October 2024

Happy fall everyone! We have had beautiful weather so far this fall and hopefully it continues well into October. 

Traffic has been a major topic this past summer here in Ward 1. We have been affected by construction all around us that has led to an increase in traffic throughout Burlington. The largest contributor is the lane restrictions on both the Skyway bridge and the lift bridge. The popularity of these transit ways has increased tremendously over the years and any lane restrictions or accidents have proven to overload our local streets. The good news is that the work on the lift bridge is almost complete and will be fully reopened later next week.

Lots of events in the surrounding area to do this fall. My family enjoyed some apple picking last weekend at The Apple Orchard on Highway #6 and will likely attend the annual Rockton Fair on Thanksgiving weekend. Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving weekend as well.

Thank you!

Kelvin Galbraith

Ward 1 City and Regional Councillor

kelvin.galbraith@burlington.ca

On September 8, I was happy to join Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Fred DeGraaf (former Mayor of Burlington's twin city Apeldoorn, the Netherlands) at the unveiling of a public art piece showcasing the bond of friendship between Burlington and Apeldoorn. Shown in the middle photo is Fred DeGraaf, Mayor Meed Ward, me and Anne Koopman of the City's Mundialization Committee.

Aldershot Tennis Club celebrated their recent club improvements on Sept. 7, which were made possible through an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. The recent improvements include upgraded and replaced perimeter fencing and a covered walkway between the clubhouse and bubble to protect members during the winter season.

Congratulations to Burlington Paving as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year!! I was happy to attend their 50th celebration open house on Sept. 18 and present a certificate to Dan Cupido (left) and Richard Cupido (right), President of Burlington Paving, recognizing their contributions to the Burlington community over the years.

Tyandaga Golf Course celebrated its 60th Anniversary on Sept. 15 with an afternoon of fun activities and great memories shared.

Walk to the Lighthouse took place on Sept. 22 in support of mental health and addiction services at Joseph Brant Hospital and I was proud to join Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, MPP Natalie Pierre, and MP Karina Gould.

Terry Caddo, President of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and I were happy to officially welcome Spa Vaidosa to Ward 1 at their grand opening and ribbon cutting on Sept. 19.

The 3rd Annual HorsePower 4 Hospital fundraiser was held on Sept. 21, a one-of-a-kind car show featuring over 50 exotic and limited edition vehicles. Joining me in this photo are Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns, along with the event's presenting sponsors Angelo Paletta and Vince Molinaro.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward held a pre-budget consultation meeting in Ward 1 on Sept. 23, and we had a good turnout in person and online. It's not too late to provide your feedback on the 2025 budget. More information: getinvolvedburlington.ca/2025budget

On Oct. 3, we raised the flag at Burlington City Hall to celebrate National Seniors Day, marked each year on Oct. 1. National Seniors Day recognizes and appreciates older adults and their contributions as leaders, mentors, volunteers and active members of the Burlington community. 

Apple picking last weekend with my family at The Apple Orchard.

Community Safety in Ward 1

Community safety is vital to all of us. Join me and our community safety partners in person to hear about this important topic.

Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: St. Matthew on-the-Plains Church, 126 Plains Rd E

Halton Regional Police Service, Burlington Fire Department, City Transportation Services, and Halton Region Social & Community Services will share information about:

• Crime prevention and reporting tools
• Transportation safety
• Halton's Community Safety & Well-Being Plan
• Homelessness
• and more

Contact ward1@burlington.ca with any questions.

Eagle Drive Traffic Calming Information Centre

City transportation staff undertook a review of Eagle Drive to determine if traffic calming measures were warranted in response to concerns related to speeding and aggressive driving.

Eagle Drive, from Townsend Avenue to Shoreview Road, warrants the installation of traffic calming measures and city staff are proposing to install three speed humps.

You're invited to drop by a Public Information Centre to learn more about the traffic calming plan.

Date: Monday, October 7, 2024

Time: 6 - 7 p.m.

Location: LaSalle Park Pavilion, 50 North Shore Blvd

Questions and comments can be directed to Eric Bentzen-Bilkvist, Traffic Technologist, at eric.bentzen-bilkvist@burlington.ca.

Complete Application Received for 291 North Service Road

King Paving and Construction Limited is proposing to redevelop 2.4 ha of the former Halton Region landfill site at 291 North Service Rd to permit an asphalt plant with outdoor storage, a 232 m2 operation building, unenclosed silos and a heated rotary drum.

A complete application has been submitted to city staff to amend the Official Plan Designation and Zoning on the site to accommodate the proposal.

City staff are looking for feedback before they make a recommendation to the Planning and Development Committee of Council. Comments can be submitted by:

• Email to: Elyse Meneray, elyse.meneray@burlington.ca
• Mail to: City Building Department, PO Box 5013, 426 Brant St, Burlington ON L7R 3Z6

Comment deadline: October 10, 2024

More information: burlington.ca/291northservice

Complete Application Received for 141-153 Plains Rd W

Goldberg Group has submitted an application proposing an 11-storey mixed use building at 141, 147 and 153 Plains Road West. The development proposal also includes 175 m² of non-residential uses on the ground floor fronting Plains Road West, as well as a mix of bachelor, one-, two- and three-bedroom residential units resulting in a total of 150 residential units. A total of 2,418 m² of amenity space (indoor and outdoor) is proposed. Vehicular access is proposed from Plains Road West with one driveway access from the west of the subject properties. A total of 112 parking spaces are provided within 2-levels of underground parking and 128 bicycle parking spaces are provided in the underground parking levels and ground floor.

The developer hosted a pre-application public meeting last year on March 6, 2023 to seek preliminary input from the community.

A complete application has now been submitted to city staff to amend the Official Plan Designation and Zoning on the site to accommodate the proposal.

City staff are looking for feedback before they make a recommendation to the Planning and Development Committee of Council. Comments can be submitted by:

• Email to: Elyse Meneray, elyse.meneray@burlington.ca
• Mail to: City Building Department, PO Box 5013, 426 Brant St, Burlington ON L7R 3Z6

Comment deadline: October 22, 2024

More information: burlington.ca/141plains

Falcon Creek Erosion Control

The City has completed a Schedule B Class Environmental Assessment for Falcon Creek between the CN Railroad and Willowbrook Road to facilitate erosion control improvements.

The recommended solution consists of erosion monitoring, naturalization, minor safety improvements, storm sewer inlet improvements, and plantings to stabilize the creek banks and prevent erosion.

A report has been prepared and it's available for review and comments on the project page below.

Commenting deadline: October 30, 2024

Project page: burlington.ca/falconcreek

Rural Road Micro-Surfacing Program

The City's Rural Road Micro-Surfacing Program started this week and the following streets in Ward 1 are on the list:

Hidden Valley Road, Hwy 403 underpass to north end

Old York Road, York Road to Snake Road

Old York Road, Snake Road to west of rail bridge

Old York Road, west of rail bridge to east of Hwy 6 north on-ramp

Old York Road (extension), Old York Road to north end

Mountain Brow Road, East of Hwy 6 to east end

The city started using micro-surfacing as an economical pavement preservation method in 2018 in lieu of costly full asphalt resurfacing. The micro-overlay is a mixture of aggregates, polymer emulsified asphalt, water and additives.

Once completed, traffic is usually able to resume as normal within a few hours of application, however set times may vary depending on weather conditions.

The program will take place over a 2 to 3 week period and all affected residents will receive a door hanger in advance. Local road and driveway access will be affected for only a few hours on the day of the work occurring. 

Questions can be directed to city@burlington.ca.

Upcoming at Standing Committees and Council

Here are some of the items coming up at the next round of standing committee and Council meetings:

Committee of the Whole - Monday, Oct. 7, 9:30 a.m.

and continuing Tuesday, Oct. 8, 9:30 a.m.

• Housing Accelerator Fund Presentation
• Council composition and ward boundary review introductory presentation by consultant
• Municipal Accommodation Tax update
• Options and recommendations on establishing a Burlington Resiliency Fund to support the community during natural disasters or emergencies
• Automated Speed Enforcement (photo radar)

Pipeline to Permit Committee - Thursday, Oct. 10, 9:30 a.m.

• Presentation from Habitat for Humanity regarding Youth Skilled Trades Tiny Home Program
• Pipeline to Permit Report
• Housing Accelerator Fund verbal update

Council Workshop - Thursday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m.

• Cancelled - meeting not required

City Council - Tuesday, Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m.

• Agenda published Oct. 11

To see the full agendas and read the staff reports, visit the city meeting calendar. All meetings are live streamed from the city meeting calendar and the video from the meeting is archived on the calendar to view at a later date.

If you would like to speak at one of the committee meetings regarding an item on an agenda, you must register by Noon the day before the meeting. For Monday meetings, you must register by Noon on the Friday before. Meetings are held using a hybrid format allowing you to participate in-person or virtually. If you cannot attend a meeting and wish to submit your feedback in writing, please email it to clerks@burlington.ca. Your correspondence will be shared with all members of Council, attached to the minutes of the meeting online, and kept on file as part of the official public record.

For a full list of upcoming meetings (City Council, standing committees, advisory committees and Committee of Adjustment), visit the Council and Committees Calendar.

Summary of Draft 2025 Budget Available

A summary of the Draft 2025 City Budget is available for review.

Residents and business owners can share their feedback through the 2025 Budget Survey until Oct. 9.

Budget Key Dates:

Oct. 25 - Mayor’s Proposed Budget Report posted

Nov. 4 - Burlington Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Mayor, under the Strong Mayors legislation, will present the 2025 proposed budget to Burlington City Council. Council members can bring amendments to the budget. If you wish to speak and provide feedback at the meeting, please register at burlington.ca/delegate before Noon on Nov. 1.

Nov. 7 – Budget Telephone Town Hall

Residents can join the call starting at 7 p.m. to ask questions about the 2025 proposed budget. The telephone town hall will be hosted by Mayor Meed Ward and run until 8:30 p.m. Visit getinvolvedburlington.ca/2025budget for details.

Nov. 18 and 21 – Budget Committee Meetings Council members can bring amendments to the budget. If you wish to speak and provide feedback at the meeting, please register at burlington.ca/delegate before Noon the previous business day.

Nov. 25 - Special Council Meeting for final budget approval

Residents who were unable to attend the Mayor's Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting in Ward 1 on September 23 at LaSalle Park Pavilion are able to attend the last of the Mayor's Pre-Budget Consultation Meetings being held on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m. at Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant St., Community Room 1.

More information: getinvolvedburlington.ca/2025budget

Downtown Parking Plan

Burlington is evolving from a suburban community to a city. The city is changing, especially in our downtown. As more residents and businesses move to Burlington, this impacts how we choose to get around. Parking plays a crucial role in this. Where you can park, for how long and how much it costs determines if you walk, cycle, take transit, drive or ride share.

The City of Burlington is creating a Downtown Parking Plan which will help determine future parking needs that support growth and land use in the downtown area. Having a strategic downtown parking plan will result in better parking options and financial sustainability.

Provide Your Feedback:

Take a short survey to provide input on downtown parking.

Survey deadline: October 15, 2024

Attend the Public Information Centre where the project team will present the parking plan and ask for comments:

Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd

Sign-up to the project website at getinvolvedburlington.ca/dtparking to get project notifications, learn more about the study, and participate in future engagement activities.

Contact: dtparking@burlington.ca

Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review

A review is underway to look at the size of Council, the structure and the ward boundaries. A council composition and ward boundary review helps to plan for the future. The review will ensure voters are represented equally in the local government decision-making process. 

The last ward boundary review for Burlington was done in 2005, when the city’s population was 139,000. Since that time, the city’s population has grown to approximately 186,948 (2021 Census). Over the next 25 years, the city will continue to grow. Approximately 265,000 people are expected to call Burlington home by 2051. 

You're invited to get involved and share your input through a survey or at a public meeting.

For more details, visit getinvolvedburlington.ca/boundaryreview.

Increasing Burlington's Housing Options

The City is increasing its housing options through an Official Plan Amendment. We want to hear from you on four units as-of-right and other ways to enable the range of housing options available. 

Provide Feedback

Attend one of the open houses:

Oct. 17, 7 p.m. (virtual): https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87130267048

Oct: 22 (Central Arena): https://www.facebook.com/share/dYgWF1NJufrwSXv6/

Oct. 24 (Appleby Ice Centre): https://www.facebook.com/share/aVqrjxqnMYZN4Pph/

Oct. 28, 7 p.m. (Virtual): https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81492359254

Learn more about the project and have your say at: www.getinvolvedburlington.ca/housingstrategy.

Applications Open For Santa Claus Parade Entries

Applications to participate in the Burlington Santa Claus Parade are open. The City is looking for parade entries, food vendors and entertainment.

Deadline to apply: October 18, 2024

More information: burlington.ca/parade

Applications Open For Neighbourhood Rink Program

You can apply to have a neighbourhood rink in your local park this winter. The city would install the boards and provide the rink liner and hoses, while resident volunteers would build and maintain the ice using their own water source (if there is no City water source available at the park).

A minimum of six people is needed to maintain the rink and the local park will need to be pre-approved.

Deadline to apply: November 20, 2024

For more information and to apply, visit burlington.ca/neighbourhoodrink.

Windrow Clearing Advanced Registration

The City's windrow clearing program is now open for advanced priority registration to residents unable to clear their windrow and who have no other able-bodied person living at their address.

A windrow is the pile of snow left at the bottom of driveways by roadway plows.

As part of the City’s windrow program, crews will clear windrows within 36-hours of snowfall stopping and within 12-hours of residential road plowing. Residential road plowing occurs after accumulations of 7.5 cm or more of snow.

Windrow clearing services will run from Dec. 1 to March 31. A non-refundable fee of $125 + HST, per driveway entrance for the entire season must be paid at the time of registration. 

Registration for all residents will open on Oct. 19 and is open to the first 1,000 driveways.

More information: burlington.ca/windrow

2025 Community Garden Applications Open

Applications are being accepted for community garden plots for the 2025 season.

Due to high demand, garden plot permits are for one season. Plots are assigned by a lottery draw for each season.

Deadline to apply: December 15, 2024

More information: burlington.ca/communitygardens

Smart Commute Program Launches in Halton

A Smart Commute program launched within Halton last month. The program primarily works with businesses and their employees to get from one location to another efficiently and sustainably with programs to support cycling, walking, carpooling, public transit, and remote work.

While focused on workplaces and their employees, Smart Commute also supports the community in finding healthy and sustainable travel options.

The program is designed to reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improve the overall well-being of our community. Smart Commute’s customized workplace programs can improve employees’ commutes, reduce parking challenges, and increase travel options.

More information: Smart Commute Halton Municipalities

Halton Newcomer Strategy Community Consultation

You're invited to share your thoughts on how we can build a more inclusive and welcoming Halton for newcomers, refugees, asylum seekers and permanent residents at an upcoming community consultation meeting.

Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Halton Regional Centre, 1151 Bronte Rd, Oakville

Your input will help inform the strategic priorities of the Halton Newcomer Strategy for 2025 and beyond.

More information: haltonnewcomerstrategy.com

Community Investment Fund Applications Open

Applications are open until Nov. 1 for Halton Region's Community Investment Fund. Funding is available for non-profit human service programs, as well as initiatives that enhance the health, safety and well-being of Halton residents. 

The Halton Region Community Investment Fund is part of Halton’s approach to Community Safety and Well-Being planning.

More information: Community Investment Fund

Seniors' Wednesday Gatherings

Food Needed For Thanksgiving

Falling for Burlington Downtown

Out-4-Lunch Aldershot

Woodview's Family Fall Fair and AGM

Cooking Class for Adults

The Great Pumpkin Trail

Spooky Scavenger Hunt at the Museum

Take Action Day

Burlington Repair Cafe

RBG After Dark

Live!@WestPlains presents Rising Hedons

Arts & Crafts Show and Sale

Compassion Society Fundraiser

Calendar of Events

For a full lineup of city events, community events and engagement opportunities, visit the city's Calendar of Events. Community organizations are also welcome to submit events to be added to the calendar.

City of Burlington

• Animal Services
• Building Permits
• By-law Enforcement
• By-laws
• Development Application Map - entire city 
• Development Projects in Ward 1 
• Dog Licences
• Drop-in Recreation Programs 
• Forestry
• Get Involved Burlington 
• Parking
• Pool Permits
• Renovations
• Road and Sidewalk Maintenance
• Road Closures and Restrictions 
• Road Construction Projects
• Service Requests (report a pothole, street light outage, graffiti, etc.)
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving
• Traffic Safety
• Tree Permits
• 
  

Region of Halton

• Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program
• Construction Projects (roads, bridges, buildings)
• Emergency Housing & Homelessness 
• Garbage and Recycling
• Halton Housing
• Mental Health Support
• Newcomers to Halton
• Older Adult Resources
• Water

Contact Service Burlington with City Service Requests

Connect with Local Groups

• Aldershot BIA
• Aldershot Community Honour Roll
• Aldershot Insider Facebook Group
• Lockhart Village Community Forum Facebook Group
• Partnering Aldershot
• Surrey, Georgian, Warwick Community Facebook Group
• Tyandaga Community Facebook Group

Ward 1 Contacts

Email Kelvin: kelvin.galbraith@burlington.ca

Email the Ward 1 Office: ward1@burlington.ca

Ward 1 Website: burlington.ca/ward1

Share this link with your friends and neighbours to subscribe to the newsletter:

https://bit.ly/ward1newsletter