Archive for March, 2011
Friends of Freeman Station incorporated
The ad hoc citizen’s committee struck to save the historic Freeman Station has achieved a significant milestone. The group has been formally incorporated through the Ontario Historical Society as the Friends of Freeman Station with a board, bylaws and constitution.
Council honours Ward 2 resident John Boich
It was an emotional council meeting Feb. 28 as council honoured Ward 2 resident John Boich with a Civic Recognition Award for his contribution to our community over the years. though he is in poor health, John was able to attend the meeting. His wife Arlene spoke on his behalf.
Before a packed house of John’s friends, who honoured him with a standing ovation, Mayor Rick Goldring presented Boich with the award, noting that John is a “community-minded citizen… who knows what is needed to make Burlington a better place to live, work and play.”
The council agenda reads:
“Council wishes to formally recognize the significant contribution Ward 2 resident John Boich has made to our community, including his leadership of the Rambo Creek Ratepayers Association, his participation in the Burlington Inclusivity Advisory Committee, and his co-chairmanship of the Shape Burlington report on civic engagement that calls on city hall to increase ways for all residents to participate in municipal decision-making.”
I had the honour of nominating my friend for this award, and am pleased he could be with us to accept it.
Infrastructure deficit, tax increases subject of Ward 2 advisory meeting
There is an identified gap in funding for roads, buildings and equipment renewal. Currently we can meet only about 68% of renewal requirements. Our buildings and facilities on average have a “poor condition” rating. In terms of dollar value, staff have said we have renewal needs worth about $24 million, but current budgeted funding of only $10 million.
The proposed capital and current (or operations) budget for 2011 will address some, but not all of these challenges. Staff are proposing a tax increase of 2.5%. That includes a dedicated .5% infrastructure levy. Council has also recently learned there is a sizable surplus from the 2010 budget, which we’ll learn more about next week, when staff bring forward a report on the amount, source and proposed disposition of the surplus.
During the campaign I pledged to rein in tax increases, and focus on infrastructure and core services. I’m very concerned about our infrastructure renewal gap and will suggest that some of the surplus be directed toward that, in addition to looking at redirecting funds from other capital and operating to infrastructure.
Concerns remain over proposed highrise at Brock & Elgin
At a public meeting last June on this development, residents expressed a number of concerns about height, density, lack of greenspace and setbacks. Residents were also concerned that the building would be registered as a condo but the units rented only. Condo developments pay less property tax than rental units.
Not much has changed with the revised plans. The unit count has reduced slightly from 118 to 115, but given the size of the lot the actual density is 352 units per net hectare, almost double the 185 unit density allowed by the Official Plan.
The height remains at 14 stories, double the seven allowed by the Official Plan.
In exchange for the extra height and density, staff (who are supportive of this project) are negotiating payment of “community benefits.” The argument is that the Official Plan envisions going beyond height and density limits in exchange for these community benefits.
But there are significant problems with this process.
Please check out the articles covering issues that you've told me matter to you. I value your feedback on them because it informs the decisions I make. If you want to let me or others know about concerns or events in your neighbourhood, please get in touch.