers should not be on the hook financially for a 50 metre covered swimming pool with 10 lanes and spectator seating as some Burlington council members suggested today because the City of Burlington completely screwed up on the recent RFP process involving BAD and GHAC in regards to pool hour allocations.
This is absolutely ludicrous!!
COB Staff need to own up to their mistake and mismanagement and correct their mistake without any further costs to Burlington residents, including no legal costs!
COB needs to get their act together as there could be significant consequences!!
This is not a game! But a City run business which affects Burlington Property Tax Payers.