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Ask the Councillor: What happened to the Martha/Lakeshore development proposal? Why is the Art Gallery of Burlington land being rezoned?

What happened to the Martha/Lakeshore development proposal?

A proposed 26-storey development at the foot of Martha and Lakeshore Road heads back to an Ontario Municipal Board hearing July 17. Staff and council unanimously opposed the development, and mediation failed. The OMB hearing began in February 2017 for two weeks, but had to be cut short due to illness of one of the witnesses. The second week of the hearing resumes Monday, July 17, at City Hall, Room 247, 10am. The hearing is open to the public to attend.

For background visit:

Hearing postponed

Mediation requested

Neighbourhood meeting

Revised 26-story plan

Why is the Art Gallery land being rezoned?

map of Art Gallery of Burlington propertyCity staff have initiated a rezoning of the Art Gallery lands to reflect the current use of the property. The land where the building sits is currently zoned 03 (Open Space) and staff propose to rezone the lands to DI (Downtown Institutional). The change will not affect the nearby park, but only the lands where the building currents sits and adjacent parking. The change will help to streamline applications for upgrades to the  building.

View the staff report.

Written by Marianne Meed Ward

I was inspired to seek public office because I believe, like so many of you, “I can do something about that” on the issues we face. As councilor, my role is to take a stand on what’s best for residents and go to bat for it. Pushback is inevitable from those who don’t have the community’s interests at heart. I will stand with you and for you, to achieve the best interests of our city, without caving to unacceptable compromise in the name of consensus.

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  1. What is happening with The Saxony condo development on Elgin across from the Performing Arts Centre. It seemed to sit idle all winter and very little has been happening. Is it on hold?

  2. I sat through the Region of Peel council discussion on the OMB legislated changes. It will take several years before all submissions are heard. Challenges will now e against flaws in official plans generated by the city. No doubt rocky roads ahead.

  3. The OMB should be stopped in its tracks pending the new overhaul. It is unfair to municipalities to let them foist their neanderthal views on communities in their dying days.

  4. Hi Marianne. What is your take on the latest changes coming with the OMB, and do you have any thoughts as to how it may impact the next hearing in July? Or will it impact the hearing?

What's your take?