Lisa Kearns l Councillor l Burlington.ca/Ward2 |
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Hello,
On July 24 our City entered Phase 3 of the Province's Framework for Reopening our Province. Many of the activities and businesses that compromise our community are now accessible to the public while following strict public health guidelines.
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With summer in full swing, we are now able to enjoy more outdoor activities, while still respecting public health guidelines. Activities include:
Playgrounds
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Playground users should practice physical distancing of two metres with anyone not from their household or social circle
- Bring hand sanitizer with you to the park as playground equipment is not being sanitized
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If a playground is busy, consider one of Burlington’s many other parks or come back at another time
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Let’s Play!
Did you know that you can borrow a wide range of fun and unique play equipment from the city? And, it's free of charge. Learn a new game and add some fun to your next get together. Learn more.
Other Summer Activities
- Parks are open for casual use, such as exercising, picnics or throwing a ball
- Pools and splash parks are open for leisure swims and lap swims with online pre-registration and payment only
- Spray pads at parks are open
- Redesigned summer camps are underway
- Redesigned Adult 19+ and Adult 55+ programs are open
For more information, including safety measures, facility videos, program information and registration dates, visit summer programs.
My office is continuing to work at full capacity, I can be reached through e-mail at [email protected].
Keep well, Lisa
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Burlington COVID-19 Updates
- Halton Region - Current Cases
- COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Clinic
- COVID Alert App
- City Support for Businesses Webinar
- POST Promise
- COVID Food Supports
City Hall - Virtual Statutory Public Meetings
- Upcoming Meetings for August
City Hall News
- Burlington Transit - Service Update
- City Hall - Service Burlington Counter Now Open
- City Hall - Online Services
- Face Masks - Temporary By-law
- Face Masks - City Offers Free Face Masks
Ward 2 News
- Burlington Seniors' Centre
- Elgin Street Promenade - Your Input Needed
- Parking - Downtown
- Parking - Beachway
- Pedestrian Priority Crossings - Brant Street
- Port Nelson Park Renewal
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Ward 2 Virtual Community Update Meetings
Planning + Development
- Interim Control By-law (ICBL)
- Official Plan - Downtown Policies
Planning + Development Projects
- 374 Martha Street (at Lakeshore Road)
- Planning and Development Activity in Ward 2
Halton Region
- Regional Official Plan Review
Healthy Living / Environment
- Clean Air Council Webinar
- Eco Tips for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Idling
- Growing the Gift of Food
- Tips for Providing Fresh Produce
Community
- Community Support Fund
- Festivals + Events
- Fit in the Core @ Home
- TelePALS
- Terry Fox Run
- Tourism Burlington FunPass
- Visitor Guide
Community Partners
- Art Gallery of Burlington
- Burlington Fire Department
- Burlington Food Bank
- Burlington Public Library
- Halton Regional Police Service
- Joseph Brant Museum
- Museums of Burlington
In Closing
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Halton Region - Current Cases
as at August 4, 2020:
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COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Clinic
Joseph Brant Hospital has increased its COVID-19 testing capacity by opening a new drive-thru clinic to better serve our community.
The clinic is dedicated to testing individuals who are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, but who are concerned they may have been exposed or require testing. The Joseph Brant Hospital COVID-19 Assessment Centre continues to operate as a testing centre for individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
The Drive-Thru Testing Clinic is located on the hospital grounds, easily accessed off of Joseph Brant Hospital’s entrance on North Shore Blvd. Appointments are required and can be booked online by visiting COVID testing or call 905 632-3737, x 6550.
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COVID Alert App
The Government of Canada, in collaboration with other orders of government and across sectors, has developed a new nation-wide mobile app to let users know if they may have been exposed to COVID-19. The COVID Alert app is available to all Canadians for free download in the App Store and Google Play.
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City Support for Businesses
August 7th, 2020
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The City together with Burlington Economic Development Corporation is hosting a webinar, whereby businesses can connect directly with senior City of Burlington staff to understand how the City and its counterparts at Burlington Economic Development are adapting to support businesses during COVID-19 as well as help plan for long-term economic recovery.
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POST Promise
POST Promise is a self-declaration that a business is working to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Businesses who make the promise will be able to use and prominently display the POST Promise logo which is a nationally recognized symbol of a business’ commitment to doing their part to protect their customers’ and employees’ health and safety as COVID-19 restrictions ease. Learn more.
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City Hall - Upcoming Meetings for August |
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Standing Committee Meetings
- Due to COVID-19, all Council meetings are being conducted virtually
- During the meetings, the Committee Chair is the only member of Council present in Council Chambers along with the City Clerk/designate and an information technology technician
- All other staff, members of Council and delegations participate remotely
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All meetings are live webcasted and archived on the City's website
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Register to Speak to an Agenda Item
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Requests to delegate to the virtual meetings can be made by completing the online delegation registration form or by submitting a written request by e-mail to the Clerks Department by noon the day before the meeting is to be held
- All requests to delegate must contain a copy of the delegate’s intended remarks which will be circulated to all members of committee in advance as a backup should any technology issues occur
Submit Feedback to an Item
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If you do not wish to delegate, but would like to submit feedback, please e-mail your comments to [email protected]
- Your comments will be circulated to committee members in advance of the meeting and will be attached to the minutes, forming part of the public record
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Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee
August 10, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.
Consent Items:
- Tender Award - Fairview Street Bus Bays - Teen Tour Way Shelters
Regular Items:
- Options for Loose Leaf Collection
- Burlington Economic Development Governance Review
- COVID 19 Response - Main Street Business Support
- City Hall Customer Service Window and Re-entry
- By the Glass Resolution by Council for AGCO
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Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility Committee
August 11 at 9:30 a.m. and reconvening at 6:30 p.m. if required
Consent Items:
- Speed Limit Installations
- De-registration By-law for Lands on Upper Middle Road and Georgina Court
- Regional Official Plan Review
- Red Tape Red Carpet (RTRC) Implementation Update
- Burlington Transit Electronic Fare System Device Replacement (PRESTO)
- Transit In-source Bus Cleaning Pilot
- Amendments to Designation By-law for 227 Green Street
- Downtown Urban Growth Centre and MajorTransit Station Areas Designations
- Community Planning Organizational Update
Confidential Items:
- Confidential Update on a Litigation Matter
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Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability Committee
August 13, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.
Consent Items:
- Investigation Report from Burlington Ombudsman
- Financial Status Report as at June 20, 2020
- Award of Contract - Job Evaluation Implementation
- Establishment of a Lobbyist Registry
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Verbal Update
- Service Re-design Interim Modifications and Resumptions
- Voting Options for 2022 and Ranked Ballots
- Bill 197 and Electronic Meetings Occurring Past a Declared Emergency
Confidential Items:
- Confidential COVID-19 Emergency Response Verbal Update (if required)
- Confidential Legal Update on a Litigation Matter
- Confidential Legal Matter
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Special Meeting of Council
August 13, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.
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Regular Meeting of Council
August 24, 2020 at 1 p.m.
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Burlington Transit- Service Update
Fare Collection – Starting September 1, Burlington Transit will be collecting fares on all Burlington Transit buses. Pay your fares using a PRESTO card.
Downtown Terminal - Burlington Transit's Downtown Terminal at 430 John St. will reopen on August 19, 2020 with limited services. The terminal will be open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Provincial and City COVID-19 safety regulations must be followed.
Schedule Changes – As at August 23, Burlington transit will be increasing service on all Burlington Transit routes.
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City Hall - Service Burlington Counter Now Open
As at July 20, the Service Burlington counter at City Hall, at 426 Brant St., opened to the public to offer in-person payments for the following services:
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- Parking permits and tickets
- Property taxes
- Freedom of Information requests
- Garbage tags
- Dog licenses
- Property information requests
- Recreation services
Note:
- The counter is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
- Service Burlington is continuing to offer marriage licenses and commissioning services by appointment. Call Service Burlington at 905-335-7777 to schedule
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Anyone entering City Hall must wear a mask or face covering unless exempted from by the Mandatory Mask Bylaw
- Residents are asked to bring and wear their own masks
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City Hall - Online Services
While all other customer service counters within City Hall including Planning, Building and the Clerks Department remain closed at this time, the City encourages businesses and residents to use its online services:
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Face Masks - Temporary By-law
As our local economy and community reopens, it is more important than ever to follow public health direction and take personal responsibility to protect yourself, loved ones and the community.
In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of the community, the City of Burlington has implemented a temporary Mask By-law which regulates the use of face masks and coverings within enclosed spaces open to the public. The city has since approved amendments to the temporary Mask By-law, consistent with Halton Region's Mask Bylaw.
Businesses need your support to recover from the economic effects of COVID-19, these businesses are our friends and neighbours. Our business community is putting your health first by following the by-laws. We are all learning how to navigate this unprecedented time, and I am hopeful this short video (on Facebook) helps us learn how we're all in this together.
Please be kind. I have received calls from community members broken down to tears because of their treatment for not wearing a mask. It is important to please be respectful to the rights of individuals that are exempt from wearing a mask in conformity with the exemptions.
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Face Masks - City Offers Free Face Masks
To assist people in complying with the temporary Mask By-law and to help contain the spread of COVID-19, the city is offering free packs of disposable masks from City Hall. Individual re-useable masks are also available from City Hall and Burlington Public Library’s Tansley Woods, New Appleby, Aldershot and Central branches. Learn more.
Accepting Donations - The City is also collecting re-useable cloth masks (preferred) and disposable face masks from anyone who would like to donate them. Businesses are welcome to donate branded masks. For those who wish, monetary donations are also accepted to help the City purchase more masks for residents. Learn more.
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Burlington Seniors' Centre
Burlington residents will have another chance to connect, socialize and be active as re-designed Adult 19+ and Adult 55+ recreational activities have safely resumed with a small selection of activities at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre and Central Park.
Watch a video to learn what it will look like when visiting the Burlington Seniors' Centre this summer. For more information visit summer programs.
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Elgin Street Promenade - Your Input Needed
The Elgin Street Promenade construction is entering into its final phase and the city is asking for your vote on one of two carefully thought-out designs.
The design and material will be similar to the rest of the walkway such as lighting, bollards and pavement. Since the east section of the walkway is wider, there is an opportunity to increase the use from a through-way to a space to rest.
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The remaining space has been designed to accommodate a variety of users and fosters active play, passive seating, shade, creativity, and interest in the downtown core. Both proposed concepts will be public spaces that are accessible and comfortable to use by people of ages and abilities. |
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Your Input Required
Visit Get Involved Burlington to view both design options and then place your vote. Note that voting is available until August 14, 2020.
Construction of the final plan is expected to begin in the spring of 2021, and once complete, the promenade will be a beautiful multi-use pathway connecting Brant Street to Martha Street and the Centennial Multi-Use Pathway.
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Parking - Downtown
As the City of Burlington continues to resume services during COVID-19, payment will be required in the downtown for on-street parking and in municipal parking lots effective Tuesday, August 4, 2020.
Recent observations, review of occupancy data and feedback from the public indicate that parking is steadily increasing to pre-COVID levels. It is anticipated the increase in parking demand will continue as most businesses reopen since Halton Region entered Stage 3 on July 24, 2020.
Visitors using downtown parking are encouraged to use the HONK Mobile app. Honk offers touch-free payment and reduces the number of people touching the same parking machines throughout the day. Learn more.
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Parking - Beachway
Due to an abundance of illegal parking near Beachway Park, the beachway lots have been reconfigured to include:
- One entrance and one exit to maximize legal parking spots
- A drop-off area has been added
- Areas that are not available for parking have been blocked, and
- Parking ambassadors are available on weekends to help direct drivers and will close parking lot entrances when they are full.
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Pedestrian Priority Crossings - Brant Street
Pedestrian priority crossings to Brant Street are coming soon. No more 'Wait for Gap' as hundreds of crossings are made at the areas with ‘Wait for Gap’ signs along lower Brant Street.
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This long requested improvement will correctly prioritize pedestrians over vehicles in locations where confusion can result in the potential for collisions. Three Brant Street crossings, at Pine, Elgin and Maria will receive enhanced pedestrian crossover installations in August. |
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Port Nelson Park Renewal
As a result of the recent safety audit of the Port Nelson Parkette (located on Lakeshore Road at the foot of Guelph Line) which deemed the playground equipment to be poor and may become unsafe if not repaired or removed, the playground equipment is being removed. Next steps:
- 2021 - Construction of shoreline improvements and park design/community engagement for park renewal including the playground
- 2022 - Park construction including new play area, pathways, furnishings and signage
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Ward 2 Virtual Community Update Meetings
Ward 2 Community Update meetings will resume in the Fall - the next session will be Thursday, September 24th at 7 p.m.
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Interim Control By-law (ICBL)
On Jan. 30 at the Special Council Meeting, Council approved the revised recommendations from the findings of the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) Land Use Study, including approval of:
- proposed Official Plan Amendmnt 119
- proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment 2020.418
Following this meeting, Official Plan Amendment 119 and Zoning By-law Amendment 2020.218 were appealed to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). As a result of these appeals, the ICBL (development freeze) remains in effect.
Planning staff will not be providing recommendation reports to Council for planning files within the ICBL boundary until appeals are settled at the Tribunal.
The documents received by the City Clerk which constitute appeals to Official Plan Amendment 119 and Zoning By-law Amendment 2020.418 can be viewed on the city's ICBL webpage.
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Official Plan - Downtown Policies
There is a lot of information to sift through and to help you navigate and understand the recommended modifications to the adopted Official Plan, the project team is hosting a virtual information meeting on August 18 at 7 p.m.
The virtual information meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about the recommended policy modifications. The project team will present the recommendations and then answer your questions.
Your Feedback is Requested by August 28
If you have comments on the recommended policy modifications, please submit your comments by Friday, August 28. This will give the project team time to consider your feedback while finalizing the report for the September 30 Committee meeting.
Questions and comments can be directed to the project team via:
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E-mail [email protected]
- Call 905 335-7600, ext. 7787 - Leave a message and staff will call you back during business hours. Staff are monitoring voicemail and will respond as soon as possible.
- Mail City of Burlington, c/o Alison Enns, Community Planning Department, 426 Brant St., P.O. Box 5013, Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
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Planning + Development Projects |
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374 Martha Street (at Lakeshore Road)
Adi Developments
As a result of site logistics, construction traffic may deviate from time to time from the Construction Management Plan. As excavation and shoring continues this week, the following Construction Management Plan is in effect:
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- The alternative circulation patterns have been approved by City Staff and are in accordance with the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book
- These alternative traffic measures will be minimized as much as possible between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. as a result of peak traffic hours and per City Staff Approval
- Traffic Control Personnel will be used during this time to control both vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic, as per City Staff Approval and MTO Book
I will be providing updates on construction progress on a regular basis to ensure that residents are fully aware of the construction management plan. There is a master plan that has been approved and presented to the public, however, there are slight deviations in construction that are vetted through City Staff. The purpose of these updates are to ensure that there is a community understanding of what is happening and when it is happening. View the project schedule and please contact my office at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
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Planning and Development Activity in Ward 2
To find out more about Planning applications and development projects underway in our Ward, visit Ward 2 Current Projects. Project pages include details, timelines and contact information.
For questions about construction in your neighbourhood visit this link.
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Regional Official Plan Review
Halton Region is reviewing its Regional Official Plan, which guides land-use decisions to ensure new development continues to meet the needs of current and future residents.
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To gain input from the community, Halton is asking residents to participate in the review process through a variety of public engagement opportunities. The consultation period is starting with an online questionnaire that residents are being asked to complete by September 28, 2020. Read more.
To help residents learn more about each area under review, Halton Region has created summary webpages and posted discussion papers on their website. The Region is asking the community to provide feedback by visiting halton.ca/ropr.
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Healthy Living / Environment |
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Clean Air Council Webinar
Making space: Moving Beyond Rapid Response
August 12, 2020, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join the Centre for Active Transportation at Clean Air Partnership and Share the Road Cycling Coalition for a conversation about pandemic mobility, how we can move beyond the initial rapid response phase, and how we can incorporate an equity lens into active transportation planning. Learn more.
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Eco Tips for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas
With summer travel plans altered due to COVID-19, backyard staycations and pools are increasing in popularity. While backyard pools offer a refreshing and fun option creating many lifelong memories, it’s important to follow some basic environmentally-friendly actions. Good eco-friendly pool, spa and hot tub maintenance actually starts with knowing about sanitary and storm sewers. Did you know there is a difference between sanitary sewers and storm sewers? Learn more including tips about ongoing pool maintenance.
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions / Idling
Vehicles that idle unnecessarily increase greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Please turn off your engine when you are waiting in your vehicle. You'll save fuel and reduce your impact on the environment.
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Growing the Gift of Food
Are you one of many gardeners who is growing your own food this year? Depending on what you've planted, you’re most likely already enjoying the results of your labour. If you have excess produce, please consider donating it to a local food security agency such as the Burlington Food Bank. Read more.
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Tips for Providing Fresh Produce
Please ensure that food donations are in good condition when delivered to help ensure quality fresh food is passed onto people in need. With the hot temperatures experienced this summer, unrefrigerated produce will deteriorate quickly. Read some tips to ensure donated fresh produce remains clean, dry and unspoiled.
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Community Support Fund
As part of the City of Burlington’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has relaunched its existing community support programs into a streamlined program called the Community Support Fund (CSF).
This umbrella program will join existing programs to provide financial support to residents and community groups who want to enrich and connect the Burlington community through sport, recreation, art and cultural experiences. The combined fund will simplify the funding process and make it easier for Burlington residents and community groups to access financial supports to enhance their community’s well-being. Learn more.
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Festivals and Events
Based on the Province’s restrictions on group sizes and social gatherings due to COVID-19, the City will continue to investigate and implement virtual celebrations where possible.
Given the recent success of the City’s virtual Canada Day event, City staff are exploring virtual Remembrance Day and Santa Claus Parade options. All in-person festivals and events will be cancelled until the provincial group size is increased to 1,000 people.
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Fit in the Core @ Home
Burlington Downtown recently launched Fit in the Core @ Home with its 8th season going virtual. Every week, a new video featuring a different class and instructor from the downtown fitness community is posted. This new online series allows you to participate regardless of where you are. From bootcamps to yoga, pilates and dance classes, there is something for everyone. Learn more.
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TelePALS
A pleasure to connect with our Older Adults last month on TelePALS - a free over the phone discussion, social and learning program! What a delight to share a little more about my role and our community! Thank you for the questions and opportunity to connect with you digitally!
Join me again on Monday, August 17 for the next TelePALS Around the Town session where I'll share neighbourhood and community updates. TelePALS (Telephone Partners in Accessing Leisure Services) is a great way for the off-line adult community to remain connected and chat, learn and listen. It’s free and only a telephone is required. More details.
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Terry Fox Run
Help support cancer research by participating in this year's virtual Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 20. Whether around your neighbourhood, backyard, down the street or around the block, walk/ride/run wherever you are.
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Tourism Burlington Fun Pass
There has never been a better time to be a tourist in your own backyard, so support local and discover all that our beautiful city has to offer.
This is a free pass for residents and their visiting friends and family. All you need to do is sign up and present your offer via your smart device at any of the participating businesses to redeem and save.
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Visitor Guide
The 2020-2021 Official Visitor Guide is an informative, full-colour booklet filled with valuable information about our City, including:
- What to see and do
- Where to stay, dine and shop
- Events
Whether you are visiting family or friends, a resident or in our city for the first time, the Visitor Guide is an invaluable resource for helping you explore the city.
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Art Gallery of Burlington
The AGB reopened on July 2. New hours are Tuesday to Saturdays from 12 noon to 5 pm. Closed on Sunday and Mondays. The AGB Shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 noon to 5 p.m.
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Burlington Fire Department
Did you know that unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires and injuries in Burlington and in our Province? On average, in Ontario, 1,239 fires per year are started by cooking.
Over the past few months, the Burlington Fire Department has seen an increase in cooking fires. Our Fire Department advises that they believe this is due to an increased presence at home with more time to prepare meals. Cooking fires are considered 100% preventable, caused by human actions or behaviours. Learn more about cooking fire-safety tips in the kitchen and watch a Cooking and Kitchen Fire safety video.
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Burlington Food Bank
The Burlington Food Bank provides food to those in need throughout the city. Its role in the community is to collect, purchase, grow, and distribute food directly to families in Burlington that need a little help.
Over the last couple of months, the Burlington Food Bank has provided food to many in need in our community. Thank you to the many volunteers who have dedicated their time to help our less fortunate. If you are in need of food or if you would like to donate or volunteer, visit Burlington Food Bank.
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Burlington Public Library
The Library thanks the community for its ongoing patience and cooperation as library items are put safely back into circulation and branch services are gradually reopened through the summer months.
Currently underway:
- Fine-free loans for the remainder of 2020
- Borrow movies and TV series longer (up to three-week loans and renewals) until December 31
- Self-serve holds pick-up and check-out at Central branch
Stay tuned:
- Tuesday, August 11: Aldershot & New Appleby branches open for limited occupancy walk-in services including browsing shelves, self-serve holds pick-up, and computers by appointment
- Tuesday, September 1: Limited occupancy walk-in services start at Alton, Brant Hills and Tansley Woods branches
- More open hours in September
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Halton Regional Police Service
Recently met with HRPS's District 3 Commander, Superintendent Gourley, for an important conversation about safety and community well-being in Burlington. We discussed a number of matters including:
- Diversity and inclusion
- Community support
- Vehicle noise
- Crisis outreach and support
We also discussed the various marine activity (jet-skis +) near our pier and close to our beach. I'll be joining the HRPS marine unit this weekend to observe and understand how we can manage appropriate recreational use on our lake.
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Museums of Burlington
Museums of Burlington are collecting stories about how our community is looking out for one another, coping and pulling together during this historical time. Museums of Burlington is inviting the community to send digital files of photographs, drawings, documents and/or videos reflecting how COVID-19 is impacting you and your families. Learn more.
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During these challenging times, little acts of kindness can go a long way to picking someone’s spirits up. People who look like they’ve got it all together may be the ones struggling the most. Remember we are in this together and are here for each other. Ward 2 is so blessed to be such a caring community with many great, neighbourly acts happening everyday.
Did you know? The city recently launched the In My Hood Program, a program whereby residents are encouraged to collaborate and implement changes or make new opportunities happen at a neighbourhood level, especially during this isolation period by building relationships and getting to know neighbours. Residents are encouraged to join the discussion and share ideas, actions or kudos on the Get Involved Burlington webpage.
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Keep well, stay calm, show kindness.
Lisa Kearns
Ward 2 Councillor
City of Burlington & Region of Halton
DIRECT CELL PHONE: 289-962-2679
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Stop the Spread of COVID-19 |
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Links & Resources:
Please check these frequently. Information is changing quickly so these trusted online sources are the best ways to get the most up-to-date information:
Mental Health Support:
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