Major Transit Station Areas
The City of Burlington is in our next phase of city-building as we approach full build-out of our urban area. We are looking at area-specific plans (ASPs) for Aldershot GO, Burlington GO and Appleby GO Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) to continue implementing our vision for the right level of intensification for Burlington. We are also looking to protect established neighbourhoods by focusing future population growth to key areas, such as around higher order transit.
This work is not new. We started with the Mobility Hubs Study in 2017-2018 and focused on area-specific planning work for the three GO Station areas. At that time, we gathered feedback through visioning, public engagement and technical studies. From there, we drafted precinct plans for each study area around the Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby GO Stations. In the end, these draft precinct plans were presented to Council for comment, but not approved and the Mobility Hubs Study was placed on hold. For more information on the Mobility Hubs Study including past events and staff reports, please visit the Mobility Hubs Study webpage.
We are now planning to resume this work as the MTSA Area-Specific Planning Project. We will build upon and refine the work undertaken through the Mobility Hubs Study. This includes:
- the completion of all required technical studies,
- more public and stakeholder engagement,
- completion of three (3) area-specific plans,
- implementing Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments, and
- other implementation strategies as required
Please subscribe to this project page to stay up-to-date.
To assist Council in making their decision, the City is committed to leading an open and transparent public engagement process to ensure the voices of people from every corner of the city are heard and valued.
The City of Burlington is in our next phase of city-building as we approach full build-out of our urban area. We are looking at area-specific plans (ASPs) for Aldershot GO, Burlington GO and Appleby GO Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) to continue implementing our vision for the right level of intensification for Burlington. We are also looking to protect established neighbourhoods by focusing future population growth to key areas, such as around higher order transit.
This work is not new. We started with the Mobility Hubs Study in 2017-2018 and focused on area-specific planning work for the three GO Station areas. At that time, we gathered feedback through visioning, public engagement and technical studies. From there, we drafted precinct plans for each study area around the Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby GO Stations. In the end, these draft precinct plans were presented to Council for comment, but not approved and the Mobility Hubs Study was placed on hold. For more information on the Mobility Hubs Study including past events and staff reports, please visit the Mobility Hubs Study webpage.
We are now planning to resume this work as the MTSA Area-Specific Planning Project. We will build upon and refine the work undertaken through the Mobility Hubs Study. This includes:
- the completion of all required technical studies,
- more public and stakeholder engagement,
- completion of three (3) area-specific plans,
- implementing Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments, and
- other implementation strategies as required
Please subscribe to this project page to stay up-to-date.
To assist Council in making their decision, the City is committed to leading an open and transparent public engagement process to ensure the voices of people from every corner of the city are heard and valued.
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The Major Transit Station Area Preliminary Preferred Precinct Plans (October 2021) are now available!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe following primer documents are intended to present a snapshot of the key highlights of each MTSA Preliminary Preferred Precinct Plans (October 2021), a preliminary vision and an overview of each precinct, including proposed building heights and built form elements. A number of things have changed since the draft precinct plans were presented to the public and Burlington City Council in 2018. The drivers of the key changes that have been made or are being considered is also highlighted.
- Aldershot GO MTSA Preliminary Preferred Precinct Plan
- Burlington GO MTSA Preliminary Preferred Precinct Plan
- Appleby GO MTSA Preliminary Preferred Precinct Plan
We invite you to review the MTSA Preliminary Preferred Precinct Plans and provide feedback by emailing mtsa@burlington.ca by Friday, November 5th, 2021.
The City will also be hosting virtual Public Information Centres to hear what you think about these preliminary preferred precinct plans, including the overall vision for each area, land uses, building heights and urban design considerations. Please join us for one or all of these meetings on Zoom:
- Aldershot GO MTSA Oct. 13, 2021, 7-9 p.m.
- Burlington GO MTSA Oct. 19, 2021, 7-9 p.m.
- Appleby GO MTSA Oct. 26, 2021, 7-9 p.m.
- All MTSAs Nov. 2, 2021, 7-9 p.m.
A detailed online workbook and survey will be available in the coming days to allow an additional opportunity to provide feedback on each plan and specific precinct elements. Stay tuned!
If you would like to connect with the project team directly and schedule a one-on-one meeting with a Planner on the team, please contact us at mtsa@burlington.ca.
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Background Report and Engagement Plan now available
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe background report – Planning for Burlington’s Major Transit Station Areas: What you need to Know is now available.
This report is intended to provide you with a guide to the background to the City’s area-specific planning work around the Aldershot GO, Burlington GO and Appleby GO Stations, including the previous Mobility Hubs Study and the current MTSA Area-Specific Planning Project. Along with this background report, here are technical studies initiated through the previous Mobility Hubs Study (2017-2019) scope of work that have now been completed, including:
- Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment: Aldershot (Prepared by ASI, August 24, 2018)
- Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment: Burlington (Prepared by ASI, August 24, 2018)
- Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment: Appleby (Prepared by ASI, August 16, 2018)
- Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment: Built Heritage Resources and Cultural Heritage Landscapes Aldershot Mobility Hub Study Area (Prepared by ASI, May 2019, revised October 2019)
- Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment: Built Heritage Resources and Cultural Heritage Landscapes Appleby Mobility Hub Study Area (Prepared by ASI, May 2019, revised October 2019)
- GO Station Mobility Hub Market Analysis (prepared by N. Barry Lyons and Associates, August 2017)
- Pre-Feasibility Noise and Vibration Study: Burlington Mobility Hubs (prepared by Wood Environment and Infrastructure Solutions Wood, August 2021)
Other technical studies will be released and posted to the Document Library on this project page, once complete.
The MTSA Area-Specific Planning Project Engagement Plan is now available.
This plan outlines opportunities for the community to share their input throughout the project.
In October, the City of Burlington will be looking for your feedback and ideas on preliminary preferred precinct plans for the MTSAs. Your input on the preliminary preferred precinct plans and policy and zoning directions is important. Your feedback, findings from technical studies, and planning analysis will together define a vision to guide future development, land uses, building heights, urban design considerations and more. Stay tuned for engagement details coming soon.
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Urban Growth Centre Boundary Adjustment - Read the Media Release
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkMinister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announces Burlington can adjust UGC Boundary
Burlington, Ont.—June 15, 2021 — Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark joined Burlington MPP Jane McKenna and Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward this morning to announce that Burlington will be able to adjust the boundary of its existing provincial Urban Growth Centre (UGC) designation.
The adjustment of the boundary of the UGC, once centered on our downtown core, will put the focus of the designation on the Burlington GO Station, allowing the City to direct future height and density near mass transit and help build more complete communities.
This decision supports the work already incorporated into Burlington’s revised new Official Plan (OP), already approved by Halton Region. Burlington’s new OP includes stronger protections for green space, heritage, jobs, the rural community, established low-density neighbourhoods and a special focus on preserving the character of the downtown.
Burlington is city where people, nature and businesses thrive. City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19. The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and download the free City of Burlington app.
Quotes
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark
“Our government has been clear that transit-oriented communities are our priority. I am proud to support Jane McKenna, MPP Burlington, and Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward by re-designating the Urban Growth Centre away from the downtown and closer to the Burlington GO station which will ensure that the downtown area is preserved. This will also ensure that people will live closer to transit so that they can spend less time commuting, and more time with their families.”
Burlington MPP Jane McKenna
“Burlington’s Urban Growth Centre and Major Transit Station Area designation have been in place for over a decade. This re-designation will put homes near transit which aligns with the policies laid out in the provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. It will also help preserve the many incredible features that makes downtown Burlington unique. Today’s announcement has been years in the making and is the result of a tremendous collaborative effort by the Mayor and Council, local and provincial planning experts, senior members of the Ontario government and most importantly, the residents of our great city.”
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“I am absolutely thrilled by today’s announcement. This great outcome for our city is grounded in extensive study, analysis, planning rationale and feedback, and from day one, there was unanimous support from all members of our city council for this change. Executive Director of Community Planning, Heather MacDonald, has provided clear and consistent professional planning advice to council to fully complete the necessary and substantive planning policy work to support the recommended UGC boundary adjustment.
We did not do this alone. This has been a truly collaborative process with our community, including residents, developers, partner agencies, your City Council, City and Regional leaders and staff, our Regional Chair and fellow Halton Mayors. This outcome today is also the result of a great deal of hard work and advocacy from our local MPP Jane McKenna, and everyone at the Ministry of Municipal Housing and Affairs, led by Minister Clark.
Burlington continues to be open for growth and development in the right places and at the right scale. Our city will evolve and grow in ways that honour everything that makes Burlington such a special place to live, work and play.”
Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility, Heather MacDonald
“This is great news for the work staff is doing as it aligns nicely with our revised new Official Plan (OP) and Major Transit Station Areas (MTSA) project. Our team is also working closely with Halton Region on their Official Plan Review, currently underway.
This boundary adjustment for Burlington will help to implement planning policies that focus on maintaining our established communities and neigbourhoods while directing growth and intensification where appropriate and transit supportive.”
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June 8, 2021 - Draft Workplan and Engagement Plan will go to Committee
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkOn June 8, staff will deliver a draft project workplan for approval and present a draft public engagement plan to the Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility (CPRM) Committee, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The CPRM Committee meeting can be viewed on the Council and Committee Live Stream.
You may register to speak at Council. The deadline to sign up to speak at this meeting is June 7, 2021 at noon.
The staff report and accompanying appendices, including the draft terms of reference and draft engagement plan, are now available, on the Burlington Calendar or visit the document library on this project page.
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May 17th Council Workshop
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkAt the Council Workshop Meeting, staff provided the following for Council questions and discussion:
- An overview of area-specific planning work undertaken through the Mobility Hubs Study 2017-2018
- A preliminary overview of Major Transit Station Area Area-Specific Planning workplan, timing and engagement
Please see the May 17 Council Workshop Meeting Revised Agenda for a copy of the staff presentation and video of the meeting.
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Who's Listening
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Manager of Policy and Community
Email mtsa@burlington.ca -
Coordinator of Community Initiatives
Email mtsa@burlington.ca -
Senior Planner, Community Initiatives
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Senior Planner
Email mtsa@burlington.ca -
Planner - Community Initiatives
Email mtsa@burlington.ca
Level of Engagement
- Inform
- Involve
- Consult
Learn more about the IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum
Key Dates and Project Milestones
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May 17, 2021 - Council Workshop
Major Transit Station Areas has finished this stageAt the Council Workshop Meeting, staff provided the following for questions and discussion:
- An overview of area-specific planning work undertaken through the Mobility Hubs Study 2017-2018
- A preliminary overview of Major Transit Station Area Area-Specific Planning workplan, timing and engagement
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June 8, 2021 - Draft terms of reference/workplan presented to Council
Major Transit Station Areas has finished this stageStaff will present to Council the draft terms of reference (workplan) for approval and a draft engagement plan.Please see the June 8 CPRM Committee Meeting Revised Agenda for a copy of the staff presentation and video of the meeting
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Background Report - mid-September, 2021
Major Transit Station Areas has finished this stageThis report is intended to provide you with a guide to the background of the previous Mobility Hubs Study, the current process and to prepare you for the upcoming engagement .
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Oct. 13, 7 to 9 p.m. Aldershot GO Public Information Centre
Major Transit Station Areas has finished this stageJoin City Staff for a virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) about area-specific plans (ASPs) for the Aldershot Major Transit Station Area (MTSA).
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
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Oct. 19, 7 to 9 p.m. Burlington GO Public Information Centre
Major Transit Station Areas has finished this stageJoin City Staff for a virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) about area-specific plans (ASPs) for the Burlington GO Major Transit Station Area (MTSA).
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
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Oct. 26, 7 to 9 p.m. Appleby GO Public Information Centre
Major Transit Station Areas has finished this stageJoin City Staff for a virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) about area-specific plans (ASPs) for the Appleby GO Major Transit Station Area (MTSA).
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
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Nov. 2, 7 to 9 p.m. All MTSAs Public Information Centre
Major Transit Station Areas has finished this stageJoin City Staff for a virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) about area-specific plans (ASPs) for all of Burlington’s Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs).
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
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Workbooks are Available for all 3 MTSAs
Major Transit Station Areas has finished this stageAll workbooks close on November 12 at 4:30 p.m.
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January 11 - Interim Report to Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility - Q1 2022
Major Transit Station Areas has finished this stageThe staff report and Dillon’s Interim report will be available the week December 20 of online.
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Feb. 22 - May 13 Talk with a Planner
Major Transit Station Areas has finished this stageBook a time to Talk to a Planner or send us your comments by emailing mtsa@burlington.ca today!
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June 28 - Release of Area-Specific Plan (ASP) Planning Study
Major Transit Station Areas has finished this stageThe staff report and Dillon Consulting’s Area-Specific Plan Planning Study will be available on June 28 online.
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July 5, 9:30 a.m. - Planning Study and Staff Report to Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility
Major Transit Station Areas has finished this stageStaff will present to Council Dillon Consulting’s Area-Specific Planning Study and Staff Report for information and discussion.
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2023 - Project Update
Major Transit Station Areas is currently at this stageProject updates will be provided on this page in early 2023, stay tuned!
Document Library
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MTSA ASP Final Study Report, Staff Report & Precinct Plans (Jun & Jul 2022)
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MTSA Draft Final Report and ASP Planning Study (Accessible Version).pdf (20.9 MB) (pdf)
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Burlington GO Precinct Plan (from Final Study Report).pdf (1.49 MB) (pdf)
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Aldershot GO Precinct Plan (from Final Study Report).pdf (1.45 MB) (pdf)
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Staff report PL-10-22 Major Transit Station Areas - Area Specific Plans Planning Study update.pdf (396 KB) (pdf)
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PL-10-22 Appendix C-Modifications to recommended preferred precinct plans.pdf (236 KB) (pdf)
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PL-10-22 Council Density Request Update Addendum July 11 2022 Final.pdf (67.6 KB) (pdf)
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Council Information Package (June 10, 2022)
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Technical Studies
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Air Quality Report (November 2021).pdf (23.4 MB) (pdf)
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16EA-344 Stage 1 Archaeological Report - Appleby GO.pdf (3.01 MB) (pdf)
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16EA-341 Stage 1 Archaeological Report - Burlington GO.pdf (3.23 MB) (pdf)
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16EA-339 Stage 1 Archaeological Report - Aldershot GO.pdf (2.44 MB) (pdf)
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16EA-345 Appleby Mobility Hub_CHRA_Oct2019_FINAL.pdf (4.1 MB) (pdf)
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16EA-340 Aldershot Mobility Hub_CHRA_Oct2019_FINAL.pdf (3.91 MB) (pdf)
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GO Station Mobility Hub Market Analysis_NBLC_ August 2017.pdf (1.81 MB) (pdf)
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MTSA Planning Area Market Study (Watson, June 2022).pdf (745 KB) (pdf)
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Pre-Feasibility Noise and Vibration Study Burlington Mobility Hubs_Wood_August 2021.pdf (2.38 MB) (pdf)
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Interim Report, Recommended Preferred Precinct Plans & Staff Report (Dec 2021 & Jan 2022)
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Interim Report Dillon - Final December 22 2021.pdf (25 MB) (pdf)
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Burlington RPPP.pdf (3.43 MB) (pdf)
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Appleby RPPP.pdf (6.85 MB) (pdf)
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Aldershot RPPP.pdf (3.54 MB) (pdf)
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Staff Report PL-02-22 MTSA ASP Project Recommended Preferred Precinct Plans.pdf (346 KB) (pdf)
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PL-02-22 Appendix E Fall 2021 Feedback Report.pdf (1.52 MB) (pdf)
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Fall 2021 Public Engagement Materials
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Burlington MTSA primer document_October2021.pdf (1.49 MB) (pdf)
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Appleby MTSA primer document_October2021.pdf (1.28 MB) (pdf)
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Aldershot MTSA primer document.pdf (1.34 MB) (pdf)
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Burlington GO MTSA PIC Oct 19 Presentation Public.pdf (3.91 MB) (pdf)
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Burlington GO MTSA PIC Q A Final.pdf (194 KB) (pdf)
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Aldershot PIC Oct 13 2021.pdf (4.42 MB) (pdf)
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Aldershot GO MTSA Public Information Centre- QA response Oct 2021.pdf (247 KB) (pdf)
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Appleby GO MTSA PIC Oct 26 Public.pdf (3.68 MB) (pdf)
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Appleby GO MTSA PIC Q A Final_.pdf (196 KB) (pdf)
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Background Report & Engagement Plan (Sept 2021)
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MTSA Project Terms of Reference & Supporting Committee Documents
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PL-27-21 Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) Area-Specific Planning Terms of Reference.pdf (323 KB) (pdf)
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PL-27-21 Appendix A_Proposed MTSA Area-Specific Planning Project Terms of Reference.pdf (2.31 MB) (pdf)
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PL-27-21 Appendix B_Draft MTSA ASP Engagement Plan.pdf (536 KB) (pdf)
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PL-27-21 Appendix C_Phase 2 Flood Hazard and Scoped SWM Terms of Reference.pdf (212 KB) (pdf)
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Council Workshop Document (May 17, 2021)
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MTSA Study Area Maps
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Mobility Hubs Study Documents (2017 - 2018)
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PB-48-16-Staff Report on Mobility Hubs Area-Specfic Planning Workplan (July 2016).pdf (524 KB) (pdf)
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Mobility Hubs Terms of Reference (Nov 2016).pdf (1.01 MB) (pdf)
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PB-76-17. Mobility Hubs Preferred Concepts (Dec 2017)pdf (347 KB) (pdf)
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PB-65-18-Mobility Hubs Draft Precinct Plans (July 2018).pdf (545 KB) (pdf)
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Mobility Hubs Opportunities & Constraints Study (May 2014, PB-54-14 Appendix A).pdf (13.4 MB) (pdf)
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Meeting Recordings & Videos
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Click here to play video October 13 Aldershot MTSA Public Information Centre Recording Recording for the October 13 Aldershot MTSA Public Information Centre is available. For closed captioning, click the CC icon.
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Click here to play video October 19 Burlington GO MTSA Public Information Centre Recording. Recording for the October 19 Burlington GO MTSA Public Information Centre is available. For closed captioning, click the CC icon.
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Click here to play video Recording for October 26 Appleby MTSA Public Information Centre Recording for the October 26 Appleby GO MTSA Public Information Centre is available. For closed captioning, click the CC icon.