Ward 5 News Update - January 29, 2021 - City of Burlington
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Ward 5 News Update – January 29, 2021 Dear friends and neighbours, Optimism is appropriate! As we move into February, it is apparent that the return to some “normality” is perhaps beginning to seem possible. Clearly, we all must remain alert to the continuing risk of becoming infected and that in time will diminish as more people receive the vaccination. I realize people do not like wearing a face mask, some more than others, however, if in doing so we provide some degree of protection to other people from becoming infected by us, why would we not? If it becomes clear that wearing a mask is no longer necessary, the city will reverse the by-law. Meanwhile, for most of us life goes on and the necessities are being met. COVD-19 has had a devastating and tragic impact on some members of our community and around the world, which must not be forgotten. To those people I send my deepest regrets and sympathy. At City Hall we have been extremely busy monitoring every aspect of the pandemic and how it has/is affecting our community, as well as how the city does business. All city activities and services have been examined and redesigned with a focus on continuing to provide services to whatever degree possible. Staff have been creative and have left no rocks unturned. I send my best wishes to the hundreds of city employees who remain laid off since the beginning of the pandemic. My thanks go to all employees and managers of the city, especially to Tim Commisso, our City Manager. Throughout this last year Tim and his team have been a cool, collective and positive force in dealing with uncertainty, changing regulations and the need to adapt. Thank you all. Council has completed much of the major regulatory changes established for this term at its outset. This includes the approval of a Private Tree Bylaw, the Interim Control Bylaw, changes to the Urban Growth Centre and more. It remains to be seen how effective these decisions will be in meeting their objectives. The most significant was the completion of City’s Official Plan in November against which 48 appeals have been received. They combine and perhaps overlap with the 40 appeals previously received to 2019 Interim Control By-law and other matters. The earlier appeals have been slow to be heard by the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal because of COVID, but now progress is being made. The next year or two will be telling. This update is focused, again, on pandemic related matters along with other matters at City Hall and in the community, which we hope will be of interest to you.
As my office continues to work remotely, please know that I am always available to speak or meet,
whether by phone or virtual platform by appointment. Please email ward5@burlington.ca to schedule
an appointment. Please feel free to contact me if you have any question or concerns.
As always, if you see me out and about please say hi!
Update on City services and programs during Second COVID-19 Provincial
Emergency
Earlier this month, the Province announced a State of Emergency, with additional restrictions to help
control the spread of COVID-19. The State of Emergency began Thursday, Jan. 14, including a Stay-
at-Home Order in place for all regions of Ontario, including Halton Region, for at least 28 days.
Impacts to City services and programs
City Hall
City Hall, located at 426 Brant St., remains open for in-person service by appointment only for
commissioning services and marriage licences. Walk-ins are not permitted.
Please visit burlington.ca/commissioning, burlington.ca/marriage or call 905-335-7777 to book your
appointment. Residents can also visit burlington.ca/onlineservices to access a variety of City services
online.
Service Burlington is available to answer questions by phone during regular business hours, at 905-
335-7777 and city@burlington.ca.
Building staff are processing building permit applications. Anyone wanting to apply for a building
permit or follow up on an existing building permit application can email building@burlington.ca. Staff
are responding to requests and are assisting applicants with the building permit process. For more
information, visit burlington.ca/building.
Burlington Transit
Burlington Transit will continue to run as scheduled including specialized transit. The transit terminal
at 430 John St. will remain open to provide PRESTO services including SPLIT passes. Presto
services are available at Shoppers Drug Mart or online at prestocard.ca. Transit schedules are
available online at burlingtontransit.ca to download and print, via Google Maps, Apple Maps and
using myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office
Halton POA administration counter services are currently closed. Telephone payments are available
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at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Many online services are also
available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or by visiting
www.haltoncourtservices@burlington.ca
Recreation, Community & Culture Services and Facilities
Leaving your home for outdoor exercise is allowed under the current provincial regulations, as long as
2 metres of physical distancing is maintained at all times from anyone outside of your household.
Exercise is an essential need for everyone. It is important to stay active for both physical and mental
health.
Outdoor recreational parks and open spaces that are allowed to stay open include City-sanctioned
toboggan hills, neighbourhood rinks, multiuse courts, playgrounds, trails, Burlington Rotary
Centennial Pond and parks. Equipment lending (curbside pick-up) can continue.
Please cooperate with others using the outdoor space and follow all public health measures and
posted signage.
Outdoor Skating
The Rotary Centennial Pond at 1340 Lakeshore Rd. is open for skating daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10
p.m. Residents wishing to use the rink must pre-register and complete the online screening at
burlington.ca/screening. Capacity on this rink is 35 people and meets the provincial regulations.
A new artificial outdoor rink at Hidden Valley Park, 1137 Hidden Valley Rd. is open for skating daily
from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All users must pre-register and complete the online screening at
burlington.ca/screening. Capacity on this rink is 10 people and meets the provincial regulations.
For both skating rinks, as per new provincial regulations, additional measures are in place for outdoor
activities that require the use of masks. Visitors must wear masks while standing in line and it is
highly recommended during skating. For more information, follow @Burl_ParksRec and visit
burlington.ca/pond for updates.
Outdoor Winter Play Challenge
Residents can also take the Outdoor Winter Play Challenge and see how many free activities they
can complete by Feb. 19, 2021. Learn more at burlington.ca/playoutside.
Active at Home
Options to stay active at home are available online at burlington.ca/activeathome, including a series
of virtual activities from fitness to crafts for everyone to enjoy. All videos are free and new videos are
added frequently. Follow @BurlingtonParksRec on Facebook and @Burl_parksandrec on Twitter for
the latest updates and videos.
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Services provided by the Roads, Parks and Forestry Department will continue as needed. Residents
with questions or issues can email RPF@burlington.ca or call 905-333-6166.
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To report an incident of non-compliance with the provincial emergency orders in Halton, please call
the Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 hotline at 905-825-4722. The hotline will accept
non-compliance reports for the following Provincial emergency orders:
o Declaration of emergency
o Emergency information and details
o Stay-at-Home Order/Regulation (PDF)
o Consolidated Mask Bylaw 47-20
COVID-19 Provincial Supports Available to Businesses
There is a tremendous amount of information regarding resources and funding currently available to
businesses from the Province. Burlington Economic Development have assembled a summary of the
most up-to-date grants to assist businesses in our community.
Ontario Small Business Support Grant
The new Ontario Small Business Support Grant will help small businesses that are required to close
or significantly restrict services under the new Provincewide Shutdown. The grant will provide a
minimum of $10,000 and up to $20,000 to eligible businesses. Small business owners can use this
grant in a variety of ways (e.g., paying employee wages, maintaining inventory, etc.).
Who is eligible:
Businesses that:
• Are required to close or significantly restrict services subject to the Province-wide Shutdown;
• Have less than 100 employees at the enterprise level; and
• Can be expected to experience a minimum of 20% revenue decline as a result of the
Shutdown.
o This will be measured by comparing April 2020 with April 2019 monthly revenues.
• New businesses established in April 2019 are also eligible as well as Winter seasonal
businesses.
o Businesses not in operation in April 2019 and Winter seasonal businesses will be
permitted to use alternative revenue decline comparators.
Businesses that are not eligible include those that were already required to close prior to the
introduction of modified Stage 2 measures, and essential businesses permitted to operate with
capacity restrictions.
How to apply:
Businesses that have used Ontario's COVID-19 business relief funding portal to apply to other
Ontario business grant programs will not need to create a new account or register as an applicant
again. However, they will still need to submit a new application for the Ontario Small Business
Support Grant by clicking on "I am a returning applicant."
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Businesses that have not previously used the portal to apply for Ontario's business relief grants will
need to create a new account by clicking on "I am a new applicant.”
Through the application portal businesses will be able to determine if they are eligible for any of the
available COVID-19 business relief grants or programs administered by the Government of Ontario.
Learn more here: https://www.app.grants.gov.on.ca/msrf/#/
Applicants can apply for this grant using the new Ontario COVID-19 Business Relief Funding Portal.
Ontario's Main Street Relief Grant for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
One-time grants of up to $1,000 to cover unexpected costs of personal protective equipment.
Available to eligible small businesses across Ontario with 2 to 9 employees.
Applicants can apply for this grant using the new Ontario COVID-19 Business Relief Funding Portal.
Property Tax & Energy Cost Rebate Grants
$600 million is available in property tax and energy cost rebates to help eligible businesses.
Information on eligibility can be found here: https://www.app.grants.gov.on.ca/msrf/#/ and
https://www.ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs
Applicants can apply for this grant using the new Ontario COVID-19 Business Relief Funding Portal.
Digital Main Street Program
Helping small businesses create and enhance their online presence to reach more customers through
the $57 million Digital Main Street program. More information can be found here:
https://digitalmainstreet.ca/
Burlington Economic Development is also leading a Digital Service Squad (DSS) in Burlington to help
get more businesses online. Information on Burlington DSS can be found here:
https://investburlington.ca/covid19/
COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business
The Province is providing $8 million to help small business and registered charity customers with
energy bills. Learn more about this program here: https://www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/covid-19-
energy-assistance-programs/covid-19-energy-assistance-program-small
Supports for Seniors and People with Disabilities During Province-wide
Shutdown
The Government of Ontario has resources available to help seniors and people with disabilities in
need throughout the Province-wide shutdown.
Supports and services available to seniors and people with disabilities include:
• The Ontario Community Support Program, which helps provide deliveries of food, medicine
and other essentials to low-income seniors and people with disabilities in need. You can
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request a delivery by visiting the COVID-19 Community Support Finder, dialing 211 or calling
toll free: 1-877-330-3213/ TTY: 1-888-340-1001.
• 211 Ontario, which also helps connect seniors and people with disabilities to a range of other
social and community services. Help is available over the phone or online through email or live
chat.
• Seniors can contact their local Seniors Active Living Centre to learn more about local social,
cultural or educational programs that may be offered virtually or by telephone.
• The Seniors Safety Line, a 24-hour crisis and support line for seniors in Ontario who have
experienced any type of abuse or neglect, which offers callers emotional support, safety
planning, information and referrals in over 200 languages.
• ConnectABILITY.ca, a website and virtual community that offers information and resources to
support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
The Vaccination Program is voluntary and administered by the Province of Ontario, with assistance
from local Public Health Units. Halton Region Public Health is responsible for the allocation and
administration of the vaccines at a regional level, based on the Province’s implementation plan. Read
more about Ontario's Vaccine Distribution Implementation Plan.
Public Health is working closely with partners to roll out the vaccine as quickly and equitably as
possible.
Thank you to Halton Region Public Health and Paramedic Services for facilitating three mobile
vaccine clinics for residents and staff of their long-term care homes. This collaboration will help to
ensure these homes are protected. Options are being considered for those who were unable to
receive the vaccine during the initial round of mobile vaccine clinics
The City of Burlington is ready to assist, if needed, with facilities and logistics for any broad
vaccination efforts in the Province’s rollout program through our City COVID-19 Vaccine Coordination
Taskforce.
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Please continue to visit halton.ca/COVID19 for the current situation in Halton and our COVID-19
Vaccine webpage for up to date information on the status of our COVID19 vaccination program.
Burlington City Council approves 2021 capital budget with investments in the
renewal of city assets and infrastructure
Burlington City Council approved the city’s 2021 capital budget of
$72.1 million at its regular meeting of City Council on Jan. 19, with a 10-year program of $786.4
million.
Seventy per cent of the 10-year program will be invested in infrastructure renewal projects, e.g.
repair, refurbishment or replacement of an existing asset to extend its useful life, in accordance with
the city’s asset management plan.
A breakdown of spending for the 2021 capital budget of $72.1 million includes:
Category 2021 Budget
Amount
Roadways $27.1 million
Facilities and buildings $13.3 million
Fleet vehicles, accessories and equipment $11.1 million
Parks and open spaces $7.9 million
Storm water management $7.7 million
Information technology $5.1 million
Some highlights of the 2021 capital budget include:
• $3.7 million in funding to resurface Plains Road West and add cycling infrastructure
• $3 million in funding to renew community centre facilities, including the lap pool at
Mountainside Pool (2205 Mount Forest Dr)
• $1 million in funding to continue the development of park amenities at City View Park (2500
Kerns Rd)
• $4.9 million in funding to support ongoing creek erosion control and restoration work.
Paul’s Comments: I acknowledge that some people are concerned that the city should reduce
spending this year in recognition that the pandemic has already reduced some community members
income and ability to pay bills. Evidence from the great depression shows that holding back on
investment and spending has the effect of further depressing economic performance and delaying
recovery. Government spending keeps the economy buoyant, employs people and reduces the risk of
increasing cost in future years.
7Collectively Council members spent many hours reviewing and debating details of the Capital Budget.
Staff have done such a good in preparing the budget and focused on the most important priorities.
Despite the detailed review no changes were made by Council. My thanks to staff for the excellent
work they performed.
Burlington Housing Strategy
Housing affordability continues to be a concern for many people in our community. A report on a
Housing Strategy for Burlington was approved for Burlington by City Council at its meeting Jan. 19.
Housing plays an important role in lives of Burlington’s residents. Individuals and families move back
and forth along the housing continuum, depending on changes that affect their personal
circumstances.
The principal objective is to develop an innovative Housing Strategy that sets out policies, tools and
actions to address residents’ housing needs now and in the future. The Housing Strategy will build on
and support the Region’s Housing Strategy through the development of local solutions to housing
issues in the City of Burlington.
The key outcomes of the City’s Housing Strategy include:
• Understanding the key players and their respective roles in housing;
• Understanding the current state of housing in Burlington and identified current and future
needs;
• Establishing a toolbox of best practices in housing, focusing on innovate practices and new,
pioneering ideas;
• Developing a set of action-oriented housing objectives and an associated implementation plan;
8• Establishing where the City wants to focus or prioritize efforts to address housing issues in the
City.
The Housing Strategy will provide an opportunity to look for creative and innovative solutions to
address local housing issues through the consideration of a variety of planning policy and financial
tools, partnerships, collaboration and advocacy opportunities, strategies and initiatives.
Read Report PL-02-21
City of Burlington Housing Strategy - Terms of Reference
Paul’s comments: Council has been talking about this subject for many years, dating back to the
beginning of my time on Council. It was held up because associated planning staff needed to
complete the new Official Plan. The study is important for a number of reasons:
1) Burlington is essentially built out with no remaining “green field” land available to build on. That
may seem odd considering how much rural land exists north of the 407/Dundas in Burlington,
which makes up about half of all Burlington land. Rural land is tightly controlled by Niagara
Escarpment and other regulations and is not available for large scale housing use. Land south
of the 407/Dundas is referred to as being within the “urban boundary”, parts of which are
protected for employment, conservation, or other purposes. Future residential development
has to be built within the urban boundary. Since there is no “green field” land available,
residential development depends on converting land from existing uses. It is referred to “infill”.
2) Members of our community are living longer, in the order of 30 years more than in the 1950’s.
As we reach the point when we would like stop shoveling snow, cleaning a large house and
doing gardening, the number of smaller, relatively affordable available homes are very limited.
The number of units available for those who need financial assistance or are available to
community members with less resources are a rarity.
3) House prices are escalating towards global levels, making it very difficult to build any homes at
prices that most Burlington residents or their children can afford. That is not going to get any
better.
This study will give us insight into what options might be available for the city to help satisfy demand
for all community member budgets.
Update on Skyway Arena
Skyway arena redevelopment has been held up because of a couple of factors. The City remains
committed to the redevelopment of Skyway Community Centre as planned and described in the past,
but we need to deal with the effects of the delay:
1) The City was hoping to receive grants from upper level governments in 2020, that did not
materialize, possibly related to COVID funding priorities. It is unclear what might materialize
going forward and when.
92) Design documents are complete, and the building permit application has been submitted
where approval is anticipated by September 2021.
What this means is that while staff are reviewing the building permit application work, senior
managers and financial staff are working on a financing plan. The financing plan and building
schedule will come back to Council in September this year.
Meanwhile, the existing arena has been de-commissioned because the old freon freezing equipment
can no longer be legally operated. The facility is being used temporarily for Roads, Parks and
Forestry storage during COVID.
Pre-Application Community Meeting on lands east of the Appleby GO Station
Branthaven Development Corp. is hosting a virtual Pre-Application Community Meeting to discuss a
proposal to redevelop five existing properties to the east of the Appleby GO Station, including lands
known municipally as 720, 735, 740 Oval Court and 5135 & 5155 Fairview Street.
This proposed mixed-use development would consist of high-density residential, office, community
and commercial uses. A total of eight (8) towers are proposed ranging in height from 11 to 30 storeys
with 2,086 residential units and approximately 22,000 m 2 of retail, office, daycare and library uses.
The proposed development is intended to be completed in phases.
The Virtual Pre-Application Community Meeting will take place:
Thursday, February 11, 2021
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Participate On-Line via Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/97091146517
(internet connection required – Zoom user guide available at www.burlington.ca/ovalcourt)
Webinar ID: 970 9114 6517
Participate by Telephone: 1-647-374-4685 (audio only)
View the community notice and learn more at www.burlington.ca/ovalcourt.
Paul’s comment: I am looking forward to participating in this meeting and hearing comments from
community member comments. Please join us.
10Federal Government Decision on CN’s Truck-Rail Hub
I am extremely disappointed to share with you that the Federal Government has ignored the risks to
the health and safety of Halton residents by approving CN’s truck-rail hub in Milton. They announced
their decision on Jan. 21, 2021. This is the first time in Canadian history that a Federal Review Panel
has determined that a project will have significant adverse effects on human health.
The Halton Municipalities, Halton’s Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament,
community groups and residents been advocating against this project for the past several years due
to the impact it will have on our community and the people who live here. The location for the project
is within one kilometer of approximately 34,000 current and future residents, one hospital, twelve
schools and two long-term care homes, and the facility will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a
week—resulting in at least 1,600 new trips to and from the facility each day by heavy-duty container
trucks.
The significant health effects caused by this project are unavoidable. Even after some form of
mitigation, there will still be significant problems impacting human health. This includes the release of
particulate matter (PM2.5) that is inherently dangerous and unsafe at any level of exposure and will
significantly increase adverse effects on human health in the community. The Federal Review Panel
proposed more than 200 mitigation conditions, but only a handful of them are enforceable by the
Federal Government.
There are many unanswered questions about what CN plans to do with the remaining 800 acres after
it builds its new 400-acre facility. The Halton Municipalities will review the decision and will continue
to work with the community and be their voice on this issue.
To learn more about our position on CN’s truck-rail hub, please visit halton.ca/CN.
MyRide – Real-time bus information
MyRide is a customer tool that provides accurate transit information.
Customers can access real-time bus information by website, phone or
text and obtain bus location, bus arrival times at bus stops and trip
planning.
Plan your trip, track your bus and sign up for alerts and arrival times
with BT MyRide.
Ways to access:
Web: myride.burlingtontransit.ca
Phone (IVR): 289-812-8202
Text (SMS): 289-812-8202
11Application for 20th cannabis retail store in Burlington received by the Alcohol
and Gaming Commission of Ontario
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has received an application for a 20th
cannabis retail store in Burlington called Seven Point. The proposed location at 2500 Appleby Line,
Units C1 and C2 is now up for public comment.
This application does meet the City of Burlington Council approved guidelines.
Written comments about the proposed location will be received by the AGCO until Wednesday, Feb.
3, 2021 and may be submitted online at www.agco.ca/iAGCO. The AGCO will accept submissions
from:
• A resident of the municipality in which the proposed store is located.
• The municipality representing the area in which the proposed store is located and/or its upper-
tier municipality.
Comments submitted to the AGCO should relate to the following matters of public interest:
• Protecting public health and safety
• Protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis
• Preventing illicit activities in relation to cannabis
After Feb. 3, the AGCO will consider all written comments and available information to decide
whether the application for the proposed store location will be approved.
Local municipalities and Conservation Halton launch joint winter water safety
campaign
With the arrival of colder temperatures, the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of
Milton, the Town of Oakville and Conservation Halton are launching a joint winter water safety
campaign to educate residents about the dangers associated with waterways this time of year.
Areas with frozen lakes, ponds, channels and reservoirs can be beautiful places to visit during the
winter months but all too often many people risk their lives by venturing onto frozen water. As many
people are exploring alternate ways to stay active outdoors, the risks for water-related accidents are
bound to increase.
While temperatures have declined since November’s unseasonably warm days, we are experiencing
frequent freeze-thaw cycles, resulting in the melting of accumulated snow and ice cover. This runoff
can create hazardous conditions near all waterways, by contributing to higher water levels and
increased velocities in local watercourses. As well, slippery and unstable streambanks and extremely
12cold-water temperatures can also lead to very hazardous and dangerous conditions close to any body
of water.
Stormwater management ponds are especially dangerous and recreation of any kind is not permitted.
Stormwater management ponds are designed to retain water runoff and slowly release it back into
receiving water courses. Factors such as continuously flowing water, fluctuating temperatures, and
runoff pollutants like road salt, make these bodies of water (frozen or open water) especially
unpredictable and subject to rapid change. Although they may look inviting, they are not safe and
should be avoided.
Practice water safety and stay safe this winter by remembering the following tips:
• Keep family members and pets away from all bodies of water
• Don’t follow pets or people on the ice or attempt to rescue – call 911 for assistance
• Avoid recreational activities in or around waterways and check with your local municipality for
alternative outdoor skating opportunities
Mental Health Resources
During these long, winter months we continue to face many challenges associated with COVID-19
and the province-wide lockdown including loneliness, isolation, anxiety, stress and financial
pressures.
There are many resources available to help us during these difficult days. Please share with
neighbours, family members and friends who may need support at this time.
Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868, https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Crisis Text Line - Free 24/7 support for people in crisis. Text HOME to 686868. (You will receive 2
automated responses and then will be connected to a crisis responder, usually within 5
minutes.) https://www.crisistextline.ca/
Canada Suicide Prevention/Crisis Service - 1-833-456-4566
13Canadian Mental Health Association - Halton Region Branch – Call 905-693-4270 or toll-free 1-
877-693-4270 https://halton.cmha.ca/
Connex Ontario - assists with helping you discover mental health, addiction and gambling
services. 1-866-531-2600 or https://www.connexontario.ca/
Wellness Together Canada - https://ca.portal.gs/; for immediate crisis support text WELLNESS to
741741.
BounceBack Ontario - https://bouncebackontario.ca. Free skill-building program managed by the
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low
mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a
coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to
mental wellness.
World Health Organization - offers parenting resources and healthy at home topics
topics: https://www.who.int/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat-
coronavirus/healthyathome/healthyathome---healthy-parenting
Halton Community Services Database- http://search.hipinfo.info/
City Agendas
Learn more about what is happening at City Council in February. Visit with City’s Calendar to find
meeting dates and agendas for upcoming Standing Committees of Council.
COVID-19 Links and Resources
• For further COVID-19 information, including where to get tested, please visit Halton Region Public
Health www.halton.ca/coronavirus
• Residents can stay informed at www.burlington.ca/coronavirus as well as on our social media
channels: @cityburlington on twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington
• Government of Ontario: www.ontario.ca/coronavirus
• Government of Canada: www.canada.ca/coronavirus
• World Health Organization: www.who.int
• Joseph Brant Hospital: www.josephbranthospital.ca/covid-19
• Team Burlington - Burlington’s business organizations
• Other local parks: Conservation Halton, RBG, Bruce Trail
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