Recent Articles

Transit funding shifted to infrastructure

Transit funding shifted to infrastructure

Council voted to shift an additional percent of gas tax funding from transit to roads. Council amended the federal gas tax split from 70% roads and 30% transit, to 80% roads and 20% transit. This provides an additional $500,000 for roadways resurfacing infrastructure.

Pier wind turbine cancelled

Pier wind turbine cancelled

The wind turbine planned for the Brant Street pier has been cancelled, after members of the city’s Community Services Committee heard the costs would be prohibitive to proceed, and the benefits negligible.

Seeking your input on summer bar season

Seeking your input on summer bar season

We want a vibrant downtown, rich with activities and amenities, but vibrant neighbourhoods must also be livable. The goal is to strike a balance. Residents expect and even welcome a certain amount of noise and activity downtown. Do we have the right balance? Let me know what you think.

Development

Greenberg affirms importance of community engagement in development, sticking to Official Plan, and more

Greenberg affirms importance of community engagement in development, sticking to Official Plan, and more

Ken Greenberg in Burlington tonight shares thoughts on development, height, waterfront, heritage, community collaboration and more. Great presentation and q & a. Affirms what many residents have been saying for some time.

Downtown development update – Medica One on hold

Downtown development update – Medica One on hold

The approvals have lapsed for the Medica One complex on Caroline & John, featuring an 8-storey medical centre, 8-storey parking garage and 17 storey apartment. The developer, Carriage Gate Group, did not proceed with signing some necessary agreements required by the city so the approvals for the development have lapsed.

A step in the right direction on community benefits negotiated for extra height/density

A step in the right direction on community benefits negotiated for extra height/density

Time will tell whether this change will improve results for the community. Public input is more than asking residents their views; it must include some evidence that the public’s wishes for community benefit projects are reflected in the benefits negotiated on our behalf.

Ward 2 Photos

Burlington Public Buildings | Ward 2

Burlington Public Buildings | Ward 2

Images of Burlington’s city hall, Burlington performing arts centre, discovery landing, team Burlington buildings, bus terminal

Downtown Burlington Images | Ward 2

Downtown Burlington Images | Ward 2

Includes photos of Brant Street, Lakeshore and surrounding streets, shops, restaurants, and interesting features

Spencer Smith Park Images | Ward 2 Burlington

Spencer Smith Park Images | Ward 2 Burlington

Burlington’s park in spring, plus photos of the waterfront, Discovery Landing, viewpoints, pier

Brant Street Pier

Pier wind turbine cancelled

Pier wind turbine cancelled

The wind turbine planned for the Brant Street pier has been cancelled, after members of the city’s Community Services Committee heard the costs would be prohibitive to proceed, and the benefits negligible.

Report on disclosing pier’s legal fees

Report on disclosing pier’s legal fees

In a recent case, the city of Waterloo was required by the Information and Privacy Commission of Ontario, upheld by a three-judge divisional court panel, to disclose legal fees up to January of this year, in an ongoing legal battle over RIM Park financing. The city has already been forced by the Commission to release [...]

Clarity on pier costs

Clarity on pier costs

There have been conflicting reports recently on the original cost of the pier, ranging from $9.2m to $12.5m. The anticipated costs when council first approved the project in 2006 were $6.2m. The table below charts the increases over time, sourced completely from city documents. There are important lessons here for all of us to ensure future projects are costed appropriately from the beginning, and stay on budget.

See costs

Heritage

A pub in the old beach pump house? Maybe.

A pub in the old beach pump house? Maybe.

The Waterfront Citizen’s Advisory Committee has recommended that the city explore a future commercial use for the old pump house on the beach strip, for example a coffee house or pub.

Heritage Burlington needs you

Heritage Burlington needs you

There will be multiple opportunities for public input as the recommendations are being developed, including online feedback and a public meeting the evening of April 25 (time and place to be announced. Email me at meedwardm@burlington.ca to sign up to receive regular electronic updates and opportunities to provide your input.

Changes suggested by residents to city heritage policies

Changes suggested by residents to city heritage policies

I believe the government has a role to play in heritage preservation, but believe there needs to be more clarity, transparency, and input from residents on that role.

Other Topics

Beach strip homes subject of policy review

Beach strip homes subject of policy review

I’m supportive of allowing residents to remain along the beach strip. The private homes do not impede public access to the waterfront or the trails along Beachway Park. Residents also add eyes on the street to the area, which adds safety and vibrancy to the beach.

Elgin Park re-design concept

Elgin Park re-design concept

After viewing two proposed designs for Elgin Park at a recent public meeting, residents overwhelmingly supported this concept plan, so staff are moving ahead with this one

City budget focuses on infrastructure, hospital

City budget focuses on infrastructure, hospital

In March, city council approved a budget that increases our funding for infrastructure and our hospital, resulting in a city tax increase of 3.29%.

Recent Comments