Lisa Kearns l Councillor l Burlington.ca/Ward2
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June 2019
Hello All!
It's officially summer and your City has so much to offer so pack up and explore all the trails, parks, and events happening right here.
Council will recess for the summer after the July cycle of meetings, that doesn't mean vacation though, this time will be put to good use by getting out into the community and working on re-launching my website to get you the information you need faster and on demand. Your feedback is always important, please let me know what you would like to see as we move into the fall session of Council.
We have done much work to update the
Ward 2 Developments
page to give you tools to understand what's happening in your community - from preparation to construction. Its said that Canada has two seasons, winter and construction!
Most importantly, our community is bursting with opportunities to get outside and Live & Play, have fun and be safe!
Happy Summer,
Councillor Kearns
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In the June Issue:
City Hall News
Brief Updates
Civic Square Renewal
Federal One-Time Municipal Infrastructure Top-up Funding
City-Wide Parking Standards Review
Integrated Mobility Transportation Plan
Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference
Burlington Transit
Free Seniors' Pilot
Learn2Tap Sessions
Learn 2Ride Sessions
Free Split Pass
Route Changes
Public Engagement
Our Community + Events
Joseph Brant Museum
Canada Day Celebrations
Upcoming Events
Road Safety Lawn Signs
Steps to Safety - Burlington Fire Department
Canada Road Safety Week 2019 Results - HRPS
Healthy Living + Environment
Climate Action Plan
LED Streetlight Conversion
Local Environment Update
Pool, Spa + Hot Tub Eco-Friendly Maintenance Tips
Development + Planning
City of Burlington's Planning Process
Bill 108: Changes to Ontario's Planning System
Timeline and Decision Steps for Re-examination of the Adopted OP
Planning Considerations
Construction Projects Underway
2069-2079 Lakeshore Rd. and 383-385 Pearl St.
Ward 2 Development Projects
Construction Projects in Your Neighbourhood
Our Local MPP
Welcome to New Ward 2 Businesses
In Closing
City of Burlington and Halton Region - Quick Links
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City Hall - Brief Updates
City Manager Search
I personally welcome Tim Commisso to the role of Burlington City Manager. I look forward to the direction and leadership that Tim will bring to the City of Burlington, his steady approach and respectful professionalism will serve our community very well.
An extensive search and recruitment process resulted in this appointment effective July 1, 2019. Tim has been the Interim City Manager since January 2019.
Read more.
Weather
Toronto Raptors Championship
Memories that will last a generation were made right here at our own Civic Square, Central Park & Spencer Smith Park as all were transformed into "Burlassic Park".
Strong community engagement and pride in our Team, our City and our Country - in my eyes, this made us all Champions.
In gratitude to all who supported this exciting and wildly successful event. We now have an
Approved process
for expedited community events.
Committee Meeting Update
COW (Committee of the Whole) and P&D (Planning and Development) meetings commence at 9:30 am effective Sept. 2019. Currently these meetings start at 1 pm. This change will provide for effective meeting management and improved time management for Council and staff during committee weeks.
Red Tape Red Carpet Task Force
Update
Private Tree Bylaw
Staff has been directed to report back in Oct. 2019 on the expansion of the Private Tree By-law pilot project. I am supportive of expanding the Private Tree Bylaw city wide - this has been an ongoing issue that reduces our tree canopy more and more each day that these trees are not protected. With the exception of tree health, there is little valid reason for cutting any of our mature or priority species trees. You can see my position on this here:
Private Tree Bylaw
Panhandling
Staff has been directed to report back in Sept. 2019 with options to address local panhandling in a safe manner. It is important to keep all members of our community safe and quite simply, Burlington has many generous folks and it is best to give to registered charities.
Customer Relationship Management
(CRM)
This system application provides for tracking of customer requests for service resulting in quicker response time. CRM is being phased across departments, with project completion in 2020. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or you are invited to email service requests to
[email protected]
July Committee Meetings
will include:
Downtown Streetscape Guidelines - staff report
Santa 5K Road Race / Downtown Dec. 2020 - staff direction
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Civic Square Renewal
At the June 18 Council meeting, and after much discussion, Council voted 5-2 to refer this project back to Staff.
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My comments at Committee about the Civic Square project:
"
The escalating cost of the Civic Square renewal project is unclear to residents and the way that value for tax dollars is being set against this project. There are priorities, but also contextual considerations that have not been addressed to support the increasing requests for funding. Until the community is sure that we are receiving value for money, this project, in the heart of Burlington will remain on hold. To spend $1.2m in order to secure $190k in provincial funding is a reason to pause and ensure the priorities of the community are reflected.
"
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Federal One-Time Municipal Infrastructure Top-up Funding
Approved on April 24, 2019, to allocate $5.6m federal funding to infrastructure projects in the City. These projects, with the exception of Skyway Arena are to be completed in 12-18 months. Environmental considerations: improvements to the cooling system at Skyway which is a contributor to GHG. Improved active transportation, increased transit and community connections.
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Conversation: “These items were reconsidered between Committee and Council in light of the Climate Emergency Declaration; this funding opportunity allowed Council to shift these funding requirements out of future capital budgets. Now we can focus on allocating our resources on initiative with high environmental return that are in line with our community values.”
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City-Wide Parking Standards Review
What are parking rates? These are a ratio of parking spaces to units in development that regulate the supply and demand of off-street parking facilities and a tool to influence transportation behavior, urban design, and development patterns.
- At this point, the Intensification Areas (including downtown) are not in effect.
- Purpose is to create updated and accurate parking standards for the Zoning By-law.
- To strengthen the efficient use of land, promote sustainable forms of development and implement active forms of transportation.
- To consider accessibility standards, design criteria, and active transportation infrastructure, and
- Develop an approach that considers the role of minimum and maximum parking standards in the management of parking.
*There are no changes to the size/ratio of accessible parking spaces. Burlington is committed to inclusivity for all.
You can send your feedback to myself and/or:
Kaylan Edgcumbe, C.E.T.
Manager, Integrated Mobility
Transportation Services Department
P. 905 335 7600, ext 7800 | F. 905 335 7874
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Integrated Mobility Transportation Plan (IMTP)
The IMTP will establish a long-range vision to create a plan that guides future growth and balances travel needs and creates choice. It is important to have the planning underway in a tangible and structured manner to bring together the many policies, updates, frameworks, etc. to deliver on a clear
Integrated Mobility Plan
.
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Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Conference - June 2019
“
Municipalities stand ready to continue working with every federal party to empower Canada’s local leaders. Because that’s how we’ll build better lives
.” -FCM
The conference included:
- Tradeshow floor
- Networking
- Keynote Speakers - all leaders of Federal parties, including the Prime Minister
- Study Tour of waterfront infrastructure
- Workshop – Festivals & Events; Risk and Liability
- Teambuilding & welcome events
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Burlington Transit
Seniors Ride Free
is an 18 month pilot as at June 2, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2020.
- Use a PRESTO card with a pass - see Free option below.
- Pass is valid for the entire pilot.
- Outreach to Adults 65+.
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Learn2Tap Sessions in Ward 2
Burlington Seniors' Centre
July 10, 2019 from 10 am to 2 pm
Learn2Ride Sessions:
Burlington Seniors' Centre
July 17, 24 & 31 from 11 am to 2:30 pm
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Free SPLIT Pass
Subsidized passes for transit customers. Please call *311 for application.
- SPLIT Pass is available for customers who qualify for the program through Halton Region.
- Halton Region pays 50% of the pass.
- City of Burlington pays 50% of the pass.
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Route Changes
Moving to a Grid, 20 and 30 minute service:
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Public Engagement
Results from Better Transit Drop-in Sessions and Online
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Latest transformation work on the
Joseph Brant Museum
-
Stay tuned for an official celebration opening in September.
- Drywall boarding in the Brant House, second floor is 90% complete
- Ongoing painting, tiling, mechanical and electrical finishes, and masonry exterior
- Millwork and door installation has initiated
- Exhibit install has initiated
- Green Roof and exterior site grading in the next 2 weeks.
Museum staff and the collections will be moving in through the month of August.
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Monday, July 1st, 2019
2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Canada Day
and enjoy free Canadian-inspired activities all day
at Spencer Smith Park.
Please use active transportation to attend.
Shuttle Bus, Bike Corral, Entertainment
for the whole family.
Note: Fireworks sponsored by Bunzl at 10 p.m.
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Upcoming Events
July 17, 24, 31
– Burlington Transit Learn2Tap Info Sessions
Saturdays, July & August
– Songs & Sunsets Music at Central Park
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Note:
For a full listing of city meetings and events
subscribe to the city calendar
and receive a weekly email providing you with a list of what's coming up. If you belong to a community organization and would like to add an event to the calendar, quickly create an account and you're all set to start adding events. Visit the
City Calendar
to register your organization.
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Road Safety Lawn Signs
The use of lawn signs for promoting road safety is
increasingly more common as municipalities in the
Greater Toronto Area have implemented campaigns in recent years, including Toronto, Mississauga and Hamilton. This has prompted requests from residents about the possibility of a similar program in Burlington.
Lawn signs are low cost temporary plastic signs with a wire frame, commonly used in business advertising and event promotion.
The
Road Safety Lawn Sign Program
is a tool to help remind drivers about speeding and aggressive driving on our neighbourhood streets. Other programs/tools available: driver feedback signs, reduced speed limits, traffic calming measures, and Road Watch program.
Learn more
.
How to get a Sign?
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Burlington Fire Department New Program
Burlington firefighters will be visiting homes across the city this summer and fall to talk with homeowners about how residents can be safe at home. Part of the visit includes a voluntary in-home safety assessment to make sure Burlington homes are protected by working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Understanding how to prevent fires from happening, having a home escape plan and being prepared for an emergency—big or small—are all essential steps to protecting what matters most.
Protect what matters most by following four simple steps to safety:
- Prevent it – Stop fire and life safety emergencies before they start.
- Protect it – Safeguard your home and family with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Create it – Make a family escape plan.
- Build it – Put together a 72-hour emergency kit.
Why participate in the program? Peace of mind that your home and family are protected by working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as required by law.
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Halton Regional Police Service
Results of 2019 Canada Road Safety Week Enforcement
In support of Canada Road Safety Week, from May 14 -20, 2019, the Halton Regional Police Service conducted heightened traffic enforcement on area roadways. Officers focused on what has become known as the ‘Big 3’ road safety issues: aggressive driving, distracted driving and impaired operation – by alcohol and/or drug.
During Canada Road Safety Week (CRSW), which included the Victoria Day Long Weekend, Halton Regional Police Service officers laid a total of 3,306 non-criminal charges and warnings related to all forms of driving offences. Read the
News Release
.
If you observe a vehicle being operated in a manner which places you or anyone else in danger, please call 9-1-1 for an immediate police response.
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Healthy Living + Environment
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- Consultants retained to complete Burlington’s Climate Action Plan.
- Will include community engagement.
- Stay tuned for Sept. 2019 community workshops.
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LED Streetlight Conversion
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- Completed 6 months earlier
- $550,000 below $5.72M budget.
- Energy costs reduced from $1,565,000 in 2016 to estimated $788,000 in 2019.
- $50k reduction in streetlight annual maintenance.
- Overall energy reduction of 3,260,000 KWh per year.
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The report provides an overview on the state of Burlington’s environment including information on local sustainability efforts and actions that can be taken. The report has four themes:
- Land, Air, Water, and Waste
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Pool, Spa + Hot Tub Eco-Friendly Maintenance Tips
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While backyard pools are a lot of fun and create lifelong memories, it’s important to follow some basic environmentally-friendly actions.
Good eco-friendly pool, spa and hot tub maintenance starts with knowing about sanitary and storm sewers.
Read more
.
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City of Burlington's Planning Process
Municipalities, like people, need to plan for the future. City planning is the management of land and resources that helps us ensure our city is a well-planned, vibrant community where people want to live, work and play.
Through various documents and bylaws, planning provides a framework for:
- smart development that meets the demands of our growing city;
- appropriate locations for buildings and structures like homes, shops, parks, offices, and factories;
- a network of infrastructure, including roads, water mains, sewers, and transit.
Successful planning protects the environment, conserves cultural heritage and contributes to a unique sense of place.
Planning in Ontario is governed by the provincial
Planning Act
. The Act sets out the steps that municipalities must follow during planning processes such as the requirement for public notice and ensures municipalities make decisions that align with provincial policies such as environmental protection and the preservation of farmland.
Learn more
including the
Burlington Planning Process in 10 Step
s.
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Planning and Development Resident Q&A:
Q: I’ve heard that Council can remove the downtown Mobility Hub designation, why hasn’t this been done yet?
A: It is correct that Council can remove the downtown Mobility Hub designation, this would be done by amending the Official Plan at the City and Region. I am fully supportive of removing this designation and have advocated for restoring planning decisions to the community.
Timeline: We can't amend the OP while under the Interim Control By-law (ICBL). In fact, no party can amend the OP to do anything to change land use designations in the ICBL study area during the study period – not even the City. As a refresher, the ICBL will: Assess the role and function of the downtown bus terminal and the Burlington GO station on Fairview Street as Major Transit Station Areas.
Q: If the Mobility Hub designation is removed, then we won’t have any more tall buildings?
A: I have heard the community loud and clear on the desire to have local control over planning and responsible growth for the downtown. There are other designations besides the Mobility Hub that are used for planning justification, including the Urban Growth Centre (UGC) and Major Transit Station Area (MTSA). Council is awaiting the conclusion of the ICBL Study for recommendations on any changes that can occur to these designations.
The City is on track with a plan to complete the ICBL Study for March 2020 (See Re-examination of the Adopted Official Plan section of newsletter). In May, Council approved the following motion:
Direct the Director of City Building, after the conclusion of the studies conducted as part of (1) the scoped re-examination of the policies of the adopted Official Plan and (2) Interim Control By-law 10-2019 as amended (21-2019), to report on any changes to the Urban Growth Centre and Major Transit Station Area designations applicable to Burlington’s downtown and the Burlington GO Station that could be recommended as a result of any proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments arising out of the studies.
At this time, we will look to address the Mobility Hub designation, MTSA designation, and UGC designation and the impact of these on how our community will welcome responsible growth.
I have stood with the community as a resident, candidate, and now councillor on the right side of this issue and will continue to work with all tools and options available to deliver on planning and development that is sensitive to the core values of Burlingtonians.
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Bill 108: Changes to Ontario's Planning System
Halton Region and the City of Burlington Council unanimously opposed Bill 108, citing issues that the bill does not address concerns and potential solutions that reflect municipalities.
This legislation has been dubbed "the developers wishlist". We will see if this is the case when the policies are put to action. At this time however, we still have an opportunity to influence how this law is put into motion. The City will continue to work with ministries to design the rules, policies and related programs under Bill 108 as the regulations are being crafted. You can get involved by voicing your opinions on specific regulations during this consultation period
.
Some of the changes enacted through Bill 108 will affect the planning and financial tools to support new development in communities that municipalities use (including our city) to provide:
- parks
- recreation centres
- childcare centres
- libraries
- subsidized housing
- paramedic services and
- other community infrastructure
It also changes where the City can require new affordable housing, how heritage buildings are conserved and how development applications are reviewed by the City and at the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT)/ Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).
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Timeline and Decision Steps for Re-examination of the Adopted OP
- Work is underway with our consultant based on the terms of reference presented on May 21. This was developed through the March 18 workshop, OP direction to conduct study given on Feb. 7.
- Paperwork to be completed shortly and announcement of consultant will be made.
- Participation in IAP2 Training (International Association of Public Participation) for Decision Makers; same training that approximately 130 staff at the City have taken. IAP2 is an internationally recognized and respected approach to consultation.
Interim Control By-law (ICBL)
Engagement with respect to the
ICBL
land use study which is a technical exercise as set out by the Planning Act, will be through statutory public meetings related to the resulting OP and zoning amendment.
Re-examination of the Adopted Official Plan
Community Engagement opportunities will be open in August, stay tuned for release of these opportunities, as always, please send your thoughts my way.
I have every confidence that the City Planning Staff will work diligently and professionally to meet the set out timelines, as Council, we are prepared to support Staff with the resources needed to set this initiative up for success.
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Construction Projects Underway
ADI
-
374 Martha
– Traffic Management Plan underway, tentative open house July 4th - pending recent review by staff of traffic plan proposal. A dedicated newsflash will be issued to invite community members to an open house to review the plans.
Molinaro
- Brock & Ontario – Road closure scheduled for Civic Holiday, Shoring mid-August, Excavating September.
Carriage Gate
- Brant & James – Demolition late summer, applied for Shoring and Excavating permits September.
- Water main works complete
- Maple Park parking lot is complete
- Ongoing curb and sidewalk repairs on Ontario, Richmond, and Maple
- Asphalt resurfacing will follow
- Expected completion date is early September
On track to be completed end of July. Tentative schedule as follows, weather permitting:
- Complete concrete works (curbs and sidewalk) – Week of July 8th
- Pave Ghent and Hager Avenue- Week of July 12th
- Restoration - Mid to End of July
Lakeshore Road – Resurfacing
- From Nelson Avenue to Locust Street
- To commence after Labour Day weekend
- More information to follow mid-summer
- Zip line – repairs underway; temporarily out-of-service until this work completed
- Expected repair completion ~2 weeks
- Stay tuned for playground reopening event
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2069-2079 Lakeshore Rd. and 383-385 Pearl St.
June 11/19 P&D - received and filed Report PB-22-19 regarding the official plan and zoning by-law amendments.
- 29-storey mixed-use building
- 280 residential units and 675 square metres of ground floor commercial retail space fronting on Lakeshore Rd. and Pearl St.
- Adaptive re-use of listed heritage buildings fronting on Pearl St. as Live/Work units.
- Five levels of underground parking (280 spaces) and a-grade parking (11 spaces).
- Car access from Lakeshore Rd., loading access from Pearl St.
Next Steps?
On hold until the Interim Control By-law study is complete and the ICB is lifted. Public feed back accepted.
I do not support any component of this application, there was a revised application submitted hours prior to the Statutory Public Meeting which I have yet to receive. This application represents the over-intensification that the community has voiced continued opposition to.
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Pre-consultation Status (no application received by City):
- 422 Guelph Line – 12 + 1 storey residential
- 2294-2300 Queensway Drive – 23 unit townhomes
- 2085 Pine St. – 11 storey + 1 residential
- 2093-2101 Old Lakeshore Rd. & 2096-2100 Lakeshore Rd. – 26 storey mixed-use
- 401-417 Martha St. – 11 storey residential
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Construction Projects in your Neighbourhood
Do you have questions or concerns about an area construction project?
- Noise and Lighting
- Vibration
- Dust and Environmental Concerns
- Parking
- Road Closures
- Condition of construction site
- Restoration of boulevards and sidewalks
- Interruptions in access to water, driveway, street, sidewalks and more
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Welcome to New Ward 2 Businesses
Congratulations and welcome to the downtown business community - wishing and supporting you both in every success to come!
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She's Got Leggz takes their business to the next level after four amazing years as Canada’s fastest growing legging company. Through hard work and dedication, the company has grown to 80 stylists across Canada while still focused on being a community partner involved in local organizations.
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I continue to be impressed beyond belief of Jessica's energy, vision, spirit of collaboration and overall awesomeness
!
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We'd be pleased to welcome new businesses to our Ward 2 community. If you are or know of a new business joining Ward 2, please contact my office at [email protected] with details.
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Out and about!
Sharing with you some of the activities, events, meetings, and community connections I have been involved with in recent weeks.
It’s important to feel that your voice matters on all municipal issues - this list touches on what happens in my role and the hope is that this sparks conversation in our community.
This opportunity to connect is what brings us closer, brings us a sense of place and purpose and ultimately fosters a sense of belonging. After all, we’re all in this, together. I’m always listening. As always, met with all members of the community to work towards a Burlington we can all be proud of, together.
•Committee of the Whole
•Road closure communication plan
•Planning and development committee
•Chamber lunch with McMaster University table w/ Vic Fedeli
•Halton Regional Workshop
•COW Workshop - Parks & Rec
•Delivery of recycle bins to residents
•COW Workshop - Media
•P&D Public Meeting - Official Plan
•Halton Regional Council Meeting
•JointheJ flag raising
•Tourism Burlington AGM
•City Auditor quarterly touchpoint
•Central High gr.10 Civics class guest speaker
•Live Well event opening remarks
•Business welcome to She’s Got Leggz
•Halton Food for Thought breakfast program with Tom Thompson
•May Birthdays office potluck
•City Council Meeting
•AGB Exhibit Opening - Janeen Frei Njootli & Jeremy Dutcher
•Grand Opening Jessica Waugh Photography in Village Square
•Lions Club & Pet-Valu Walk for Dog Guides
•Centre for Skills Development & Training visit
•Civicology IT Services
•Bike to work week
•Richmond Road traffic calming review
•ADI/Nautique construction management review
•Pre-consultation Development Application Meeting - Queensway Drive
•BDBA Mix after 5 - Burlington Physiotherapy
•BPAC Season Launch
•Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference
•Study Tour: Restoring Public River Access for an Active and Healthy City
•Mayor’s Reception
•Tradeshow Floor Networking
•First Raptors Game with fellow Councillors
•Study Tour: Global Supply Chain tour of Port
•Workshop: Festivals and Events - Risk and Liability
•1 in 100 Day in spirit
•KiteFest & Baseball Practice at Brant Hills
•Greeting to Burlassic crowd at Civic Square
•Flag raising: Pride Month
•COW Pre-Meeting
•Snow removal bylaw review
•Planning touchpoint for P&D
•Shifra Homes visit
•Central High grade 9 City Hall tour
•Review of Burlington 2018-2020 V2F Plan
•BDBA Board Meeting
•Audit Committee
•Meeting re: MPAC Assessments of Dtwn
•Construction Planning Meeting: Brock 2
•Resident Review re: Temporary Accommodations / Airbnb
•PA Day with kids spent at the parks & a movie treat at Cinestarz
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Kicked-Off Burlington Made Second Saturdays in the Square
•
Hosted St. Luke’s Love my Hood Event
•
Attended a Ward 4 Love my Hood Event
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Kick-Off for 40th Sound of Music Festival
•
City Council Meeting
•
Delivery of Slow Down signs to residents
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Review of “B” Heritage properties in downtown
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Ward 2 Community Update
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Attended Lakeshore Public School end of year BBQ
•
Jo Brant Hospital AGM
•
Jo Brant Foundation Duck Dash
•
Site tour of Nalco, top employer in Ward 2
•
City Staff Appreciation BBQ & Dunk Tank
•
Meeting with Centre for Skills & Development Training
•
Celebrated my birthday with cake in Central Park
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Thank you for your time. With the warmer weather upon us, sharing the following helpful information:
Thank you for your support! It’s a pleasure to bring your voice forward as we work together to make our Burlington the best place to live, work and play!
Contact my office at any time through email, telephone or social media, and feel free to forward this newsletter to friends, family, neighbours and colleagues so that they can
sign up
as well.
Stay tuned for dates of upcoming Ward 2 Community meetings in the fall.
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Sincerely,
Lisa Kearns
Ward 2 Councillor
City of Burlington & Region of Halton
Tel: 905 335-7600 x7588
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