Changes approved for Elgin St parkette
Vote at council Nov. 28
St Lukes to the left; maintenance yard on the right, and the playground in the foreground
Plans have been approved for the Elgin Street parkette to expand the roads and parks maintenance building on that site, and redevelop the remainder of the land through a partnership with Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.
Last week, the Community Services Committee of council approved construction of a new RPM facility where the old one exists. The new facility would be double the size of the old one. Parisioners at St. Luke’s church attended committee to express concerns about the impact of the facility on the historic park, and potential interference with uses at the church. I have committed to working with residents and staff to ensure the new building blends into the historic neighbourhood and has adequate fencing and shrub or tree screening. To read the report and see photos of this facility click here, Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix D.
Committee also voted to proceed with plans to develop the park in partnership with Apeldoorn. Currently a small playground exists now. The original arrangement was for each city to select a park in their city, commit $100,000 in funds, and turn the design over to the other city. In a letter dated Sept. 26, representatives in Apeldoorn said that because of the “economic downturn it is not possible to develop the park in the short term” and they were putting the project on hold for at least 3-5 years. Burlington committee voted 6-1 to proceed on our end.
To read the report on the park, click here.
My take: The maintenance facility is in terrible condition and no longer acceptable for our staff, so I support the redevelopment but will be working with residents to minimize the impact. I did not support spending the funds at this time on the Apeldoorn project, and suggested we follow the lead of Apeldoorn to put the project on hold given our own significant budget needs, including aging infrastructure and our hospital.
Your view: Do you support moving ahead with the park development now? Would you like to participate in providing public input on the RPM facility? Let me know by leaving a comment below or email at
January 10, 2012 @ 10:54 pm
I’ve lived in the core for many years, the last few of which have been with young children. We use this park frequently as do many local families. Sadly the park had been gradually neglected, ironically partially by park staff and allowed to degrade to such a point that the swing set was removed.
It’s unfortunate that this neglect has lead to a reduction in use and subsequent justification for its further neglect or possible demise. I believe strongly that we should at least restore the park to its basic amenity for children and families especially in light of the increase in young families in the downtown core.
The city should seriously consider the economies of co-redevelopment of both uses at the same time.
January 9, 2012 @ 12:40 pm
I think that the downtown residential area is already suffering from traffic and parking issues and removing a children’s playground that is used by the Church, Montessori and neighbourhood children is quite sad.
The use of the playground would probably be increase if the number of quickly moving vehicles in and out of the parking lot was removed, and the swing set replaced!!!!
As a resident of the downtown area with young children I appreciate the nice play are that we have, as going to the large park at Spencer Smith is often too crowded and easy to loose your children in the chaos!
November 27, 2011 @ 5:08 pm
I agree with Maureen to put the project on hold and direct funds to more needed areas, such as the hospital.
November 27, 2011 @ 12:33 am
I think it is a bit much to suggest that either Maple Park or Central Park are far from downtown. In any event, I hope the redevelopment if it proceeds won’t displace the modest but well-used children’s playground.