Cycling race proposed for downtown July 1
A 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.
February 10, 2011 @ 9:07 pm
Yes, the route should be rerouted away from Brant and Spencer Park.
What are they thinking!! Alot of people attend Canada Day events.
Lucille Blaney
February 10, 2011 @ 9:25 pm
I absolutely support your take. We accommodate far too many of these events in our downtown core putting pedestrians and traffic needs second and would definitely interfere with our traditional Canada Day celebrations.
February 11, 2011 @ 12:34 pm
The current route would completely shut down the downtown core on July 1st from 1 to 6pm. Viewing the length of the course, this could easily be moved to a more appropriate location. If Mapleview Mall is closed July 1st, Maple Avenue and the mall property could likely work for the event and accommodate spectators. I do agree that it is wonderful to bring events such as this to Burlington.
February 11, 2011 @ 2:38 pm
Yes, the downtown route should definitely be reconsidered.
February 11, 2011 @ 3:42 pm
The race should use Guelph Line and not Brant
(Ex Racing Cyclist in Europe…Keith J Sadler)
February 11, 2011 @ 7:49 pm
EVENTS SUCH AS THIS CYCLING EVENT , ROAD RACES (RUNNING) ARE AVERY GOOD THING FOR OUR COMMUNITY BUT ORGANIZERS MUST CONSIDER ROUTES, TIMES ETC. THAT DO NOT INTERFERE WITH OTHER EXISTING EVENTS , RESIDENTS ACCESS TO THEIR HOMES, OR RESTRICTING CUSTOMER ACCESS TO BUSINESSES. I’M SURE THAT A LITTLE HOMEWORK AND OR DISCUSSIONS WITH STAKE HOLDERS WOULD SOLVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS.
February 13, 2011 @ 5:15 pm
Reconsideration from the Brant should mandatory. Too many events forget this downtown core is greatly affected by these closures. Especially on Canada Day when there will be a large crowd of people out to have fun and visit these local businesses. Too much hassle may make some rethink this. A large consideration should be given to local business owners feelings.
February 14, 2011 @ 12:47 am
It would seem there is too much potential for conflict with already scheduled events in the area currently listed. Now I’m no cyclist, but I thought maple, northshore, king would have been a better route then guelph line. This keeps the event included in, but not in on top of the canada day celebrations as it could start and finish at spencer smith.
February 14, 2011 @ 2:04 am
Having the Cycling event on Brant St. from 1pm. to 6pm. is a good thing. More people will be able to see & enjoy the exciting race. Restaurants in the area benefit from the spectators participating in the exciting race. An event 2 blocks away doesn’t have the same draw or impact.
It will also be telecast for later broadcast on the major network showcasing a better view of Burlington.
Its a 2 year event. In 2012 it’s a precursor to the 2012 Olympics in London. Canadian athletes who participate in the event will become Canada’s standard bearers in London. The event should be showcased not hidden away.