Lisa Kearns l Councillor l Burlington.ca/Ward2
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October 2019
Hello Everyone!
Thank you to those who participated in community engagement with your city. We connected at Ward 2 Pop-ups, online, in our parks. I've truly enjoyed hearing everyone's thoughts on making a city we can all be proud of.
Food for Feedback was attended by over 1000 residents - conversations ranged from dog parks, the downtown planning, traffic calming, climate change and Budget 2020. This event was a first-of-a-kind here in Burlington. Kudos to the city's staff engagement team for an excellent job.
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We are back to Committee Agenda cycle next week. You are invited to be part of our commitment to public engagement and bring your voice to the forefront of decision making. There are so many opportunities t
o
Get Involved
! More in the newsletter on how were making it easier for you.
For a complete listing of the upcoming agenda items, visit the
City's Calendar
.
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What's Happening at City Hall
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Standing Committee Agendas - October 7th and 8th
Regular items below will be discussed on Monday, October 7. Committee
begins at 9:30 a.m. and if required 6:30 p.m., we first hear delegations by our residents - the people we serve. City meetings are live webcasted, giving everyone the option to attend in person or view online.
In my
campaign promise to get City Hall working for you
, the delegation process for Committee has been changed on a pilot basis to give those who wish to address Committee the first priority. We've heard this will help you arrange your day and deliver on a better experience with your elected representative. I know first hand how frustrating it can be to wait through agenda items for your item of interest, removing this unknown will let you have your say and get on with your day. This change brings predictability and respect for residents valuable time.
October 7th, 2019 - 9:30 a.m.
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October 8th, 2019 - 9:30 a.m.
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City-wide Private Tree Bylaw Implementation (RPF-15-19)
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A report is coming forward at Monday's Committee Meeting that will address the potential for a City-wide Private Tree Bylaw.
The report will be released this week, please follow the link below before Committee to read the report. Also, if you wish to delegate, please sign up by email to Clerks@Burlington.ca
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City Hall Updates
Approved at the Sept. 23 Council Meeting
New Departmental Organization Design at Your City Hall:
- Positions our City to meet its strategic goals over the balance of this term of Council and beyond;
- Puts more emphasis on strategic management, risk assessment and public accountability;
- Positions our city to attract and retain employees in a growing and competitive marketplace; and
- Enhances and highlights the City’s attention to City-wide customer service and public engagement through business process improvements, corporate-wide training and ongoing transformations such as digital service delivery.
Panhandling:
- Continue to work with the Halton Poverty Roundtable (which is part of United Way) as part of their broader communication to residents about poverty;
- Update the City’s website to provide information on how residents can assist those in need, including donating money;
- Share ways to help via social media, ward newsletters, and the City Talk newsletter; and
- Continue to work with the Halton Regional Police to monitor panhandling on the streets of Burlington.
Red Tape Red Carpet Task Force:
- Begin implementation of 22 recommendations developed as part of the Red Tape Red Carpet Task Force initiative. Learn more
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Sound of Music
- Recommendation to "Reinstate a non-voting ex-officio Council member on the Sound of Music Festival Board of Directions" -
Carried 7-0
.
Sound of Music is an important community connector and tourism driver for downtown and the city. I have been impressed with the leadership that Myles Rusak has brought to this event in his first year and Sound of Music's 40th.
Comment:
"
I am honoured to accept the appointment by our Mayor to join the Sound of Music Board of Directors and look forward to building on the success through this new level of transparency and accountability."
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Budget 2020
Budget planning is well underway, and Council discussions will be soon be upon on us. This is where you come in.
E-mail
your thoughts on city spending; specifically what municipal services are important to you, what you feel should be the priorities.
My role is to bring forward community driven budget requests, these will be incorporated or modified into the 2020 budget or deferred to a future budget.
More to come in the November Newsletter.
We will need to make very strategic financial decisions this year. I will be keeping a strong hold on the reserve funds and aligning budget decisions to the Vision to Focus Strategic Business Plan 2018-2022.
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For more information, visit
Budget
.
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Taking a Closer Look at Downtown Burlington
The City of Burlington is taking another look at the policies in the City’s adopted Official Plan that will guide development in the downtown until 2031. We need your feedback to help shape these policies.
Why is this important?
Downtown Burlington is the core of our community. As the city’s population continues to grow, the downtown policies in Burlington’s adopted Official Plan will determine the placement, scale, and intensity of planned development, impacting the way you experience and navigate this part of the city.
To create policies that reflect the community’s vision for the downtown, the City of Burlington needs to know what you’d like to see in the downtown. Thank you to everyone who participated in the first round of public engagement in August to share what matters most to them about the downtown.
Upcoming Opportunities
Beginning in mid-October, the City will present
two concepts
for what the downtown could look like in the future. These concepts will be based on the feedback received from the public in August, combined with other inputs like technical studies and provincial requirements. Members of the public will be asked to comment on what they like and dislike about each concept; this input will help City staff make revisions and move towards a final concept that can be recommended to Council in winter 2020. We hope to hear from as many people as possible who care about the future of downtown.
Stay Informed
Ways to Participate
- Attend a Downtown Walking Tour: Take a walking tour of downtown Burlington to get familiar with the areas of downtown that are being re-examined and to understand their present context and possible futures.
- Attend an Action Lab: Participate in a small, collaborative working group to discuss the two concepts for the future of downtown, and to communicate to the City what you like and dislike about them.
Upcoming Opportunities
In mid-October, the City will present two concepts for what the downtown could look like in the future. These concepts will be based on the feedback received from the public in August, combined with other inputs like technical studies and provincial requirements.
PLAN TO ATTEND OP WORKSHOP
Wednesday October 23rd from 1-3 p.m. & 7-9 p.m.
Burlington Lion's Club - 371 Pearl St. Burlington
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Professional Development: Attended the OPPI25 - Beyond25.
Ontario Professional Planners Institute is facing change and guiding Ontario into the next quarter century by exploring the key issues that reach beyond borders - Uneven Growth, Climate Change and Technology.
I heard the keynote by Greg Lintern, Toronto’s Chief Planner - speak to the challenge and opportunity of uneven growth. Attended sessions on Bill 108, Commercial Tax Policy, Transit Connectivity, Evolving the Established Neighbourhood, Conversations on Place, and networked with some of the over 4000 Professional Planners & Student members.
Registered Professional Planners (RPPs) are the specialized professionals who work to improve the quality and livability of communities in Ontario today and for the sustainability of those communities in the future.
Lots of information to bring back to Council, happy to connect with Staff and Industry representatives.
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What's Happening in Ward 2
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Planning + Development
For a complete listing of current development projects, visit
Ward 2 Projects
.
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2087 - 2103 Prospect Street
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Staff will be recommending modified approval for 36 units to the Oct. 8 Planning & Development Committee (Item 5.4 in the Planning & Development Agenda above).
The city has received applications from Children's Financial Group to re-designate and rezone the property located at 2087-2103 Prospect Street.
Proposal:
- Demolish eight rental townhouses at the rear of the property.
- Construct two blocks of 3-storey stacked townhouses with a total of 40 units.
- The existing 8-storey apartment building to remain.
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Recommendation:
Burlington City Building staff have reviewed the applications along with the comments received from the public and technical agencies to date.
For further details, read the:
To speak to this item at Committee:
If you wish to speak (delegate) to the Planning & Development Committee (Oct. 8) regarding this item, please
register online
or contact
Jo-Anne Rudy
.
Note that speakers are limited to a maximum of ten minutes each are webcasted online.
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Comment:
The modifications to this development application do represent a more compatible comprehensive project. This file began in 2018, I would encourage the community to share any new comments at Committee or by email. I have reviewed the responses to the previous cycle of feedback and also note that the recently approved Construction & Mobility Management Plan also helps mitigate the concerns about construction issues.
I intend to vote in favour of the modified recommendation report, notwithstanding hearing from any delegations or information presented at the P&D Committee Meeting.
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Pre-Application Neighbourhood Meeting
2107 Old Lakeshore Road + 2119 Lakeshore Road
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A developer-led pre-application neighbourhood meeting was held on Sept. 26 to discuss a potential 26 storey apartment building on the south side of Lakeshore Road (near Martha Street).
The site currently contains a sales centre, small commercial building and surface parking.
No development applications have been submitted at this time.
The city's current policies provide for the potential development of a tall building of up to 12 storeys on these lands. The owner is considering the redevelopment of the lands with a mixed-use tall building of up to 26 storeys.
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Comment:
I completely oppose this pre-consultation application. I saw the proposal at the same time as the community and share many of the same concerns. The height and density are excessive for the site, the current Official Plan limits are ignored, no green-space, no distancing from directly adjacent tall building proposal (see below), no compatibility to the waterfront, no sustainable development measures proposed, no affordable housing options - in fact, the developer nearly laughed at this suggestion from the community indicating the land is too desirable, traffic concerns, shadowing and wind, lack of overall vision for the key piece of land at the entrance to downtown Burlington. I will keenly watch for the revisions to this potential development and to truly see if the developer will take the community input into consideration.
The design was encouraging.
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2093, 2097 & 2101 Old Lakeshore Road
2096 & 2100 Lakeshore Road
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The City has received applications to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law for the above subject lands.
Proposal:
- 27-storey mixed-use building
- 310 units, and 3 commercial units on the ground floor
- Privately-owned, public accessible open space on the west side
- Site access from Lakeshore Road, with a service lane along the east side of the site.
- Service lane to include access to four levels of underground parking.
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Status:
- Under review.
- No decisions about this application has been made.
- Staff are seeking your feedback prior to making a recommendation to Committee.
- All comments submitted will be included in the staff report.
To submit written comments or for more information, contact:
Department of City Building
P.O. Box 5013, 426 Brant StreetBurlington, ON L7R 3Z6
Attention: Melissa Morgan
Phone: 905 335-7600, ext. 7788
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Status of Carriage Gate Berkeley (John/Maria/Elizabeth/Caroline)
On July 5, 2010 Carriage Gate Homes received a rezoning application that was approved to permit a mixed-use development on an entire block with three connected buildings.
Phase 1: A
17-storey apartment building adjacent to Maria Street with commercial retail space at street level
Phase 2: An
eight-storey office building adjacent to Caroline Street, and a six-storey parking garage in the centre.
Phase 1:
Construction and occupancy of this building is nearing completion. Residents have taken occupancy and despite the developer's efforts, approximately 531.5 sq. meters (5,721 sq. ft.) of retail space at-grade fronting onto Elizabeth Street, John Street and Maria Street remains vacant. There is no formal request at this time to change from retail to office space, however, I would not be supportive of this change which would hurt assurances for continued retail & commercial mix in the downtown. Ref: PB-40-19
Phase 2:
The developer must proceed with a building permit application and construction of Phase 2 by March 24, 2020.
The City entered into an agreement (Section. 41) to compel the developer to move forward with the requirements of the site plan, subject to a cash penalty of $300,000 and obligation to construct a publicly accessible landscaped open space on the entirety of the Phase 2 lands.
Current Status:
It is currently unknown whether or not the developer intends to proceed with a building permit application and construction of Phase 2 as approved, or whether or not they intend to meet the March 24, 2020 deadline. At this point a recommendation is in process that the City (via the Director of Planning and Building) write to Carriage Gate to ask them directly.
This Matters:
This matters to the community because the site, with its promise of medical jobs and downtown parking have stressed the patience of many while the deadline approaches with uncertainty. The site will soon be enhanced with streetscape improvements now that the Streetscape Guidelines are passed by Council. The Phase 2 lands are currently intended as a staging area for the construction of 421 Brant Street, 23 storey mixed-use, by the parent company of both developments - Carriage Gate Homes until early 2020.
Once the intentions are known for this site, the public will be kept up to date through my updates.
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Construction Development Projects - Status
There are 3 recent development projects which are just about to start (or, have already started). These projects are all within a one kilometer radius downtown and include:
To that end, openness and transparency through Pre-Construction Management Meetings have helped to remove the mystery around many of the concerns related to construction.
When does construction start? What about noise? Who can I contact? What are you doing about traffic? Questions like this can create anxiety and escalate concerns, getting ahead of what's happening puts us all on the same page in terms of what to expect.
City Staff has been at the forefront for helping get the right information out to the neighbourhood and learn more about construction and how we can mitigate the effects of this while this process moves along. Thank you to all involved.
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Construction Information Meetings
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Comments from the last Newlsetter:
These Pre-Construction Information meetings provide opportunity for public input on the construction that is happening. Much of the overall construction management plan is technical, and city staff have brought the priorities of the community to the forefront, for example, no closing sidewalks or roads for an extended period of time. Through the Q&A at these pre-construction information meetings, any questions that haven't been addressed by the draft construction management plan can be asked and comments can be included for the final plan.
Any perception that I am working to promote the developer is false and harmful to the work ahead. I am in fact working through the developer(s) for the community. I have been pleased with the willingness to collaborate on providing these non-mandatory Community Pre-Construction Information Meetings, and additional information to be posted on the city's website under Current Development Projects.
There is no guidebook for this, and Burlington Downtown has never had three tall buildings approved (ADI, 26 storeys; Carriage Gate, 23 storeys, and The Molinaro Group, 22 storeys) start construction within the same period of time. All while the Bridgewater development of 22 storeys, 7 storeys, and 8 storeys of mixed-use/hotel on Lakeshore Road between Elizabeth Street and Pearl Street continues towards completion. All four developments are happening within an approximate 1 km distance.
There are no policy tools or options to exercise that will stop the approved developments. The Interim Control Bylaw cannot stop previously approved developments, only freeze in process and new applications. The developments that are happening cannot be turned back
I have heard the community loud and clear and will continue to stand tall on the right side of the issues and strongly bring residents voices forward. I have been firm on my stand that our city should be in control of height and density - exclusively, we need to respect and complete our own regulations that have been set to control growth.
I have met / continue to meet with immediate residents and businesses to share and hear what is important to consider for well planned and purposeful upcoming construction. These open information meetings contribute to a connected community and the opportunity to learn more.
Working for the better, together, doesn't mean giving up on moving our city forward in a way that reflects residents values. It means coming together and doing our best to understand the change happening around us.
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Questions or concerns about a construction project underway?
Visit
Construction in Your Neighbourhood
to learn more about who to call regarding concerns about noise, dust, vibration, construction road closures, parking concerns, construction site conditions, plus more.
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City & Region Ward 2 Construction Projects
Pearl and Pine - Road Resurfacing
- Currently underway.
- Includes rehabilitation of the road surface of each Pearl and Pine Streets.
- As required, curb and sidewalk repairs/replacement
- Completion Oct. 2019.
- Contact Marc.Daffre at 905 335-7600, ext. 7640 or e-mail Marc for more information.
- This project is (finally) nearing completion.
- Manhole adjustments and site cleanup are underway.
- Lane restrictions will remain in place for approximately the next two weeks.
- Please subscribe for Project Update Notices for real-time road closures, etc.
- This full depth asphalt replacement project on both Ghent and Hager Avenues is now near completion will all main work done.
- Remaining work includes minor sod deficiencies, installation of parking sensors for the additional on-street parking, concrete pad for new benches and relocating one fire hydrant.
- Lakeshore Road from Nelson Avenue to Locust Street.
- Currently underway - includes asphalt path replacement with concrete path - south boulevard, storm sewer repairs, sidewalk repairs - north boulevard and curb and gutter repairs.
- Mid-Oct. to early Nov., work includes asphalt milling and paving, maintenance hole adjustments and lane marking.
- Completion Nov. 2019.
- Asphalt paving is complete.
- Line painting and sign installation to be completed this month.
- There have been requests to report back on potential snow clearing and path lighting, stay tuned for updates.
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- Installation of a new 300mm watermain along Truman, from Churchill Avenue to 70m north of Churchill Avenue.
- Existing watermain along the Hydro One corridor easement will be removed.
- Construction tentatively scheduled to begin in winter/spring 2020.
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My comments:
The above Capital Works/Halton Region projects are not just about construction. They are investments in infrastructure, service delivery improvements and building complete communities that maintain the high qualify of life that we all expect and enjoy. From road resurfacing to help improve traffic flow and safety to watermain upgrading to maintain access to clean, safe drinking water and service growth, these projects will ensure longevity to our infrastructure.
Your patience and understanding with the various City and Halton Region construction projects is appreciated.
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Burlington Fire Department - Cancer Awareness and Fundraising
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Have you noticed a Burlington Fire Truck wrapped in pink? This is an initiative by our Fire Department team to help raise awareness of Breast Cancer. In November, there will be a Movember fire truck wrap in support of the Movember charity.
Note:
- The Firetruck wraps have all the necessary vehicle safety markings, with proper lighting as required by the Highway Traffic Act.
- Cost of the wraps is through the Firefighters' Association.
- Wraps are only temporary.
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Show your support by stopping by a Burlington Fire Department Boot Drive during October and November.
Breast Cancer Boot Drives
Movember Boot Drives
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Upcoming Events
Please join our
Farm Market
friends at the
Fall Fest
happening
Sunday October 6th from 9-12pm
in the parking lot of Centro Garden, 437 Brant for free local goodness & family fun - petting zoo, face painting, local music, hot food, kid's games & more.
Oct. 31
- Trick or Treat, it's Halloween!
Nov. 29
- Candlelit Stroll
Of note:
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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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October is International Walk to School Month
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I
nternational Walk to School Month (IWALK) is an annual celebration of active transportation, such as walking and rolling, taking place around the world every October. Hundreds of schools across the province participate.
Let’s get our children walking and rolling to school again. It has so many benefits including:
- Increases physical activity; and
- Decreases greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
Collectively we can make a difference.
Visit
Take Action Burlington
to learn more about IWALK and how you can
help grow the active school travel movement across the province.
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Last week, I joined fellow Council colleagues and residents to show our support for the #ClimateStrike and #FridaysfortheFuture. This was a great opportunity to recognize the climate strike in Burlington and listen to feedback from residents.
The City of Burlington continues to work on climate and environmental issues and this April, Council declared a Climate Emergency “
for the purposes of deepening our commitment to protecting the economy, environment and community from climate change.
” Watch for related recommendations which will be presented to Council in December based on research and engagement with residents for next steps.
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More people are expected to live in Burlington. The city is planning for future population growth including how people will move through the city.
Over the last 30 years, Burlington's transportation network has accommodated growth by building more roadways. This strategy is no longer sustainable. The city does not have the space to build new roadways and the financial cost to maintain a larger network of roads is significant.
A 21st century city is built around a different transportation model, one designed to provide people of all ages and abilities with more travel choices for things like walking, cycling and transit.
Burlington's Integrated Mobility Plan
Work on Burlington's Integrated Mobility Plan is underway. The plan is built around eight pillars which, when implemented, will result in a new era of transportation that:
- Provides a wide range of options for getting around regardless of age, means or ability, including walking, cycling, public transit and automobiles
- Uses compact modes of travel like buses, bicycles and walking to efficiently move larger number of people
- Is well connected to transportation systems in surrounding regions
- Offers fast, reliable and more frequent transit
- Features improved facilities and safety for cyclists and pedestrians
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Everyone is invited to my Ward 2 Community Update meetings:
Thursday, October 17th & Thursday, December 5th
7 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Doors open at 6:30
Presentation followed by Q&A Session
Art Gallery of Burlington - 1333 Lakeshore Road
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.
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!
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As Remembrance Day is coming upon us, it’s important to remember those who fought for our freedom. There’s a wonderful opportunity to do this by sponsoring a banner to honour the people in our lives who have served our country. The
banner program
is set for downtown Burlington.
I recently had the honour to interview one of our veterans, along with a family members of our veterans at our Burlington Legion Branch 60 to talk about the banner program. You can watch the interview by visiting the Legion’s we
bsite at
BurlingtonLegion.com
.
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Remembering those who fought for our freedom is a pillar of our Canadian identity. Please consider sponsoring a veteran’s commemorative banner – details are on the Burlington Legion’s website at
BurlingtonLegion.com
.
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Sincerely,
Lisa Kearns
Ward 2 Councillor
City of Burlington & Region of Halton
E-mail: Lisa.Kearns@burlington.ca or Ward2@burlington.ca
Tel: 905 335-7600 x7588
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