Ward 5 News Update – February 15, 2023 Dear friends and neighbours, Isn't it a pleasure to have some nice early spring weather in February? Finally, we got outside to take down the Christmas lights. I know most people have already done that. Janet and I have been busy with other things and the cold weather wasn't very inspiring. Sadly, the weather has been a bit erratic for skating on out door rinks, but it looks like skiing has been pretty good. Council is off and running in this new term. The biggest issue we have had to address so far is to approve budgets for the Region of Halton and the City, which together with schools and police will cause your 2023 property taxes to increase by 7.52 per cent. Please see notes and my comments further below in this news update. You may have heard that the province has, or will be passing laws that mean changes to the way municipalities process development applications. Some changes are not yet implemented. These are anticipated to cause significant financial challenges to municipalities, the goal of which is to reduce the price of newly built homes. There is a lot of speculation about how big an impact these changes might have, but the province is still working on it. There will be more information to come in future news updates. Please find more information about community matters in the rest of this news update. If you have questions or comments on any matter, please feel free to contact me directly by email at paul.sharman@burlington.ca or leave a message at 905-335-7600 ext. 7591. Please know that I am always available to speak or meet, whether by phone, virtual platform, or in-person meeting. Please email ward5@burlington.ca to schedule an appointment. For city service requests such as tree pruning, road safety, street maintenance, etc., please email city@burlington.ca for immediate attention. As always, if you see me out and about, please say hi! | Paul Sharman
City/Regional Councillor
Ward 5, City of Burlington paul.sharman@burlington.ca
Office Phone: 905 335 7600 x7591 In this issue | As Burlington continues to grow, the 2023 budget will make key investments to ensure our City services, amenities and infrastructure keep pace with the changing needs of the community and address the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key investment priorities include: • Enhancing frontline service delivery with additional transit operators, firefighters, and bylaw and animal services staff to respond to your concerns
• Funding for two new community centres – Skyway Community Centre located at 129 Kenwood Ave. and the former Robert Bateman High School at 5151 New St.
• $72.6 million of capital investment in 2023 to keep our infrastructure assets like buildings, roads and parks in a state of good repair.
• New funding dedicated to cycling infrastructure
• New automated speed reduction program to help address local traffic concerns
• Free transit for youth (ages 13-19) on evenings and weekends The property tax bill is made up of three portions, the City of Burlington (48.9%), Halton Region (33.4%), and the Boards of Education (17.7%). The overall tax increase is 7.52 per cent. A copy of the approved budget book for 2023 will be available online at burlington.ca/budget. Joint Statement on 2023 Budget from Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Strategy & Budgets | Paul's Comments: Burlington homeowners have enjoyed the lowest property tax rates in comparison to surrounding communities for decades. This has been achieved by cutting costs and not hiring necessary, important staff. We have constrained headcount levels and pay increases to the degree that the city is both understaffed and no longer competitive, which threatens its ability to provide services at the rate expected by community members. That said, we expect that Burlington will continue to have lower taxes than surrounding municipalities after the 2023 increase. The city is investing many millions of dollars into infrastructure and staff to ensure that the city can provide high quality services into the future because infrastructure and staff are critical requirements. Meanwhile, economic pressures threaten our ability to do so. For example, Skyway Arena’s rebuild will cost twice as much as planned only three years ago because of worldwide COVID-related labour challenges and supply chain issues. The same is true of the Robert Bateman renovation, which is costing more than expected. In addition, city computing systems are 30 years old and massively out of date. They must be replaced at a cost of $15 –$20 million, and that involves additional cost for redesigning staff processes to take advantage of the new systems. Roads, recreation centres and all other infrastructure owned by the city, valued at $5 billion, must be maintained and kept in good shape. Presently, the city has a $500 million funding gap to make up in the next 25 years. That happens by increasing the levy to 1.6% in our budget this year, which will increase to a higher amount in the future. Some community members feel that the city should reduce spending on things that they do not like or use — yet others do use those things. The city attempts to serve the diverse requirements of our community. One person’s “nice-to-have” is another’s “must-have.” Meanwhile, inflationary pressures affect all of us, including the city. It is difficult to compare city budgets to the budgets of any of the people who live in the city. Just like everyone, the city has different pressure circumstances that affect what money is required and how it is spent. For example, transit will collect about $5.3 million in fares, but it will cost $28 million to operate. Similar factors apply to the fire department budget. | To complete the thought, after seven years of very low growth, the city has been instructed to give permission to developers to build sufficient housing for 29,000 new residents to live in Burlington between now and 2031 and at least 70,000 residents by 2051. That represents a population increase of 36% by 2051. The city’s circumstances and financial needs are not governed by the same influences as those of individual community members, which are enormously varied. The city will continue to provide services to the residents of Burlington long into the future. Just as has been true for all current residents, future residents have every right to expect to live in a properly designed and maintained, adequately serviced, and well functioning municipality, that will be much larger than today and will require much more infrastructure and servicing than exists today. Things are changing in Burlington. These are complex times that require careful consideration and thoughtful decisions. I believe Council has done that in this budget. | 2023 marks Burlington’s 150th anniversary. The journey to Burlington’s sesquicentennial anniversary began in 1873 when the villages of Wellington Square and Port Nelson merged to become the Village of Burlington. The Village of Burlington became the Town of Burlington in 1914 and the City of Burlington in 1974. Throughout the year, some events or programs will have added features to help commemorate the anniversary and will be marked with a new identifier for the occasion. More information on those events or programs will be shared when details are ready. Burlington 150 Identifier To help mark the occasion, a graphic identifier has been designed to highlight events and opportunities for residents to celebrate Burlington’s anniversary. The identifier was designed to capture the complexity and beauty of the land and the people. | • The plus symbol is in recognition of the Indigenous history of the land that goes beyond 150 years. We honour the diverse Indigenous peoples that have lived in this area and we acknowledge that Burlington is on Treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
• The identifier uses four shapes and colours to represent Burlington:
o Green represents nature and the land.
o Yellow symbolizes unity and our multi-cultural community.
o Light blue symbolizes freedom as we continue to live in peace and harmony
o Orange represents commitment to Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation. | The City of Burlington is pleased to announce Emilie Cote as the new Director of Recreation, Community & Culture. Emilie brings a passion for community service delivery and a strategic vision with more than 15 years of progressive municipal experience in operating departments within the City including Manager of Business Services, Manager of Fleet within Roads, Parks and Forestry and her most recent role as Manager of Recreation Services. Emilie has also been a key member of the City’s Covid-19 response team and numerous corporate initiatives including the Hybrid Workforce team and E-Government program.
Prior to joining the City of Burlington, Emilie was employed by the YWCA of Hamilton as Supervisor of Health and Wellness and as Head Coach for the Milton Heights Alpine racing Club. Emilie started her new role on January 30. | The City of Burlington is pleased to announce Jacqueline Johnson as the new Executive Director of Community Relations & Engagement. | Jacqueline has been a leader in municipal government for over 14 years leading, supporting, and advocating for impactful changes in Human Services. Through her experience working with some of the most vulnerable people in the community, she continues to influence and drive change to the delivery of human services programs by expanding participation at strategic tables. Jacqueline was most recently the Director of Community Access at the Region of Peel, which includes services for clients on Ontario Works, where she led the implementation of the Province's new Vision for Social Assistance in Peel including what the transformation means for Ontario Works clients and the community. As a key member of Peel’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, she championed the launch of Peel’s first workforce census and the development of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy. She is committed to ensuring that the voices of clients, residents, and staff continues to be heard and accounted for in the design of programs and services. Jacqueline has also obtained a number of professional certifications including Human Centered Process Design, Change Management and Project Management Professional (PMP). The new position of Executive Director of Community Relations & Engagement has been part of the City’s efforts to support the development of an even stronger and deeper relationship with our customers and the community. The role will provide strategic leadership and oversight for:
• Corporate Communications and Engagement
• Customer Experience; and
• Office of the City Clerk Jacqueline started her role on February 13. | Coyotes tend to be more visible at this time of year because they are looking for food and a mate which means they can be more active during the day.
You can prevent coyotes from visiting your property by following some simple precautions:
• Clean up around or remove bird feeders which attract rodents, one of the coyote’s main food sources.
• Store garbage, compost and pet food securely, in a place coyotes cannot access.
• Install flashing lights, motion sensors and/or noise makers outside your property.
• Make sure spaces around/under decks and sheds are closed off. Residents can also request an audit of their yard for coyote attractants by city Animal Control staff, please email animalshelter@burlington.ca. Report your concerns about direct or indirect feeding of wildlife to Animal Control at animalshelter@burlington.ca. Hand and ground feeding wildlife on private or public property is prohibited by the City’s Lot Maintenance Bylaw (49-2022) and is subject to a fine. Backyard bird feeders are exempt under the City’s Lot Maintenance Bylaw (49-2022) but they must be well maintained to avoid fines. Pet owners are reminded to keep dogs on leash at all times when walking in parks or green spaces and to keep cats indoors. | What to do if you see a coyote
If you see a coyote, keep your distance and the animal will most likely avoid you. If a coyote approaches:
• Stop. Pick up small children and pets
• Stand still
• Make yourself appear larger by waving your hands in the air
• Make noise by shouting “GO AWAY,” clapping your hands or blowing a whistle
• Use hazing techniques, such as popping open an umbrella, shaking your keys or throwing an object near the coyote
• Slowly back away. Never run from, or turn your back on, a coyote
Report coyote sightings using the form at burlington.ca/coyotes. Municipalities are responsible for taking appropriate actions to manage resident coyote sightings, encounters and attacks. The City has a Council approved Coyote Response Strategy in place that provides guidelines on preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes. Paul's Comments: It won't be long before we see coyotes out and about hunting for food. This will go on through the summer and gets more intense as the cubs get older. Then they leave their dens and disburse for the winter. Living with coyotes is a problem that seems to have gone in cycles over the last twelve years. Some years are worse than others. The year 2020 seemed to be one of the more challenging years. In March 2021, we held a coyote information meeting to answer Burlington and Oakville residents' questions about how to safely live with coyotes. If you are concerned about coyotes, please watch the video here. Please know that I have had a lot of experience with working with challenging coyote situations. If you wish to speak to me about your own concerns, please email ward5@burlington.ca to set up a suitable time for us to speak on the phone or possibly meet onsite where you have seen coyotes. | The City Spring 2023 recreation programs for preschool, youth and teens and Summer Camps are open for online registration. Both the spring session and summer camps will provide a variety of fun, interesting and active options. Programs are available for viewing at burlington.ca/recreation. Adult Spring 2023 programs for ages 19+ and 55+ will be viewable March 1, and open for online registration March 11. Assisted Registration
Residents who need extra support or do not have online access to register for programs, can call 905-335-7738 for staff-assisted telephone registrations starting Feb. 11 and March 11 at 9 a.m. The Recreation customer service team is also available through email at liveandplay@burlington.ca. Phone and email support is available Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In-person registration is available at the Tansley Woods Community Centre and starting Monday, March 13 at Burlington Seniors’ Centre. For more information on how to set up an account or register online, visit burlington.ca/registration. Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation is for all, regardless of financial situation. Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to resident individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreation programs. For more information or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance. | The public art program is looking for comments on the Mountainside Pool Revitalization Project Public Art mural. These comments will help the Steering Committee choose the final artist from the three finalists they selected. Residents can go to getinvolvedburlington.ca/mountainsidepa until Monday, Feb. 20 to view and comment on the mural concepts. For more information, please visit www.burlington.ca/publicart. | Burlington Transit has named changes to a number of their service schedules that came into effect Sunday, Feb. 12. These changes will help the buses stay on schedule so they arrive when you expect them to. Routes 2 and 3 will provide service every 20 minutes on weekdays. All other schedule changes include adjustments to arrival times. This will improve connections to other bus routes and GO trains and buses. The following routes have new schedules: • Route 1 Plains
• Route 2 Brant
• Route 3 Guelph
• Route 10 New-Maple
• Route 12 Upper Middle
• Route 25 Walkers
• Route 80 Harvester
• Route 81 North Service View the new schedules and plan your trip using myride.burlingtontransit.ca. | Latch Developments has appealed its Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendment applications to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) for the proposed development at 1989 Appleby Line due to a non-decision. The application proposes to replace the existing gas station use with the development of two 20-storey residential buildings connected by a shared 6-storey podium with retail at grade. Next steps: The OLT will schedule a Case Management Conference (CMC) for this appeal. Notice of the CMC will be circulated to those who have commented on the applications to date, those who have requested notice and neighbours within 120 metres of the subject property.
Learn more at burlington.ca/1989Appleby. | The City of Burlington is creating a new residential parking permit program for residential on-street parking. Take a short online survey to help inform City staff. They will use the information to: • Create an on-street parking permit program;
• Balance on-street parking with safety, road use, enforcement and emergency vehicle access;
• Create consistent rules and regulations city-wide and
• Create a residential on-street parking permit that meets residents needs based on changing conditions | As parking needs change in Burlington, the City is working to offer residents parking options to manage parking needs and the growth of our city through development. The goal of the on-street parking permit program is to provide a permit program that works safely and maintains emergency vehicle access. The parking permit survey closes on Monday, March 6, 2023. Staff will present a report with the survey results and a permit program to the City’s Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility Committee and City Council this summer. Learn more at getinvolvedburlington.ca/parkingpermits. | The Burlington Food Bank recently announced that they will be opening a brand new distribution centre in October 2023 at 5280 Mainway in Burlington’s Ward 5. The new venture will be an exciting opportunity to continue the Food Bank’s mission to ‘provide nutritious food to the hungry of our community in a dignified and timely manner’. This expansion of the Food Bank’s facilities stems from lessons learned during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The team at the Burlington Food Bank have seen a continuing rise year over year in the number of requests for food assistance within the community. In conjunction with this rise, the team has also seen the wider Burlington community step up and help to feed their neighbours. This change in food security needs has also seen a similar growth across the Region of Halton and in turn, has led to the identification of the necessity for a more concerted food distribution hub. The current Burlington Food Bank, located at 1A – 1254 Plains Road East will continue to operate as the pickup location for clients of the Burlington Food Bank serving out of the west end of the city and open to all residents of Burlington. Meanwhile, the new Mainway distribution facility will be used to serve not only the Food Bank’s Plains Road East location but will also expand its ability to help the wider network of food security solutions found across the City of Burlington and out into the Region of Halton. Read the entire news release. | Drop by the open house at the new Orchard Community Hub, located in St. Christopher’s Catholic Elementary School at 2400 Sutton Road, Thursday, February 23 between 6:30-8:00 pm. The community hub is a free space for neighbourhood groups looking to enhance connections with residents through free activities, programs and events. To learn more about the space visit burlington.ca/communityhub. | I am pleased to resume Ward 5 drop-in sessions. This is an opportunity for you to drop by and meet with me one-on one to discuss community issues, provide me with suggestions and have your questions answered. Open forum – join the conversation. Appointments are not necessary. Tuesday, Feb. 21
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Fortinos Food Court, 2515 Appleby Line Thursday, Mar. 23
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Fortinos seating area, 5111 New Street Thursday, Apr. 20
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Tim Hortons, 5353 Lakeshore Road | On January 25, Halton Regional Council approved the 2023 Budget and Business Plan. The 2023 Budget details how the Region will keep property taxes low while investing in the critical services and infrastructure that contribute to a high quality of life in Halton. The 2023 Budget and Business Plan is based on the Region’s prudent, forward-looking financial planning principles. The Budget responds to key needs in the community despite significant economic pressures and changing service demands as COVID-19 recovery continues. The 2023 Budget presents a multi-year financial plan to address the key service priorities identified by Regional Council. It includes a 3.0 per cent property tax increase for Regional services and a 4.0 per cent increase for the Halton Regional Police Service. Combined, the overall Regional property tax increase is 3.4 per cent. It also includes a rate increase of 4.1 per cent for water and wastewater services. In keeping with Halton’s fiscally responsible approach to financial planning, the 2023 Budget identifies savings and efficiencies to provide maximum value for tax and rate payers. | Some of this year’s key investments include:
• Public Health: $344,000 investment to support emerging needs in the community post-pandemic.
• Paramedic Services: $1.3 million investment including additional full-time paramedics to address pressures related to increased call volumes.
• Services for Seniors: $1.6 million investment for additional personal support workers to provide increased direct care hours to residents in the Region’s three Long-Term Care homes.
• Housing Services: $2.4 million increased investment to support assisted housing, rent supplement, and homelessness prevention programs.
• Children’s Services: continued implementation of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Childcare Plan - known as $10/day childcare.
• Halton Region Community Investment Fund (HRCIF): $250,000 increased investment to meet new and emerging community needs with services provided by non-profit organizations in Halton. The HRCIF now totals $4.0 million.
• State-of-Good-Repair Program: $7.9 million increased investment to support the water and wastewater state-of-good-repair capital program, and $1.0 million increased investment to support the transportation capital program. To learn more about Halton Region’s 2023 Budget and Business Plan, please visit the 2023 Budget and Business Plan page on halton.ca. | Burlington's beloved prix-fixe dining event is back for its 15th year. From Tuesday, Feb. 21 to Sunday, Mar. 12, a Taste of Burlington is running across the city in a variety of participating restaurants. Support local and enjoy some fine cuisine. Learn more at tasteofburlington.ca. | What has it meant to be a woman in Canada throughout its 150-year history? This new exhibit at the Joseph Brant Museum highlights how women from all walks of life have transformed Canada. This exhibit is ongoing from Feb. 7 to May 27. Be sure to check out the permanent exhibits on the history of Burlington while you're there. Learn more at museumsofburlington.ca | Learn more about what is upcoming at City Council. Visit with City’s Calendar to find meeting dates and agendas for upcoming standing committees of Council | Many in our community face challenges including loneliness, isolation, anxiety, stress, and financial pressures. There are many resources available to help us during these difficult days. Please share with neighbours, family members and friends who may need support at this time. Kids Help Phone – Phone 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Crisis Text Line - Free 24/7 support for people in crisis. Text HOME to 686868.
Canada Suicide Prevention/Crisis Service - Phone 1-833-456-4566.
Canadian Mental Health Association - Halton Region Branch – Call 905-693-4270 or toll-free 1-877-693-4270.
Connex Ontario - Assists with helping you discover mental health, addiction, and gambling services. 1-866-531-2600.
Wellness Together Canada – Mental health and substance abuse support. For immediate crisis support text WELLNESS to 741741.
BounceBack Ontario - Free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
World Health Organization - offers parenting resources and healthy at home topics. | • For information about COVID-19 in Halton Region, including the latest public health guidance and the status of COVID-19 cases, please visit halton.ca/coronavirus / COVID-19 Vaccine information
• Community questions and requests regarding City of Burlington services can be directed to Service Burlington by phone at 905-335-7777, by email at city@burlington.ca or online
• Residents can stay informed at burlington.ca/coronavirus as well as on our social media channels: @cityburlington on Twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington
• Government of Ontario: ontario.ca/coronavirus / COVID-19 Vaccine Information
• Government of Canada: canada.ca/coronavirus
• World Health Organization: who.int
• Joseph Brant Hospital: josephbranthospital.ca/covid-19
• Team Burlington (Burlington’s business organizations) | Paul Sharman Ward 5 Councillor
City of Burlington & Region of Halton | If you do not already, would you like to receive my monthly news letter? If yes, please click here | Contact Information Paul Sharman
City/Regional Councillor
Ward 5, City of Burlington
email: paul.sharman@burlington.ca
phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7591 | |
