the pier - index - city of burlington€¦ · · 2015-01-13the pier is here » page 22 plus: ......

News from Your Municipal Government

Summer 2013

Staff Profile: Denise Beard » Page 4

Burlington's Best » Page 27

A City of Vibrant Neighbourhoods » Page 24

The Pier is Here » Page 22

Plus: A City of Vibrant Neighbourhoods » Page 24

News from Burlington City Council

8 –20

Summer 2013

If you have suggestions about articles that you would like to see in upcoming issues of City Talk, please send them to us at [email protected] or call 905-335-7600, ext. 7841.

City Talk is produced by the City of Burlington.

Contact: Community Relations Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7841 Fax: 905-335-7675

Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address: 426 Brant St. P.O. Box 5013 Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6

In This Issue

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Staff Profile: Denise Beard

Celebrating BTYAs

2nd Annual Burlington Accessibility Awards

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To learn what ward you live in...Visit www.burlington.ca

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City Talk can be viewed on our website at www.burlington.ca.

It's Here... The Brant Street Pier

Feature Story

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Burlington Community Foundation Celebrating Neighbours

24Burlington's Best 27

City of Burlington, Ontario CityBurlington

Burlington Parks & Rec Burl_ParksRec

Burlington Youth Voice burl_youthvoice

Upcoming Events in Your Community

Movies Under the Stars

Free outdoor movies are coming to a neighborhood park near you! Come with your blankets and lawn chairs Thursdays at 9 p.m. for weekly movies on a giant outdoor screen.

Thursday, Aug. 1 – Emerson Park

Thursday, Aug. 8 – Lowville Park

Thursday, Aug. 15 – Mohawk Park

www.burlington.ca/movies

www.burlington.ca/events

Children’s Festival Weekend The Waterfront at Downtown Burlington Day 1: Saturday, Aug. 17 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Beachway Park Day 2: Sunday, Aug. 18 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Spencer Smith Park www.burlington.ca/childrensfest

Seniors’ Brown Bag Picnic Wednesday, Sept. 11 Central Park Bandshell 905-335-7766 www.burlington.ca/brownbag

Canada’s Largest Ribfest Friday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 2 Spencer Smith Park, 905-332-3513

Terry Fox Run Sunday, Sept. 15 Beachway Park, 905 331-1615

Amazing Bed Race Sunday, Sept. 22 Downtown Burlington 905-632-3737 x3471

A City of Vibrant Neighbourhoods

Tyandaga Turns 50 6

Feature Story

5City Talk | Summer 20134

Burlington Community Foundation brings people, agencies and companies together to enhance our city’s vitality. Our grants truly make a difference to people – whether it is a neighbour, a child, a senior or person striving to succeed.

Visit burlingtonfoundation.org, to learn more.

When Denise Beard moved from lifeguard (a job she had already held for six years) to programmer at Angela Coughlan pool in 1992, her colleagues bought her a pair of over-the-top frilly bloomers to symbolize the fact that she would have to trade in her bathing suit for office attire.

Flash forward 21 years: Nowadays, Beard – as manager of community development services – helps sports, cultural and special events organizations connect with the city for support and leadership.

“I love this job,” she says. “I get to help people transfer ideas and passion into action. The groups my team and I work with have the most profound impact on life in Burlington. There is nothing more powerful than the community delivering to the community.”

So, how does one go from lifeguard to community builder? The short answer is simple: she set her own path. The longer answer has a few twists and turns.

Beard started as a lifeguard with the City of Burlington in 1986, with a part-time job that helped her pay her way through an undergrad history and sociology degree at the University of Toronto.

After graduation she landed a full-time job with the Halton District School Board as a pool supervisor – and she continued to work part time for the City.

Still, she was preparing to go back to school to become a gym teacher when a pair of events set her on a new course. In the spring of 1996, she got laid off by the HDSB as it moved out of managing pools.

At the same time, the City was building Tansley Woods, and Beard landed a programmer role at the new facility.

Beard’s career grew with Tansley Woods. First, she was elevated to aquatic co-ordinator; then her boss took a two-year job rotation and she was promoted to supervisor of aquatics, managing all aquatic staff and facilities in Burlington.

As aquatic supervisor, she managed an indoor pools review, which led to several upgrades to pool programs.

At the heart of the upgrades were questions of space allocation and gender equality – figuring out who got to use what, when, where and why – led her to work with various community groups and sports organizations to come up with the fairest ways to share pool resources.

As the project grew, the city recognized the need to put someone on that job full-time, so Beard’s role morphed into something called “supervisor of active living” and grew to include gyms, fields and arenas. In this new role, she worked with all of the sport organizations. This positioned her well to move into a manager position and expand her scope of work into its current state.

As for the question about evolving from lifeguard to community builder, Beard isn’t at all surprised. “The skills our guards learn on the job – risk-management, teamwork, decision-making and teaching – become the foundation for successful careers in everything from law to business to medicine to education, and yes, even municipal management.”

Celebrating BTYAsBurlington Transit recently recognized its Burlington Transit Youth Ambassadors, the BTYAs, for their promotion of public transit within the community and at Burlington schools.

On June 13, the BTYA program held its year-end ceremony for its student ambassadors at Burlington Transit Headquarters. Burlington Mall presented a $1,000 cheque to Grade 10 students Corinne Bulger and Caroline Marais from M.M. Robinson High School. Burlington Mall donates money to exemplary students who have

demonstrated success in environmental activities within their school and community and will support the winning school’s eco-club.

Back row: Katie Reynolds; Abbie Wiggin; Jill Mulveney; Meaghan Henderson; Corinne Bulger; Klaudia Rekas; Sandra Maxwell, Burlington Transit marketing co-ordinator; Mike Spicer, director of transit; Kale Black, BurlingtonGreen.

Front row: Maha Hussain; Erika Ortega; Caroline Marais; Scott Stewart, general manager of development and infrastructure; Kimberly Laronde, Burlington Mall marketing manager.

Like the BTYAs on Facebook.

Staff Profile: Denise Beard Manager of Community Development Services

Celebrate the summer 'heritage-style' at our museums! Summer camp programs for kids, the Joseph Brant Day Festival at LaSalle Park on Aug. 5 and visit Joseph Brant Museum to view our new exhibitions: Mapping Burlington and Burlington Heroes.www.museumsofburlington.com

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s 2013/2014 season is on sale now! Purchase tickets in person, online at www.burlingtonpac.ca, or call our Box Office at 905-681-6000.

Join us for Experiences that Inspire! www.tourismburlington.com

Tourism Burlington has relaunched its website with downloadable visitor guide, blog, videos, tours, social media, Epostcards and more. Your resource for things to see, where to shop, dine, and stay in Burlington.

Learn more about the BTYAs and check out their latest video online: www.burlington.ca/btya

purposed a garden plot into a self-serve, take-one, bring-one-back library. And we know that there are people in Burlington shovelling snow for neighbours who can’t get the hard work done on their own.

We also learned that there was more to learn... That’s why we’re producing a second, updated version of the Vital Signs report. It comes out on Oct. 1, 2013.

Contact: Sandra Baker Director, Development & Community Engagement Burlington Community Foundation 905-639-0744, ext. 223

6 7City Talk | Summer 2013

Explore the Spiral Sunday, Aug. 25 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burlington Performing Arts Centre 440 Locust St.

Celebrating Spiral Stela – a unique piece of public art made for our community by our community.

Check out a behind-the-scenes video about creating Spiral Stela on the city’s YouTube channel

CityofBurlington

Celebrating NeighboursThe Vital Signs report, launched by Burlington Community Foundation in October of 2012, told us about our neighbours. It shared stories of the great success — high levels of education and income, great neighbourhoods, and remarkable amounts of parkland (3,303 football fields worth!).

It also told us about challenges, like the hidden face of poverty in Burlington.

We were surprised to see that our newcomers — those who have lived in Canada for fewer than five years — earned only 50 per cent of what life-time residents earn.

On June 5, 2013, the City recognized 16 champions of accessibility at the 2nd annual Burlington Accessibility Awards.

Organized by the city’s accessibility advisory committee, the awards celebrate individuals, business owners, service providers and community groups that have made significant steps toward improving accessibility for people with disabilities in Burlington.

www.burlingtonfoundation.org/vital-signs

This year marks the 50th anniversary of both the Tyandaga Golf Course and the vibrant neighbourhood that grew up around it. As part of the celebrations, we recreated a 1963 photo of Tyandaga golf pro Bill Chinery and his young students with current pro Brad Weake and replacement students Chris Glenn

(director of parks and recreation), Mayor Rick Goldring; Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven; Rob Axiak (manager of recreation services); and Kim Phillips (general manager of community and corporate services) and youth at the 50th anniversary community event.

Tyandaga Turns 50

Bill Chinery and students, 1963.

Brad Weake and replacement students, 2013.

2nd Annual Burlington Accessibility Awards

Back row: Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster; David Fisher (BAAC member and emcee); Ali Choueib of Pioneer Gas; Arthur Rendall (Volunteer, Text 9-1-1); Kaitlyn March of Pet Planet, Mike McNally (Volunteer, Tetra Society); Rotarian Robert MacRae of Bonnie Place II;

R. David Foster (Volunteer, OASIS); Tom Flannery of Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home; John Birch and Tina Wright of LaSalle Park Marina Association; Marilyn Turner (BAAC member and emcee)

Front row: Jaclyn Mills of Sobeys; Joyce Pearson of Wellington Square United Church; Brydon Schnurr (Youth); Dr. Frank J. Hayden (keynote speaker); Bonnie Sylvia of Camelot Centre; Lisa Stys of Arcturus Property Management; Laura Lee (Volunteer, MS Society)

We discovered that people were living in our neighbourhoods in deep poverty — trying to pay high rents and daycare costs on meagre incomes.

We also learned about the great things going on in our neighbourhoods.

In north Burlington, Community Development Halton is leading a program called North BurLINKton Community Dinner: a gathering that inspires new friendships and connections, developed through conversation over good food.

We heard about a great initiative in an Aldershot townhouse complex, called the Little Free Library, where a family has re-

Message from Mayor Rick Goldring MayorRickGoldring www.burlingtonmayor.com

RickGoldring RickGoldring

Rick Goldring Rick Goldring

Phone: 905-335-7607

Fax: 905-335-7708


Mayor’s Assistant: Daphne Jaques

Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7478



This issue of City Talk is focusing on vibrant neighbourhoods – one of the three strategic directions outlined in our City’s Strategic Plan Burlington, Our Future.

So how do you define a vibrant neighbourhood? There are many opinions on this and certainly each neighbourhood has its own unique characteristics, both geographic and social, that must be preserved.

I believe vibrant healthy neighbourhoods are the places where the everyday practice of life occurs. They are not just geographical locations; they are essential to people’s lives. People connect these places to their identity and, thus, neighbourhoods become personally meaningful.

Essentially, neighbourhoods create and form communities. Residents share similar experiences. They suffer or revel in the availability and quality of local housing, schools, jobs, businesses, health care, and other services, including parks and open space. Neighbourhoods create the backdrop for people’s life stories. They leave lasting impressions on residents about what life is like and help build the social networks we share in our community. Neighbourhoods foster a sense of community, a spirit of investment and feeling of hope.

In many of the conversations I have with residents, I am told that what they love the most about their particular neighbourhood – what makes it vibrant in their eyes – is the ability to walk to, and access, good restaurants, shops, parks and other services.

Walkability of a neighbourhood is a very desirable feature.

We have had several of our guest speakers for Inspire Burlington use the phrase ‘vibrant neighbourhoods’ and we often hear the terms ‘mixed-use,’ ‘walkable,’ ‘compact,’ and ‘connectedness’ in conjunction with a vibrant neighbourhood.

Healthy Urban Design

Dr. David Mowatt spoke about the connection between health and our built environment. Dr. Mowatt’s key point was that the design of our communities can strongly influence our daily habits, activities and transportation options and that designing our communities to support active and public transportation will improve our physical and emotional health. He went on to say that “healthy” urban design includes density, mixed use, connectedness, transportation and esthetics.

Dan Burden and Transportation staff: Where we live shapes our lives.

Another speaker, Dan Burden from the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute, explained how the places we live in shape our lives. If we do not change our reliance upon the car alone for transportation, we will fail to become sustainable, we will not have a thriving economy, and our health will be negatively impacted. While we cannot disregard the reality of the automobile in our lives, we need to create a balanced transportation approach that provides us with multiple options and meets a variety of needs.

Both of these recent speakers, and many before them, have been strong proponents of medium-to-high density and mixed-use communities. Dan Burden referred to ‘the five-minute neighbourhood,’ where your basic needs are met within five minutes, the secondary within 10 minutes, and good transportation is not more than 20 minutes away. While that may not be realistic and attainable in all circumstances, I suggest that it is very worthwhile for us to consider when we plan our spaces.

From the walkscore.com website, a walkable neighbourhood includes a centre – whether it’s a main street or a public space; people – enough for businesses to flourish and public transit to run frequently; mixed income and mixed use – affordable housing located near businesses; parks and public space – plenty of public places to gather and play; pedestrian design – buildings are close to the street, parking lots are in the back; schools and workplaces – close enough

that most people can walk from home; and complete streets – designed for bicyclists, pedestrians and transit.

Burlington was built for the automobile. It will be challenging to transition our community toward a more pedestrian-friendly environment. But I believe it is vitally important as we continue to invest in our community that we alter the lens that we look through and consider the ‘foot’ as a viable mode of transportation when we consider how we redevelop.

We expect walkability in neighbourhoods like downtown, and increasingly so along the Plains Road corridor – areas that are designated for urban growth. As a city, we are looking at future redevelopment projects in many of our other neighbourhoods considered to be walkable as an important and desirable outcome. Vibrant neighbourhoods should be shaped by all of us as engaged community members. Strong, vibrant, healthy neighborhoods make a city great. Strong neighborhoods provide the core of community, the foundation of success, the bearer of a city’s heritage. I look forward to working with you and learning how, together, we can continue to create and cultivate great, vibrant neighbourhoods in Burlington.

Cootes to Escarpment Park SystemIn June, we celebrated the public launch of the Cootes to Escarpment Park System with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between 10 partner agencies that are collaborating to protect, restore and connect these important natural lands. The City is very proud to be a part of this initiative, recognized as an innovative and effective approach to preserving valuable natural and cultural heritage.

This park system will create a legacy for future generations and provide sustainable

outdoor recreation and education opportunities for our communities. We live in a very unique and biologically rich area, not only within the province, but also within Canada. This park system is home to nearly 25 per cent of the country’s wild plants and more than 50 species at risk. Five of Burlington’s 11 Environmentally Sensitive Areas are located in the North Aldershot portion of the park system. In fact, the City of Burlington owns 317 hectares of the 1,883 hectares.

The environmental and cultural importance of the natural lands have been widely recognized, including as a UNESCO world heritage site and an important migratory bird sanctuary. Burlington City Council endorsed the project in February 2010, directing staff to collaborate with our partner agencies and landowners and initiate the actions necessary to secure the foundation of a Cootes to Escarpment Park System.

John Holland with Mayor Goldring: An incredible donation.

I would like to recognize and thank John Holland and the Holland family for their incredible donation of 37 acres of property in North Aldershot to the City of Burlington for the Cootes to Escarpment Park System. This generous donation speaks to the importance that our community places on maintaining green space and preserving wildlife.

Walkability and the Five-Minute NeighbourhoodI'm very pleased to be hosting three more Inspire Burlington events this fall. All will be held at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre at 7 p.m. Registration for each event will be available on www.burlington.ca/mayor.

Sept. 25, 2013: "Community Energy Planning" with Brent Gilmour from QUEST (Quality Urban Energy Systems of Tomorrow)

Oct. 24, 2013: "22nd Century Community Engagement" with Angus Reid, Chairman of Vision Critical and Angus Reid Public Opinion

Nov. 20, 2013: "Creative Cities" with Trevor Copp, Artistic Director of Tottering Biped Theatre and Jeremy Freiburger, Cobalt Connects

Mayor Rick Goldring Presents

Inspire BurlingtonEngaged • Informed • Connected

www.cootesescarpmentpark.ca

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Ward 1 NewsCouncillor Rick Craven RickCravenWard1 @RickCravenWard1

Rick Craven

Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7587

Fax: 905-335-7881


Councillor’s Assistant: Kathi Laufman

Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7863



Major Road Closure in AldershotThe City needs to replace a culvert under North Shore Boulevard East, just west of the Burlington Golf and Country Club. Unfortunately, it will mean the complete closure of North Shore Boulevard at this location for eight weeks from mid-September to early November. I fully appreciate how disruptive this will be for people who live in the area, but the work cannot be delayed. For further information, contact Jeff Thompson at 905-335-7600, ext. 7669

Plains Road Functional DesignFollowing two years of study and public discussion, staff is proposing major enhancements to the Plains Road corridor over the next decade, including: reconstruction of the intersection of Plains and Waterdown; rebuilding the road from Francis Road to King Road;

significant resurfacing; widening of sidewalks and bike lanes; more landscaping; and improved crosswalks. A full staff report is expected to go to Council this fall, which will open the door to funding for the various projects. For more information on the proposed plans, visit the website.

Beach Master PlanThere has been a change in the previously announced schedule of meetings related to the Beach Master Plan review.

Here are the new dates:

• Burlington Community Services Committee Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers

• City Council Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers

To share your views at the above meetings, contact the clerk’s department at 905-335-7698 to register as a delegation.

Hidden Valley Park EnhancementsThe City is moving ahead with the next phase of development at Aldershot’s Hidden Valley Park. Construction is expected to begin late this year and be completed by next summer. The plan calls for a new splash pad, more playground equipment, a gazebo, seating areas and new pathways.

• Regional Waterfront Parks Advisory Committee Sept. 26, 9:30 a.m. Regional Headquarters, Bronte Road

• Regional Planning and Public Works Committee Oct. 16, 9:30 a.m. Regional Headquarters, Bronte Road

• Regional Council Oct. 23, 9:30 a.m. Regional Headquarters, Bronte Road

To delegate at Halton Region, call 905-825-6000.

Forestvale ParketteThe City is planning $70,000 in improvements to this Tyandaga parkette. The work will be done in the fall and will include a new climbing apparatus and ground components, upgrades to the slide, and improvements to the protective ground surface. At the same time minor upgrades will also be done at Kerns Park and Fairchild Park.

Foo Ho SiteA public meeting was held in June to review plans for the proposed redevelopment of this former restaurant. Most in attendance liked what they saw. The proposal is for a modern six-storey condominium building with 3,000 square feet (279 square metres) of retail space on the first floor. The plan is still being reviewed by City staff. If approved, construction would begin in 2014.

Former Canadian Tire StoreA formal application has been submitted for redevelopment of this vacant site on Plains Road. The developer is proposing 6,000 square feet (557 square metres) of retail stores along Plains Road with two-storey condos above, plus a row of three-storey stacked townhouses on the perimeter of the property, for a total of 45 residential units. This is still under review and will be the subject of a public meeting in the fall. One of the obvious benefits, of course, is the addition of more retail/commercial services to West Aldershot.

Aldershot Jane’s WalkCongratulations to everyone involved in organizing Aldershot’s first-ever Jane’s Walk. With the help of the BIA, the City, the Plains Road Village Vision group and Halton Region’s Health Department, volunteers put together a great event. About 60 people participated on a

beautiful Sunday. Walkers and bikers had a chance to meet their neighbours, celebrate local attractions and learn more about changes taking place in their community.

Tyandaga’s 50th Anniversary

Mayor Goldring recently joined me with Bob Munro and Bud Mclean to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tyandaga Golf Club. The club was the catalyst for the construction of adjacent subdivisions which would eventually become the Tyandaga community.

LA Fitness

Staff has given draft site plan approval for the construction of the new LA Fitness Centre on Brant Street, just north of the Power Centre. The project includes an indoor pool, basketball courts and gyms, plus 202 parking spaces. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

Discover Sandcastles Aug. 17, 2013, 10 a.m. Movie begins dusk.

Enjoy master sand sculpting demonstrations, workshops, music and fun on the beach. You can take part by registering in our annual sandcastles competition. New this year will be an outdoor movie.

Burlington Beach Catamaran Regatta Aug. 17 – 18, 2013

This annual 2-day regatta features more than 60 competitors from across Ontario and the north eastern United States.

Terry Fox Run Sept. 15, 2013

Beachway Park pavilion serves as the start/finish point for the route. More than 750 participants take part in this fundraising event in the fight to conquer cancer.

Upcoming meetings and events

www.burlington.ca/plainsroad

Ward 2 NewsCouncillor Marianne Meed Ward

mariannemeedward @mariannmeedward

Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7588

Fax: 905-335-7881


Councillor’s Assistant: Georgie Gartside

Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7368



Keep up with news in your community by signing up for the Ward 2 newsletter at www.ward2news.ca

There’s a growing consensus among residents that the City needs to uphold our Official Plan (OP) and Zoning Bylaw in approving development projects. All of the major developments approved recently in Ward 2 required changes that were double, triple or more than what is permitted in the OP/Zoning Bylaw; or allowed different building types – back-to-back towns, for example – in an area zoned for single family or semi-detached homes.

Residents have been dismissed as anti-development or uninformed NIMBYs (Not in My Backyard) for wanting development to respect the existing OP, but residents I hear from are not opposed to development. They do believe we can do better to ensure the best city for the future.

As one resident put it: “I think it is time for Council to stand back, take a deep breath, and consider how the Burlington of the future will look. Do we want dense concrete in the downtown core, or would we prefer green space, a more open aspect and a park-like waterfront? What do you want your legacy to be?”

The City is currently reviewing our OP and zoning. Now is the time to make changes, rather than on a project-by-project basis. If the existing plan is good, we need to uphold it. It’s risky not to.

The Official Plan and corresponding Zoning Bylaw express Council's and the community’s vision for the future – what gets built where, and what it looks like. The OP/Zoning Bylaw are approved by regional and provincial governments, and are reviewed every five years to provide opportunity for updates. Minor changes in between can be accommodated through a variance application to the Committee of Adjustment. But as noted, recent approvals were not minor.

Dramatic changes to the OP erode the community’s vision for their city and replace it with the vision of specific developers on a site-by-site basis. These approvals become precedent-setting as future developers seek similar concessions. Over time, the character of communities can change dramatically. Residents have no assurance of what the

future of the city will look like. The Official Plan becomes the “official suggestion”.

We’re told these changes must be justified as good planning in order to be approved. But if it’s good planning, then why isn’t it in the OP and Zoning Bylaw in the first place? Most likely because that’s not the community’s vision of the “legacy” we want to leave. There’s little value in keeping the OP artificially low if the goal all along is to allow increases.

Several residents' groups, notably in Roseland (Ward 4) and St. Luke’s Precinct in downtown Burlington, have come together to protect existing zoning in their neighbourhoods, which governs such items as built form (single family or towns, for example), lot width and lot coverage. Though they, too, have been dismissed as anti-development, they are in good company. Recently Dan Burden, executive director of the Walkable and Liveable Communities Institute, spoke to an Inspire Burlington audience to share his view that zoning should not be changed.

Allowing changes also erodes our ability to defend the plan at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Council has in the past justified approving increases to the OP/Zoning Bylaw in the belief that developers would simply appeal, and win, at the OMB, costing time and legal fees. However, Oakville has successfully shown that municipalities can win at the OMB (email me for the specific case) if staff and Council are consistent in upholding the OP and approving only applications that conform.

OP changes are further complicated by the use of Section 37 in the Planning Act, which allows, even encourages, increases to height and density beyond what is permitted in exchange for “community benefits” that may include cash. Defenders of Section 37 suggest the benefits can soften the impact of extra height and density, for example, allowing the expansion of a local park. Others suggest the benefits allow residents to share in the increased value of the land due to what is referred to as upzoning.

The latter is problematic. Toronto architect and urban designer Ken Greenberg told an

Spiral Stella Celebration Aug. 25, 2013, 11 a.m. Celebrate the installation of the Spiral Stella public art piece at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (See page 6.)

Ward 2 drop-in session Sept. 19, 2013, Noon – 1 p.m. Central Library Café. Drop by to talk to Marianne one-on-one. No appointment necessary.

Ward 2 citizens’ advisory committee Sept. 19, 2013, 7 p.m. City Hall, Room 247. Topical discussion, roundtable discussion and ward updates. Everyone is welcome.

Should Beach residents stay or go? Take the survey

The Burlington Waterfront Committee is seeking public input on the future of the residential community along Beachway Park. Take the survey online at www.burlingtonwaterfront.org. Burlington City Council votes in September on whether to acquire or leave the homes. Halton Regional Council votes in October.


Why we need to uphold our Official Plan

Tim Hortons - 601 Brant St. (former Blockbuster): A site plan application has been submitted, and was reviewed by staff in May, with comments sent back to Tim Hortons.

Branthaven Townhomes on Ghent Avenue: An appeal has been submitted to the Ontario Municipal Board. The City’s legal team will be defending Council’s decision to approve the project. No hearing date has been set.

Village Square: Village Square is still on the market to be sold. Potential buyers have approached the City to enquire about redevelopment possibilities. Three of the buildings on the site were reviewed and have heritage value. City

staff will be doing some further studies on the potential cultural heritage value of the Village Square area.

Retirement Residence on Ghent Avenue: A revised site plan application has been submitted to the City for a four-storey retirement residence with 60 units and 31 parking spaces. This is a reduction in both the number of units and number of parking spaces from what was previously proposed, and approved on Aug. 8, 2011 by the City’s Committee of Adjustment. Staff are reviewing the plan.

Molinaro on Fairview: This project is in the site plan review process.

Development Updates

Streetscape of St. Luke's precinct.

www.burlington.ca/heritageburlington

Inspire audience recently that the value is eroded over time. As approvals are granted, the “uplift” gets built into the purchase price of future lots on the assumption of approval.

The increased land value also has a downside. As the price of land increases, it becomes economically challenging, if not impossible, to build lower-density projects.

Further, as we’ve seen recently with the medical/condo/parking garage on Caroline Street, developers may seek a reduction in the community benefits once the project is approved.

Ultimately, it is up to Council to direct staff to uphold our OP and Zoning Bylaw, and only vote for projects that conform.

Community Heritage FundThe City’s Community Heritage Fund provides grants and loans to preserve heritage homes designated under the Ontario Heritage Act or listed on the City’s registry.

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Ward 3 NewsCouncillor John TaylorServing Brant Hills, Mountainside, Kilbride, Lowville, Mount Nemo and the rural communities west of Walker's Line.

Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7459

Fax: 905-335-7881


Councillor’s Assistant: Sheri Wainman

Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7565



Burlington is a very livable city fortunate to have two unique natural features: our waterfront on both Lake Ontario and Burlington Bay, and a protected Niagara Escarpment. The fact that we have chosen to respect our natural and cultural heritage by devoting 50 per cent of the city’s land mass to farmland and rural residential uses makes our city truly unique in the Greater Toronto Area.

Despite the protection provided by the Halton Region and City of Burlington Official Plans, the Niagara Escarpment Plan and the Greenbelt Plan, this area has been under significant development pressure for the last 12 years. First, there was the Nelson Aggregate application. Nelson wanted to significantly expand its present licensed quarry operations, which currently occupies about one square mile (2.6 square kilometres). This was resolved in the City’s favour last fall at the Ontario Municipal Board, but a new application can be made at any time.

The second issue is the proposed Niagara to GTA Highway which has seen two separate

Environmental Assessments that proposed options that would cut through the Escarpment in Burlington. Fortunately, neither study was able to make any definite recommendations. It is now up to the new provincial Minister of Transportation, Glen Murray, to determine if a third study will be initiated.

The third and most immediate threat is the proposal to expand the Burlington Executive Airport to focus more on executive jets and helicopter traffic rather than propeller-driven aircraft. This proposal will involve runway extensions, 30 or 40 new hangars, a large industrial aircraft refurbishing facility and a terminal building — all on well and septic systems, as urban servicing are not allowed in the rural area.

Although aviation is federally regulated, the City of Burlington has asked for input into the development plan. Also in dispute is the quality and quantity of the landfill operation that has taken place over the last five years. I am very concerned about the results of an environmental report on the quality of the fill. At the time of this article, the City is taking the necessary steps to have the fill operation stopped.

I have talked enough about the challenges and would now like to talk about the opportunities. I am a firm believer that opportunity can come out of adversity. Rural residents have been directly involved in these issues and new citizen leadership has evolved through PERL (Protect Escarpment and Rural Lands), COPE (Committee Opposed to Paving the Escarpment), SEHC (Stop the Escarpment Highway Coalition) and, more recently, the RBGC (Rural Burlington Greenbelt Coalition). Thank you all for your contributions.

I believe it is now time for more urban residents to see what is at stake for us all. Summer is here and it is the perfect time to discover all that our rural area has to offer. Have a family picnic in Lowville Park or take a drive in the countryside.

Residents share their thoughts

Recently I asked some rural and urban residents to share their thoughts with me on the rural area. Here is some of what they had to say. Their full submissions are posted on my page on the city’s website www.burington.ca. I would be delighted to also post your comments as well.

“What we really liked about living in the country was the open spaces, and the closeness to nature...deer in the back yard, fox scurrying across the yard, bird-watching, walks on country roads, etc. Burlington's rural areas allows one to connect to nature.” — Roger Goulet

“Here’s my list of what excites me about rural Burlington!

• Hiking the many trails

• Hearing the trees rustling in the wind

• Watching the moon rise.” — Diane Gregg

“Well, I don't live in rural Burlington, but the natural areas, idyllic countryside and great parks sure make it a great place to visit!” — Ken Woodruff

“This is one of the best aspects of rural Burlington - its close proximity and easy, quick access from urban Burlington. It literally is a breath of fresh air to escape the city for the country and our family does it all the time.” — Gary Scobie

“Walking on uneven ground every day; this cannot be done absentmindedly. Becoming aware of balance and surroundings, and in doing so, noticing small things.” — Vanessa Warren

If you would like to share your comments, please contact my assistant.

Finally, I would like to share with you my 10 favorite things in the rural area. Here they are in no particular order. Explore and enjoy.

1. Rural residents are fiercely independent, but with magnificent community roots and spirit

2. The Village of Lowville featuring Lowville Park/Bronte Creek, Walt Rickli’s Sculpture Garden and the Lowville Bistro

3. The Village of Kilbride featuring Kilbride Park, the Kilbride Country Store and Mrs. Stinchcombe’s outstanding Halloween display

4. Mount Nemo Conservation Area (at Guelph Line and Colling Road) where you can see rural lands to the east and Toronto on a clear day

5. A drive up Cedar Springs Road to Kilbride.

6. A drive up Cedar Springs Road, Colling Road, Blind Line, and then Britannia Road and Guelph Line to Lowville

7. Crops waving in the wind

8. Hutchinson Farm – pick-your-own on Walker’s Line

9. Bethel Chapel and Methodist Church Cemetery on Britannia Road, west of Cedar Springs Road

10. View of Mount Nemo from below the Escarpment either on Britannia Road or Walker’s Line

Ward 3 and 6 Agriculture Community Meeting Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013 7 to 9 p.m. City Hall, Room 309 426 Brant St.

Ward 3 and 6 Fall Rural Public Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013 7 to 9 p.m. Conservation Halton, Auditorium 2596 Britannia Rd. W.

Ward 3 Fall Urban Public Meeting Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013 7 to 9 p.m. Brant Hills Community Centre Nelson Room 2255 Brant St.

Urban Drop-in Session Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013 7 to 9 p.m. Brant Hills Library Program Room 2255 Brant St.

Rural Drop-in Session Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 7 to 9 p.m. Conservation Halton, Auditorium 2596 Britannia Rd. W.

Upcoming meetings and eventsBurlington’s Rural Area: Paradise Lost?

Walt Rickli’s Sculpture Garden

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the second Roseland workshop, some common themes emerged including: the need to implement appropriate and flexible area planning tools; maintain a variety of architectural styles and work towards enhancing the tree canopy. The project team will continue to work with the community on developing recommendations. Additional community meetings will be held in early fall.

Maranatha Gardens We need to recognize and respond to the needs of Burlington’s aging population. One way we can do this is by providing various housing options to our seniors, like the proposed development of the Hamilton District Christian Senior Citizens Home, a 176-unit, seven or eight-storey apartment building, on properties located on the south side of New Street.

Council held a statutory public meeting on the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendment applications for this development on June 17, and heard comments from the applicant and members of the public. Planning staff expect to bring a recommendation report to Council in the fall of 2013.

To receive regular updates on what’s happening in Ward 4 and across the city, email your contact information to [email protected]

Ward 4 NewsCouncillor Jack DennisonServing residents who live in the area bounded by Lakeshore Road, Upper Middle Road, Appleby Line and Guelph Line.

Phone: 905-632-4800, ext. 211

Fax: 905-632-4041


Councillor’s Assistant: Francine Grimshire

Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7512



Vibrant NeighbourhoodsNeighbourhoods are at the heart of what makes a city great. They are where we live, work and play. As your Ward 4 Councillor, I’m excited to share updates on projects and proposals that will contribute to more lively, unique and people-friendly neighbourhoods in our already vibrant ward.

Multi-use Feature at Nelson Park

Residents from the Nelson Park community were invited to an open house to view the proposal for a multi-use feature proposed for Nelson Park and speak one-on-one with myself and staff. Overall, the comments were positive and I was pleased to hear many great ideas, which staff will consider in the safety and function of the design.

This multi-use feature will be a great addition to the park and will benefit young people. A recent youth survey conducted by parks and recreation staff

indicated that our city’s young people are looking for more ways to get social, learn new skills and be physically active. That certainly rang true when I received a letter from a Grade 2 student at Pauline Johnson School stating reasons why he and his friends would appreciate a multi-use feature in their neighborhood. I responded by inviting the young student and his parents to attend a public meeting to share his thoughts. He did attend and took part in the conversation. I was pleased to see this great example of youth engagement in our community.

The design of the multi-use feature is currently being refined. Construction will begin later this summer/early fall, with completion in late fall. Residents can view the design and project updates at:

Roseland NeighbourhoodThe City is undertaking character area studies for two long-established residential neighbourhoods, Indian Point and Roseland, to engage residents in establishing a vision and developing planning policies and implementation tools to manage change in each neighbourhood. At the first Roseland workshop held in early May, residents participated in roundtable discussions to share their vision for Roseland and identify important neighbourhood elements. At

Intersection – Appleby Line at Harvester RoadDespite additional lanes at this intersection, the level of traffic in the morning and afternoon peak periods continues to worsen. A consultant has been hired to undertake an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Appleby Line and Harvester Road intersection to determine the best solution(s) in creating better traffic flow in and out of the city. Through the EA process, I would like to see a roundabout considered. It will be evaluated against criteria to determine whether it is the right option.

Roundabouts are circular intersections that have been successfully implemented all over the world. One was recently opened at Main Street and Tremaine Road in Milton. Others can be found in Hamilton, the Region of Waterloo and Collingwood.

Whether it is a Halton Region watermain replacement project or city road reconstruction, Ward 4 is indeed busy with activity this summer. Construction work is happening on:

• Appleby Line from Mainway to North Service Road

• Corporate Drive between Ironstone Drive and Appleby Line

• Eva Drive, Briarwood Crescent and Catherine Street

• Fairview Street at Walker’s Line

• Fairview Street between Walker’s and Appleby Lines

• Kilarney Court, Shannon Crescent, Kerry Drive, Kerry Court, Donegal Drive and Antrim Court

• Lakeshore Road (mainly Ward 2) from Guelph Line to Old Lakeshore Road

• Mainway between Northside Road and Walker's Line

• Mainway at CNR Halton Subdivision Grade Separation

• New Street from Cumberland Avenue to Hampton Heath Boulevard

• Palmer Drive from Centennial Drive to Walker’s Line

• Washburn Reservoir & Booster Pumping Station

Get Up • Get out • Get Moving

Car Free SundaysCar Free SundaysCar Free Sundays

burlington

Construction in Ward 4

The June 9 Car-Free Sunday Street Festival was a great success and provided a perfect opportunity for neighbours, friends, families and area businesses to Get Up, Get Out and Get Moving. Residents of all ages enjoyed the sunshine and free activities that included pony rides, KidsZone, bouncy castles and demonstrations such as martial arts and Zumba. Great local

talent entertained on the street and on the stage.

The success of the recent Wards 4/5 Car-Free Sunday Street Festival was driven by local community support. I’d like to thank the Burlington Alliance Church and Pineland Baptist Church for their leadership of this fantastic event.

Wards 4/5 Car-Free Sunday Street Festival

Ward 4 Drop-in Session Dates

• Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013 • Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013

All Drop-in Sessions are held:

6:30 to 7:30 p.m.Cedar Springs Health, Racquet and Sportsclub 960 Cumberland Ave.


www.burlington.ca/ward4news

www.burlington.ca/nelson

16


Ward 5 NewsCouncillor Paul Sharman

@PaulSharman1

Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7591

Fax: 905-335-7881


Councillor’s Assistant: Rosemary Fitzpatrick

Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7454


In previous issues of City Talk I have talked about the work we are doing to help ensure that seniors stay engaged in our community and have access to the services and resources they need. With the support of Pastor Steve Forsey of Pineland Baptist Church, Reverend Jean Archbell of St. Elizabeth’s Anglican Church, members of their congregations and others from the community, we have made some progress. At the end of April we held a workshop, which was attended by 28 residents of a Ward 5 condominium complex, to begin what may be described as “Age-Friendly Ambassadors.”

At the meeting the group identified a number of critical issues:

• How to access post-hospital care

• Transportation routes timing/options

• Community activities to ensure active involvement and engagement with others

• How to resolve issues the City is responsible for – i.e., sidewalk design/repair and snow removal

• Where to get information on community and regional services

A sub-committee was formed to organize information meetings for the group on the issues they identified. The group will bring in speakers from organizations such as the Emergency Medical Services, Burlington Fire Department, Community Care Access Centre and others that have services and resources to help seniors stay in their homes and enjoy a high quality of life.

We will provide more information on this pilot project as progress is made. If you are interested in holding a workshop in your condominium or neighbourhood, please contact my office.

McMaster Hosts Day-long Forum on Aging Research

Dr. Samir Sinha (left), along with Burlington Councillor Paul Sharman at the 2013 Innovation Showcase.

In May, I attended a forum organized by the McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO), called “Innovation for Life: Living Well Longer.” The forum included presentations on a wide range of McMaster-led research that will help us not only live well, but live longer. We learned how McMaster researchers and collaborators are tackling the health challenges associated with living longer.

Dr. Samir Sinha, the newly appointed expert lead of Ontario’s Seniors Strategy delivered the keynote address. Sinha

pointed out that when Canada’s healthcare system was first established, more than 50 years ago, the average age of Canadians was 27. “The patients have changed, but the system hasn't,” he said. He went on to say that living to a significant age is “a triumph” of science.

Appleby Line CorridorThere’s a lot happening along both sides of Appleby Line from Lakeshore Road all the way up to the 407, whether it’s in Ward 5, 4 or 6. We have new retail stores, new employers and new residents. Growth also includes the city’s largest community construction project, the Haber Recreation Centre at Dundas Street and Tim Dobbie Drive. This site also includes the new Alton Library Branch and the Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School. An event to celebrate the opening of these facilities is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013. Watch for more details.

On June 9, 2013 we held the second Car-Free Street Festival where Appleby Line was closed to traffic between 1 and 5 p.m. This great community event was organized by a

number of volunteers from local community groups. About 5,000 people enjoyed the festivities. Further up the road, a similar event was held on Palladium Way on June 23, 2013 for the first time event. It also had a great turnout.

I hope we will see more community activities, such as a business association, along the Appleby corridor that will contribute to even greater neighbourhood vibrancy and engagement. Please contact me if you have any suggestions.

Burloak Regional Waterfront Park Master Plan Update 2013The Burloak Regional Waterfront Park Master Plan was approved in 2002 as part of the shoreline protection project. Since approval, elements of the park plan have been implemented, such as the accessible creative playground structure, as well as additional parking so people can launch small recreational boats like canoes and kayaks. In December 2012, the City, Town of Oakville, Halton Region and Conservation Halton met with the community to ensure the vision for the park still met their needs. As a result of the meeting, some minor adjustments were made.

The park plan provides a more natural and passive waterfront experience including:

• An integrated pathway system connecting the community to the lakefront

• Seating and gathering areas throughout the park

• A splash pad

• Public washroom facilities

• A blend of unprogrammed space with formal gardens

• Windows to the lake

Upon approval of the minor changes by the various councils, work will begin on an implementation plan for construction. This is an exciting time for the community and we look forward to seeing this long-standing community vision realized.

Transit Service to Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary SchoolAfter much discussion between myself, our Halton District School Board Trustee, Amy Collard, board staff, Orchard parents and staff at Burlington Transit, I am pleased to report that we have been succesful in organizing transit service for students to the Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School. At the start of school this September, Orchard neighborhood students can take the Route 11 bus, with no transfer, as it continues as Route 15 directly to Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School. In addition to the regular schedule, additional trips will be added on school days that will arrive and leave at school bell times. More than one bus may be available on certain trips due to the anticipated high demand for the service. Please consult Burlington Transit’s website for information on schedules, transit stop locations and fares.

Ward 5 Drop-in Session Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013 7 to 9 p.m. Tim Hortons, 5353 Lakeshore Rd.

22nd Annual Children’s Festival Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 Beachway Park Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013 Spencer Smith Park Visit www.burlington.ca or phone 905-335-7766 for more information.

Blue Box Pick-up Events

Pick up a larger Blue Box free of charge on the following dates:

Burlington Closed Landfill 291 North Service Road Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Halton Regional Centre 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Halton Waste Management Site 5400 Regional Road 25, Milton Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


www.burlington.ca/Burloak

www.burlington.ca/transit

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in exchange for the naming rights of the building. The funds from the sponsorship will be channelled into a reserve fund that will help offset costs for future repair and renewal of the facility.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available within the recreation centre. For more information about the Haber Recreation Centre in Burlington’s Alton community visit the city's website.

Ward 6 NewsCouncillor Blair Lancaster

blair.lancaster1 @BlairLancaster

Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7592

Fax: 905-335-7881


Councillor’s Assistant: Michelle Harris

Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7480



I would like to thank the residents who came out to participate in the first Ward 6 Car Free Sunday on June 23. It was a wonderful day. The Burlington Teen Tour Band kicked off the afternoon by leading our parade, there were bouncy castles, face-painting, games, cotton candy and the Alton Shake.

On June 19, I joined Mayor Rick Goldring and Chris Haber, owner of Haber & Associates, as they signed a sponsorship agreement making the official name of the newly constructed recreation facility in Ward 6 the Haber Recreation Centre.

This sponsorship agreement is a big step forward and will help the city continue to provide state-of-the-art facilities for residents for many years to come.

Through the sponsorship agreement, the City will receive more than $1.3 million over 20 years from Haber & Associates

A big thank you to the sponsors. I couldn’t have done it without you.

• St. George’s Anglican Church

• New Apostolic Church

• Neelands

• Tony Millington

• Fernbrook Homes

• Dokkan Fine Halal Food

• Walsh and Volk

• Lisa Pellerin

• Randy Hart

• Black Swan Pub and Grill

• Burlington Lions

• Lydia Lemus

New Transit Service to Frank Hayden Secondary SchoolThis September, take Burlington Transit to Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School. Students in the Millcroft and Orchard neighbourhoods can easily use new Route 48 and Route 11 to get to school.

The new Route 48 will link the Millcroft neighbourhood directly to the school. Trips are timed to drop off students before the morning bell time and pick-up following the afternoon bell. Route 48 operates on school days only. More than one bus may be available on certain trips due to the anticipated high demand for the service.

Using Route 11 does not require a transfer as it continues as Route 15 directly to Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School. In addition to the regular schedule, additional trips will be added on school days to arrive and leave for school bell times.

Please consult Burlington Transit’s website for information on schedules, transit stop locations and fares.

Airpark UpdateThe Burlington Executive Airport (commonly known as Burlington Airpark) has been in the news lately. Located in Ward 6, on Bell School Line at Appleby Line, the airport is bringing in substantial quantities of fill. This operation has been going on for the past five years. Airport officials have indicated that the work they are doing is to raise and level a large portion of the site for expansion of the airport. They have also taken the position

that the work is subject only to federal aviation regulations and is exempt from local laws.

(Any activities related to aeronautics, including expansion of an existing airport, are subject to federal regulation through Transport Canada, the Federal Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations. These activities do not have to comply with local or provincial plans, policies, bylaws or regulations.)

The City of Burlington has taken the position that the City’s site alteration bylaw is applicable and must be complied with. As a result, the City of Burlington issued an Order to Comply related to the city’s Site Alteration Bylaw 6-2003 on May 3, 2013.

The City recently hired a lawyer with expertise in such matters to represent us going forward.

On July 15, 2013, Burlington City Council received a report from Terrapex Environmental on the review the company conducted of the available environmental testing reports of fill materials at the Burlington Executive Airport.

The report raised many questions that we unfortunately don't have answers for. We are taking this matter very seriously and have forwarded the report to the appropriate regulatory agencies; the Ministry of the Environment; Transport Canada; Conservation Halton; and Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health.

As Mayor Rick Goldring has noted, the City will take whatever measures are within our power to bring the airport operations into compliance with Ministry of Environment regulations.

Wards 3 and 6 Agriculture Committee Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013 City Hall, Room 309 7 p.m.

Wards 3 and 6 Rural Open House Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013 Conservation Halton 2596 Britannia Rd. W. 7 p.m.


From left to right: Chris Glenn, director of parks and recreation; Chris Haber, owner of Haber & Associates; Mayor Rick Goldring and Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster

Signing Agreement for New Recreation Centre

Get Up • Get out • Get Moving

Car Free SundaysCar Free SundaysCar Free Sundays

burlington

On-Street and Front-Yard Parking Study The City of Burlington is studying the issue of on-street and front-yard parking, working with residents to develop options and solutions that are practical and meet the needs of the community.

In late June, staff developed a PowerPoint presentation with several long-term and interim suggestions including allowing for extended on-street parking (from three hours to five or six hours); allowing residents to widen their driveways, leaving the status quo; and greater flexibility to park using existing infrastructure.

Staff will deliver a full report to committee in September.

For more details and to view the PowerPoint, visit the city's website.

www.burlington.ca/onstreetparking

www.burlington.ca/airpark

www.burlington.ca/alton

www.burlington.ca/transit

20

The Brant Street Pier opened to the public on June 13, 2013, in time for the Sound of Music Festival. The city celebrated with the Town Crier, the Burlington Teen Tour Band and representatives from the Royal Canadian Navy.

The pier is fast becoming one of the most-photographed locations in Burlington, whether it features fireworks, tall ships or the nightly display of lights on the beacon.


www.burlington.ca/pier

It’s Here ... The Brant Street Pier

Feature Story


Feature Story

Burlington: A City of Vibrant Neighbourhoods Character

Area StudyAs part of the Official Plan review, a character area study is being done for two of the oldest neighbourhoods in Burlington: Indian Point and Roseland.

The studies will identify and define the unique elements of these neighbourhoods. Residents will participate in establishing a vision and developing planning policy and implementation tools to manage change in each neighbourhood.

“Character” areas may be the result of topography, age and style of housing, built environment, land use patterns, landscaping, street patterns, open spaces, and streetscapes.

Roseland is 115 acres and includes 260 dwellings. It is east of the QEW on the north shore of the lake.

Indian Point is 15 acres and is located south west of the QEW along the northern edge of Lake Ontario.

Getting Back to the Core in Burlington’s DowntownWhat do you think Downtown Burlington should be? A City-led downtown task group has collected input from residents and the business community on a vision for Burlington’s downtown. The input has shaped the Downtown Strategic Action Plan, Core Commitment.

Residents and businesses said let’s have more jobs, more housing options, a healthy retail and service sector and arts, culture and leisure activities. They also said let’s make sure downtown is walkable, vibrant and connects to the waterfront and the rest of the city.

For more information, visit www.burlington.ca/downtownvision

Plains Road Functional DesignPlains Road has been called the “heart” of Aldershot. Once a highway, this historic roadway is evolving into a vibrant community main street.

In 2011, to help the evolution along, the City of Burlington began to develop a functional design and implementation strategy for infrastructure and streetscape improvements for Plains Road between York Boulevard and the QEW.

The study builds on the 2006 Plains Road Corridor Urban Design Guidelines prepared collaboratively by the City and the Plains Road Village Vision community group. It also includes “complete street” guidelines – documents designed to provide and ensure safe access for all users: pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and drivers.

What Makes a Neighbourhood Vibrant?In 2011, the City of Burlington’s Strategic Plan — Burlington, Our Future — identified vibrant neighbourhoods as one of three strategic directions, along with prosperity and excellence in government.

The plan promises that “Burlington will increase and improve neighbourhoods in harmony with the natural environment. Neighbourhoods can be new or established surveys, condos, rural communities and everything in between. It’s about making our neighbourhoods as self-contained and ‘people-friendly’ as possible.”

The City is fulfilling that promise: building, preserving, evolving and revitalizing neighbourhoods across Burlington.

From character studies to functional design studies, from vision studies to master plans, the City works with the community to build a better Burlington. Whether creating a community hub in Alton, reinventing Plains Road West as a main street or working with residents to embrace alternative transportation, neighbourhood building comes in many forms.

Today we celebrate six unique approaches that make Burlington a city of vibrant neighbourhoods.

Rural BurlingtonRural Burlington has a rich heritage. For instance, Lowville Village, so-called because it is the lowest point on the road between Guelph and Lake Ontario, was first settled in the 1800s; Mount Nemo, on the Niagara Escarpment, is one of the most popular hiking spots in Southern Ontario.

Residents have demonstrated their commitment to the unique rural community they call home by coming together on issues.

By directing growth within the urban boundary, residents of Burlington are protecting the Escarpment and our rural neighbourhoods, which will ensure that we have a strong and healthy rural area for future generations to enjoy.

As part of the City’s Official Plan review, the City has started working with residents and community stakeholders on a revised vision and policies for rural Burlington.

>>


It’s been a big year for the former Civic Recognition Awards. You may have heard that the long-running awards (founded in 1955 and expanded over the years) had a make-over and a re-branding as Burlington’s Best.

Here’s the story behind the new look and feel of the awards and the creation of the soon-to-be-iconic stained-glass trophies created for the City by renowned local artist Teresa Seaton.

First, the look and feel: The design – seven colour-coded chevrons that come together to make a star – represent the seven categories of the awards (and are scalable if a new category is added).

Next, the trophy: A big part of the change to the awards is the take-home trophy.

Designed by Seaton, the stained-glass art deco chevron-shaped awards are colour-coded to the category. As well, they are wrapped in decorative wire, symbolizing deep ties to the community. Each trophy has a brass plate identifying the category, year and winner.

View the categories and artwork and read about the winners online.

Burlington’s Best 2013 winners

Ancilla Ho-Young Citizen of the Year

Ross Kay Community Service Award

The late Jane Irwin Heritage Award

Amy Schnurr Environmental Award of the Year

Joe Veitch Senior Citizen of the Year

Noah Parker Junior Citizen of the Year

Morgan Muscat Arts Award of the Year

www.burlington.ca/best

Thousands Enjoy Car-Free Sunday Street FestivalsBurlington residents took to the streets on Appleby Line between New and Fairview streets on June 9 and on Palladium Way on June 23 to enjoy entertainment, get to know their neighbours and leave the car behind.

Wards 4, 5 and 6 hosted thousands of people who celebrated two fabulous Car-Free Sunday Street Festival events. Many thanks to the ward councillors and community groups. For more information, visit www.burlington.ca/carfreesundays.

Alton Community HubNorth Burlington – with family-oriented neighbourhoods like The Orchard and Alton Village – is one of the fastest growing areas in the city. That’s why the City, Halton District School Board and Burlington Public Library are building a unique community hub to support the recreational and learning needs of the area. The project includes the Haber Recreation Centre (with four competition-sized gyms for all levels of regional and provincial play); Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School (capacity: 1,200 students); and a fully integrated school and public library (Alton Branch). Watch for open house details later this fall – www.burlington.ca/alton.

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