March 2017

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Spring forward one hour on Sunday, March 12^th and remember to change your clocks.

Signs of renewal are all around. We can look forward to some exciting things planned for Ward 6 such as a Tree Planting event on May 13^th at Ireland Park from 10am to 1pm and the 5^th annual Love My Hood Ward 6 Festival that will be held on Saturday, June 24^th from 1pm to 4pm at Palladium Park. If you are interested in these events please email me directly at blair.lancaster@burlington.ca. These events are FREE to the community and I hope to see you there.

Remember as spring approaches, we look forward to getting outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather. However, with warmer weather arriving and March Break around the corner, I wanted to remind residents and especially children to be mindful of the dangers that exist around local streams, rivers, ponds and lakes during the spring breakup. Please exercise caution and keep an eye out for children in your care around all bodies of water over the next few weeks and help make this a safe and enjoyable spring.

Blair

Ward 6 News

Public Information Centre for Traffic Calming Projects for Turnberry and Headon Rd.

Residents are invited to join me and staff to attend a drop in Public Information Centre scheduled for March 9, 2017 at the Haber Recreation Centre, 3040 Tim Dobbie Drive from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. There is no formal presentation at this meeting. Residents will have an opportunity to discuss the proposed traffic calming plan with staff to answer any questions and provide comments.

Please see links to letters and maps that were circulated.

Volunteers Needed

Love My Hood Ward 6 Festival: We are looking for volunteers to assist with the annual Love My Hood Ward 6 Festival being held on June 24, 2017 from 1pm to 4pm. There are positions available for set-up and take-down, zone leaders, or part of the planning committee. If you are interested in assisting please contact me directly at blair.lancaster@burlington.ca.

Tree Planting: Staff in our Roads and Parks Maintenance department has confirmed that they will have over 400 trees available to plant at Ireland Park. This exciting event will be held on May 13^th from 10am to 1pm. Come out and plant a tree. City staff and Arborist will be on hand if you have questions.

Clean Up: Clean Up Green Up is part of the Annual Earth Day Celebration. Every year, to celebrate Earth Day in April, a city-wide clean up is organized where everyone can help pick up litter in their neighbourhoods and parks. The annual community event is organized by BurlingtonGreen, which also provides all the necessary material for the event. In addition to the annual city clean up event if you are interested and want to organize a local clean up with your neighbours or a community group you can do that by clicking here.

Burlington Secondary School Program Accommodation Review (PAR)

I wanted to provide parents with the information that is located on the Halton District School Board website regarding the Program Accommodation Review and what the Committee is doing.

For more information on the process and timelines and FAQ’s please click here.

Click on the Survey Link to access the survey. The survey will be available until March 13^th until 4:30pm and all responses are anonymous. Please note that the survey can only be completed by using a laptop or desktop computer.

For a listing of frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) please click here.

If you have any questions regarding this Program and Accommodation Review, please send an email at burlsspar@hdsb.ca.

Prepare for Burlington Transit Schedule Adjustments beginning March 5, 2017

The following is a summary of the transit schedule adjustments that will begin March 5, 2017:

Route 1: weekend timing adjustments to improve schedule accuracy
Routes 2, 3, 10 and 20: weekend timing adjustments and an added morning trip to the Route 3 Saturday schedule
Route 25: weekend schedule adjustments in addition to a routing change which will travel in and out of the Burlington GO station using Queensway – Guelph Line – Prospect
Late night service Routes 50, 51, 52: last trip time adjustments Monday through Saturday
Route 80: weekday schedule adjustments
Routes 300, 301, 302: service will now run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Please remember to check tripplanner.burlington.ca or call 905-639-0550 for accurate and up-to-date scheduling information. Follow @BurlONTransit on Twitter.

April 1, 2017 Indexing of City of Burlington Development Charges

In the Council Information Package distributed on Friday, March 3^rd, Mayor and members of Council received correspondence regarding development charges indexing for April 1, 2017.

The City’s development charge rates will be adjusted annually on April 1 using the prescribed index from Statistics Canada Quarterly, Construction Price Statistics. In the correspondence you will see the new City of Burlington development charge rates and increases.

You can view the document here.

Tansley Woods Dental welcomed Syrian refugee family to Burlington

I had the pleasure to part of the Tansley Woods Dentistry welcoming event that was held on February 4^th as they welcome a sponsored Syrian refugee family to Burlington. Tansley Woods Dentistry is committed to making a difference in the Burlington community. They have offered to donate their services to this family to ensure they continue to live a healthy lifestyle in their new country.

Notice of Lights Out at Ireland Park

Due to an electrical safety issue, all lights are out in Ireland Park. Park users are advised that lights in the park are not functioning and this outage affects all areas of the park until further notice.

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.

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

Ontario Providing More Transit Funding for Burlington

Today I had the opportunity to attend the Provincial announcement that they will be doubling the Gas Tax for municipalities to provide sustainable funding for transit. This is very exciting news as this enhanced Gas Tax Program will support more travel options and improve our local transit. For more information please click here.

Burlington GO Station Update - South Walkway Now Open

I have received notice today from the MPP's office that the south walkway is now open from Fairview Street Landing to the new station building. For more information please click here.

Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) to Receive Donation from Japanese Philanthropist

Japanese philanthropist Taroo Enomoto, from Burlington’s twin city, Itabashi, Japan, has donated 450,000 yen (about C$4,753) to the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK).

I am very pleased that the Burlington Mundialization Committee is recommending that the funds once again be given to the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK), in keeping with Mr. Enomoto’s wishes that the money benefit children/youth in Burlington.

Enomoto, who is from Itabashi, Japan, has donated close to C$40,000 to Burlington over the past 28 years, including donating rhododendrons to Paletta Lakefront Mansion. His generosity towards Burlington began in 1989 with the twinning of Burlington and Itabashi, Japan. The bond has been strengthened through the city’s Mundialization Committee and multiple exchanges.

I will be joined by Mayor Rick Goldring and members of the Mundialization Committee to present a cheque to ROCK on Tuesday, March 7 at 10 a.m. at ROCKs Our Community Cares (OCC) Centre located at 702 Surrey Lane in Burlington.

City of Burlington Wins Public Works Project of the Year Award (OPWA)

The City of Burlington Capital Works Department has been recognized by the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) for their Aug. 4, 2014 Vulnerability, Prioritization and Mitigation Study in the category of 2016 Public Works Project of the Year in the Environment, Less than $2 million.

The OPWA Public Works Projects of the Year Awards are presented annually to promote excellence in public works projects by recognizing the success of the projects as well as the alliance between team members who have completed these significant projects.

For more information please click here.

Watermain Work Begins on New Street in March - Pilot Report to Council this Fall

Watermain work with Halton Region was scheduled to begin on New Street between Dynes Road and Cumberland Avenue on March 7, resulting in lane closures and scheduled water service shutdowns. The construction is scheduled to be completed in May.

The installation of a new watermain between Guelph Line and Dynes Road began in October and November 2016. The work to install the rest of the watermain between Dynes Road and Cumberland Avenue will start earlier than scheduled due to mild weather.

Residents and businesses will be given 48 hours’ notice for scheduled water service shutdowns. Watermain installation will include the replacement of curbs, gutters and the boulevard to restore any damage from the watermain works.

New Street One-Year Pilot
New Street between Walkers Line and Guelph Line is the site of a pilot project that began in August 2016 for all street users.

Completing the watermain installation in May will reduce the disruption to New Street into two shorter, two-month intervals rather than one six-month construction period originally planned for the spring and summer of 2017. This will allow for longer, uninterrupted traffic data collection.

The city is collecting data, and will continue to collect data after the watermain work is done and until the fall to ensure the city has the data needed to assess the pilot. That information, along with travel times on nearby residential roads that run parallel to New Street, will be included in a recommendation report to Burlington City Council this fall.

Creating more travel options for the community means thinking differently about how our city road network looks and functions. The one-year pilot on New Street is an example of how some existing roads in Burlington could be redesigned to give people more travel options to get around the city.

For more information about the New Street road pilot, visit www.burlington.ca/newstreet. For construction information, visit www.burlington.ca/construction.

Annual Closure of King Road for Jefferson Salamander Migration Begins March 9

The City of Burlington will be closing King Road from the base of the Niagara Escarpment to Mountain Brow Road from March 9^th to March 30^th in order to provide the endangered Jefferson salamander a safe passage during its annual breeding migration.

The Jefferson salamander is a nationally and provincially protected endangered species. Since 2012, the City of Burlington has closed the same section of road for an approximate three-week period.

About the Jefferson salamander
In Canada, the Jefferson salamander is found in Southern Ontario in select areas of deciduous forest, mostly along the Niagara Escarpment.
Jefferson salamanders spend the majority of their lives underground. As the weather warms up and the spring rains begin, the salamanders emerge and migrate to breed in temporary ponds formed by run-off, laying their eggs in clumps attached to underwater vegetation. Adults leave the ponds after breeding. By late summer, the larvae lose their gills, become air-breathing and leave the pond to head into the surrounding forests.

Adult salamanders migrate to their breeding ponds during wet rainy nights. They show strong affinity for the pond in which they hatched and can be very determined to reach it, sometimes requiring them to cross busy roads.

Quick Facts

Since the first full road closure in 2012, there has been no road mortality of Jefferson salamanders observed by Conservation Halton staff during the road closure period.
Jefferson salamanders have a grey or brown-coloured back, with lighter under-parts. Blue flecks may be present on the sides and limbs.
Adult Jefferson salamanders are 12 to 20 cm long. The long tail makes up half this length.
Unlike most small animals, Jefferson salamanders can live a very long time; up to 30 years of age.

To learn more about the please visit: Jefferson salamander and Conservation Halton

Burlington Hydro's Annual Tree Trimming Program has begun

Residents would have been notified by letter in advance of tree trimming in their neighbourhood. Tree trimming has started between Walkers Line and Appleby Line as well as QEW and Lake Ontario. Please be aware that Burlington Hydro will be cutting 3m or 10ft clearance around the lines.

In order to provide reliable service, a wide scale tree trimming program is in place. Tree trimming eliminates potentially hazardous situations and helps avoid needless power interruptions during storms and high winds, which make up a significant portion of all outages. In addition, trimming trees is followed by clean-up at Burlington Hydro’s expense.

To view a complete list of Burlington Hydro Tree Trimming Schedule for 2016/18 please visit: http://burlingtonhydro.com/images/PDFs/Inspection-and-Tree-Trimming-Schedule-2016-to-2018.pdf

If you have questions relating to tree trimming please contact eservices@burlingtonhydro.com

City of Burlington and Halton Region Launch FREE Mobile App

The City of Burlington now has a free mobile app available for Android, iOS and Blackberry users through Google Play and iTunes. The app will feature links to news and information such as programs, events, meetings, news, emergency alerts and more. The information provided in the app was chosen by more than 400 residents who participated in an online survey. A total of 92 per cent of survey respondents said they visit Burlington.ca, and 58 per cent said they visit Burlington.ca using a phone or tablet. For more information please click here.

The Region of Halton now has a OneHalton Regional app. Halton Region’s high-quality programs and services are now easily accessible through their mobile app. With OneHalton, the Region’s essential services are just one tap away. You can download from App Store, or Google Play to access Halton from palm of your hand. The app offers social media updates, emergency alerts as well as the ability to request waste labels or register for programs and report immunizations. For more information please click here.

March is National Fraud Prevention Month

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), working with more than 80 law enforcement agencies and public and private sector organizations nationwide, announced the start of Fraud Prevention Month 2017 last week.

Every year thousands of Canadians of all ages and backgrounds become victims of fraud. Fraud victims not only suffer direct financial loss but may endure the stressful process of reversing its damaging effects such as identity theft and negative credit/credit history.

Now in its 13th year, the aim of Fraud Prevention Month is to educate Canadians about fraud and on how best to protect themselves from it through the 3Rs: Recognition, Rejection, and Reporting. The central theme for 2017 is ‘Don’t buy into fraud.’

To accomplish this, agencies including the HRPS will carry out a number of activities and initiatives specific to their jurisdiction. In Halton, these will include:

Weekly ‘Fraud of the Week’ press releases detailing current/popular schemes
Increased promotion of fraud-related arrests to members of the press and through social media
Live Fraud Q&A on Twitter (@HaltonPolice) on Friday, March 17 from 11:00 a.m. – noon
Fraud information sessions for seniors offered at retirement homes throughout Halton

More information about fraud, including a number of useful links and resources, is available at www.haltonpolice.ca/about/specializedunits/fraud.php or by following the hash tag #FPM2017 on Twitter through @HaltonPolice.

2017 Halton Guide and Waste Collection Calendar

The 2017 Halton Guide and Waste Collection Calendar is now available. Please check your mailbox for your copy. Your 2017 Halton Guide & Waste Collection Calendar shows your household’s collection day and what is collected. The Guide also includes important waste tips for your home and information on Halton’s programs and services. If you did not receive your calendar or want to find out your collection day, use our online calendar tool or download the OneHalton app to check your schedule, sign up for waste reminders or to print a single page calendar for the year. Order a full printed version of the guide using our online form or by calling 311.

Schedule a metal and/or appliance collection:

Metal and appliances are collected by appointment only. This service is not offered in the Halton Hills collection areas C and D. You must schedule metal and appliance collection before placing material out for pick-up. Your scheduled collection date may be 2 or 3 weeks from date of call. To schedule a collection:

Complete online form, or call Halton Region by dialing 311.

Report a missed collection:

Mild Temperatures Bring Outdoor Skating Season on Rotary Centennial Pond to a Close

As of February 27^th, the outdoor skating rink on the Rotary Centennial Pond at Discovery Landing has officially closed for the 2016-17 season. Over the next few weeks, City of Burlington staff will begin preparing for the spring when the 10,000 square-foot (929 square-metre) feature transforms into a reflective pond.

For information about indoor skating and other fun activities to stay active this winter, visit www.burlington.ca/play.

Take the Challenge, Be the Change, Become a Snacktivist!

I am always an advocate for eating healthy and promoting a healthy lifestyle especially for kids in our community.

Healthy Kids Community Challenge Burlington in partnership with Sports Unit, City of Burlington is working on promoting the importance of providing healthy sideline snacks during practices and games.

A sport team would take a pledge to drink only water and provide healthy sideline snacks at games and practices. Pledge can be made online by clicking here.
Teams who register and made a pledge will be provided with a water cooler, water bottles and healthy ideas and resources to make it a success.
At the end of season, teams will be entered into draw for their end of season celebration
Teams must register by April 30, 2017 to qualify for draw.

Know any sports organization that may benefit from our Snacktivist Challenge? Learn how you can play a part by visiting this website http://www.healthykidsburlon.ca/snacktivist/.

Blue W Tap Water Refilling Network

Blue W, Healthy Kids Community Challenge Burlington and the City of Burlington are working together to increase easy access to safe, clean drinking water and promote municipal tap water as a healthy, easily accessible alternative to purchasing bottled drinks.

Blue W is a community network that promotes municipal tap water all over North America. Detailed maps available online on where to find water sources to fill your reusable bottle without compelling you to make additional purchases.
Healthy Kids Community Challenge is working with Blue W to encourage families in Burlington to drink more tap water.
Businesses and organizations who register as a water refill stations, will receive a window decal with the Blue W and HKCC Burlington logo.

Also, check out http://waterdoeswonders.ca/ and take the pledge to drink more water as a family.

Visit www.bluew.org for more information.

Council and Regional Reports

Links to city Council reports

Please see the following March reports:

Planning and Development Committee - Public Meeting – March 20, 2017

Regular Meeting of Council – March 27, 2017

**City of Burlington agendas are published to the website approximately a week prior to the scheduled dates. If you are interested in speaking at a meeting or registering as a delegation please contact the Clerks Department at 905-335-7600, ext. 7698.

For a list of reports and minutes please visit: www.burlington.ca/calendar

Links to Region of Halton reports

Health & Social Services Committee – March 21, 2017

Planning & Public Works Committee – March 22, 2017

Administration & Finance Committee – March 22, 2017

Halton Regional Council Meeting – March 29, 2017

**For a list of Halton Region Council and Committee Calendar click here to view.

Community Events

Don’t forget that the City of Burlington offers School Break Programs. These great school break programs are for children and youth of all ages and abilities. Find out what's happening and plan your family activity during school breaks. We have programs for the winter break, PA Days and March Break. For more information for a complete list of programs visit: http://www.burlington.ca/en/live-and-play/school-break.asp.

Mountsberg’s sugar bush Maple Town Experience – Runs until April 2^nd. Please click here for more information.
Crawford Lake’s Sweet Water Season – Runs until April 2^nd. Please click here for more information.
Mountsberg’s Raptors in Focus – March 4, 2017. Please click here for more information.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Chroi Celtic Band! – March 12, 2017. Please click here fore more information.
Turn of the (20th) Century March Break Camp – March 13, 2017. Please click here for more information.
Annual Maple Syrup Festival – March 13, 2017. Please click here for more information.
Infused Water Challenge – March 15, 2017. Please click here for more information.
Superhero Lego Club – March 19, 2017. Please click here for more information.
Toddler Days Program: Jungle – March 23, 2017. Please click here for more information.
Women as Career Coaches – March 23, 2017. Please click here for more information.
Animation Exploration (TEENS) – March 25, 2017. Please click here for more information.
Toddler Days Program: Forest Animals – March 30, 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