Ward 2 Community News

Lisa Kearns l Councillor l Burlington.ca/Ward2

March 2020 In this issue: What's Happening at the March Committee Meetings? March Committee Agenda Items: Overview Climate Action Plan Grading and Drainage: Low-Density Residential and Infill Development Pop-up Patio Program in Downtown Burlington Ward 2 News Interim Control By-law (ICBL) Metrolinx Expansion Planning + Development - 2294 & 2300 Queensway Drive Construction in Your Neighbourhood City Hall News Burlington One Brand Project Burlington Transit – MagnusCard Cannabis Get Involved Burlington Health + Environment The Burlington Ready Program Community Advisory Group BurlingtonGreen’s Clean Up Week Community Events Community Partners Burlington Public Library Crime Stoppers Halton Region COVID-19 The ROCK Closing Comments

What's Happening at the March Committee Meetings?

Standing Committee Agendas - March Committee begins at 9:30 a.m. and if required continues at 6:30 p.m., delegations by our residents are first on the agenda. I will continue exploring ways to improve the delegation process and commit to an open line of communication that respects the value of citizen led input. City meetings are live web-cast, giving everyone the option to attend in person or view online.  Here's what's included in the upcoming committee agendas for March: 

Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee March 9, 2020 - 6:30 p.m. (evening session only) Agenda   Consent Item: Managing Grading and Drainage: Low Density Residential and Infill Development Regular Items: Climate Action Plan for Burlington Tyandaga – Park and Golf Course

Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility Committee March 10, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. (all-day), reconvening at 6:30 p.m. (evening) Agenda Statutory Public Meeting:  Recommendation report for an official plan amendment, zoning by-law amendment and plan of subdivision for 2294 & 2300 Queensway Drive Consent Item: Kilbride Street Community Safety Zone Regular Items: Burlington Economic Development Strategic Planning Overview and 2020 Priorities Pop-Up Patio Program in Downtown Burlington Terms of Reference update for Housing and Development Liaison Committee

Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee March 12, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. (all day) Agenda   Consent Items: Remuneration and expenses paid to Council and appointees for 2019 Financial status report as at December 31, 2019 2020 proposed budget and tax levy for the Burlington Downtown Business Improvement Area 2020 proposed budget and tax levy for the Aldershot Village Business Improvement Area 2019 retained savings 2020 Halton Court Services budget and business plan Mayor’s travel for 2020 Regular Items: 2019 status update on community engagement Proposed high-level corporate strategy workplan Staff directions from 2020 budget

City Council March 30, 2020 - 6:30 p.m. (evening) Agenda not yet available

March Committee Meeting Agenda Items: Overview

Climate Action Plan for Burlington Burlington City Council declared a climate emergency in April 2019 in response to the concerns about the impact that a changing climate is having on the city and communities around the globe. The Climate Action Plan provides a framework to reduce the use of fossil fuels in the community, the main contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in climate change.   Council recently approved several initiatives in the 2020 budget to support climate action, including: Support for the administration of the Bay Area Climate Change Council and Office Development of the Climate Adaptation Plan (part 2 of the Climate Action Plan) Additional electric vehicle charging stations Additional FTE position to support energy and climate initiatives Private tree by-law and additional tree planting Green fleet strategy update Urban Forestry Management Plan update Additional investment in Transit.   The next phase of the Climate Action Plan involves the development of the Climate Adaptation Plan. Climate adaptation is acknowledging that the community is and will continue to be impacted by a changing climate and implementing policies, initiatives and actions to respond in a strategic manner.   Staff are in the process of creating the workplan to determine how the plan will be carried out. This is no small task and will require: Workshops with staff representing service areas Workshops with community stakeholder groups to review climate impact data for Burlington Review of sectors at risk and vulnerable to climate change Review of actions that are already in place and new measures/initiatives required to respond to climate change.  Read more (scroll down to Item. 4.1, Report EICS-01-20)   My comments: On behalf of the many residents that have engaged in meaningful conversations about how to create a more adaptable and resilient environment, I welcome this report. We have set out to be a net zero carbon community by 2050. Burlington is not new to addressing climate impacts, however, it’s important now, more than ever, that Climate Declarations are backed up by Action Plans. We remain steadfast in this evolving plan and the targets set out to reduce community emissions. I was pleased to support the additional budget items that will directly move us forward on climate initiatives. The city is one partner in this global movement, community partners are stepping up to ensure that the environment is a constant focus of our actions – everyone is encouraged to get involved and learn more.   Check out: Burlington Sustainable Advisory Development Committee BurlingtonGreen City of Burlington Climate Change and Air Quality and Environment Conservation Halton Climate Change Halton Environmental Network

Grading and Drainage: Low-Density Residential and Infill Development    As our neigbourhoods see more low-density tear downs and rebuilds representing infill development, it is important to ensure that neighbours are not negatively impacted by drainage and grading deficiencies.  The current bylaw addresses negative impacts, however is limited to the final certification and leaves the time between demolition and final inspection without enforcement options.   This will change with the revisions to the Drainage By-law 17-2018 which will allow staff better tools to deliver enforcement during construction via an order to comply. Right now, enforcement of best practices is only by discussion with the builder. To ensure success and a positive experience for all involved, this by-law will support a stricter level of enforcement in real time.  Read more (scroll down to Item 3.1, Report CW-08-20).

Pop-up Patio Program in Downtown Burlington The City’s Pop-up Patio pilot program participation has been consistent and growing over the past five years.  The program allows downtown businesses to establish temporary seasonal patios by using on-street parking spaces along Brant, John, and Pine Streets.   Staff are recommending that the Pop-up Patio Program be established permanently to provide more certainty to the downtown businesses.   Read more (scroll down to Item 5.2, PL-11-20).   My comments:  Establishing the Pop-up Patio pilot program on a permanent basis falls into our city’s 2018-2022 Vision to Focus Plan , specifically, in Focus Area 1 ‘increasing economic prosperity and community responsive growth management’. Pop-up Patios are a great way to support our businesses as well as assisting in creating a vibrant, animated and walkable downtown. This is the conclusion of a pilot program which means we need to make a decision on how to further this program.

Ward 2 News

Interim Control By-law (ICBL) At a glance: Media Release : February 27th RE: Appeals extend development freeze in Downtown Burlington and at Burlington GO My comments:   February 26 th marked the close of the appeal period for the planning policies that were approved by Council on January 30th for the lands in the Interim Control By-law (ICBL) boundaries. The ICBL (development freeze) will continue as a result of appeals which prevent the policies from going into effect. It is important that your Councillor provides clear and understandable information about the process. Many have keenly followed this year long process as City Hall sought to address issues of growth pressure and how transit designations affect growth. A recent post on www.LisaKearnsWard2.com provides a clear overview and insight on what’s happening and what it means to residents. You should know that there are different processes happening at the same time and it is important that pieces from each are not mixed to create extra confusion. I’ve done my best to break it down in the post, addressed feedback with the comments below, and will keep you updated through the upcoming series of Media Releases from City of Burlington Communications. During this technical and complex planning period, I commit to do my best in keeping residents informed. Most importantly, you are always welcome to ask me questions by e-mail [email protected] or in person. Response to comments received following my post: Appeal window is closed, no additional appeals will be received. The LPAT tribunal will determine how many proceed following the Case Management Conferences. The two potential outcomes were transparent to the public. Enact tighter zoning controls, move on and expect the Development community to follow suit with the prompt release of the ICBL. Appeal zoning controls (reasons are not disclosed yet because they are in a legal process) and the ICBL remains in effect - no development. All covered in open public meeting of January 30th. I encourage folks to call up the video and see the conversations around minute ~25 (Planning Director comments) and minute ~51 (Legal response on Appeals) and minute ~56 (my comments).

Metrolinx - Expansion– OnCorr Program The Ward 2 February 2020 Newsletter previewed a project by Metrolinx. OnCorr (Burlington Beach Layover) intends to transform and modernize the GO Transit rail system with the implementation of rail electrification. Specific to Ward 2 Burlington, the proposal includes new tracks and upgrades with a proposed layover (‘shunting yard’) near Brant Street and Plains Road East (across from Glendor Avenue.) A public open house was held on February 26th at Central Arena to hear from the public on the “Burlington Beach Layover”. On presentation, the layover was described to provide east-bound trains on the Lakeshore West Line, primarily at the start of each day until such time as trains are received from Toronto. Observers counted over-night storage for 14-16 trains plus bays for washdown.

Timelines:

My comments:  Investing and upgrading the current GO Transit system is an important part of getting our community to where they are going. This is a major infrastructure project with large community and environmental impacts. I will continue to meet with Metrolinx and encourage you to keep involved. I have flagged the following as areas of concern: The ability to exclude diesel rail which is louder and dirtier than electrified trains in an area that also presents ownership rights by CN Rail. While this is a private property matter that will have to be independently negotiated, the effect on residents must remain paramount in any negotiations. The land use in an area that just borders the Burlington GO Mobility Hub which should support 150 jobs/people per h/a and this site is estimated to generate very few jobs, generally the use is maintenance and storage space. The location which is across from established residential and in extremely close proximity to future residential The source of hydro from HydroOne and not Burlington Hydro The difference in property tax generation for this type of project vs. industrial zoning use per current The communication plan and public notification – my office was advised that notice of the public meeting was sent via Canada Post to postal codes: L7T, L7S, L7R, L7N and L7L, yet many including myself did not receive notice.   Next Steps: Share your concerns directly with Metrolinx .   Links provided by Metrolinx: GO Expansion New Track & Facilities Burlington Public Meeting Materials Contact Metrolinx

Planning + Development

2294 & 2300 Queensway Drive Proposal: 25 townhouse units 63 units/hectare Status:  Staff are recommending refusal of this proposal. Staff’s recommendation report will be considered at the City’s Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility Committee of Council (CPRM):

DATE:     Tuesday, March 10th                                                              TIME:     6:30 p.m. PLACE:   426 Brant Street, Council Chambers, Level 2 View the staff report (scroll down to Item. 2.1 PL-17-20). All are welcome to speak at the meeting, registration is required .

Construction in Your Neighbourhood Concerns or questions about a construction project in your neighbourhood? Visit Construction in Your Neighbourhood where you'll find a wealth of information including a construction project Q&A.

City Hall Updates

Burlington One Brand Project The City is undertaking a rebranding project with the goal of creating a single, unified brand that speaks to one city, one story. The new brand will be rooted in a strong brand promise that is reflective of our community and speaks to our residents, our businesses, our City staff, visitors and the world. A project team comprised of the City of Burlington, Burlington Economic Development and Tourism Burlington has been formed to begin the development of this new city-wide brand for Burlington.  The Customer Experience - The new brand will be completely integrated into the Burlington customer experience. This means that regardless of whether someone is engaging with the Burlington brand in their day-to-day life or with the Corporate Burlington brand (at City Hall, a park, on a bus, online, etc.), there will be consistency and clarity in Burlington’s commitment to upholding our promise. Engagement Opportunities Coming - There will be extensive staff, stakeholder and public engagement in 2020. Stay tuned for more details.   Learn more about the Burlington One Brand Project . My comments:  The Burlington One Brand Project received recent CBC News coverage, specifically referring to the cost.  I can understand that there might be some inquiry about the budget for Burlington’s rebrand initiative following recent coverage on CBC News. The reality is that this work needs to be done well and thoroughly, and we need the right company (creative agency) that can do it. I know this, because I’ve been on the other side of the creative perspective once before and supported a full corporate rebranding and identity for a national multi-billion dollar company with ~6500 employees. By comparison, Burlington is an $8.07 billion dollar company - and with it the livelihood of tens of thousands of families and individuals who’ve built their lives here depend on the success of Burlington.   To attract those agencies that can do it right means to apply an appropriate budget that will pay them for the value of the work but also allow them to be profitable and have the right scale in their organization. In the past these budgets have been so low that it excluded sophisticated, capable and experienced agencies that lacked experience for the job. The result has been charming at best.   It’s my hope that by setting the budget big and expectations super high and ensuring complete satisfaction that the team created the best identity in the world – being Burlington is among the best towns in the world. That’s the process, and the cost.

Burlington Transit - MagnusCards Burlington Transit customers can now use MagnusCards® card decks to learn how to ride transit. MagnusCards® is a free mobile app that helps people with cognitive special needs learn life skills through step-by-step digital card decks. Burlington Transit has 5 card decks available for download: Riding the Bus, Riding the Bus with your Mobility Device, Getting Ready and Taking Burlington Transit, Having a Safe and Comfortable Ride and Getting Help and Answers. MagnusCards is a free download for Apple iOS and Android available at Google Play and the Apple Store .

Burlington Transit - Seeking your Input As our city's population continues to grow, moving around our city should be easy and convenient whether travelling by f­oot, car, bicycle or on Burlington Transit. Burlington Transit is advancing innovative mobility and, over the next few years, is looking to: Increase frequency and reliability of­ bus service Focus service on the city's most heavily traveled streets Create better connections with other major transportation systems like GO rail service Improve the com­fort and convenience o­f taking transit Provide your input and comments on advancing transit in Burlington by completing the Burlington Transit 2020 Customer Survey .

Cannabis Earlier this month, the City of Burlington engaged residents about whether cafes and lounges serving and allowing the consumption of cannabis should be allowed to operate in the city.   The survey results were provided to Council prior the City Council Meeting on February 24 to respond to the Ontario Government’s online consultation for potential cannabis business opportunity additions. The survey also asked residents about the potential extension of Special Occasion Permits (SOPs) identified in the Ontario Government’s online consultation. SOPs would allow cannabis to be served and consumed at festivals and events in public places and spaces.   There was a total of 969 completed surveys; following are the results:   Allow the sale and consumption of cannabis in places like cannabis lounges and cafes Strongly agree/Agree = 483 Strongly disagree/Disagree = 435 Allow the sale and consumption of cannabis at festivals and events (example music or food festivals) through a Special Occasion Permit process: Strongly agree/Agree = 387 Strongly disagree/Disagree = 849 Should municipalities be able to decide/govern the sale and consumption of cannabis: Lounges/cafes -Yes 66%, No 22%, Unsure 11% Sales/consumption at events- Yes 72%, No 20%, Unsure 7% At its February 24, 2020 meeting, Council passed the following motion:  Defer the Mayor’s Report MO-02-20, regarding a City of Burlington Resolution on Expanded Sale and Consumption of Cannabis in public space to a Special Council meeting on March 9, 2020.   Links and Resources: Provincial online consultation – comments due March 10 www.burlington.ca/cannabis Smoke Free Ontario Ontario.ca/cannabis Health Canada for rules for edibles, extracts and topicals

Get Involved Burlington Have you registered yet? Join the conversation and share your thoughts by signing up to register to the Get Involved Burlington website . Contribute your ideas and feedback on municipal issues and projects important to you! Below is a small snapshot of numerous topics the city is seeking your input on. Visit Get Involved Burlington to view more.

Our Health + Environment

The Burlington Ready Program Community Advisory Group Increased heat waves, windstorms, ice storms, drought and flood events are just a few of the climate change impacts being felt in many communities around the world. Burlington is not exempt from such events, and we need to be prepared. You’re invited to join the Burlington Ready Program Community Advisory Group (formerly known as the Lighthouse Program) in a full-day collaborative workshop to launch Burlington’s resiliency hub model to effect change: Date:                Thursday, March 5, 2020 Time:                8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Location:         Ron Joyce Centre, DeGroote School of Business, 4350 South Service Rd.

 BurlingtonGreen's Clean Up Week Mark your calendars for this year's Community Clean Up, April 20-26th. Gather family, friends, neighbours and coworkers to take collective climate action and help make our city a cleaner home for all of us.  Visit BurlingtonGreen to learn more about Clean Up Week, Green Up Day and TLC (Tree Loving Care). 

Community Events

Upcoming Events: Mar. 5 –Burlington Ready Program Community Advisory Group Resiliency Hub Model Workshop, Ron Joyce Centre, DeGroote School of Business Mar. 5 – Trivia Night at Joseph Brant Museum Mar. 6 – International Women’s Day Luncheon, Holiday Inn Burlington Mar. 7 - Breakfast at the Bistro, Burlington Seniors' Centre Mar. 11 – Oxford College Career Fair, 760 Brant Street Mar. 12 – Speaker’s Lunch, St. Lukes Mar. 14 – Magical Creatures Encounters at the Joseph Brant Museum Mar. 15 – Book Launch, A Different Drummer Books Mar. 15, 17 & 18 – A Green I.D.E.A.’s ‘Does Garbage Have any Value’ Workshops Mar. 16-20 – Mythic Creatures March Break Camp at Joseph Brant Museum Mar. 21 – History Explorers Club – Medicine, at Joseph Brant Museum Mar. 25 – Women as Career Coaches 2020, Burlington Convention Centre Mar. 26 – In Memoriam Ceremony – Civic Square, City Hall Mar. 26 – CARP Halton Chapter “Speaking of Bones”, Burlington Seniors Centre Mar. 26 – Museum After Hours – Shipwrecks: Dive into History, Joseph Brant Museum Ongoing: Burlington Public Library - Children's events, book clubs, contests ++ Downtown Community Lunches, St. Luke's, 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday. Open Studio and PA Days at the AGB. Friday Night Community at Wellington Square United Church. Rotary Centennial Pond Skating at Spencer Smith Park- weather permitting. Taste of Burlington to Mar. 8, 2020. Giants, Dragons & Unicorns – the World of Mythic Creatures at Joseph Brant Museum until May 10, 2020.

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.

Anti-Bullying Day (a.k.a. Pink Shirt Day) originated in Canada and generally happens on the last Wednesday of February. It’s a day to encourage everyone to practice kindness and wear pink to symbolize that you do not tolerate bullying. A pleasure to join City Council, local schools, the online community, workplaces and our own neighbourhoods in showing we care for #pinkshirtday2020 in support of raising awareness around bullying and cyber bullying.  A portion of the shirts donated to the Reach Out Centre for Kids (“ROCK”).

Community Partners

Calling all residents! The Burlington Public Library is seeking your input to help the Library define its service priorities and future directions over the next four years. Provide your thoughts and comments by completing a survey . 

Crime Stoppers is a non-profit, non-police organization that encourages members of the public to anonymously communicate information regarding criminal activity in exchange for cash.   If you have any information about a crime, visit Crime Stoppers of Halton or call Toll Free: 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You will not have to provide your name, phone number or location.  The Crime Stoppers Tip Line is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Tips can also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers website .

To date, there have been no confirmed cases in Halton Region. For the latest information about the status of cases in Ontario, please visit ontario.ca/coronavirus .   While the risk to individuals in Ontario and Halton residents remains low, everyone is encouraged to stay informed about the evolving disease and understand precautionary measures.   People of all ages can be infected with COVID-19. While most individuals infected experience mild symptoms and recover, risk of serious illness rises with age. People over 40 seem to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus as do people with weakened immune systems and those with pre-existing medical conditions (diabetes, heart and lung disease). Residents must inform their health care provider if they develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and they have travelled to an impacted area .   Impacted Area includes all areas with a Government of Canada Travel Health Advisory for COVID-19 . As of February 25, 2020, this includes: China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. As the list of impacted areas is updated regularly, please refer to the Government of Canada website for the most updated information.   Related Links: Halton Region – Health Ontario Ministry of Health Government of Canada Public Health Agency of Canada Public Health Ontario World Health Organization - Coronavirus

ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids is a non-profit, registered charitable organization and the largest accredited children’s mental health centre in Halton Region. ROCK provides a multi-disciplinary approach to the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of mental health issues for children, youth and their families. The capital campaign is on now to help fund the expansion of Reach Out Centre for Kids – donations now being accepted . ROCK’s Pearl Street location, originally built in 1992, ROCK (then CATC) provided services to 400 children per year. ROCK now provides over 9,000 services annually to children and their families at this location, and still has an extensive waiting list.

ROCK has an approved 20,000 square foot expansion of its Pearl Street location. A three-story addition, fully-accessible and environmentally-friendly expansion will allow ROCK to reduce overhead costs, and better serve the needs of its clients, staff and community. The new facility will allow ROCK to bring more of its Burlington programs and services under one roof, co-locate programs, consolidate administrative and reception functions, save on rent, and allow for efficient use of agency space.  Learn more . 

Closing Comments

With a few more weeks of winter ahead of us, hope you’re able to get out, keep active and enjoy some winter activity including:  Skate with Sticks and Pucks Skate at Rotary Centennial Pond, Spencer Smith Park Toboggan at one of the designated locations in our city Hike along our beautiful waterfront or one of our many park trails.  Your feedback and thoughts are important to me and our community. I truly believe this is your city and I am here to serve our constituents.   Our community is better when we're connected! Forward this newsletter to friends, family, neighbours and colleagues so that they can sign up as well.    Mark your Calendars for the upcoming Ward 2 Community Update Meetings on a Thursday evening at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Art Gallery of Burlington.   April 16 June 11 September 17 November 19   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!   Best regards,       Lisa Kearns Ward 2 Councillor City of Burlington & Region of Halton E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Tel: 905 335-7600, x7588

Quick Links … City of Burlington Building Permits Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) By-law Enforcement Calendar of Meetings and Events City Budget City Projects Construction in Your Neighbourhood Council Agendas and Minutes Coyotes Delegation Registration Forestry and Trees Get Involved Interim Control By-law Joseph Brant Museum Love My Hood Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund Official Plan Project Parking Planning Process Pop-up Patios Red Tape Red Carpet Task Force Roads and Sidewalk Maintenance Service Requests - Report a traffic sign, traffic signal, street light Service Requests - Report a pothole, graffiti, nuisance sign, coyote sighting Ward 2 Business Meeting Registry Ward 2 Current Development Applications Ward 2 Meetings and Events Ward 2 Past Newsletters Windrow Clearing Program

Quick Links ... Basement Flooding Subsidy Children & Parenting Comprehensive Housing Strategy 2014-2024 – Five-year Review Council Meetings & Agendas COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) Environmental Health Housing Supports & Services Immunization Newcomers to Halton OneHalton Regional App Recycling & Waste Events & Resources Roads and Construction Services for Older Adults Other Quick Links … Burlington Hydro - Power Outage Halton Legal Community Services Halton Regional Police Service MP Karina Gould (Federal Government Representative) MPP Jane McKenna (Provincial Government Representative)

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