Ward 2
Community Update
Lisa Kearns l Councillor l Burlington.ca/Ward2
June 30, 2021
Hello,

Every new day brings us closer to the faces and places that make our community so special. I am proud of the many ways our community has shown its commitment to caring for each other. Frontline and hospitality staff have been incredible, I am so grateful for all they have done to keep us safe and to welcome us back.

I encourage you to continue to follow public health measures as we continue through the Province's three-stage reopening plan and protect yourself and your loved ones through vaccination. I am very proud to report that as of today, across Halton over 576,368 doses have been administered in Halton. Thank you all for your efforts and action in helping our community stay safe. 

My office continues to support all requests and is here to serve you, please reach out.
Feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends who can sign up directly

I sincerely hope you and yours remain safe and well.


Lisa
Ward 2 Boundaries
Thank you to a resident who reached out to my office to suggest including a map of the Ward 2 boundaries. As I often explain, Ward 2 is 'bounded' east to west by two malls, Burlington Centre and Mapleview Mall (both not in the Ward), with the QEW to the north and Lake Ontario to the south.
In this Issue
COVID-19 Recovery
  • Current Status
  • Roadmap to Reopen
  • Vaccine Program
COVID-19 Recovery - Support for Businesses
  • Ward 2 Councillor Support
  • Ward 2/4 Local Business Roundtable - July 15 at 8:30 a.m.
  • Workplace Screening Kits
  • Team Burlington Resources
City Hall Council + Committee Meetings
  • Individual Committee Items Listed Below
  • How Can You Communicate with Council?
  • Watch Meetings Live
Comments on Items up for Discussion at Committee
  • Election Policies Survey Results
  • Downtown Parking Occupancy Sensors
  • Burlington Central High School 100th Anniversary Reunion Event
  • Proposed Celebrate Burlington Event
City Hall News
  • Canada Day
  • City Services - Updates on Service Burlington Counter at City Hall, Burlington Transit, Parking and Recreation Programming
  • Burlington Teen Tour Band
  • City Talk
  • City Website
  • Climate Action Plan Update
  • Robert Bateman High School Property
Ward 2 News
  • Downtown and the Patio Program
  • Basement Flooding Mitigation Program Update
  • Burlington Seniors Centre - Bikes Available
  • Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge
  • Grow For Change Urban Farm
  • Leash-Free Activity Space
Planning + Development
  • Urban Growth Centre Designation
  • City of Burlington Official Plan - Status
  • 374 Martha Street CMP Enhancements
  • 535-551 Brant Street - Development Application Received
  • Maria, Elizabeth and Caroline Street Project
  • 2243, 2269 Fairview Street and 864 Drury Lane
  • Ward 2 Current Projects
Community
  • Events & Activities
  • Dare to Be You
  • Freeman Station
  • Heritage Week
  • Tourism Burlington - Free Local Love Pass
  • Wellington Square Meal Bag Program
  • Quick Bits/Reminders
Community Partners
  • Halton Regional Police Service Marine Unit *Alert*
Stay Engaged
  • Ways to Stay Engaged
  • Ward 2 Community Update Meeting - Sept. 23
In Closing
COVID-19 Recovery
Current Status
As per the Province's recent announcement, as at 12:01 a.m. this morning (Wednesday, June 30), the Province, including Halton Region and the City of Burlington, have officially moved into Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopen. The Roadmap is the province’s three-step plan to safely lift public health measures based on province-wide vaccination and infection rates.

Key Highlights of the Roadmap to Reopen:
COVID-19 Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is an important step to stop the spread of the virus. This will not only keep you safe, but your family, friends and neighbours too.

Halton has now accelerated second doses for all residents, and a reminder to all residents to get fully vaccinated as early as possible. For more information, call 311, e-mail accesshalton@halton.ca or visit halton.ca/covidvaccine

COVID-19 Recovery - Support for Businesses
Ward 2 Councillor Support
As we proceed into business recovery my goal is to champion every city and regional opportunity to support businesses through to recovery. Whether that’s through PPE grants, parking relief or endless advocacy we know that small/medium local business is the backbone of our community.

Our strong business presence across the ward has many owners and staff working and living within our neighbourhoods - keeping people invested in our community. This creates a great place to live and promotes culture and economic vibrancy. The impacts of the global pandemic are being felt locally and business support groups are in place to position Burlington for short and long-term economic recovery. Supporting our local businesses is more important than ever.
Ward 2/4 Local Business Roundtable
A robust conversation happened over two Local Business Roundtable meetings hosted by Ward 2 & Ward 4 councillors. We are scheduled to meet regularly and continue to work towards keeping our downtown safely distanced while being mindful of business recovery.
We commit to being agile and innovative in acting on the needs of local business.
Next meeting of the Ward 2/4 Local Business Roundtable:

July 15, 2021 at 8:30 a.m.
Join the virtual Zoom Meeting: https://bit.ly/3A7dmAY
Meeting ID: 966 5317 7509
Passcode: Ward2

One tap mobile: +12042727920,,96653177509#,,,,*772419# Canada
Dial by your location:  +1 647 558 0588 Canada
Meeting ID: 966 5317 7509
Passcode: 772419
Fundica Software Resource will help Businesses access available grants and programs
Burlington Economic Development has partnered with Fundica to help local businesses better access government and private sector funding. Fundica is an AI-powered funding tool that connects businesses with available grants, tax credits, loans and equity, while increasing visibility for public and private funders. Businesses interested in receiving a customized funding search can connect with the Burlington Economic Development team by email at invest@burlington.ca.
Workplace Screening Kits
Free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Screening Kits are available to small and medium-sized businesses in Burlington. Businesses with less than 150 employees can learn more about the program here.
City Hall - Council + Committee Meetings
What will Council be talking about in June?
Visit the City's Calendar where you'll find June meeting dates and agendas for upcoming Meetings of Council.

Consent Items:
  • Investigation Report from Burlington Ombudsman MUN-12244-1220
  • Investigation Report from Burlington Ombudsman MUN-12408-0121
  • City Manager's 2021 Objectives
  • Special Resolution of the Shareholders of Burlington Enterprises Corporation
  • Federation of Municipalities Conference Report 2021
Regular Items:
Confidential Items:

Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility - Tuesday, July 6 at 9:30 a.m.

Consent Items:
  • Burlington Central High School 100th Anniversary Reunion Event
  • Investing in Canada Infrastructure (ICIP) - Community, Culture and Recreation Stream Funding Agreement
  • Electric Mobility Strategy Development
  • Single Source Report - Smeal Aerial Truck
Regular Items:
  • Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan Progress
  • Discontinuation of the Seniors' Membership
  • Proposed Celebrate Canada Event
  • Ryerson Park Renaming

Regular Meeting of Council - Tuesday, July 13 at 1 p.m.
How Can You Communicate with Council?
Watch Meetings Live
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all City meetings continue to be held virtually. Residents are encouraged to visit the City Calendar to:
  • Watch a live web cast of all city meetings
  • Find links to view a copy of the agenda items being discussed at city meetings
  • View video recordings of previous meetings
Comments on Items Coming up for Discussion at Committee
Election Policies Survey Results
To be discussed at the July 5 CSSRA Committee Meeting
  • In Sept. 2020, Council directed the City Clerk to consult with members of Council and the public with respect to the municipal election and any potential policies or enhancements to be considered when preparing for the 2022 City of Burlington election and report back with a summary and potential policy options. 
  • The Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32 (the Act) governs the election process and its principles that must be considered when administering and implementing policies.
  • Clerk's ran a three week engagement campaign and the report includes an analysis of the survey results

My Comments: Since the beginning of my term of Council, I continue to hear from residents of the Ward 1 community who reside west of Maple Avenue who share that due to proximity, residents feel more connected to the downtown community and accordingly, would like the ward boundaries changed to have Ward 2 encompass the community west of Maple Avenue (from the Lake Ontario north to Mapleview Mall).

After first contacting the City Clerk in Jan. 22, 2020, about the process of a potential Ward Boundary Review, I was concerned that this matter was not addressed in the recent Election Policies Survey. Further, in order for a Ward Boundary Review to occur, as indicated on page 12 of Report CL-21-21, the process to amend ward boundaries or council composition would have been required to commence in 2019 or by Q1 2020 at the latest in order to complete the required components in time for the 2022 Municipal Election. This is legislated by the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25.

Moving forward, staff advise that they will produce a post-election survey which will include voter participation, engagement, and accessibility requirements as well as questions regarding ward boundaries and council composition. Results and recommendations will be presented to Council in 2023 and will help to inform election related policy decisions for the next term of Council. Should a review be completed during the next term of Council, it would be used during the 2026 election, and would officially come into effect with the term of the incoming Council. 

It is my hope that residents feel a community connection to their elected officials, I believe that this sliver of Ward 1 is unique in its identity and will continue to collaborate with the Ward 1 Councillor on serving this community.
To be discussed at the July 6 CPR&M Committee Meeting
  • Staff are seeking approval for the installation of occupancy sensors in all Municipally owned off-street parking facilities in downtown Burlington for a total cost of $165,000 to be funded from the Downtown Parking District Reserve Fund
  • Staff advise that the recommended parking sensors will provide accurate parking availability information to visitors and residents of downtown Burlington, which will make their parking experience more enjoyable
  • The collection of accurate parking data for Downtown Burlington is critical not only for the day to day operation of the parking supply but also important for planning where and when future parking is to be built.
  • The new occupancy sensors would replace the parking occupancy sensors installed in 2017.
Burlington Central High School 100th Anniversary Reunion Event
Included as a Consent Item on the July 8 EI&CS Committee Agenda
  • With the 100th anniversary of Central High School occurring in 2022, staff have been approached by an organizing committee interested in hosting a number of events to celebrate this milestone
  • As outlined in Report RCC-10-21, staff are seeking Council’s approval to proceed with implementing a series of events in June 2022 or June 2023 depending on the status of the pandemic, to commemorate the Central High School 100th year.

My Comments: I am thrilled to support this important milestone and thank the Steering Committee for working so diligently with the City's Festival & Events Staff. There is still a year of planning to go, but mark your calenders for the 100th! Follow the official countdown here: Burlington Central 100th

Enjoy a peek at the new logo by local artist & Central Alumni Amy Crosby.
Proposed Celebrate Burlington Event
To be discussed at the July 8 EI&CS Committee Meeting
  • Staff are seeking Council's approval for a new event called "Celebrate Burlington" with repurposed funding from the Kite Festival held in June at Mountainside Park
  • The goal of the event is to celebrate local residents, businesses and organizations which make Burlington one of the best cities to live and raise a family in Canada
  • As April 10, 2022 marks the 100-year of the Cenotaph, staff advise that Celebrate Burlington on April 10, 2022 would be a great way to honour the past and celebrate current community resiliency through the pandemic
  • The event would be held over multiple days, attracting over 1,000 people
  • Staff recommend that the budget previously allocated for the Kite Festival be used to support this new annual community event - “Celebrate Burlington”

My Comments: I will be asking Staff to defer this report and to review the process that led to a repurposed event budget with little demonstrated engagement. I believe that there could be merit in a "Celebrate Burlington" event, however a focused, engaged, strategic and financially sound approach is required for my support. I look forward to Staff preparing a more thorough report that truly reflects all that Burlington has to celebrate.
City Hall News
Canada Day
City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for Canada Day on Thursday, July 1. View the list of which City services and facilities are available on Canada Day.

Virtual Canada Day programming - The City will mark Canada Day on July 1 with some virtual programming:
  • Watch a video greeting from Mayor Meed Ward that includes former TV host from MuchMusic and ET Canada, Rick Campanelli and a performance from the Burlington Teen Tour Band
  • View the premiere of the “Together, we are Burlington” video, featuring stories from community members about what makes them proud to be Canadian and a Burlington resident

We've heard from a number of residents who have asked why the City is recognizing Canada Day, given the recent devastating discoveries of unmarked graves at the site of two former residential schools. These discoveries are traumatic and the City of Burlington mourns and stands with all Indigenous communities. Out of a desire to respect Indigenous communities, the City of Burlington has reached out to our local Indigenous partners for their input about the virtual programming planned for Canada Day. With their input, the City will be marking Canada Day as an opportunity for education and conversation. We believe there is value in the dialogue around this part of Canada's cruel history, and it is only with this conversation that we can hope to drive change.
 
We encourage all residents of Burlington and beyond to learn more about Canada’s residential schools, to hear the stories of survivors, while reflecting on the impacts the residential schools continue to have on our Indigenous communities to this day. We also invite everyone to learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action to advance Canadian reconciliation.    
City Services - Update
City Hall - the Service Burlington counter at City Hall, 426 Brant St. is open to offer the public in-person payments for:
  • Parking permits and tickets
  • Property taxes
  • Freedom of Information requests
  • Garbage tags
  • Dog licenses
  • Property information requests
  • Recreation services
  • Marriage licenses (by appointment only)
  • Commissioning services (by appointment only)

The counter is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Contact Service Burlington at 905-335-7777 or e-mail city@burlington.ca.
Burlington Transit continues to operate on a modified schedule. Visit Burlington Transit for details including schedules, real-time bus information, Presto services, and more.
Burlington Transit Summer Youth Pass - now available at the Downtown Terminal (430 John St.) for youth between 13-19 years old for use during the summer months. Go to a park, go to the beach and maybe even the mall following all of the latest COVID-19 precautions.
Parking enforcement is in effect. Residents needing to park on-street past the five-hour limit can apply for a parking permit or exemption.

Parking Downtown
  • Free on weekends and holidays, and free every weekday evening after 6 p.m.
  • On weekdays, pay 25 cents and get 90 minutes waived parking fees until Sept. 6, 2021
  • Multiple 20 min. free curb-side pick-up spaces located throughout downtown
Recreation Programming
  • Sport Fields - Starting today, June 30, all outdoor sport is open, the City will contact sport organizations for scheduling.
  • Outdoor Pools - Nelson and Mountainside Pool & Splash Parks, LaSalle Splash Park and splash pads are open for swimming. Registration and pre-screening is required.
  • Outdoor Adult Drop-ins - wellness and fitness programs open for registration.
  • Indoor facilities - remain closed until Step 3 of the Province's Roadmap to Reopen, with exceptions such as summer camps.
Burlington Teen Tour Band (BTTB)
2022 will mark the world-famous BTTB's 75th anniversary. To help celebrate, the band is hoping to march in the internationally renowned St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland in March 2022, travel restrictions dependent. Youth between the ages of 13 -21 years old can join the band, regardless of experience or musical ability. Learn more at BTTB.
City Talk
The Summer issue of City Talk is now being distributed across the City. For your reading pleasure, here's the electronic version.
The City has begun the process to redesign and modernize our website, making it easier for residents and visitors to find information, navigate the site and access online services. This work is important for the City to continue to meet accessibility standards - standards that are required by the Province. The modernization will create a ‘mobile responsive website’ meaning that whether a visitor to the site is coming from a laptop, tablet or phone, the website will automatically change to fit the device you’re reading it on. Stay tuned.
Climate Action Plan Update
At the June 10 Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services (EICS) Committee, staff provided an update on on the progress of the implementation of the Climate Action Plan, which is focused on reducing community based greenhouse gas emissions to meet the target for Burlington to be net carbon neutral by 2050.

In addition, staff are working on a compendium Climate Adaptation Plan to improve local resilience for both city operations and within the community. A report was presented at the March 2021 EICS Committee including the Climate Projections for Burlington, actions and programs already under way in the city to adapt to the changing climate and the process to develop the Climate Adaptation Plan.

As indicated in the 'City Hall - Council + Committee Meetings' section above, the July 8 EICS Committee includes a staff update report on the implementation of the Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan.
Robert Bateman High School Property
On June 23, 2021, the Halton District School Board (HDSB) announced that it has declared Robert Bateman High School (located in Ward 5 on New Street, east of Appleby Line) surplus to its needs.

As part of a provincially regulated process, the HDSB may offer to sell or lease the property to a list of public sector bodies. As one of the eligible bodies, City Council is fully supportive of the City of Burlington taking the important next step of formally submitting an expression of interest to purchase the Robert Bateman site. The City’s expression of interest will include the exploration of a partnership with Brock University to offer post-secondary programming on this site. Read the media release.
Ward 2 News
Downtown and the Patio Program
As we begin to enter Step 2 of reopening cautiously and safely, visitors to the downtown are reminded to continue to practice public health and safety guidelines. Masks, physical distancing and frequent hand washing/sanitizing will help to protect our retailers, restaurateurs, all their hardworking staff and visitors from the spread of COVID-19. 
Step 2 of the Province's Roadmap to Reopen allows:
  • Outdoor dining with up to 6 people per table, with exceptions for larger households and other restrictions
  • Essential and other select retail permitted at 50% capacity
  • Non-essential retail permitted at 25% capacity
  • Personal care services where face coverings can be worn at all times, and at 25% capacity and other restrictions

In order to maintain proper health measures and provide room for social distancing, the City has installed temporary sidewalk detours (barriers) until Oct. 31, 2021, the end of the Patio Program.

View Burlington Downtown's complete listing of Downtown patios.
Basement Flooding Mitigation Program - Update
Halton Region’s project to rehabilitate wastewater mains, service lines, and maintenance holes in Ward 2 has been rescheduled and will be commencing construction in Spring 2022. Prior to the start of the work, Halton Region will deliver a Notice of Construction to affected area residents.
The project will include the following streets in Ward 2: Prospect Street, Tallman Avenue, Emerald Crescent, Hager Avenue, Hurd Avenue, Olga Drive, Brentwood Drive, Caroline Street, Locust Street, Guelph Line, Woodard Avenue, Glenwood School Drive, Truman Street, Churchill Avenue, Brant Street, Rambo Crescent, Blathwayte Lane, Elgin Street, and Lakeshore Road. 
 
Once complete these improvements will ensure wastewater infrastructure is in a state-of-good repair and will help prevent sewer back-ups that can lead to basement flooding. Read more about flooding on the Region's website, includes various flooding prevention programs and subsidies available to residents as well.
Burlington Seniors Centre & Brant Hills - Bikes & Activities Available
New to the City's Lending Library are bikes available to borrow free of charge from the Burlington Seniors Centre. These bikes are recommended for adults or older youth who are also able to ride an 'adult' size bike. Bike lending is limited to same day pick up and drop off only. You can also check out horseshoes, glow in the dark soccer balls, Kanjam, washer toss, tennis, Spikeball and more are available to borrowVisit Lending Library to learn more.
Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge
Metrolinx is working with the City of Burlington to replace and enhance the Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge, which is nearing the end of its service life. Enhancements include improved pedestrian access and accessibility compliant. Work is expected to start in 2022.
Grow for Change Urban Farm
The Grow for Change Urban Farm is Burlington's first public community garden on private property. As shown in the photo to the right, the garden is growing with its first zucchini coming along nicely! Recent donations from the Owens Family and the Seferian Design Group, in addition to the on-site dedicated volunteers are a true testament as to how kind and generous our community is.

Note:
  • The Farm welcomes donations of seeds, seedlings and chicken wire
  • Watch for a July date whereby the community can bring their extra garden fresh produce to the farm where the Food Bank will be doing a weekly pick up
  • Volunteers and sponsors are welcome, email grow4changes@gmail.com 
Leash-Free Activity Space - Update
An application for Ward 2's first leash-free space has been received by the City and is under review. Many thanks to volunteer Yvette and her hard working team in pulling together the required background, petition and information for the submission. For more information about this specific application, contact Yvette directly at info@leashfree.ca

Planning + Development
Urban Growth Centre Designation
On June 15, we received good news by way of a formal announcement by the Provincial Government that the City of Burlington will be able to adjust the boundary of its existing provincial Urban Growth Centre (UGC) designation.

The adjustment of the boundary of the UGC, once centered on our downtown core, will put the focus of the designation on the Burlington GO Station, allowing the City to direct future height and density near mass transit and help build more complete communities.
This decision supports the work already incorporated into Burlington’s revised new Official Plan (OP), already approved by Halton Region. Burlington’s new OP includes stronger protections for green space, heritage, jobs, the rural community, established low-density neighbourhoods and a special focus on preserving the character of our downtown. Press Release.
City of Burlington Official Plan - Status
Where are we at?
  • Aug. 4, 2021, the next Case Management Conference (CMC) for the Burlington Official Plan (OP) 2020 will be held in conjunction with the CMC for OPA 119 to the Burlington OP 1997 (case number PL200150).
  • June 15, 2021, the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) issued a Decision regarding the June 11, 2021 CMC for the Burlington OP 2020. To read this decision, please visit the OLT website and search case number PL210040, and open Decision number 20210015.
  • June 11, 2021, the initial OLT, formerly the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal or LPAT) Case Management Conference took place. This was the formal start of the OLT process to address appeals to the Burlington OP 2020.
  • Dec. 23, 2020, Halton Region confirmed the receipt of 48 appeals to the new Burlington OP.
  • Continue reading at New Official Plan Plan.

Additional Information:
374 Martha Street – Adi Developments
Project:
  • 26-storey condo building with 240 units
  • 423 m2 commercial space 
  • Six levels of underground parking
  • Driveway access from Martha Street
  • Retail units front onto Lakeshore Road
Status:
  • Construction currently underway
  • Construction Management Plan (CMP) enhancements includes Stage 1 which ends July 15, followed by Stage 2 to completion
  • New measures to ensure adherence to CMP
  • Ward 2 Public Meeting held June 14, 2021. View the presentation and notes.
535-551 Brant Street 
Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment Application received from Renimmob Properties Limited on May 21, 2021.

Project:
  • Mixed-use development
  • 25-storey tower, 248 residential units
  • Mechanical and rooftop outdoor amenity space
  • 1,068 m2 of ground floor commercial uses
  • Overall height of tower, 85.75 m to top of mechanical level
  • Total of 21,003.90m2 of gross floor area (7.56 Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
  • 253 parking spaces
  • Bicycle parking
  • Demolition of the existing one and two storey, multi-tenant commercial plaza on the property is included as a component of the overall redevelopment concept
Status:
  • Public and technical circulation of the application under review by city and technical agencies
  • City Planning staff are seeking feedback from the community prior to recommending approval or refusal of this application (see text box below)
  • View the 'Application Submitted' notice
  • Within the ICBL, no planning decisions made until appeals resolved

Carriage Gate – Maria, Elizabeth and Caroline
My office regularly receives ongoing concerns and questions about the progress on this property. I agree with residents that this matter has gone on much too long. Since the onset of my term as Ward 2 Councillor, I continue to advocate on behalf of the community to have this project move forward. In response to many inquiries, see the following chart recently received from the City's Legal Department. As soon as my office is in receipt of information of progress on this site, we will be sure to share with residents.
2243, 2269 Fairview Street and 864 Drury Lane
CLV Group Developments

*Note: A seperate Newsletter will follow focused on this planning file only*

This is one of the rare sites in the City of Burlington where the applicant intends to comply with the Zoning By-law, the site is zoned MXT. This means that a development application proceeds straight to Site Plan - which it now has - and does not follow the process many are familiar with.
Project:
  • 7 residential towers on top of 4 mixed use podiums
  • Heights ranging between 29 and 37 storeys
  • Podium heights ranging from 2, 5 and 6 storeys
  • Total of 2,494 residential units of mixed type and tenure
  • 3993 m2 of commercial space
  • 41, 821 m2 of shared amenity space
  • 5 levels of underground parking
  • 4 storey parking structure, to be integrated with residential units
  • Pedestrian connections to surrounding neighbourhood, Burlington GO
  • Publicly-accessible park connected to Fairview St. offering various outdoor amenities
Status:
  • The Site Plan application is currently under review by various internal staff and external agencies
  • Jan. 14, 2021 - Information Report was presented to CPRM Committee
  • Apr. 21, 2021 - Ward 2 hosted Community Public Information Meeting
  • As this property is within the Interim Control By-Law (ICBL) area, no planning decisions are being made until appeals associated with the ICBL are resolved

For more information:
Ward 2 Current Projects
To find out more about Planning applications and development projects underway in our community, visit Ward 2 Current Projects. Project pages include details, timelines and contact information.

Questions about a current construction project underway? Visit Construction in Your Neighbourhood.

Community
Events / Activities
Dare to Be You (DTBY)
Whether you have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, you understand the impact the pandemic has had on students. The disruptions students have faced to their education, extra-curricular activities, and being cut off from their social networks and support systems are taking their toll.

DTBY is a grassroots for-purpose organization that empowers young adults ages 17-24 in Halton and Hamilton to unlock their potential. Driven by mentorship and leadership initiatives, DTBY is dedicated to supporting young adults and empowering personal growth and self-discovery to create a community of future leaders that inspire change. Learn how you can support DTBY initiatives.
Freeman Station
A true anchor of Burlington’s history and connection to our future, there is so much to learn and explore at Freeman Station. Thrilled to attend on-site and see the new "century old" additions; a 1913 green CP Boxcar and a 1929 orange CN Caboose. Thank you to the many Friends of Freeman Station volunteers who give so much time, hard work and energy to the restoration and management of this historic station.
Heritage Week
Burlington’s Heritage Advisory Committee invites all residents to participate in an exciting lineup of activities in honour of Heritage Week, taking place from Aug. 2 to 8. Learn more about the events, issues and sites that have shaped Burlington and Canada, by attending one or more of the many informative sessions planned throughout the week.

Working together with a variety of local organizations, including the Burlington Historical Society, Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington Public Library, Burlington Museums, United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada - Burlington, Freeman Station, Halton Black History Awareness Society, Heritage Services - Halton Region, and David Craig of History Pix, the Heritage Committee has planned a schedule of events that celebrates many aspects of Burlington’s heritage. Activities include:

  • Online hearth demonstration from Museums Burlington at Ireland House Museum
  • Bike tour of heritage sites in Aldershot (COVID-19 restrictions permitting)
  • Virtual presentation from Dr. David Galbraith, Head of Science at Royal Botanical Gardens about the City’s Honour Roll of Trees
  • Virtual Curator Talk on ceramics, in partnership with the Art Gallery of Burlington
  • Digital Doors Open Burlington: Behind the Door, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the operation of some local businesses

For more information, visit Heritage Burlington or email hb@burlington.ca
Tourism Burlington
Tourism Burlington invites the community to get their FREE Local Love Pass, offering unique promotions, menu items and specials to passholders only. Featuring restaurants, retail, hotels, attractions and services, there are 40+ local businesses participating that appreciate your support. Learn more and ... have fun discovering your own backyard this summer in beautiful Burlington and thanks for supporting local.
Wellington Square Meal Bag Program
Thank you to the amazing volunteers at Wellington Square Church's Meal Bag Program. The Meal Bag Program will continue throughout the summer providing an emergency meal for members of our community who are in need. The Meal Bag Program is open for pick up on Mondays and Fridays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Food donations are welcome. The Meal Program thanks the community for their continued support and generosity.
Quick Bits / Reminders
Although I've mentioned these programs and initiatives previously, they have so much to offer to not mention again:
Community Partners
Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Marine Unit *Alert*
HRPS Marine Unit, along with local marine rescue partners, have been experiencing a large volume of persons swimming in Lake Ontario on beach toys (also known as “Floaties”).
While perfectly fun to enjoy close to shore – the Marine Unit has rescued numerous persons who have drifted kilometers off shore in water that could cause hypothermia. Hypothermia can be dangerous as it may lead to drowning.

The Marine Unit reminds residents that if you are going on the lake on one of these toys, please wear a personal flotation device, stay close shore and watch the wave and wind conditions. Have fun, and please stay safe!26 m
Engagement
Engagement Matters
Even though we can’t be together as usual, there are still many ways to connect:

Ward 2 Newsletter
Ensuring the Ward 2 newsletter is in your inbox well before decisions at Committee happen keeps you at the forefront of decision making at City Hall. This provides you the opportunity to review and comment on upcoming items ahead of Council's discussion and can make your position known.
Ward 2 Community Mailbox
Use your walks to observe the community and pass along your feedback with this contactless mailbox. The box is located at City Hall at the Brant Street entrance and is a way for you to share your thoughts on how to make our city even better.
Ward 2 Community Update Meeting
Let's connect on what's important you you!
Mark your calendar to participate in the September virtual Ward 2 Community Update Meeting:
 
Thursday, September 23 , 2021 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Free to attend, register to receive a reminder for this secure event.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Accessibility is important to my office, if you require accommodations or feel uncomfortable with Zoom technology, please let us know.
 
The format will begin with a presentation followed by a Q&A session.
 
As always, everyone welcome.

In Closing
If you are in need of support, there is a comprehensive list on the City's website.

If you or someone you know is struggling as a result of COVID-19, please know that you are not alone and there is help available. You can call #311 to be immediately connected to services.

Thank you to everyone for staying in this together, following the public health recommendations and for being kind and respectful of one another.

Lisa Kearns
Ward 2 Councillor
City of Burlington & Region of Halton
E-mail: Lisa.Kearns@burlington.ca

DIRECT CELL PHONE: 289-962-2679
COVID-19 Resource Links
Links & Resources:
Please check these frequently. Information changes quickly so these trusted online sources are the best ways to get the most up-to-date information:

Mental Health Support: