Dear friends and neighbours, Ward 5 May News Update Finally the weather is warming up and it is time to be outside to do gardening, sports, hiking, biking and so many other activities. What a pleasure! Last weekend on Earth Day, it was delight to be out with two of my grandchildren picking up garbage around Pineland Public School and along Appleby Creek with groups of parents and students of the school. A special thanks to Burlington Green for organizing the Clean Up, Green Up project in which 145 groups around the city participated. Special thanks to Dr. Margo Shuttleworth and Heather DeHaan for organizing the South East Burlington Healthy Kids Network Clean up teams at Mohawk Gardens, Pineland and St. Patrick s Schools and to all those who led and participated in 19 groups who participated in the Ward 5 clean up. Later in the day, my grandchildren and I were joined by my third grandchild and my two daughters and their spouses in attending the Clean Up Green Up celebration organized by Burlington Green at Central Library. We must have been there for almost 3 hours as the children had a great time running around, playing frisbee, entering competitions, enjoying the displays and doing things like digging through the worm riddled compost bin. The weather was so nice that I got sun burned, but that is easy for me to do. Everything on Earth Day clearly demonstrates why Burlington and especially Ward 5 is one of the greatest places to live in Canada. Moving on, there have been a number of issues during the last month that have received some attention of Ward 5 residents, in particular I will comment below on five: the new 25 year strategic plan, Ash trees being cut down, cycle lanes on New Street, the Halton Catholic District School Board proposed closures and the redevelopment of Wedgewood Plaza. Of course there are many other matters and activities in process and are included below for your information. Best wishes to everyone for a most enjoyable summer. 1
City of Burlington approves 25-year strategic plan after a year of engagement Burlington City Council has approved Burlington s Strategic Plan 2015-2040, the product of public engagement and a plan the city believes captures the priorities of the city s residents and community leaders. For me, it has been humbling to witness the huge strides made by this council, city employees and citizens, through their engagement in the process on behalf of Burlington. By creating a business-grade, competent, strategic plan that is focused on improving the quality of life for current and future Burlington residents over the next 25 years, the city has transcended the usual government practice of being focused entirely on the short term. Good planning should focus on the long-term needs of the organization and its customers, but be flexible enough to make shortterm adjustments. I believe we have accomplished that. The city led more than a year of public engagement, gathering input from business groups, community groups, staff and residents. The city held workshops in late 2015 and early 2016 to test the draft with the community, making 176 changes to get to the final version. The strategic plan includes four strategic directions: A City that Grows The City of Burlington attracts talent, good jobs and economic opportunity while having achieved intensification and a balanced, targeted population growth for youth, families, newcomers and seniors. A City that Moves People and goods move through the city more efficiently and safely. A variety of convenient, affordable and green forms of transportation that align with regional patterns are the norm. Walkability within new/transitioning neighbourhoods and the downtown are a reality. A Healthy and Greener City The City of Burlington is a leader in the stewardship of the environment while encouraging healthy lifestyles. An Engaging City Community members are engaged, empowered, welcomed and well-served by their city. Culture and community activities thrive, creating a positive sense of place, inclusivity and community. 2
With the strategic plan now approved, the city will work with its leadership team to add detail to each strategic direction, including completing the city s Official Plan and Transportation and Transit Master Plan. The city will continue to report back to the community on the progress of the plan, including through issues of City Talk, online at www.burlington.ca/strategicplan, through advertising, social media and through updates to City Council. Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) Trustees vote down a proposal to consolidate elementary schools in Burlington After a huge amount of effort by parents and other community members, the HCDSB Trustees voted not to proceed with school closures at their board meeting on April 19. This was accomplished thanks to the many parents who shared their concerns with Trustees about the Halton Catholic School Board's Southeast Burlington Modified Pupil Accommodation Review and the potential effects it will have on the students and our community. It has been a great pleasure to work with the parent community and I very much appreciate their effort on behalf of the community. See the CHCH report here http://www.chch.com/burlington-schools-not-closing/. I had the opportunity to participate in and delegate at the HCDSB Trustee meeting on April 5 th. I assured Trustees that full consideration will be given by the city for a potential land exchange between Mohawk Park and Ascension Lands if required. See the following Cogeco TV interview:http://youtu.be/iz2fvftvri0 Wedgewood Plaza delays continue but some progress made Many residents in the area of Wedgewood Drive and Pinedale Avenue are sick and tired of looking at the run down mess that the former Pinedale Plaza has become as a result of the long process to get permission to convert the property into (now) 18 town houses. The plaza became vacant in 2012 and has remained that way ever since. A demolition permit was issued on May 2, 2014, but the developer has been working with the city to issue both a building permit and an approved site plan before starting work. After submitting 4 modified sets of documents to city planners, draft site plan approval was issued on April 15, 2016 and sent to the applicant. Now the owners have what they need to proceed wit the project. This is the schedule the owner has provided: General timelines for redevelopment of Pinedale Plaza: 3
June July 2016: Demolition June-July 2016: Go to market August 2016 - February 2017: Site Servicing April 2017 - October 2017: Construction of homes Gear up for spring with free cycling seminars The City of Burlington Cycling Committee is inviting residents to attend a series of free cycling seminars to help prepare for the 2016 spring and summer cycling season. These free seminars are a great way for Burlington residents to think outside the car and get ready to cycle around our city. Cycling contributes to vibrant neighbourhoods, active lifestyles and a more sustainable community. There are four topics that will be covered during the seminars, which run at Burlington Public Library branches this spring. Bike Maintenance 101 Wednesday, May 4, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Central Branch Saturday, May 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m. - Alton Branch Learn about basic bike maintenance that can be done at home. Start the bike season off right with a properly maintained bike for an easier and safer ride. This includes a keynote presentation from Rolling Horse Community Cycle. 4
Bike Safety Saturday, May 7, 2 to 3 p.m. - Alton Branch Monday, May 16, 7 to 8 p.m. - Central Branch Saturday, June 4, 10 to 11 a.m. - Central Branch This seminar will cover the rules of the road, must-have bike accessories, the roles and responsibilities of cyclists and motorists, hazards and the proper way to ride on-road bike lanes, bike sharrows and bike paths. Bike Infrastructure around the World Wednesday, June 1, 7 to 9 p.m. - Central Branch Which cities are doing cycling infrastructure right? What creations of pro-cycling design around the world could Burlington learn from? Explore cycling infrastructure projects from around the world. The seminars are free but sign-up is required. For more information about the Burlington Cycling Committee and these free seminars, visit www.burlington.ca/cycling. To sign up for any of the seminars, call Burlington Public Library Central Branch at 905-639-3611, ext. 1321. Bike to School Week Healthy Kids Community Challenge Burlington and City of Burlington Transportation are teaming up to encourage Burlington schools, teachers and students to get active and ride their bikes to school during Bike to School Week May 30 June 3. Schools can register their school to participate in Bike to School Week at www.biketoschoolweek.ca. Schools who register by May 6 will automatically be entered into random draw for a chance to win 1 of 20 bike racks for their school. 5
Schools who sign up to participate before the registration close date of June 1 are entered into random draw to win a Can-Bike rodeo for their school in 2016-17 school year. Contest rules and regulations are available on the Healthy Kids Community Challenge website healthykidsburlon.ca. Winners will be announced during Bike to School Week. Participating schools are encouraged to take photos and share through social media using hash tag #biketoschoolburlon. Bike to School Week is an initiative that was inspired by Metrolinks to inspire active transportation. Support resources including posters, tracking sheets and prizes are available to help schools get organized visit their website at www.biketoschoolweek.ca to learn more. Construction Update Watermain from the Burloak Purification Plant to Kitchen Reservoir Last year, Halton Region began construction a 6.6 km tunneled watermain across Rebecca Street, Great Lakes Boulevard, Burloak Drive, Upper Middle Road (Easement) and Colonel William Parkway from the Burloak Water Purification Plant to Kitchen Reservoir in the Town of Oakville and City of Burlington. The work is required to supplement water supply to future development lands in north Oakville and Milton. There will be short term trucking activities along Trawden Way until May 31, 2016 followed by intermittent restoration and commissioning work in late 2017 and early 2018. It is anticipated that 10-15 trucks per day will be required for the haulage of materials and concrete deliveries. The activities will be limited to the normal working hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to conform to the local noise by-laws. Due to the nature of the work there may be increased levels of dust and mud near the work site. Every effort will be made to minimize any potential inconveniences by working with the contractor to provide road flushing and sweeping every Friday or as required. Unobstructed access to residential driveways along the emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times. Update on New Street Bicycle Lanes I appreciate that a number of people in Burlington are frustrated by cycling for a number of reasons: 1. Because cyclists riding on roads slow cars down. 6
2. Drivers are nervous about driving with cyclists on the road because they worry they might hit them. 3. Roads are made narrower by painting cycle lines on roads, potentially impeding vehicle progress. 4. The number of people who cycle on the roads are so few that any investment is a waste of tax payers money. 5. Serious cyclists worry that drivers are not necessarily careful of them. That accounts for, perhaps, 1% of the population. 6. More determined cyclists appreciate painted lines on the road because it allows some refuge from moving vehicles. That works for about 2% of the population. 7. Up to 60% of the population would ride a bicycle if it were safe to do so. Certainly none of us will allow our children or seniors to ride on a busy street whether lines are painted on them or not. Safe cycling in today s highly congested fast moving traffic means that cycle tracks are physically separated from cars. That way everyone can ride without fear of being hit by a moving vehicle. Everyone is concerned about how congested roads are becoming. People and governments are concerned that the increasing population will increase congestion significantly. Further, vehicles account for up to 60% of green house gas emissions. There is a reasonable desire to increase the number of trips made by residents by means other than car. That includes transit, walking and cycling, all of which requires investment, but for good reason. Increases in transit and walkability will be accomplished by changes made to the City Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw. New developments and housing types that are affordable for our young people will increase population density, integration of jobs, retail and recreation activities in zones around GO stations and downtown Burlington in accordance with the new Strategic Plan. Along with young people and more densely populated areas will come demand for opportunities to get places by cycling. In order for cycling to be possible there needs to be a network of safe cycling tracks. That cannot be built quickly but it can be built in stages along streets where there is access to a lot of people and their homes, along major routes and where there is sufficient space on the boulevard on city owned property. New Street represents such an opportunity. You might ask why there when the Centennial multi use path is so close? The answer is because it is a mixed use path; pedestrian, young children and dogs do not mix well with bikes, just like bikes don t mix well with cars. Further more, Centennial path is not effective for servicing people south of New Street because it veers to the 7
north. Students do not ride it to get to Nelson or Robert Bateman Schools because it does not go there. Hence the discussion about cycling lanes on New Street. A decision to implement cycle lanes on New Street was made at City Council on Tuesday, April 19th. There will be painted lines and sharrows to help cyclists on New Street between Martha Street and Cumberland Avenue as part of the current construction process. I voted against this for three reasons: it is not expected to increase the number of cyclists; we were told it could cost $100k and because it is right beside the multi-use Centennial path. Also, staff was directed to report back in July this year on cycling options for New Street between Guelph Line and Burloak Drive for which I voted in support. Councillor Jack Dennison moved, unsuccessfully, an attempt to direct staff to implement a pilot project "road diet" i.e. narrowing of New Street between Guelph Line and Walkers Line, so that cyclists could ride between on the freed up space behind barriers on the road instead of white lines. I voted against, because staff work had not been performed and there has been no public engagement on the proposal. A public open house will be scheduled on Tuesday, May 24 at Robert Bateman High School, 5151 New Street beginning at 7 p.m. Subject: Public Meeting to Consider a Recommendation Report Concerning a Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment for 1120 Burloak Drive A public meeting to consider the recommendation report concerning 1120 Burloak Drive is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Proposed Development: The City of Burlington has received an application from IBI Group to rezone property located at 1120 Burloak Drive as shown on the sketch below. The purpose of this application is to amend zoning regulations for building height, parking, and landscape areas, to allow the development of a six-storey hotel in addition to the existing 2-storey convention centre. The property is presently zoned BC1-42 which permits a range of employment and related uses, including hotels and convention centres, to a maximum height of 2 storeys. City staff has reviewed this application along with comments received from the public and various technical agencies. Staff will be recommending approval of the amendments. How to Obtain the Staff Report: 8
The staff report containing the proposed zoning by-law, as well as discussion and review of the application, will be available for public review on May 6, 2016. A copy of the staff report can be picked up at the City Clerk s Department on the main level of City Hall, or accessed through the City s web site. The Development and Infrastructure Committee Agenda, containing a copy of the staff report will be available on the City s web site a week prior to the meeting, at www.burlington.ca/agendasandminutes, under Development & Infrastructure. Appearing as a delegation: If you wish to appear before the Development and Infrastructure Committee as a delegation at the public meeting, please register online at www.burlington.ca/delegation or contact Amber LaPointe at (905) 335-7600 Ext. 7862 or Amber.LaPointe@burlington.ca. 9
Emerald Ash Borer Sheldon Creek For the past number of years, ash trees in southern Ontario have been threatened by the infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle. The Emerald Ash Borer is a non-native insect known to colonize in ash trees, tunneling beneath the bark, cutting off the transport of nutrients and water to the upper portions of the tree and ultimately killing the tree. An assessment of trees in the wooded areas along Appleby and Sheldon Creeks revealed a number of dead and dying ash trees that are infected with Emerald Ash Borer. As these trees present a potential safety hazard to neighbouring properties and people using local trails, the infected trees were taken down. Contractors removed the trees over the winter months. Approximately 10% or about 200,000 of Burlington trees are Ash. They are all going to die. The city is cutting down ash trees on city property while they are still physically strong to avoid them from falling on people or private property. Trees on private property are the responsibility of owners. There are already many that represent a risk. The City is treating only trees over 20cm located on boulevards. There were about 5,000. It cost about $150 every two years to treat a tree. That is about $10m+ over 20 years for those 5,000. It was decided that tax payers would not want to pay $100 of millions to save them all. In woodlots, 4 saplings are being planted for every tree cut down. It is expected that 25% will survive to replace the cut down Ashes trees. Saplings are all species that are natural to the area, and not Ash trees. The cost to plant a large tree, like you will see on a boulevard, is about $500. To plant trees that size to replace all those cut down would be extremely costly. Traffic Calming Public Information Session Tuesday, May 10 7-9 p.m. Centennial Pool Community Room 5151 New Street 10
Residents are invited to view and comment on the proposed traffic calming plans for the following streets: Riverside Drive Prince William Drive Meadowhill Drive Help pick the theme for Burlington s Canada 150 Mosaic Mural You are invited to help select Burlington s theme for the Canada 150 Mosaic Mural. The Canada 150 Mosaic Mural is a national project created by Albertan artists Lewis Lavoie, Paul Lavoie and Phil Alain. During the two years leading up to Canada s 150 th anniversary in 2017, the artists plan to create murals in 150 different communities across the country as part of the national celebrations. Each mural will incorporate locally relevant imagery. The mural will also be featured on the project s website where the 150 completed murals will be virtually joined together and displayed. The City of Burlington will be participating in the Canada 150 Mosaic project through our public art program. The mural will be made up of approximately 400 individual tiles painted by the residents of Burlington. It is open to residents of all ages and skill levels. The tiles will be joined together to create a large mural designed by the artists. Residents can vote online and chose from these themes: Brant Street Pier Burlington Teen Tour Band Joseph Brant Lake Ontario The Niagara Escarpment Those with another idea for a theme for Burlington can email it to kim@cobaltconnects.ca The Canada 150 Mosaic artists will be in Burlington to direct tile painting with residents on Monday, May 22 and Tuesday, May 23, 2017 and the final mural will be unveiled on Canada Day, July 1, 2017. For more information, visit www.burlington.ca/publicart and www.canada150mosaic.com 11
Help Ontario shine green for Mental Health Week Burlington residents are encouraged to join other communities across Ontario in the large and growing green movement for Mental Health Week. Buildings and iconic landmarks in cities such as Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington and Toronto will be lit green for the 65th annual Mental Health Week May 2 to 8. Hamilton radio station AM900 CHML, in conjunction with Burlington Community Foundation, local CMHA branches, and community partners, are leading a charge to have 25 landmarks in its listening area lit green for Mental Health Week. You can take part by wearing green or taking pictures near numerous landmarks illuminated green throughout the province and sharing them on social media using the hashtag #GETLOUD. CMHA s 65th annual Mental Health Week runs from May 2 to 8. A theme this year is Get Loud. It s time to Get Loud and speak openly and honestly about mental health and the importance that positive mental health plays in our lives. Check out the list below for the local buildings which have committed to being illuminated green for Mental Health Week. Burlington and Halton Burlington City Hall Halton Regional Police Service (all Divisions) 12
Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington The Brant Street Pier in Burlington ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids (all locations) Cogeco Connexion in Burlington Strata Condominium (tallest building in Burlington), 551 Maple Ave Support and Housing Halton in Oakville CMHA Halton Region Branch in Oakville Office of Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon Burlington wants to know if you re prepared for Emergency Preparedness Week Are you prepared for at least 72 hours during an emergency? The city is once again partnering with the Red Cross to recognize Emergency Preparedness Week, May 1 to 7. Visit www.burlington.ca/prepared to learn more. Emergency Preparedness Week 2016 is a Canada-wide initiative to increase awareness of individual and family preparedness. The provincial theme is Know the risks. Reduce them together. and promotes the importance of families and individuals being prepared to take care of themselves for a minimum of 72 hours during an emergency. The City of Burlington Municipal Emergency Management Team plans, manages and oversees potential emergency situations in Burlington through the city s emergency management plan, including public outreach and education. For more information, visit www.burlington.ca/emergencyservices, www.getprepared.ca, www.halton.ca/living_in_halton/emergency_preparedness/ or www.emergencymanagementontario.ca. Celebrate spring with the Burlington Mundialization Committee Three festivals are planned for Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8 to celebrate spring and the City of Burlington s twin cities, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands and Itabashi, Japan. Saturday, May 7, 2016 The annual celebration of Canada Netherlands Friendship Day will recognize the 71 st anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by the Canadian Armed Forces and the 11 th anniversary of the City of Burlington s twinning with the City of Apeldoorn. The event is from 11 a.m. to noon at City Hall, Civic Square and will feature: 13
Alexander s Public School band performance Ambassadors Christian Male Chorus performance Flag raising of Canadian and Dutch flags, accompanied by Burlington Teen Tour Band trumpeters Greetings from Mayor Rick Goldring, Consul General Anne van Leeuwen and Elizabeth Witmer, former Deputy Premier of Ontario and Apeldoorn and Burlington student artwork display. Sunday, May 8, 2016 New this year, Blooms of Friendship invites residents to tour downtown Burlington and enjoy the Sakura (cherry) trees in Spencer Smith Park and more than 7,000 tulips planted in Apeldoorn Park, Spencer Smith Park, Brock Park, Tourism Burlington and City Hall. The free event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and activities include: Face painting Craft and colouring stations, and Flower pot planting The Sakura Festival will celebrate the Japanese cherry trees at the Art Gallery of Burlington from 1 to 3 p.m. The free event will offer: Japanese Taiko drum demonstration Kiri Koto instrument performance Kimono Fashion Show Japanese Yosakoi and Martial arts demonstrations. Burlington s Mundalization Committee strives to connect Burlington to the world through events and initiatives and to promote the City of Burlington as "A World Community" dedicated to the United Nations philosophy of peaceful co-operation among the peoples of the world and encourage community understanding of different cultures global issues. For more information on these events and the Burlington Mundalization Committee, visit www.burlington.ca/mund Home Safety Aluminum Wire Workshop Forty per cent of residential fires are electrical in nature and Burlington residents who live in older homes and homes with aluminum wire pose a higher fire risk. 14
Birnie CurrentSAFE is on a mission to educate these residents about the life-threatening electrical hazards that may be lurking behind their walls. In partnership with the Burlington Fire Department, CurrentSAFE will be hosting a free home safety seminar to educate attendees about the dangers associated with aluminum wire and what they can do to protect their investments. The event will take place on Thursday May 12 th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Seniors Citizens Centre Auditorium B. The Electrical Safety Authority has issued a number of warnings about potential hazards of aluminum wiring related to overheating and failure of aluminum wiring terminations at outlets, light switches and other termination points. Aluminum oxidizes at termination points, and this can lead to failure and the potential for a serious electrical fire without proper maintenance. The seminar, entitled Aluminum Wiring: Debunking the Myths, also features a presentation by Kim Sopko, the Public Education officer for the Burlington Fire Department. Her presentation includes valuable information to help families prepare fire prevention and escape plans. The first 20 attendees to pre- register online at ismyhomesafe.ca or call 1-855-569-1818 will receive a free CO alarm. City of Burlington offering Jane s Walks Residents are invited to join free neighbourhood walking tours on May 7 and 8 as part of this year s Jane s Walk. Established in memory of urban activist Jane Jacobs, these walks are intended to be a walking conversation where walk-leaders share their knowledge and encourage discussion and participation among the walkers. 15
These walks are for anyone who enjoys getting to know their city and neighbours and anyone who wants to participate in meaningful conversations about the social and built future of their neighbourhoods. Ward 5 Walk Details: Native Spring Flowers of Sherwood Forest Park lead by Vince Fiorito Friday, May 6 Time: 6-7 p.m. Meeting Location: East Parking Lot Shelter, Sherwood Forest Park This walk is for those who enjoy and care about nature. The wall will start near an old growth forest remnant located next to Sherwood Forest Park. You will see many delicate spring forest flowers, including red and white trilliums, blue cohosh, spring beauties, bloodroot and more. You will also see edible wild leeks and maybe a few fiddle heads. Some of these plants were made into folk remedies and medicines. Many of these flowers will be in full bloom during the walk. You will also visit Sheldon Creek, where fish may still be spawning. Sherwood Forest is also a great place to see and hear local songbirds. Also evident during this walk are the threats to our natural areas, including habitat loss, invasive species, trampling, pollution and trash. The walk is on level ground. If it s rainy, some sections may be muddy. A Walk in the Orchard led by Candi Thorpe Friday, May 6, 2016 Time: 7 8 p.m. Meeting Location: Redstone and Quinte Many people would say that we have moved from being a "front porch community" to being a "back yard community." Or maybe to being a community that isn't outside at all! Through the use of story telling, we'll be talking about some of the things that make a great neighbourhood, and what it means to be a great neighbour! For more information, including a listing of other local Jane s Walks and how you can get involved as a participant or leader, please visit www.janeswalk.org/canada/burlington. Touch-a-Truck event returns May 14 The City of Burlington is holding its annual Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, May 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the city s roads and parks maintenance facility at 3330 Harvester Rd. 16
This annual event includes Burlington families in our celebration of National Public Works week. The City of Burlington is fortunate to have a great team of public works employees who help our city grow and move, while keeping it healthy and green. The event gives residents and their families an opportunity to: Get an up-close look at city vehicles, including a street sweeper, a snow plow and a fire truck Take a tour around the neighbourhood in a city bus Experience what it s like to operate a backhoe in a simulator Did You Know? City of Burlington staff is responsible for services that include: Maintaining 121 city parks, 134 recreational fields and 109 playgrounds Maintaining a road system, including winter control, traffic signals and street lights Maintaining 69 bridges, 117 culvert structures, 600 kilometres of mainline storm sewers as well as catch basins and creeks Managing operations, including the design and inspection of road reconstruction; inspecting and maintaining city-owned trees; maintaining and repairing the city s fleet of vehicles; the operation of Burlington Transit; and animal control services through the Burlington Animal Shelter. 17
Want to connect? Are you looking for quick updates in between newsletters? You can like me on Facebook and follow me on twitter. Like on Facebook Follow on Twitter Contact Information Paul Sharman City/Regional Councillor Ward 5, City of Burlington email: paul.sharman@burlington.ca phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7591 Rosemary Fitzpatrick Councillor s Assistant email: rosemary.fitzpatrick@burlington.ca phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7454 18