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Regional Official Plan Review – The Downtown Burlington Urban Growth Centre and Major Transit Station Area Supplemental Discussion Paper

Over the past few months, Halton Region has been engaging with our community as they review the Regional Official Plan. Thank you to all participants for their feedback to date.

As part of the review process, the Region is now looking for feedback on a new supplemental discussion paper about the Major Transit Station Area and Urban Growth Centre in Downtown Burlington. The Region has been working with the City of Burlington to reconsider the Major Transit Station Area designation and to examine options to adjust the Urban Growth Centre boundary to generally align with lands around the Burlington GO Station.

The full discussion paper can be downloaded from the Region’s summary webpage:

• Downtown Burlington Urban Growth Centre and Major Transit Station Area Supplemental Discussion Paper (Integrated Growth Management Strategy)

Public Information Centres (PICs)

You are invited to attend a virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) on this supplemental Discussion Paper online or by phone. Two PICs will be held to accommodate the schedules of as many participants as possible. The same presentation will be given at the beginning of each meeting and will be followed by a Question and Answer period. To join a meeting:

• Online: Visit halton.ca/ropr on the date of the PIC to access the Zoom webinar
• By phone: Call 1-855-703-8985 (Toll Free) and use the meeting IDs and passcodes below. Those joining by phone are not to submit questions live during the meeting—please email ropr@halton.ca or call 311 to submit questions in advance of the PIC. You can check halton.ca/ropr closer to the meeting to download a copy of the presentation in order to follow along.

PIC 1

Thur., November 19, 2020 | 1 p.m.

Call 1-855-703-8985 (Toll Free) or 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588 or use this link to join via Zoom

Meeting ID: 965 8371 6047 | Passcode: 930488

PIC 2

Wed., November 25, 2020 | 7 p.m.

Call 1-855-703-8985 (Toll Free) or 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588 or use this link to join via Zoom

Meeting ID: 980 8592 6459 | Passcode: 930488

You can also email Halton Region at ropr@halton.ca to submit comments directly to project staff or request a more focused consultation session to address your interests.

In addition to the PICs, you can participate in the review process by completing the topic-specific questionnaire on the supplemental Discussion Paper by Dec. 22, 2020.

Nov. 3, 2020 — At a Special Virtual Meeting of Burlington City Council on Monday, Nov. 2, Council approved the extension and amendments of the temporary patio bylaws to Oct. 31, 2021. Council also approved amendments to make sure winterized temporary covered patios or tents on private property are safe to protect both restaurant customers and staff. Bylaw, fire, snow clearance and zoning requirements need to be met to protect public health and safety in the event of heavy snowfall, ice or the need to evacuate a tent or building.

The City of Burlington is also offering a grant program to reimburse the costs of Building permit fees in the estimated total amount of $5000 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund for outdoor patios and tent structures when a building permit is required, with an expiry date of Oct. 31, 2021. This will save applicants the $280 application fee for a zoning permit for such tents.

Restaurants that have existing outdoor patio agreements with the City of Burlington and would like to operate a patio throughout the winter must inform the City of Burlington by Nov. 8, 2020.

Through a Winter Patio Task Force, a restaurant that expresses interest in operating their patio throughout the winter season on public land will be evaluated to ensure health and safety measures are upheld, including provincial regulations such as the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code, maintenance obligations under the Municipal Act, 2001 and minimum maintenance standards on public right of ways, public health regulations and relevant local bylaws. The overall safety of the public on the City’s rights of way, such as sidewalks, will also be considered.

The City’s Zoning Bylaw would be amended to remove the current time limitations of temporary structures and tents up to 60 m² to instead permit temporary structures until Oct. 31, 2021. While temporary structures of this size will be subject to the guidelines contained within the temporary use bylaw, this amendment will provide increased flexibility to restaurants.

City staff are committed to reviewing applications and granting approvals and agreements as fast as possible to help local restaurants and businesses understand how they can safely operate an outdoor patio during the winter season.

Updated guidelines for temporary patios and tents can be found on the City’s website at burlington.ca/patios. Contact the City’s Special Business Area Coordinator: Robert.Catherall@burlington.ca or 905-335-7600, ext. 7445 for more information.

This is part of the City of Burlington’s reopening response to the COVID-19 virus while protecting its staff and residents.

Earlier this year, Council approved bylaw amendments to allow temporary patios on private property to Jan 1, 2021. The temporary bylaw was passed to help local businesses operate during these unprecedented times and protect public health and safety.

Important message from Ontario Ministry of Health released today on Halloween:

If you are going trick or treating:

👉 Only go out with members of your household;
👉 Only trick or treat outside;
👉 Both trick or treaters & people handing out candy should wear a face covering. A costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering and should not be worn over a face covering as it may make it difficult to breathe;
👉 Do not congregate or linger at doorsteps and remember to line up two metres apart if waiting. Avoid high-touch surfaces and objects;
👉 Whether collecting or handing out treats, wash your hands often and thoroughly, or use hand sanitizer; and
👉 Do not leave treats in a bucket or bowl for children to grab and consider using tongs or other similar tools to hand out treats.

More info: https://bit.ly/2IMbjMo.

All sport games paused on City of Burlington sports fields and in facilities

Oct. 21, 2020— Following the recommendation of Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health and emerging evidence indicating cases from physical activity settings and contact sports are on the rise, the City of Burlington is taking further action to help reduce COVID-19 transmission.

The City will continue to follow the advice of Halton Region Public Health in an effort to protect the health and safety of residents and staff. As of Oct. 22, 2020:

• All sport games in City of Burlington facilities and on outdoor sport fields will be paused. Community Sport Organization renters are limited to training only where proper physical distancing can be maintained. There will be no games or scrimmages until further notice.

Dance is now permitted to continue with restrictions.

Indoor Fitness Pause

The outdoor sports game pause is in addition to the City of Burlington facility indoor fitness pause announced on Oct. 16.

• Pausing all City-run indoor fitness classes for Adult 19+ and 55+, including indoor pickleball and aquatic fitness
• Pausing any City of Burlington facility renter offering indoor fitness programs, including Pilates and yoga. To confirm if your program is still running, check with your organization

The intent of this pause is to slow the spread of COVID-19 and avoid going back into a modified Stage 2 status with further precautions.

The pause will be evaluated frequently and will be lifted once Halton Region Public Health deems it safe to resume these indoor and outdoor activities in City facilities and parks. The City of Burlington will continue to share updates with the public.

For more information on Burlington’s COVID-19 response, visit burlington.ca/coronavirus.

For information on recreation services, visit burlington.ca/fall. To reach customer service, call 905-335-7738 or email liveandplay@burlington.ca.

As the Victoria Day long weekend approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are asked to continue to practice physical distancing by staying at least six feet apart and continue to follow the advice of health care experts.

The City of Burlington is committed to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 to protect its residents and employees.

Virtual Fireworks

Residents wanting to enjoy virtual fireworks can take part in an augmented reality (AR) fireworks experience by going to the snapd HUB app. Visit snapd.com/victoriaday for more information on how to view the virtual fireworks.

Fireworks Bylaw

The Burlington Fire Department is discouraging family firework displays this Victoria Day weekend due to the potential fire hazard and concerns around social gathering.

Fireworks must be used in accordance with the City's bylaw that regulates the sale and use of fireworks:

• The setting off of fireworks is only permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day and the three days immediately before each of these holidays.
• Fireworks shall only be discharged on private property. No person shall set off any fireworks on any highway, street and not on public property including city parks or schoolyards.
• No person under the age of eighteen years shall set off any firework(s).
• No person shall use, set off any firework(s) in such a place or in such a manner as might create danger or constitute a nuisance to any person or property, or cause or allow any unsafe act or omission at the time and place for the setting off of any fireworks.
• No person shall set off any firework or fireworks in or into any building, doorway, automobile or other place where such setting off might create a danger or nuisance to any person or property

If you have any questions, please contact the Burlington Fire Department by email at firedepartment@burlington.ca.

The City of Burlington welcomed the news in a letter received from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Ministry of Transportation that there is no provincial requirement for mobility hubs to be identified in municipal official plans, including Downtown Burlington. The province also agrees that the John Street bus terminal does not constitute a mobility hub. The letter states that the Region of Halton, working together with the City of Burlington, has the ability to remove the identification of a mobility hub and the Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) designation in Downtown Burlington.

On Jan. 30, 2020, Burlington City Council approved the revised recommendations from the findings of the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) Land Use Study, including the approval of the proposed Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments resulting from the ICBL Land Use Study. The detailed ICBL study approved by Council in January, examined the role and function of the John Street bus terminal. The study concluded this terminal functions as an intercity bus transfer point and is not serviced by higher order or frequent transit as is expected for an MTSA as defined by the province.

The ICBL has helped the City of Burlington continue to work towards establishing a clear vision for the Burlington Downtown and around the Burlington GO Station. The City heard delegations at the Jan. 14, 2020 statutory meeting and received submissions from the public, stakeholders and Metrolinx regarding the proposed Official Plan policies and zoning regulations related to the establishment of maximum building heights in proximity to the Burlington GO Station. The findings of the ICBL Land Use Study respecting the role and function of the Downtown MTSA will inform the City's consideration of the appropriateness of the MTSA designation for the Downtown.

Next Steps

The City of Burlington and Region of Halton will review the information received by the Province and review the process for seeking changes to the MTSA designation. As outlined by the Province, this can be achieved through Regional and Burlington Official Plan amendments under section 17 of the Planning Act now, or during the Region’s next Municipal Comprehensive Review, which is currently underway.

The City’s Executive Director of Community Planning was previously requested by City Council to consider the appropriateness of requesting the removal of both the provincial MTSA and Urban Growth Centre designations from the Downtown. This report will be brought forward to City Council in the coming months.

Quick Facts

• An interim control bylaw (ICBL) is a tool available to Ontario municipalities as part of the Planning Act. An ICBL places a temporary “freeze” on the development of certain lands while a municipality is studying or reviewing its land use policies. The restrictions can only be imposed for one year, with a maximum extension of a second year. An ICBL may not be appealed when it is first passed, however the extension of the ICBL to a second year may be appealed.
• During the one-year “freeze” on development in the study area, the ICBL Land Use Study:
  • Assessed the role and function of the downtown bus terminal and the Burlington GO station on Fairview Street as Major Transit Station Areas
  • Examined the planning structure, land use mix and intensity for the lands identified in the study area
  • Proposed updates to the Official Plan and Zoning bylaw regulations as needed for the lands identified in the study area.

This one-year freeze has been extended due to appeals made to the Council approved zoning by-law amendments and will remain in place until the appeals are resolved.

As of April 13, 2020 the Burlington Fire Department is issuing a City-wide burn ban and suspending all Open Air Burning Permits until further notice.

As part of the COVID-19 response, a burn ban is being implemented as a preventative measure to ensure that Fire Department resources are available when and where needed most. Additionally, the Fire Department is trying to limit non-emergency interactions with residents and respect physical distancing requirements at this time.

Firework displays for the Victoria Day weekend are also being discouraged due to the potential fire hazard and concerns around social gathering.

Emergency orders currently in place to address the COVID-19 outbreak include the prohibiting of organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people. Failing to comply with any of the emergency orders is an offence under the Emergency Management and Civil Protections Act and may result in fines.

Stay informed with the latest local news and information on our dedicated City webpage: Burlington.ca/coronavirus, and visit the regional, provincial, and federal sites for even more information.

City of Burlington closes all City facilities to public access effective Monday, March 16 to Sunday, April 5

To protect the public and City staff and to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 virus, all City facilities including City Hall will be closed to public access effective Monday, March 16 to Sunday, April 5.

Essential services including Burlington Fire, Burlington Transit including Handi-Van, Halton Court Services, Traffic Services, By-Law Enforcement, Roads, Parks and Forestry Operations, Animal Control Services and POA Courts will continue to operate as usual to support our community. Cemetery services will be by appointment.

Service Burlington will continue to operate via phone 905-335-7600 and email city@burlington.ca and we encourage residents reach out if they have questions. Residents can also access services using the City of Burlington mobile app.

A drop box outside of City Hall is available to drop off documents.

Residents are encouraged to delay any non-essential business or to consider conducting business online or by phone, where possible.

Meetings with City staff where appropriate can be setup on a case by case basis and will require a health screening process in keeping with established public health guidelines.

Learn more

The annual engagement report and appendix is going to Committee on March 12th. Engagement highlights are found in “Appendix A” of the report and outlines:

• Engagement statistics from the online Get Involved Burlington portal and social media
  
• Awards/Conference Presentations/Studies and Webinars that Burlington has been part of
  
• New or innovative engagement approaches
  
• Training
  
• Delegation and municipal election statistics
  
• Projects and topics the public was consulted on
• Internal (staff) project consultations
• Decisions made based on public feedback

Members of the public are invited to provide their comments on staff recommendations resulting from the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) Land-Use Study at a statutory public meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020 at 9:30 a.m., in Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 426 Brant St.

The recommendations are based on the land-use study undertaken as a result of the ICBL, passed by City Council on March 5, 2019. The ICBL restricts the development of lands within the study area for a period of one year, including the Downtown Urban Growth Centre (UGC) and lands near the Burlington GO Station.

The recommendations from the findings of the ICBL study include proposed amendments to Burlington’s current in-force-and-effect Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw. The staff recommendation report and proposed amendments can be viewed online at burlington.ca/icbl.

The purpose of the proposed Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments is to:

• strengthen the integration between land use and transit by introducing policies related to transit-supportive development
• introduce the concept of Major Transit Station Areas and a policy framework
• introduce development criteria for development applications within the study area
• update or add definitions to the Official Plan to align with Provincial policy documents and/or assist in the interpretation of Official Plan policies
• introduce additional permitted uses and heights on lands near the Burlington GO Station.

Speaking to City Council at the meeting. Individuals who would like to delegate at the statutory public meeting on Jan. 14, 2020 are not required to register in advance. However, if you wish to arrange to speak at the meeting prior to Jan. 14, please register online at burlington.ca/delegate or contact the committee clerk, Jo-Anne Rudy by phone at 905-335-7600, ext. 7413 or email at jo-anne.rudy@burlington.ca.

Please note, any presentation materials must be submitted to Ms. Rudy by noon on Jan. 13, 2020 so that they may be reviewed by members of Council before the meeting on Jan. 14.

Recommendations from the findings of the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) Land-Use Study to be discussed at a statutory public meeting on Jan. 14, 2020

Quick Facts

• An interim control bylaw (ICBL) is a tool available to Ontario municipalities as part of the Planning Act. An ICBL places a temporary “freeze” on the development of certain lands while a municipality is studying or reviewing its land use policies. The restrictions can only be imposed for one year, with a maximum extension of a second year. An ICBL may not be appealed when it is first passed, however the extension of the ICBL to a second year may be appealed.
• Developments in the study area that submitted applications for site plan approval, in accordance with the approved zoning bylaw, prior to March 5, 2019, are exempt from the ICBL study area.
• During the one-year “freeze” on development in the study area, the ICBL Land Use Study:
• Assessed the role and function of the downtown bus terminal and the Burlington GO station on Fairview Street as Major Transit Station Areas
• Examined the planning structure, land use mix and intensity for the lands identified in the study area
• Proposed updates to the Official Plan and Zoning bylaw regulations as needed for the lands identified in the study area.

Links and Resources

• Read report PL-01-20 that will be presented to Burlington City Council at the Statutory Public Meeting on Jan. 14, 2020.
• Learn more about Burlington’s interim control bylaw