Ward 5 News Update - October 1, 2020 - City of Burlington
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Ward 5 News Update – October 1, 2020 Dear friends and neighbours, As you know the Ontario Government has reduced limits on the number of people permitted to attend unmonitored and private social gatherings across the Province. This action is based on the increasing case counts of COVID-19. This serves as a reminder to us all that the virus is still present and active in our communities. We must continue to follow the advice of Public Health to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to practice physical distancing and wear a mask when that is not possible. Stay home if you are ill. We all have a role to play. The month of September has been a challenging time for many parents in our community as they made the difficult decision on whether their children should attend school or opt for virtual learning. The return to school has been very different for many Halton families with food insecurity being a harsh reality. I am amazed at how giving and resilient our community members are in challenging times. Our Appleby Line Street Festival Committee partnered with the Gift of Giving Back to conduct a Food Drive on Sept. 13 at Appleby Village. Our Orchard Picnic Committee partnered with the Burlington Food Bank and Food for Life to host a food drive on Sept. 19 at Millcroft Plaza. It was an honour to work with all the volunteers and sponsors to make these events become a reality and give back to our community in this time of need. The chilly air is already upon us as we head into October. As we prepare our properties for winter it is important to note that the city has made changes to its leaf collection program. This year there will be only one collection in the created three zones across the City. Weather permitting, loose-leaf collection will run from November to early December. Learn more at burlington.ca/leafcollection. During these unprecedented times, please continue to stay strong and positive. Support your family, friends and neighbours. We are in this together! As we continue 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. As always, if you see me out and about, please say hi!
Ontario Limits the Size of Unmonitored and Private Social Gatherings across
Entire Province
The Ontario Government has reduced limits on the number of people permitted to attend unmonitored
and private social gatherings across the Province.
Unmonitored and private social gatherings include functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or
wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas.
The new limit on the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored private social gathering
across the province is:
• 10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or
• 25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100).
Indoor and outdoor events and gatherings cannot be merged together. Gatherings of 35 (25 outdoors
and 10 indoors) are not permitted.
Over the past several days, we have seen an alarming growth in the number of COVID-19. It is
critical that everyone follow the public health rules in order to prevent another provincewide lockdown,
and protect all our citizens, especially the elderly and the vulnerable.
It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice. This includes:
• staying home when ill, or keeping your child home from school when ill, even with mild
symptoms;
• practicing physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle, or at
gatherings;
• protecting your social circle;
• wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do
so;
• washing your hands frequently and thoroughly; and
• adhering to gathering limits and rules.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health experts continue to closely monitor the
evolving situation to advise when public health measures or restrictions can be further loosened or if
they need to be tightened.
Update on COVID-19 testing
The Province recently made some announcements regarding testing for COVID-19, including a
change in COVID-19 testing criteria. The Province continues to encourage testing for anyone with
symptoms of COVID-19. Testing is also recommended for asymptomatic close contacts of COVID-19
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cases who have either been identified by local public health or through the COVID-19 phone app.
Please refer to the provincial testing criteria for more information.
Asymptomatic testing or testing for low-risk exposures is not recommended at this time.
The Province has introduced a plan to provide testing through pharmacies by appointment for people
with no symptoms of COVID-19. Currently, there are no participating pharmacies in Halton Region.
The province has a plan to roll out more locations across Ontario in the coming days.
How to get a test?
Local hospitals are responsible for administering COVID-19 assessment and testing for those
individuals who meet the province’s eligibility criteria.
To maintain physical distancing and avoid crowding, testing is by appointment only. At this time,
there are no “walk-in” testing sites in Halton Region.
All testing is by appointment only.
How to book an appointment
• Book online covidtesting.josephbranthospital.ca
• Call 905-632-3737 ext. 6550. Leave a message with your name and contact information. You
will be called back to arrange your appointment.
• Online: Online booking
Other Options for Assessment
• contact your family doctor
• visit the Ontario Government's COVID-19 online self-assessment tool
• contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
Newly renovated Angela Coughlan Pool now open
With construction now complete, Angela Coughlan Pool is now open with a reduced selection of
programming due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The renovation project which began in March 2019, provided important and necessary repairs and
upgrades to the facility. The result is a more efficient, up-to-date and modern pool facility that includes
the following:
• Partial pool deck replacement around the lap-pool
• Retiling of the lap-pool deck
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• Lap-pool tank repairs
• New HVAC and upgraded dehumidification system
• New LED lighting
• Plumbing improvements
• Introduction of a new universal changeroom.
Universal Changeroom
The City of Burlington is working towards providing equal rights, respect and dignity through access
and privacy. The new inclusive change space provides fully private change and/or shower areas for
all, removing the need to have designated “Men’s” or “Women’s” changerooms, including:
• Fully private change and shower areas with seating and hooks for hanging personal items
• Common areas open to everyone where clothing is mandatory.
A virtual tour is available for viewing at burlington.ca/coughlanreno.
Aquatic Programs at Angela Coughlan Pool
Beginning Sept. 21, the City is offering the following aquatics programming at Angela Coughlan Pool:
• Lap swim
• Leisure swim
• Fun swim
• Combo swim
• Water running
• Women’s only swim
• Leadership Courses.
Pre-registration is required at burlington.ca/fall.
Swimming lessons return to Angela Coughlan Pool
Indoor swimming lessons return to Angela Coughlan Pool, beginning Oct. 13. Recreational swims, lap
swims, aquatic fitness and aquatic leadership courses will also be available in October at Angela
Coughlan, Tansley Woods and Centennial Pools.
Online registration is now for Burlington residents at burlington.ca/fall. Non-Burlington residents can
register online as of Oct. 3 at 9 a.m.
The Learn to Swim program will run for eight weeks with 30-minute lessons/sessions. All instruction
will be modified to follow guidelines and health precautions as set out by the Province of Ontario and
the Halton Region Health Unit, including physical distancing and group size restrictions. Precautions
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include smaller class sizes, increased disinfection and facemasks worn until the participant(s) enter
the water. Full precaution details are listed on burlington.ca/fall.
Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) Hearing Update on Appleby Village - 5111
New Street
As reported in my last newsletter, at the City Council meeting on Aug. 24, 2020, Burlington City
Council approved the recommendation to accept an offer to settle the issues in dispute between First
Capital (Appleby) Corporation and the City with respect to First Capital’s appeal currently before the
Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).
The revised development concept proposes 368 dwelling units in both apartment and townhouse
forms located on a portion of the site of the former Appleby Mall that currently contains a parking area
adjacent to existing retail/commercial uses. The revised development concept reduces the building
heights of the original proposal from12 and 17 storeys, down to a 9 storey and two 12 storey buildings
that follow the Official Plan.
The City and First Capital have requested that LPAT withhold a final order approving the
development until the City and First Capital are satisfied with technical studies that are required to
support the revised development concept. As a result, the hearing has been rescheduled to
commence on Nov. 2, 2020. The City and First Capital will attend at the LPAT hearing to seek
approval of the Official Plan amendment, Zoning Bylaw amendment and revised development
concept by the LPAT.
A copy of the planning analysis and revised development concept are located on the development
application webpage at 5111 New St.
DesJardines Park Improvements
City Council has approved the tender award to Rutherford Contracting Ltd. for work on the
DesJardines Park improvements.
Construction will begin in mid-late October and be completed in Spring 2021.
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The proposed improvements include:
• New playground area design
• Replacement of existing playground equipment and swings
• Installation of new engineered safety surfacing around the playground and swings
• New playground perimeter curbing and transition curbs for accessibility
• New splash pad area
• Installation of shade structure
• Drinking fountain with pet bowl
• New asphalt pathways
• Installation of new waste receptacles and bike racks
• Additional shade tree planting around playground perimeter
Learn more and view renderings.
Burlington City Council directs City Clerk to initiate a public consultation
regarding the use of ranked ballots in the 2022 municipal election
At its meeting on Sept. 28, Burlington City Council approved initiating a public consultation process
regarding the use of ranked ballots in the 2022 municipal election.
City staff will report back to the Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee with
a proposed engagement plan, timeline, and budget before the consultation will take place. Any public
consultation must be done by May 2021, as legislated by the Municipal Elections Modernization Act
2016, Ontario Regulation 310/16.
Any future decisions about moving forward with a ranked ballot election will be made following the
public consultation.
What are ranked ballots?
In a ranked ballot system, voters have the option of selecting up to three candidates, ranking them by
preference of their first, second, and third choice. The candidate who achieves the threshold of 50 per
cent plus one vote is elected. After tabulating the votes, if there is no candidate who meets the 50 per
cent plus one threshold, then the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. The ballots that
selected the eliminated candidate as the first choice are now redistributed to the remaining
candidates, this time using those voters’ second choice candidate. This process is repeated until a
candidate who achieves the 50 per cent plus one threshold is met.
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Leaf Collection
Weather permitting, loose-leaf collection will run from November to early December. It is very
important to note that the City’s leaf collection service can only occur with good weather. Freezing
rain or an early snow storm could delay collection schedules or lead to the service being cancelled for
the season. Halton Region’s Yard Waste program is not weather dependent. If a storm is forecast
near your collection date, please bag your leaves for the Halton Region Yard Waste collection. When
raking your leaves, make sure there is nothing in the pile but leaves. Sticks, rocks, toys and other
items can damage the equipment used to vacuum up the leaves. It is also important to keep the area
clear of parked cars, hockey nets, basketball stands, etc. The work goes much faster when crews
don’t have to worry about obstacles. For the most up-to-date schedules and information please visit
burlington.ca/leafcollection.
2020 Loose Leaf Collection Schedule*
Collection Areas Leaf Collection Date
Zone 1 November 9*
Zone 2 November 16*
Zone 3 November 23*
* All dates are weather dependent
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Application for 15th cannabis retail store in Burlington received by the Alcohol
and Gaming Commission of Ontario: Written comments due to Province by Oct.
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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has received an application for a 15th
cannabis retail store in Burlington called Verde Luv Inc. The proposed location at 1900 Walkers Line,
Unit 7 is now up for public comment.
This application does not meet the City of Burlington Council approved guidelines. A previous
application, currently under review by the AGCO, for a 14th cannabis retail store in Burlington has a
proposed location at 3505 Upper Middle Rd., Unit D003 and is within 500m of this applicant’s
location. This is “clustering” which is discouraged; each applicant should propose a location that is at
least more than 500m from another cannabis retail store in Burlington.
Written comments about the proposed location will be received by the AGCO until Sunday, Oct. 4,
2020 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 Oct. 4, the AGCO will consider all written comments and available information to decide whether
the application for the proposed store location will be approved.
Currently there are eight licensed cannabis retail stores in Burlington, including three approved since
the ACGO moved to an open licensing system for cannabis retail store applications earlier this year.
Six additional cannabis retail stores are under review by the AGCO and one is out for comment,
including this one.
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Residents are invited to join interactive online events and activities during the 11 th annual Culture
Days.
Culture Days is extending beyond the traditional Culture Days weekend to a more inclusive and
interactive four-week schedule of activities. Kicking off Sept. 25 and running until Oct. 25, Culture
Days invites everyone to participate in and show appreciation for arts and culture in their own
community and nationwide.
This year’s theme is Unexpected Intersections - encouraging creative and outside-the-box thinking to
reveal new avenues of discovery, learning, and expression. In light of the current situation with
COVID-19, Culture Days is featuring digital presentations, do-it-yourself activities and self-guided
programs. The Culture Days website showcases thousands of virtual and in-person activities. Visitors
can find small-gathering or self-guided events near them, while going digital allows participants to
virtually cross the country and discover live-streamed performances and other online presentations.
If you would like to find a Culture Days event, visit burlington.ca/culturedays or culturedays.ca.
Burlington Safe Restart Program
The Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Program is now accepting
applications! Led by Team Burlington in partnership with the City of Burlington and POST Promise,
the program provides grants to eligible small businesses. These businesses can receive a grant of up
to $2,500 to purchase personal protective equipment and/or renovate their space to adhere to re-
opening guidelines and they will take the POST Promise, a commitment to workplace safety and
helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Applications are open until Oct. 13. Learn more about the eligibility criteria and application process at
InvestBurlington.ca/Covid19.
City of Burlington challenging all businesses to join in the “POST Promise”
The City of Burlington is participating in the POST Promise, and is challenging all local businesses to
participate as well. The goal of the promise is to inspire resident confidence in a business’s COVID-
19 health and safety precautions in order to help get the local economy back on track.
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City Hall and all public city facilities will proudly display the POST promise in the front window(s). All
visitors can be assured that all reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are used,
including mandatory masks, physical distancing, health screening, enhanced disinfection and all staff
will stay home when ill and frequently wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
About the POST Promise
The POST Promise is a self-declaration that a business is working to help prevent the spread of
COVID-19. Once completed, a business is provided with the necessary communication and
implementation tools to educate employees on the five key steps to workplace safety, which were
created to be consistent with what has been recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Businesses who make the promise will be able to use and prominently display the POST Promise
logo which is a nationally recognized symbol of a business’ commitment to doing their part to protect
their customers’ and employees’ health and safety as COVID-19 restrictions ease. Participating
business can also purchase a kit which will include additional communication tools like window
decals, posters and tent cards which can be used to further build awareness of their commitment
within their place of business.
To make the POST Promise or to learn more, go to postpromise.com.
Digital Service Squad by Digital Main Street
Attention small business owners in Burlington! Digital Service Squad is coming to our community! Led
by Burlington Economic Development, this grant provides free resources to Burlington main street
businesses looking to enhance their digital presence. Through one-on-one assistance, the Digital
Service Squad will support business with basic website set-up, Google My Business profiles, 360º
photos, digital storefront set-up with e-commerce, creation or enhancement of social media presence
and much more. Don't miss this opportunity to take your business virtual. Learn more at
InvestBurlington.ca/Covid19.
Nominate a Business for the 2021 Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence
Awards
Nominating yourself or another business brings many benefits including increased brand exposure
and raising your profile within the community. This has been an extremely challenging year for many
and it has never been more important to recognize those who have gone above and beyond during
these unpredictable times. If you are interested in nominating a business for the 2021 Business
Excellence Awards please click here to complete the nomination form. Applications close Friday, Oct.
16.
10Appleby Line Street Festival/Gift of Giving Back Food Drive a Huge Success
This past September, the return to school was very different. And for many Halton families, food
insecurity and providing healthy school lunches is a harsh reality. On Sunday, Sept. 13, the Appleby
Line Street Festival partnered with The Gift of Giving Back to host the Help Feed Our Kids: Back-to-
School Drive-Thru Food Drive to feed the need and stock the shelves of Burlington food banks.
Families stayed safely in their vehicle as volunteers unloaded food donations while wearing personal
protective equipment. Social distancing and strict safety protocols were in place to ensure a contact-
less drop-off process.
The results: Four food trucks filled with donated non-perishable food items. Dozens of committed
volunteers. And a community with one BIG heart!
Photo courtesy Graham Paine/ Burlington Post
Together with the Burlington Fire Department, Appleby Village, Cogeco, our partners, sponsors and
beneficiaries, we helped stock the shelves of Burlington food banks. It takes a village. One can at a
time. And we did it! Thank you Burlington!
Orchard Community Picnic – Drive Thru Food Drive Results
The Orchard Community Picnic-Drive Thru Food Drive was a resounding success. The organizing
committee is so thankful for all the support provided for this food drive. Thank you to volunteers and
sponsors, Cogeco, Burlington Hydro, City of Burlington and Brenda and Alessandra Team Royal
LePage.
11The event was a huge accomplishment with proceeds in support of Food for Life and the Burlington
Food Bank. The drive thru had a total of 107 cars, 2211 lbs of food weighed by the Burlington Food
Bank and online cash donations raised over $625.00.
A big shout out to the community for your contributions. The planning committee hopes to see the
Orchard community out in great numbers next year at the annual picnic combined with a food drive!
Federal Cabinet decision on CN truck-rail hub delayed up to 90 days
On September 21, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada posted a notice on its website,
indicating that the Governor in Council has extended the time limit for a decision on CN’s proposal for
a truck-rail hub in Milton up to 90 days. As the Federal Government continues to review the findings
and report submitted by the Federal Review Panel, the Halton Municipalities will carry on their
advocacy efforts to have the community’s voice and concerns heard regarding CN’s proposal.
The Federal Review Panel has determined that this project could have significant adverse effects on
human health. The proposed location of the CN project is within one kilometer of approximately
34,000 current and future residents, one hospital, twelve schools and two long-term care homes. The
truck-rail hub would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and result in at least 1,600 new trips
to and from the facility daily by heavy-duty container trucks.
The significant health and environmental effects caused by this project are unavoidable. The Federal
Review Panel concluded that, even after taking feasible mitigation into account, the project would
cause significant effects on air quality and human health and cumulative effects on air quality, wildlife
habitat and land available for agricultural use.
Concerns remain about the federal enforceability of mitigation conditions proposed by the Impact
Assessment Agency of Canada. The vast majority of the over 200 mitigation measures proposed by
the Agency fall outside federal jurisdiction and cannot be enforced by federal compliance officers.
For more information about CN’s proposal and the Halton Municipalities’ position on this project,
please visit halton.ca/cn.
12Applications for the Halton Region Community Investment Fund now being
accepted
Community organizations are invited to apply to the Halton Region Community Investment Fund
(HRCIF), which supports a wide range of non-profit human service programs and initiatives.
Applications must focus on enhancing the health, safety and well-being of residents and demonstrate
how the program or initiative will incorporate public health guidance related to COVID-19.
Approximately $2.3 million is available for new grants in 2021. Funding is provided by Halton Region
in single and multi-year grants through two categories:
• Category One: one-year of funding up to $30,000 to non-profit, charitable or unincorporated
community organizations for short-term, small capital and/or innovative projects.
• Category Two: up to three years of funding to charitable organizations for programs and
initiatives.
Organizations that meet eligibility criteria are encouraged to submit their application by November 2,
2020 at 2 p.m. There will be more opportunities to apply for funding throughout 2021 to ensure the
HRCIF can respond to emergent community needs.
For organizations looking to learn more about HRCIF or are interested in applying, can participate in
an online information session being held on Monday, September 28, Wednesday, September 30 or
Tuesday, October 6. For more information about these sessions, HRCIF guidelines or to submit an
application form, please visit halton.ca or call 311.
Rogers Communications 5G Network Expands to Burlington
Rogers Communications have announced it has launched 5G on its network in Burlington as well as
Ajax, Grimsby, Oakville and Whitby, bringing consumers and businesses the very best in mobile
wireless technology.
Rogers 5G, powered by Ericsson, is the largest 5G network in Canada, now reaching 25 cities and
towns in Ontario and more than 60 across Canada. These expansions build on the company’s
January roll out of 5G in downtown Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
Expected to be the most transformative technology since wireless services were introduced in 1985,
5G will make real-time connectivity a reality, accelerating the transition to a truly digitally connected
world. Rogers 5G is currently accessible to customers on Rogers Infinite plans and unlimited
business wireless plans with select 5G-ready devices.
13Fire Prevention Week
This year, Fire Prevention Week runs from October 4th until October 10th and its theme is “Serve Up
Fire Safety In the Kitchen™!” Cooking is the number one cause of home fires and the leading cause
of many fire injuries and deaths, in both the City of Burlington and in Ontario.
It is important we are present while cooking in the kitchen or outside on the BBQ and avoid
distractions. Never leave your cooking unattended for any reason. If you need to, turn off the
appliance and come back to it when it is safe to do so.
Make sure your home has working smoke alarms on every level. If you experience a contained
kitchen fire, use a potholder or oven mitt and slide the lid over the flames and then turn off the heat
source. If the flames do not go out, immediately leave your home and call 9-1-1. All fires should be
reported, even if you think they are out.
Fire Prevention Week reminds us of the importance of fire safety and public education.
In a fire, seconds count. It is important you know how to stay safe in case of a fire anywhere in your
home or work place.
Learn more and view the list of free, family-friendly activities at Fire Prevention Week.
14COVID-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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