Articles by topic

Budget

Budget 2013: Aiming for increase near 3%

Budget 2013: Aiming for increase near 3%

  1. Dave Trueman: I support the 3.5% budget increase and infrastructure (roads, sewers, etc.) maintenance Dave Trueman

  2. IamRickB: I would like to see an increase no more than the rate of inflation...if you have to cut services- so…

  3. Gary Scobie: I support a 3.5% increase as the maximum, to be directed to the need-to-haves only.

  4. Bruce Bond: Taxes: Why do we always start with a high percentage and then when it is settled at half the price…

Council delivers 0.9% tax increase

Council delivers 0.9% tax increase

  1. Gary Scobie: Thanks for supplying info on tax increases versus population and CPI increases. What an eye-opener!

  2. Clarkd: I agree. Perhaps existing money could be used even more efficiently with close supervision of pier construction and sidewalk/road work,…

Infrastructure deficit, tax increases subject of Ward 2 advisory meeting

Infrastructure deficit, tax increases subject of Ward 2 advisory meeting

  1. Deedee Davies: I think it is dangerous to look at capital budgets without also looking at the operating budget ramifications. When discussing…

  2. Lynne: I agree with you that these are not necessities. If it doesn't involve health or safety then I don't think…

  3. Mikeemooney: After the excess capital spending for completely discretionary items of the past few years, (pier, PAC) we now see that…

Bylaw enforcement

Seeking your input on summer bar season

Seeking your input on summer bar season

  1. Pennyhersh: Marianne, does a vibrant downtown mean drunk, disorderly people urinating on lawns and causing damage to private property? Does it…

Development

Site Plan filed for Bridgewater project

Site Plan filed for Bridgewater project

  1. Marcus: Marianne, I wish you were on council in 2006 when this monstrous project on the shoreline was approved. There should…

  2. Marcus: Marianne, I understand the decision was before your time but please do NOT support any more high-rises along the shoreline.…

Load More

Downtown & Waterfront

Load More

Economic Development

Without jobs, Burlington’s taxes increase

Without jobs, Burlington’s taxes increase

  1. Priorities in 2013 - Ward 2 News Burlington | Marianne Meed Ward : Ward 2 News Burlington | Marianne Meed Ward: [...] taxpayers, residential tax rates will continue to increase. As I wrote about last month (here), the Burlington Economic Development Corporation…

  2. Burlington City : Ward 2 News Burlington | Marianne Meed Ward: [...] focus on expanding our Industrial-Commercial-Institutional tax base (as I wrote about recently here. Burlington’s growth has come primarily from…

City reviews economic development options for parking lots

City reviews economic development options for parking lots

  1. MarshallBurson: Underground parking typically runs around $40K/spot, so a 125-car lot would run you around $5m. The assumption at that point…

  2. K Darby: Far too many spaces have disappeared under development. Is it possible to expand parking under the hydro tower lines?  Don't…

  3. R Edwards: Condominiums . I do not shop downtown as the number of cyclists on the sidewalk scare me.

Heritage

Village Square for sale

Village Square for sale

  1. Len Wagstaffe: Finally... I have lived in Burlington all my life (50) years and remember when village square was a new hope…

  2. ian carter: finally. This place has been a hole in the neighbourhood for as long as i have lived here. I can…

  3. Anthony: What a joke. Another multistory condo units with no parking. I lived downtown for many years and got tired of…

  4. Irene: Not another condo!! If I could wave a wand I would love to see a small boutique hotel with spa,…

  5. Mark Sheehan: I've lived in Burlington for 8 years and I always been saddened by the lack of shops and vibrancy in…

More comments

Changes suggested by residents to city heritage policies

Changes suggested by residents to city heritage policies

  1. Bell2790: Thank you for the update  as I was not the Canada when the meeting was held.

  2. Mary: Re statement - "the city stop trying to preserve heritage altogether, and leave it to individual property owners to do…

Community rallies to save Freeman Station

  1. Ihirt: Hello Marianne, how about the beach area between the lift bridge and Maple intersection. This area is very popular with…

    • Egmc1940: then the city would be charging parking fees and we have change rooms showers on the pavilion beach now leave…

  2. Egmc1940: Why do we not put the freeman station in hidden valley park and get all the area model train clubs…

  3. Lianne S.: Hi Marianne, I am pleased to hear about Freeman Station. It is amazing how disillusioned some councillors are in regards…

Joseph Brant Hospital

Parking

Free parking downtown?

Free parking downtown?

  1. Gm: First 2 hours free is a great idea. The downtown core needs all the help it can get. The city…

  2. Yvonne: I certainly don't mind paying for parking in the downtown core  within a reasonable rate. However i do not visit…

Changes coming for downtown parking (hopefully)

Changes coming for downtown parking (hopefully)

  1. Lucille Blaney: Increasing the 2 hour limit to 3 is a great idea especially for eating in any of the restaurants in…

  2. Geoff: Re. parking tickets when only 5 minutes over the limit: allow a complimentary 20 minute buffer before receiving a fine.…

  3. Shellys: Having worked in downtown Burlington for the last 8 months, I have heard and experienced the frustration of workers who…

City reviews economic development options for parking lots

City reviews economic development options for parking lots

  1. MarshallBurson: Underground parking typically runs around $40K/spot, so a 125-car lot would run you around $5m. The assumption at that point…

  2. K Darby: Far too many spaces have disappeared under development. Is it possible to expand parking under the hydro tower lines?  Don't…

  3. R Edwards: Condominiums . I do not shop downtown as the number of cyclists on the sidewalk scare me.

Parking concerns hurting downtown businesses

  1. M.L. Holton: Agree with you on this one Marianne.

  2. BD Ramey: Everyone should park free downtown, this is not Toronto, we should look after our downtown businesses. There should be a…

  3. John Froggatt: I am solidly against free parking for City staff ans especially for rather well paid councillors. John Froggatt

  4. Jmiller75: i am downtown every day walking my lab. the bylaw guy lives on Brant St and Lakeshore and walks maybe…

  5. Chris Ariens: The following - an article from the conservative Cato institute in the US, covers the issue of downtown parking very…

More comments

Parks

Reports commissioned for Beachway Park review

Reports commissioned for Beachway Park review

  1. Ian Baines: I enjoy cycling and walking along the beach front, and have for 36 years. It is a real jewel, in…

  2. Doug: When I lived closer (Elgin and Maple) I spent a great deal of time there. I think it would be…

Changes approved for Elgin St parkette

Changes approved for Elgin St parkette

  1. Burlington618: I think it is a bit much to suggest that either Maple Park or Central Park are far from downtown.…

  2. Cheryl Mogensen: I agree with Maureen to put the project on hold and direct funds to more needed areas, such as the…

  3. guest: I think that the downtown residential area is already suffering from traffic and parking issues and removing a children's playground…

  4. Barry: I've lived in the core for many years, the last few of which have been with young children. We use…

People

Pier

Pier: Steel delays, wind turbine cancellation reveal poor process

Pier: Steel delays, wind turbine cancellation reveal poor process

  1. mark Gregory: Hi Marianne: Thanks for the informative newsletter. On the turbine, my wife and I hate wind turbines period. They make no…

  2. Jason Diamond: Yes the turbine should be reconsidered and installed - as you point out there doesn't appear to be any reason…

  3. Michelle: My pier has always included a wind turbine and I hope this remains as per the original design.  It sends…

  4. Heather: Given what you say above I think we should have the wind turbine. We should not be adding $3200/year to…

  5. Frank Gue, P.Eng.: Marianne, this "steel problem" is getting repetitive and tiresome. We deserve to know just what the "steel problems" are. Structural…

More comments

Pier wind turbine cancelled

Pier wind turbine cancelled

  1. David Newman: Has the question "was the cost of the turbine included in the price of the pier" if so and in…

  2. Gary Scobie: I agree with your take on this issue.  I would hope that the City does own the turbine and that…

  3. Cap10Bruce: Give the turbine to JB Hospital. They already have a huge emergency power system which could be charged by wind…

  4. Bevjackb: I agree that the turbine be scapped.  The only reason for leaving one there would be the hope the wind…

  5. Ianrobertcarter: Dear Mariann, I for one, think that city hall is missing the point on the topic of the wind turbine,…

More comments

Report on disclosing pier’s legal fees

Report on disclosing pier’s legal fees

  1. Gary Scobie: I strongly concur that city legal fees be disclosed in a phased-in approach that would eventually lead to full disclosure…

  2. Gm: You mean expenditures of public funds are secret....like in those places we are quick to label corrupt?  Of course the…

  3. TMJ: What is the rationale in keeping legal fees a secret? Is it  not our tax dollars? I think the good…

Graham new pier contractor, as joint venture with Jardeg

Graham new pier contractor, as joint venture with Jardeg

  1. Dnisbet: It  looks now like the city is going ahead with this despite the feedback given to them to the contrary although I…

  2. Simon: I too share your concern with the second company on the JV although I think that with Graham being on the front line they…

New pier specifications

New pier specifications

  1. Dhmoore7: This thing would always stand as a monument to botched planning and municipal incompetence. Personally, I'd like it to go…

  2. Jwhalen000: I have read reports where their were quotes of 5.8 million to complete or scrap the pier. I have seen…

  3. Ahordyk: I am and always was in favour of honest negotiations with the original contractor. As a retired project manager I know…

  4. B. Bond: Like A. Hordyk I too am also a retired project manager and he is correct it is always cheaper to…

  5. Mare: This is a little off topic, but as a boater, I would have thought that the original design would have…

Pier to cost $15m, completion in 2013

Pier to cost $15m, completion in 2013

  1. Lleahy55: Just finish it. No matter what it is going to cost more money. Hopefully it will bring more revenue into…

  2. Bbramhall: This new contract approach has more risks than most think. First 5.7m extra will be more like 7m +. Having…

  3. Art & Marie Masur: We are anxious to see  completion of the pier as many others are.  As a former boater we know it…

    • Dnisbet: Unless you have a very large boat take a long stepladder with you if you plan to tie up and…

  4. Laurie A.: I am really looking forward to walking on the beautiful finished pier. The sooner the better. In the long run,…

  5. Dee: Rather than have a lasting testament to a major folly, I'd prefer it be taken down.  I do appreciate the…

More comments

Pier delayed to 2013 unless new solution found

Pier delayed to 2013 unless new solution found

  1. Linda: 2013???!!! Tear the pier down....cut our losses now!!!!

  2. M.L. Holton: City LEGAL will never back down without Council's AUTHORITY. Use it. Get the primary parties negotiating again. At present, any…

  3. Govan76: Tear the folly down.............. I can walk along the waterfront horizontally, I do not need to walk on an s…

  4. Rick: Have a referendum with two questions: 1) finish the pier at any cost 2) tear the pier down Then abide…

  5. Grhughes: What a boondoggle. Tear the eyesore down, and save the taxpayers at least SOME money. The monies saved could be…

More comments

Load More

Seniors

Taxes & spending

Without jobs, Burlington’s taxes increase

Without jobs, Burlington’s taxes increase

  1. Priorities in 2013 - Ward 2 News Burlington | Marianne Meed Ward : Ward 2 News Burlington | Marianne Meed Ward: [...] taxpayers, residential tax rates will continue to increase. As I wrote about last month (here), the Burlington Economic Development Corporation…

  2. Burlington City : Ward 2 News Burlington | Marianne Meed Ward: [...] focus on expanding our Industrial-Commercial-Institutional tax base (as I wrote about recently here. Burlington’s growth has come primarily from…

Council delivers 0.9% tax increase

Council delivers 0.9% tax increase

  1. Gary Scobie: Thanks for supplying info on tax increases versus population and CPI increases. What an eye-opener!

  2. Clarkd: I agree. Perhaps existing money could be used even more efficiently with close supervision of pier construction and sidewalk/road work,…

Churches targetted for property taxes

  1. Jrwkraft: I think churches should pay property taxes just like everyone else. This could help to control property taxes for all.

    • Anonymous: You are obviously not a church goer/member.! If you were, you would not make such a statement. You do not…

  2. Dhon MacKinnon: As a member of the Port Nelson United Church group that assists in the Community Dinners at Wellington Square U.C.,…

  3. Ron: I certainly don't favour taxing churches for letting out their premises for free. But what about those who make a…

  4. JDT: Religious groups as a whole engage only a minority of citizens (church attendance is very low) and each specific group…

    • Alysha Diane: Exactly my concerns. The community at large should not be required to subsidize churches that exclude members of the community.

  5. Anonymous: I belong to another church, and "part" of our contribution to the community are free weekly suppers to about 130…

More comments

Tourism and events

Why the cycling races left Burlington

Why the cycling races left Burlington

  1. Dnisbet: I am with you 100%.  Why should we subsidize an event that will have nothing to do with the city.  Tell…

  2. Terry: With all the great Burlington based sports organizations that could use that money, I still don't understand why we are…

  3. Jim: "Why should we subsidize an event that will have nothing to do with the city?" Is 1.2 Million in direct economic…

  4. Gary: Perhaps I am missing something here, but I fail to see why the city should contribute a single penny to…

Cycling race proposed for downtown July 1

Cycling race proposed for downtown July 1

  1. Lucille Blaney: Yes, the route should be rerouted away from Brant and Spencer Park. What are they thinking!! Alot of people attend…

  2. Tiernay: I absolutely support your take. We accommodate far too many of these events in our downtown core putting pedestrians and…

  3. Deby: The current route would completely shut down the downtown core on July 1st from 1 to 6pm. Viewing the length…

  4. C Garycampbell: Yes, the downtown route should definitely be reconsidered.

  5. Keith J Sadler: The race should use Guelph Line and not Brant (Ex Racing Cyclist in Europe...Keith J Sadler)

More comments

Transit & Roads

Centre turn lane on Lakeshore Road reduced for on-road bike lanes

Centre turn lane on Lakeshore Road reduced for on-road bike lanes

  1. Chris Ariens: Sounds a little Rob Ford-esque to me. Points 1,3,4 are arguable - albeit we have no data to advise us…

  2. Marilyn Barnicke Belleghem: The left hand turn lane is vital to the safe use of Lakeshore Road by local residents (I am one…

  3. Danielletodd: As a casual bike rider, I find the bike path that runs from one side of the city, to the…

    • Chris Ariens: To be fair, the turning lane is not going to go away. It will however be narrowed. A motorist wishing…

      • Danielletodd: The path of which I speak is just south of new street. It starts downtown and goes all the way…

Proposal to remove Lakeshore Rd turnlane for bike lanes

Proposal to remove Lakeshore Rd turnlane for bike lanes

  1. WarningU2: I think it would be a terrible idea to remove the center turning lane. Isn't there already a bike path…

  2. WarningU2: Big mistake to remove lane. It will make it hazardous to.bikes and cars . Why not use existing south side…

  3. Susan72: Yes, eliminating the center left turn lane in favor of a bike lane would impede the traffic on Lakeshore Road,…

    • MNBennett: I believe everyone that comments here against the report recommendation should at least declare the last time they actually rode…

  4. disqus_W73AOw6lnM: Agree removing the turn lanes on Lakeshore is a bad idea. A Pilot was done on narrowing Lakeshore by Spenser…

  5. Kenneth Fox: This would be a terrible idea... as a person who uses lakeshore rd everyday, I know the necessity of the…

More comments

Transit funding shifted to infrastructure

Transit funding shifted to infrastructure

  1. David Newman: Public transit has to take priority - if the funding was earmarked for transit, why is it now up for…

  2. Richard Hodge: Transit isn't much good if the roads on which it travels fall apart??? My vote would be to spend more…

  3. Lebmgmt: Public transit vehicles are obviously taking a beating on our rough arterial streets. Shocks, suspensions, tires, etc. costs all add…

  4. David Goodings: Burlington Transit is an essential service relied on by many of Burlington's citizens. Better service would attract more people to…

  5. R Tanner: As you say yourself, the gas tax money is intended for 'transit capital costs'. Yes, buses use roads too, but…

More comments

Trees and Greenspace