Cycling race proposed for downtown July 1

Burlington cycling road race proposalA local cycling organization is working to bring the 8-day Canadian Road Cycling Championships to Halton, with three events planned for Burlington. One of the proposed routes is along Brant/John/Lakeshore Road between noon and 7:30pm on Canada Day (Fri. July 1). Two routes are along Walkers Line north of 407, for Thurs. June 23 (10am-4pm), and Thurs. June 30 (9am-3:30pm). The last is along Waterdown and Snake Roads Sun. July 3, 9am-1pm.

See routes here:

Downtown Burlington July 1:
Walkers Line June 23:
Walkers Line June 30:
Waterdown/Snake Road July 3:

In the downtown, the race would close these roads to vehicular traffic, allowing pedestrian crossings through the race at safe intervals.

Previous council approved participation in the event pending approval of routes, with a contribution of $30,000 in each of two years, matched by a contribution of $20,000 from the Burlington Hotel Association. Staff are currently working on a report for council giving their opinions on our participation, and seeking final route approval.

I’ve asked for some public meetings to obtain your input for the report. You can also email me. For more information, contact Karen Szabeli at

My take: I’m supportive of bringing sport tourism to downtown Burlington, but I do have concerns about the route up Brant St., which serves as a pedestrian walkway on Canada Day; and down John, through the bus terminal area. I’ve asked whether the route could be shifted to the east, so as to complement, rather than collide, with other activities int he downtown on Canada Day.

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