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Councillor Blair Lancaster's Monthly Newsletter
February 2017

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In the wake of this week’s tragic events that took place at a Quebec mosque, I want to extend my condolences to the victims and their families.

As the Councillor Liaison for the Burlington Inclusivity Advisory Committee, I share the view that diversity and inclusiveness is what makes our community strong. Canada has a history of diversity as it was built on immigration. My father immigrated with his family over 70 years ago.  First they moved from England to South America and from there they came to Canada when he was only eleven years old. 

I recently read article that said, “We are strong because of our differences, not in spite of them”. That to me is a statement that needs to be remembered.  If we just take the time to get to know our newcomers we would quickly find out that we have much more in common than we realize. 

Blair

 Ward 6 News

Tansley Woods Dental welcomes Syrian refugee family to Burlington

 

Please join me tomorrow, Saturday, February 4th along with the team at Tansley Woods Dentistry (4125 Upper Middle Road, Burlington) at 9:00am as they welcome a sponsored Syrian refugee family to Burlington.

Tansley Woods Dentistry is committed to making a difference in the Burlington community and is thrilled to be part of such a great cause and will be donating their services to this family to ensure they continue to live a healthy lifestyle in their new country.

Let’s mark this occasion by celebrating and give this family a fresh new start, and to welcome them to our community.

Burlington Museum Update



There has been much written in the Burlington Post about the Museum over the past few weeks including a great deal of speculation regarding the future of the Joseph Brant Museum. I thank the many residents who have emailed and contacted me to show their concern and support for the Museum.

To me there was a great deal of miscommunication between the City and the Museum which has now been corrected. For clarification I will say that the Museum has been working towards a renewal of the Joseph Brant Museum for over ten years.

In July of 2016, the Museum was advised by the City that they would have to close for 8 weeks due to construction on Lakeshore Road. In the same time period the Museum and the City were also advised that they could proceed with grant applications for both the Federal and Provincial governments. If successful this would trigger a redevelopment of the Museum, including increasing their program and collection space. While the Museum posted a notice on their website regarding the road closure, they did not post any information about the continued closure because they were waiting for an announcement regarding the grants.

To date one grant has been announced for approximately $500,000 to assist in making the Museum accessible. The City has also set aside approximately $2,000,000 for this project. They are currently waiting for an announcement from the Federal government for a $5,000,000 grant. The Museum will know whether they have been successful in the next 2 to 6 weeks.

Due to the timelines set out in the grants for the redevelopment it was necessary to pack the collections that are housed at the Museum. This will take several months. The programs offered by the Museum have continued throughout the closure at the Ireland House located on Guelph Line. They want the public to know that there has been no interruption to the services and programs. In addition, all of the financial adjustments due to the closure were noted in the Cities Operating Budget which all members of Council and leadership received.

Hope this is helpful.

City of Burlington's 2017 Budget approved

 
 
The City of Burlington approved the 2017 operating budget on January 23rd.  In order to address infrastructure renewals based on the city’s asset management plan, there is a base budget increase of 2.09 per cent, which will allow the continued investment in existing services and city’s long-term financial plan. This will also help to provide a wide range of services and programs such as maintenance of roads, community facilities, fire protection, park improvements and transit initiatives.  
 
In addition, service investments for 2017 will include the increased urban tree canopy maintenance, sports fields maintenance, washrooms in waterfront park enhancements and ongoing community event support.
 
With all these investments and initiatives, I am happy to say that the residents of Burlington live in one of the lowest property taxed municipalities among the GTA. I hope you continue to provide me your questions and comments as we move through 2017 as we are always finding ways to improve our services.
 
For a more detailed 2017 Budget review please click here.

3239 Munson Crescent - Liberty Group

 

Please join me along with Executive Director from Liberty Group, Michael Montoya on February 10th at 7pm to 8pm.

Liberty Group are welcoming the families of the community to an open house. This will give the community an opportunity to understand the support being provided to families of Alton Village in the Burlington community and surrounding regions. You can come to learn about this organization and ask questions and answers.

Liberty Group Children and Youth Services provide and support individuals with autism spectrum disorder, disabilities and special needs. They teach life skills and adaptability necessary to cope in the community and society.

For more information please contact Liberty Group at libertygroupco@gmail.com

Dundas Street and North Hampton Boulevard
Intersection Update

 
I have heard from residents about this intersection and what a challenge this has been for residents. I have followed up with City staff and the Region of Halton.

Region staff reviewed the safety concerns at Dundas Street and Northampton Boulevard and met with the developer.  Final recommendations for improvements are being made which will include moving the existing north/south crossing to the west side of the intersection along with other signage and marking revisions.  The developer is scheduled to complete this work next week as weather permits for the pavement markings.

Please continue to share with me your concerns and I will continue to address them.

Public Information Centre for Jordan Drive Area Minor Reconstruction

 

Please join me on Tuesday, February 21st for a Public Information Centre regarding Jordan Drive Area Minor Reconstruction project.

The meeting will take place at 6:30pm to 8pm, Lester B. Pearson High School (Cafeteria), 1433 Headon Road.

Residents and property owners are invited to review the project drawings, the schedule and discuss potential construction disruptions. Representatives from the City of Burlington will be at the meeting to answer any questions. In addition, staff will be sending a notification letter circulated to residents (120m) by mail.

2025 Guelph Line Update

 
 
The report (PB-12-17) that went to the January 31st Planning and Development Committee recommending proposed Zoning By-law amendment for 2025 Guelph Line passed at Committee.  It will go to Council for final ratification on February 13th.

As I have communicated, I did not support the development however, I am happy to let you know that Uplands will be reviewed for a reduction in speed limit as this development will warrant changes due to the increase in pedestrian traffic.

The full set of revised plans and updated technical reports are available for public review here: http://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/2025-guelph-line.asp

I will add that I was most impressed with how much this developer engaged with the community and I want to thank residents, Rick and Kim Knault, Jim Fikis, Jean and Frank Frisbee for their help as they worked through this process and the many other residents who took time to make suggestions and improvements.  I think the changes made were significant have made a big difference to the site.

Unveiling of Community Engagement Charter plaques in City buildings

 

 
 
I was thrilled to be part of the unveiling of the Community Engagement Charter plaque at Haber Recreation Centre on January 25th.  Along with City staff Michelle Dwyer, MP Pam Damoff and citizen members John Searles and Chris Walker.

The Burlington Community Engagement Charter is an agreement between and among Burlington City Council and the citizens of Burlington concerning citizen engagement with city government that establishes the commitments, responsibilities, and fundamental concepts of this relationship.

Burlington’s Community Engagement Charter can be found here.

Revised location for Ireland Park Community Garden Update


Thank you to those who attended the information session regarding the revised location of a community garden in Ireland Park on Wednesday, January 25th at Haber Recreation Centre. 

Construction is expected to begin in late summer 2017. It is anticipated the community garden will be operational in spring 2018. For more information please visit: www.burlington.ca/irelandpark

The outcome of this engagement with the community also provided further opportunities such tree planting and a community clean up.
 

The tree planting has been scheduled for Saturday, May 13th. This is a great event for families and small children can participate. Please contact me if you are interested in volunteering for this or the community clean up.
 

Bench Program

 

 
I am pleased that the 2017 current budget continues to provide the opportunity for installing one bench per ward.

Therefore, I am asking residents to send me your suggestions for another location.  The deadline for the location has to be submitted to staff by April 3, 2017 to assist with the timely procurement, identification of utilities and installation.

I am committed to ensuring these benches are accessible to all and therefore the location should be adjacent to an existing walkway or sidewalk.

Please send me your suggestions by contacting me directly by phone (905) 335-7600 ext. 7592 or by email blair.lancaster@burlington.ca.

3011 Appleby Line Update

 

 
Applicant, Calloway REIT (Burlington Appleby Inc.) proposed an application to amend the Zoning By-law to permit a 1,202 square metre expansion to an existing commercial retail development at 3011 Appleby Line. This application will require an increase to the site specific floor area cap and establish a new site specific parking requirement.

Burlington City Council passed Bylaw 2020.371 to amend Bylaw 2020, as amended, on Jan. 23, 2017, under Section 34 of the Planning Act, 1990, as amended.  Bylaw 2020.371 rezones 3011 Appleby Line to permit a 1,202m2 expansion to the existing commercial retail development and to create a new site specific parking requirement.

Public consultation on the proposed zoning bylaw amendment was provided between September 2016 and December 2016. As a result of public consultation, the city received three comments in writing and one oral submission at the public meeting. Comments received were considered as part of Planning Report PB-15-17 and Council’s decision making process. For more information about the development, please contact Mark Hefferton of the City’s Planning and Building Department at 905-335-7600, ext. 7860. You can visit the webpage for more information. http://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/calloway-reit-3011-appleby-line.asp

If you wish to appeal this bylaw to the Ontario Municipal Board, you must file an appeal to the City Clerk by Feb. 22, 2017. Your appeal must include your objection to the bylaw and the reasons for this objection along with a cheque for $300, payable to the Minister of Finance. Additional information on the Ontario Municipal Board appeal process can be located at www.omb.gov.on.ca.
If you would like to be notified of the outcome of the zoning bylaw amendment, please write to Amber LaPointe, Committee Clerk, City of Burlington, 426 Brant St., P.O. Box 5013, Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6. The complete bylaw is available for viewing in the Clerks Department at Burlington City Hall during regular office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

City of Burlington's Public Art Program introduces new program for local talent

 

 
The City of Burlington’s Public Art Program is pleased to introduce a new program designed to help build and showcase local talent.  Building on the success of the Burlington Mural Project (launched in 2015), the Park Marker Program is an annual program that commissions local artists to create small-scale sculptures in neighbourhood parks throughout the city. 

2017 Artwork Sites:
  • Two sculptures will be commissioned in Year 1 of the program at the following locations:
    • Berton Park, 4050 Berton Ave.
    • Fothergill Woods Park, 480 Fothergill Blvd.
Jury recruitment:
  • The public art program is currently assembling a community jury to assess applications submitted to this project. 

Timeline:
  • January/February 2017 - Community jury selects two artists to move forward with commission
  • February – March 2017 - Project development; Artists work with Public Art Managers and fabricator to refine designs, develop project plan, finalize artwork concept
  • April – July 2017 - Artwork production
  • August 2017 - Artwork installation and unveiling
 
For more information please visit: https://burlingtonpublicart.com/
Angela Paparizo, Manager of Arts and Culture
E:  Angela.Paparizo@burlington.ca
T:  905-335-7600 ext. 7352
www.burlington.ca/culture

City News

Celebrate Black History Month

 

 
Every year in February, Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present.

The Burlington Public Library will be holding various events to help celebrate. Visit www.bpl.on.ca for more information and events.

Lieutenant Governor of Ontario visiting Burlington

 


 
The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Her Honour Elizabeth Dowdeswell, will visit Burlington on Friday, February 24, 2017. The visit will include a roundtable discussion on a topic of mutual interest to the City of Burlington and the Lieutenant Governor. Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring has selected the topic of seniors’ housing needs in Burlington as the theme for the roundtable discussion. I will be pleased to provide an update from that meeting to you in my next newsletter in March.

Halton Police Service launches Project Lifesaver Halton Program

 


 
 
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) and other police services regularly respond to emergencies involving missing persons suffering a cognitive disorder.

Project Lifesaver Halton is a proactive life protection program for individuals living with cognitive disorders. This program enhances the probability of the individual’s rescue and makes it possible to reduce the search effort from days and hours to minutes. This program combines radio technology with a coordinated police response to assist in locating wandering and disorientated loved ones.

Participants in this program would wear a personalized wristband that emits a tracking signal. The wristband is a one ounce, battery-operated wrist transmitter emitting an FM radio frequency based signal that emits a signal every second, 24 hours a day. When caregivers notify Halton Regional Police Service their loved one is missing, officers respond to the area where the person was last seen using a mobile location tracking system.

For more information visit www.haltonpolice.ca/projectlifesaver

Burlington Best Awards - Recognize someone who helps make Burlington a better place

 
The nomination deadline is fast approaching for Friday, February 17, 2017.

Burlington's Best Awards is an awards program that honours Burlington's most outstanding citizens. The winners in all categories are revealed at a gala celebration held in May of each year. There are eight award categories, including the Accessibility Award, a new award category for 2016.

To nominate someone deserving of civic recognition for their hard work, compassion and dedication and for eligibility and guidelines please click here.

Nomination forms can be completed online at www.burlington.ca/best or by picking up a nomination form at the clerks department at City Hall, 426 Brant St.
The eight award categories are the following:
  • Citizen of the year
  • Junior Citizen of the year
  • Senior Person of the year
  • Environmental Award
  • Arts Person of the Year
  • Community Service Award
  • Heritage Award
  • Accessibility Award – new category

Public Consultation Session - Federal Accessibility Legislation

 
 

The Federal Government will be holding a public consultation session to discuss the development of Federal Accessibility Legislation.  The session will be held on February 8th at the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto.

If you are interested in attending please review the information available online and register.  If you are not interested in attending the in-person session and still wish to provide input, you can do so online. For information please click here

Mainway Arena temporarily closed February 14 to 17, 2017


Mainway Arena will be closed for maintenance between Feb. 14 to 17, 2017.

Plans to accommodate ice users at other city arenas are being made. Residents with questions about ice rentals at Mainway Arena should call 905-331-7465. 

For information about public skating at other locations around the city, please visit www.burlington.ca/play

Rural Economic Development Program


The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the launch of the renewed community-focused Rural Economic Development (RED) program which focuses investment, retain and create jobs.

Applications are now being accepted for the program and closes on March 31, 2017. 

For more information please click here to view the document.

Council and Regional Reports

Links to city Council reports



 

Links to Region of Halton reports


Community Events

Burlington Heritage Fair Celebrates Canada 150 and Sports - February 4, 2017. Please click here fore more information.

2017 Close to Our Hearts Gala in support of Carpenter Hospice - February 11, 2017. Please click here for more information.

Valentines Day – February 14, 2017. Celebrate with those you love.

Family Day – February 20, 2017. Enjoy well deserved family time on the day that celebrates families. City Hall will be closed as well as most stores and offices, offering us a chance to relax as a family.

Once On This Island play - February 24, 2017. This play celebrates Black History Month. For more information call (905) 332-9098 to reserve a seat, or email thebcc2000@yahoo.ca.

Burlington Comedy Festival - February to March, 2017.  Please click here for more information.

For a complete list of community events or information please click here.
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Blair Lancaster Ward 6 
426 Brant Street, PO Box 5013
Burlington, Ontario L7R 3Z6
905-335-7600 x7592

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Blair Lancaster Councillor Ward 6 · 426 Brant St. · PO Box 5013 · Burlington, On L7R 3Z6 · Canada

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