Copy
 
April 2017

View this email in your browser
This year marks Canada’s 150th birthday. When most of us spend less than hour per day outside, Earth Day Canada is asking everyone connect back to nature. Studies show that kids who grow up and encouraged to play outside and explore are more motivated to protect our planet. Earth Day is held on Saturday, April 22nd and is recognized in the month of April.

I hope you all have a chance to connect back with nature by visiting the many trails, parks and wonderful outdoor features that this great city has to offer.

Reminder that City Hall and administration offices will be closed for Easter on Good Friday, April 14th and closed on Easter Monday, April 17th.

Blair

 Ward 6 News

Ward 6 Meet & Greet on April 11

 

I would like to invite residents who would like to talk to me this month to join me for a Ward 6 Meet and Greet on April 11th.

Please call my office at (905) 335-7600 x7592 to book your individual time. If this time and date does not work for you I would be happy to arrange another time.

All scheduled appointments for April 11th will be held at City Hall, 426 Brant Street. Please check-in at main reception once you have arrived.

Walkers Line and No. 2 Side Road Project


 
The City of Burlington and Conservation Halton are making improvements to Walker's Line and No. 2 Side Road. The proposed construction will include:
  • Road reconstruction with minor intersection realignment and proposed new stop signs.
  • Proposed new gravel parking lot for 20 cars.
For more information please visit: http://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/Walkers-Line-at-No-2-Side-Road-Intersection.asp

Ireland Park Community Garden Receives $20,000 Grant

 

The City of Burlington has received $20,000 grant from Toronto Dominion Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) that will enhance the construction of a new community garden in Ireland Park.

The construction will begin this fall for the new garden and will open in spring of 2018. This will include 36 ground based plants and 3 raised accessible plots.


Funding received will be used to expand accessible garden plots and accessible pathways throughout half of the community garden. These pathways will use wild thyme that is drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly ground-cover with reinforced turf mesh, rather than wood chips. This will result in an even, stable, accessible surface, allowing people with limited mobility equal opportunity to visit more areas of the community garden and interact with the other gardeners.

In addition, the grant will contribute to the cost of an accessible garden shed, an accessible picnic table and three raised, accessible garden plots. A perennial garden will be planted around a one-metre border outside the garden fence to attract bees and add flowers to the area. TD FEF staff will be asked to help plant the perennial garden as part of TD’s staff volunteer program.

The city has four community gardens with 126 plots in total for 2017:
  • Amherst Park
  • Central Park
  • Francis Road Bikeway
  • Maple Park.
This year’s planting season will run from May 1 to Oct. 22, 2017.  All plots have been assigned for this season.  The cost to rent a plot for the season is $50. Water, soil and compost are supplied and all plots have full sun.

Community garden applications are available online at www.burlington.ca/communitygardens, the Burlington Seniors’ Centre, or City Hall, 426 Brant St., at the Service Burlington counter. Completed applications are accepted until Nov. 30, 2017 for the 2018 planting season. Plots at all five gardens will be allocated by lottery at the close of the application period.  For more information about Burlington’s community gardens, visit www.burlington.ca/communitygardens.

2025 Guelph Line Update

 

Thank you to all the residents who joined me at the public information session on Monday, March 20th. Approximately 40 people were in attendance and provided comments to staff and the developer regarding the site plan for the development. The meeting included a walkabout in which residents provided input and staff provided their comments. It was a good exercise with many positive outcomes. Items considered were:
  1. Improvements to the pedestrian access
  2. Restrictions at the entrance of Uplands to include a right out only turn, or another way for restricted left hand turns out of the plaza onto Uplands
  3. Improvements to the traffic light and timing
  4. Speed limit reductions on Uplands from 50 to 40 km
  5. Moving the new restaurant building a little further west to allow for improved pedestrian access
  6. Safe passage for pedestrians on the parking lot site
  7. Some residents continued to voice concerns about parking
The engagement was meaningful and comments from residents were well received by staff and the applicant.

The Recommendation report and zoning by-law were approved by Council on February 13th. This meeting was to allow residents to make comments on the site plan. I expect that the majority of comments will be reflected in the next report to Council dealing with the site plan. As previously stated the resident participation has resulted in significant changes and wins for our community.

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

2017 Community Clean Up Event April 22

 

Thank you to all the residents who have contacted me about organizing a community clean up in your area. I am thrilled to say that BurlingtonGreen will continue to organize this annual event.

Registration for the 2017 Community Clean Up event will be taking place the morning of April 22nd (Earth Day). You can register your clean up event by clicking here. 

Schools and businesses are invited to participate all week long from April 17th to 21st.  

Thank you to BurlingtonGreen for the wonderful work they continue to do on behalf our environment and community.

Tansley United Church Electronics Recycling Event April 8


Tansley United Church will be holding it’s 6th  Annual Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, April 8th from 8:00am to 2:00pm.  Over the years, Tansley United Church has collected 93.7 tonnes or over 207,000 pounds of material which has been diverted from local landfills and recycled in Canada.
 
Members of the congregation, along with 15 local teens, will be available to unload material as cars arrive so that you can drive in and drop off.  If needed, arrangements can be made for pickups at local homes for those who are either unable to attend or who cannot get their items to the event to make sure that these dangerous materials did not end up in the local landfill. Below is a list of items that will be collected:
  • Televisions (all sizes)
  • Computers / Laptops
  • Printers / Copiers
  • Telephones / Cell Phones
  • Cameras / Video Recorders
  • Stereos / Speakers
For the complete list of accepted electronics, go to: http://recycleyourelectronics.ca/what-can-be-recycled/.

Tansley United Church is located at 2111 Walkers Line, just one block north of Upper Middle.  If you would like more information about this event please visit the website www.Tansleychurch.com.

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 13th from 10am to 1pm. Come out and plant a tree. City Arborist will be on hand if you have questions.

Park Marker Program

 

 
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 for two sculptures that will be commissioned in Year 1 of the program at the following locations:
  • Berton Park, 4050 Berton Ave.
  • Fothergill Woods Park, 480 Fothergill Blvd.
Timeline:
  • April – July 2017 - Artwork production
  • August 2017 - Artwork installation and unveiling
 For more information please visit: https://burlingtonpublicart.com/. You can contact Angela Paparizo, Manager of Arts and Culture by email: Angela.Paparizo@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7600 ext. 7352.

City News

Federal and Provincial Public Transit Infrastructure Funding

 


 
On, March 31st I was happy to attend the announcement on behalf of the City of Burlington to welcome new Federal and Provincial public transit infrastructure investments in our community. These investments will support the city’s goal of further providing various transportation options for our residents, including public transit, walking and cycling.  The federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of funding for these projects—just over $3.4 million.


Funding will be used for many projects including transit infrastructure, new buses, completion of Elgin Promenade, new sidewalks and cycling lanes in employment and residential areas promoting road safety. This funding will help the City support initiatives in our 2015 to 2040 Strategic Plan and a city that grows, a city that moves and a healthier greener city. For more information please click here.

Burlington to Receive Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program Funding

 
 
On March 31st, Mayor Goldring and Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions and MP for Burlington as well as MP, Pam Damoff for Oakville North-Burlington joined together to announce 14 projects that will receive support through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
 
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario has approved up to $598,430 for 14 projects in Burlington under Intake Two of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program:
  1. Improvement of Bayview Park - $123,000
  2. Ireland Park Washroom Improvements - $13,320
  3. Lowville Park Washroom Accessibility - $23,310
  4. Millcroft Park Washroom Accessibility - $14,985
  5. Orchard Park Washroom Improvements - $16,650
  6. Dune Crossing at Beachway Park - $73,000
  7. Mainway Arena Accessibility - $100,000
  8. Appleby Ice Resurfacing - $25,000
  9. Mainway Ice Resurfacing - $12,500
  10. Mainway Rink Lighting - $41,666
  11. Appleby Ice Sub-Metering - $8,333
  12. Mainway Sub-Metering System - $5,000
  13. Multi-Use Pathway at John Street - $135,000
  14. Tansley Woods Sub-Metering - $6,666
This will help our community come together and celebrate to commemorate Canada’s 150 birthday. 
 
These projects are planned for completion by March 31, 2018.  For more information, please visit www.burlington.ca/canada150

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

 
 

I had the pleasure on March 7th to join Mayor Rick Goldring, staff from Our Community Cares, ROCK and Chair of the Mundialization Committee to present a cheque from Japanese philanthropist Taroo Enomoto. Mr. Enomoto is 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 thrilled 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.

Mobility Hubs Study Launch PartyApril 12



Meet the Mobility Hubs Team at the Burlington Mobility Hubs Study Launch Party on April 12 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at 1455 Lakeshore Rd., Unit #7 (across the street from the ESSO gas station)

Mobility Hubs are the areas located around the city's tree GO stations and the downtown, and have been identified as opportunities for new growth and development in Burlington over the next 20 years.

The City of Burlington staff will be holding the first visioning workshop on Tuesday, April 20th at Burlington Lion’s Club from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. This session will focus on the Downtown Mobility Hub.

This is an ongoing project and with respect to the other hubs, staff are currently in the process of finalizing the dates for their first visioning workshops which will be occurring throughout May. More information will follow.

Visit www.burlington.ca/mobilityhubs and www.burlington.ca/growbold for more information.

Draft New Official Plan Proposed to be Released for Community Consultation



As part of the New Official Plan Project, Planning staff have prepared a report titled: “Release of Draft New Official Plan for Community Consultation” (PB-01-17).

The draft New Official Plan will be released for community consultation enabling feedback to be considered in the preparation of the proposed New Official Plan for adoption by City Council in the fall of 2017. The staff report includes a series of recommendations related to the Official Plan Project, the Transportation Master Plan and the Integrated Mobility Plan.

The report, including staff recommendations and all appendices, is now available on the city's Council agenda page and will be considered at the Committee of the Whole meeting of Burlington City Council on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., 426 Brant Street, Council Chambers, second level, Burlington City Hall.

Click here to view the meeting agenda and access the staff report and appendices. To register as a delegation for the April 6th meeting please visit www.burlington.ca/delegate.  

For more Information about this staff report, please contact Andrea Smith, Manager of Policy and Research by email: andrea.smith@burlington.ca or by phone at 905-335-7600 ext: 7385 or Leah Smith, Senior Planner at leah.smith@burlington.ca or by phone at 905-335-7600, ext: 7508.

Burlington's Best Committee Announces 24 Nominees



This year, the Burlington's Best Committee received 24 nominations in eight categories, including a new Accessibility Award. Nominations were accepted Dec. 1, 2016 through Feb. 28, 2017.

Burlington's Best Awards is an awards program that honours Burlington's most outstanding citizens. The winners in all categories will be revealed at a gala celebration on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Tickets to this event are $35 per person or $280 for a table of eight. The event includes a light buffet and cocktail reception. Tickets can be purchased at the Service Burlington counter at City Hall, 426 Brant St., or by contacting Wanda Tolone at 905-335-7600, ext. 7458 or email: wanda.tolone@burlington.ca.

One winner will be selected in each of the eight award categories. To view this year’s nominees please click here.

Burlington Seniors' Centre to Receive Donation from Lions Club of Burlington on April 8



The Burlington Seniors’ Centre will receive a $500 donation from the Lions Club of Burlington during its Breakfast @ the Bistro event on Saturday, April 8th.

It will be used to help subsidize the cost of the popular monthly breakfast program at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre.

Lions Club executive members Blair Greer; Jim McLaughlin, club president; Barry Leppan, first vice president; Carol Leppan, second vice president; and Jim O’Breza, treasurer will be at the event on April 8 to serve  breakfast and participate in the cheque presentation.

The cheque presentation will take place at 8:55 a.m. followed by breakfast buffet which will be available between 9 and 10 a.m. The Escapade Trio, a vocal and piano trio specializing in jazz and popular music from the golden age will perform at 10 a.m. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.burlington.ca/recexpress or in person at any city facility.

2017 Premier's Awards in Agri-Food Innovation Excellence


 
Applications for the 2017 Premier’s Awards in Agri-Food Innovation Excellence are now being accepted until Friday, April 28, 2017.  

For the past 11 years, the Premier’s Awards have recognized the dedication, hard work and innovation of Ontario’s agri-food businesses and individuals who are contributing to economic growth and creating jobs across our province. Every year, the program recognizes up to 50 award winning innovations across the province, including the Premier’s Award valued at $75,000.

Program guidelines and the application form can be found on the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence website: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/premier_award/index.html

Applicants from both rural and urban areas of the province are encouraged to apply, as long as they are a farm, food processor or agri-food organization.

Young Women in Leadership Program

 
MP, Pam Damoff launched Young Women in Leadership Program which offers young women in Oakville North-Burlington an opportunity to job-shadow in a local business, agency, organization or government. This will aim to support young women to understand different occupations to make informed career goals and choices and build confidence.

This program will take place during the week of May 22-26, 2017. Young women in high school, college, university or new to the work force who are interested in participating must apply by April 21st. To fill out the application form please visit www.MPDamoff.ca or email pam.damoff@parl.gc.ca.

Good Friday Race - Road Closures for Friday, April 14

 

 
The 44th annual Good Friday Road Race will take place in Burlington on Friday, April 14, 2017.
The following road closures will be in place:
  • 8 to 11:30 a.m. - Fairwood Place. The area directly in front of Aldershot School will be closed to traffic with local access to residences maintained, subject to race delays.
  • 9 to 11:30 a.m. - North Shore Boulevard West from Fairwood Place to Unsworth Drive
  • Local access to residents within the closed area will be maintained, subject to race delays. Through traffic on North Shore Boulevard West will be detoured at LaSalle Park Road and at Plains Road West.
The following lane closures will be in place:
  • All other streets on the race route will have one lane open for local access.
Emergency services access will be maintained at all times along the event route.

Burlington Transit:
Minor delays on bus route 1 can be expected. Visit www.burlingtontransit.ca.
For more information about the race, visit www.burlingtonrunners.com

Reminder to Residents about Rabies

 

In co-operation with Halton Region Health Department, the City of Burlington is reminding residents of things they can do to help protect themselves and their pets from the threat of rabies.

Since Oct. 4, 2016, there have been 10 confirmed cases of raccoon strain rabies found in three skunks and seven raccoons in Burlington.

About rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that causes severe damage to the brain and spinal cord and, if untreated before symptoms appear, will lead to death. The virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually entering through a bite or scratch. 

After someone is exposed to rabies, timely use of the rabies vaccine can prevent the rabies illness. While the rabies vaccine is extremely effective if it is administered before any symptoms occur, there are a number of things you can do to protect your family and pets from the threat of rabies:
  • Avoid all contact with raccoons, skunks and other wild animals
  • Seek medical attention immediately if you come in contact with a raccoon, skunk or other potentially rabid animals
  • Report all animal bites or scratches to the Halton Region Health Department
  • Warn your children to stay away from any wild, stray or aggressive animals
  • Do not touch dead or sick animals
  • Do not feed or keep wild animals as pets
  • Make sure your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date
  • Keep your pet on a leash when off your property
  • Ensure pets that have come in contact with a raccoon or other wild animal are seen by a veterinarian.
For more information on rabies in Burlington, visit www.halton.ca/rabies or call the Halton Region Health Department by dialing 311.

Lucy's Place - Charity and Compassion for Halton Region

 
A new charitable facility has opened in Burlington to assist the Halton Region community with free clothing and furniture. The centre is called Lucy’s Place Charity and Compassion for Halton Region and is located at 2188 Queensway Dr.

Operating hours are Mon. –Thurs: 11am to 6pm (by appointment) and Fri. 11am to 6pm. Free food every Friday. For more information on how you can volunteer or donate please call 289-828-2707.

2017 Spencer Smith Park Promenade Improvements

 

Halton Region received a Canada 150 grant that will help the Region fund the implementation of phases 1 and 2, for improvements in Spencer Smith Park. The City of Burlington is overseeing the design and construction of the project in conjunction with Halton Region. The Canada 150 Funding agreement has a deadline of March 31, 2018 for all work to be finished.
 
The promenade surface replacement with new asphalt will upgrade the surface to an accessible pathway that is smooth, durable and suitable for walking, cycling and use by mobility devices, such as wheelchairs. A dashed centre line will be painted down the centre, which is the current industry standard for a multi-use path; to provide separation based on direction of travel. This will be familiar to users, as it is the same principle as driving on the road, where you `keep to the right’ and allow faster traffic to pass on the left.
 
The promenade surface has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. To maintain public safety, there will be no public access to construction areas. Park users will be asked to walk around the area via grassy areas or other pathways through the park or along Lakeshore Road. Sections of the promenade in Spencer Smith Park will be closed for construction from April to December 2017. This work will be completed in phases to accommodate annual major festivals and events, such as the Sound of Music Festival and Ribfest, that use the park to host their events.  The City of Burlington will work with other users for alternative arrangements in other parks or areas of Spencer Smith Park.
 
Phase 1 outlines what will be completed in spring 2017:
  • an upgraded gazebo at a new location
  • hard surfaced walkway, pedestrian lighting and benches
  • tree and perennial planting
  • grading and drainage improvements
Phase 2, scheduled to be completed in 2017, includes:
  • asphalt surfacing on promenade
  • new shade structure at cobble beach
  • concrete surfacing at seating nodes
  • concrete surfacing of pathway at west end
  • refurbishment of parapet wall
  • railings along west end of parapet wall
  • bollards and benches
For more information please click here.

Canada 150 and Love My Hood Programs

 

The City of Burlington is encouraging residents and block party organizers to host a community event through the Love My Hood program to celebrate Canada 150 in Burlington neighbourhoods and communities. The Love My Hood program provides tools such as planning guides, activity kits and funding to a maximum of $300.
 
Canada is turning 150 years old and what better way to get to know your community and neighbours and celebrate this great country’s birthday.  For more information, download the Love My Hood planning guide at www.burlington.ca/lovemyhood or contact the Burlington Events Office at LoveMyHood@burlington.ca, or call 905-335-7600, ext. 7391.

Lets Live Green

 

Since springtime promotes clean ups, earth day and various other environmental initiatives, the Sustainable Development Committee in partnership with City of Burlington is hosting an event on Saturday, May 27th from 1pm to 5pm at Tansley Woods Community Centre called Take Action Burlington – Let’s Live Green.
 
This free event will share ideas to help you reduce your environment impact at home and on the go. There will be informative presentations and exhibitors. For more details please visit: www.burlington.ca/SDC.

Easter at Museums of Burlington April 9

 

On Sunday, April 9th why don’t you and your families visit Ireland House at Oakridge Farm between 11:00 am – 3:00 pm for their annual Easter event.  Kids will have a great time hunting for eggs on the Easter Egg trail and meeting the Easter bunny.  Lots of family friendly activities including crafts, games, face-painting and more.  Visitors can tour the historic house and see what life was like over 175 years ago. The home presents a history of Burlington from the 1830s to the 1920s through the Ireland family. There will be costumed interpreters and baking demonstrations on the 1830s Rumford hearth. Admission is free however there are small costs associated with crafts & activities. For more information please click here.

Halton Region 2016 Economic Review

 

Halton Region Economic Development is pleased to present the 2016 Economic Review. The 2016 Economic Review provides a comprehensive overview of business activity in Halton Region and how we compare to other regions within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The review includes Halton economic indicators, employment overview, industrial and commercial development, real estate competitiveness, investment lands and infrastructure, 2016 Halton business news, Halton community rankings, and Halton Region Economic Development services. For more information, visit www.halton.ca/invest

Council and Regional Reports

Links to city Council reports



 

Please see the following April reports:

Committee of the Whole – April 3, 2017

Planning and Development Committee – April 4, 2017

Audit Committee – April 5, 2017

Regular Meeting of Council – April 18, 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

Community Events
  • Hands off Pearson Community Meeting - April 4, 2017. Please click here for more information.
  • Spring 2017 Social Fusion Networking & Local Business Trade Show – April 6, 2017. Please click here for more information.
  • Fun with Science Home School Program – April 7, 2017. Please click here for more information.
  • Tansley United Church 6th Annual Electronics Recycling Drop-off – April 8, 2017. Please click here for more information.
  • A Sp'egg'tacular Easter Event at Museums of Burlington – April 9, 2017. Please click here for more information.
  • Easter Festival at Springridge Farm – April 14, 2017. Please click here for more information.
  • Easter – Sunday, April 16, 2017
  • Easter Brunch at Tyandaga Golf Course – Sunday April 16, 2017. For reservation please call D&T Classic Catering at (905) 336-0006 ext. 4 or (905) 708-2913.
  • Inspire Burlington: Millennial Entrepreneurial Success – April 19, 2017. Please click here for more information.
  • Halton Families for Families April Social – April 21, 2017. Please click here for more information.
  • Kaleidoscope of the Arts 2017 and the Spring Guild Sale – April 21-23, 2017. Please click here for more information.
  • Compassion Society of Halton - Fundraising Concert Elvis & Friends – April 22, 2017. Please click here for more information.
  • Stitches in Our Time - Halton Quilters Guild Quilt Show – April 22, 2017. Please click here for more information.
  • BurlingtonGreen Clean Up & Eco-Fair Celebration – April 22, 2017. Please click here for more information.
  • Tansley United Church Concert for Canada 150 – April 22nd, 2017. Please click here for more information.
For a complete list of community events or information please click here.
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Twitter
Instagram
Instagram
Website
Website
Email
Email
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Blair Lancaster Ward 6 
426 Brant Street, PO Box 5013
Burlington, Ontario L7R 3Z6
905-335-7600 x7592

Copyright © |2016| |The Corporation of The City of Burlington|, All rights reserved.

unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences 
 






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Blair Lancaster Councillor Ward 6 · 426 Brant Street · PO Box 5013 · Burlington, On L7R 3Z6 · Canada

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp