November 2023

Fall is officially here, with the leaves changing colour and falling. Always a colourful time of year and with the warmer weather that we have been experiencing this fall, trees have been holding onto their leaves a little bit longer. Please see the leaf collection details within this newsletter as times are slightly different from year to year.

We have a busy month coming up this November as we discuss the budget and have some heavy agendas full of items at our committees. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns with any agenda items that are being discussed at city hall.

We also have our grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Plains Road construction and bike lanes next week. I am very happy that this project is complete and looks great. My office has been receiving many complements now that the work is complete, and the roadway is as smooth as can be. Hope to see you at the ribbon cutting.

Kelvin Galbraith

Ward 1 City and Regional Councillor

kelvin.galbraith@burlington.ca

At Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services' Family Fall Fair and Annual General Meeting on Oct. 12

Participated in Tour d' Aldershot with my family on Sept. 30 in support of Next Door Social Space

Great learnings at the Gartner IT Symposium in October

Plains Road Ribbon Cutting

City staff have organized a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the Plains Road Bikeway project and you're invited to join Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and me at the event.

Date: Friday, November 3, 2023

Time: 10:15 - 10:45 a.m.

Location: Plains Road west and Howard Road intersection

This is a significant project that includes the first protected bike intersections in Burlington. These intersections are designed to increase physical separation from motor vehicles, improve sightlines, reduce the likelihood of highspeed vehicle turns and significantly reduce the distance and time during which cyclists are at higher risks of encountering a vehicle.

Project page: Plains Road Protected Bikeway and Resurfacing Project

Ward 1 Drop-in Session

Stop by, enjoy a coffee and a timbit, and share your thoughts with me about Ward 1 matters.

Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023

Time: anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Location: Mapleview Mall Food Court, Upper Level, 900 Maple Ave. (look for me and my sign at the elevated oval table near the elevator)

Contact ward1@burlington.ca with any questions.

Waterdown Road Virtual Public Information Meeting

You're invited to learn more about the upcoming road reconstruction project on Waterdown Road, Craven Avenue to Mountain Brow Road, the majority of which will be starting in the spring of 2024.

Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Time: 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Location: Virtual - the meeting link will be posted on the Waterdown Road North Project web page closer to the meeting date

At the meeting, a presentation will be provided to go over the final design details and residents will have an opportunity to ask questions.

Project page: Waterdown Road North Project

Ward 1 Community Meeting

I'll be sharing the latest projects, initiatives and developments underway in Ward 1 at my upcoming community meeting on Nov. 29. You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions about topics of interest to you.

Date: Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Time: 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Location: LaSalle Park Pavilion, Upper Level, 50 North Shore Blvd. E.

Email ward1@burlington.ca for more information.

Hidden Valley Park Leash-free Area

Construction is expected to start at the beginning of November for the leash-free area in Hidden Valley Park.

The leash-free area will be located next to the Burlington Model Railway Club and will include:

• 0.15 hectare fully fenced area
• double gated entry/exit enclosure
• accessible park benches

Construction will take about 6-8 weeks to complete, depending on weather, and the area will be fenced off to ensure everyone's safety. 

Project page: Hidden Valley Park Leash-Free Area

Revised Applications for 276, 284 & 292 Plains Rd. E.

City planning staff have received revised applications for the properties at 276, 284 & 292 Plains Rd. E., on the south side of Plains Road between Shadeland Ave. and Filmandale Rd. The revised applications include 276 Plains Rd. E. as part of the proposal.

The proposed development includes a 7-storey apartment building with 141 residential units (including nine, two-storey townhouse units), 153 parking spaces (100 underground and 53 on the surface), and 71 bicycle parking spaces. The original proposal, that excluded 276 Plains Rd. E., was for a 6-storey building with 117 residential units and 147 parking spaces.

Staff are reviewing the applications, and I will keep you updated as to when a public meeting is scheduled.

Project page: burlington.ca/284plains

Blue Bins and Green Carts Available

I have a limited number of new blue bins and green carts available to Ward 1 residents to replace broken bins. Pick up will be available by appointment only. Please email ward1@burlington.ca to schedule a time.

Ward 1 Links

Ward 1 Current Development Projects

City-Wide Development Application Map

Road Closures and Restrictions

Upcoming at Standing Committees and Council

Here are some of the items coming up at the next round of standing committee and Council meetings:

Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability Budget Committee

Monday, Oct. 30, 9:30 a.m.

• 2024 rates and fees
• 2024 financial needs and multi-year forecast overview from staff

Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility Committee

Tuesday, Oct. 31, 9:30 a.m.

• Proposed Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) Official Plan Amendment and Draft Community Planning Permit (CPP) By-law public release
• Integrated Mobility Plan final report
• Transit ridership data and preliminary analysis
• Heritage response to Bill 23 - shortlist of designation candidates
• Red Tape Red Carpet recommendations 2023

Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability Committee

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m.

• Economic Development and Tourism Strategy update
• Development Charges and Community Benefits Strategy draft growth assumptions
• Art Gallery of Burlington request for facility master plan and future needs feasibility study funding
• 2024 Council and standing committee options
• Civic Recognition Program recommendation
• Pipeline to Permit Committee Terms of Reference
• Motion memo regarding unsolicited distribution of flyers with graphic images
• Burlington Lands Partnership update #5

Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services Committee

Thursday, Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m.

• Food options at recreation facilities
• Arena rate strategy

City Council - Thursday, Nov. 2, 1 p.m.

• Pipeline to Permit Committee Terms of Reference
• 2024 budget

Council Workshop - Nov. 6 & 7, 9:30 a.m.

• Council service performance session for budget discussions

Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility Committee

Monday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.

• Agenda published Nov. 3

City Council - Tuesday, Nov. 14, 9:30 a.m.

• Agenda published Nov. 10

Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability Budget Committee

Nov. 21 & 23, 9:30 a.m.

• Review and approval of the 2024 budget

To see the full agendas and read the staff reports, visit the city meeting calendar. All meetings are live streamed from the city meeting calendar and the video from the meeting is archived on the calendar to view at a later date.

If you would like to speak at one of the committee meetings regarding an item on an agenda, you must register by Noon the day before the meeting. For Monday meetings, you must register by Noon on the Friday before. Meetings are held using a hybrid format allowing you to participate in-person or virtually. If you cannot attend a meeting and wish to submit your feedback in writing, please email it to clerks@burlington.ca. Your correspondence will be shared with all members of Council, attached to the minutes of the meeting online, and kept on file as part of the official public record.

2024 Budget

Work continues on the 2024 budget with the following timelines and key meeting dates:

Oct. 30, 9:30 a.m. - Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Budget Committee: Staff will present a 2024 Financial Needs and Multi-Year Forecast Reference Document

Nov. 2, 1 p.m. - Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will present the 2024 proposed budget to Burlington City Council

Nov. 6 & 7, 9:30 a.m. - Council Workshops: City staff will provide more details on the additional investments in the 2024 Financial Needs and Multi-Year Forecast Reference Document

Nov. 7 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Telephone Budget Town Hall

To discuss the proposed 2024 budget and take questions from residents. Burlington residential phone numbers will be randomly selected to be part of the telephone town hall. If you would like your number to be added to the call out list or the do not call list, please email getinvolved@burlington.ca 

Nov. 21 & 23, 9:30 a.m. - Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Budget Committee to review and approve the proposed 2024 budget

Dec. 12, 9:30 a.m. - City Council to consider approval of proposed 2024 budget

If you wish to speak at a committee meeting, you must register by Noon the day before the meeting. For Monday meetings, you must register by Noon on the Friday before. Meetings are held using a hybrid format allowing you to participate in-person or virtually. If you cannot attend a meeting and wish to submit your feedback in writing, please email it to clerks@burlington.ca. Your correspondence will be shared with all members of Council, attached to the minutes of the meeting online, and kept on file as part of the official public record.

More information: 2024 Budget

City Hall Civic Square Refresh

Neighbourhood Rink Program

You can apply to have a neighbourhood rink in your local park this winter. The city would install the boards and provide the rink liner and hoses, while resident volunteers would build and maintain the ice using their own water source.

A minimum of six people is needed to maintain the rink and the local park will need to be pre-approved.

For more information and to apply, visit burlington.ca/neighbourhoodrink.

2024 Community Garden Plots

Applications are open to rent a community garden plot for next season, which runs from May 1 to October 31, 2024.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 15, 2023. Plots are assigned by lottery draw and successful applicants will be notified in January 2024.

More information: Community Gardens

Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund

If you're interested in championing a small project in your neighbourhood, the city's Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund could assist you with funding.

Up to $10,000 is available to help with community projects when matched with an equivalent contribution of either volunteer time, donated services, donated materials/supplies or other funds raised.

The goal of the program is to: 

• enhance playability, walkability, and connectivity within neighbourhoods
• improve parks, playgrounds or green areas
• advance arts and culture in the community
• promote and encourage beautification, cleanliness and naturalization
• create places for community to gather (bumping places)
• improve safety
• active transportation

Applications are open until February 29, 2024.

More information: burlington.ca/matchingfund

Sound on. Save lives.

With Ontario fire fatalities on the rise, we're asking residents to ensure the sound is working on your home smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by testing your devices.

You're also invited to participate in the social sharing campaign Instagram contest.

Anyone who tags three friends on the City's Instagram Post using the hashtag #SoundOnBurlON could win one of several prizes, including a Sonos Ray Sound Bar, JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Wireless Speaker, Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones, fire safety kits and more.

The contest closes Nov. 24 and winners will be contacted on Nov. 27.

More information: burlington.ca/soundon

City of Burlington Multi-year Accessibility Plan

The city's third Multi-year Accessibility Plan is being developed and you're invited to provide feedback. City staff and the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee are developing the plan that will be implemented for 2024-2028.

Residents of all ages and abilities are invited to take a survey and tell us how we can remove barriers.

Take the Survey

More information: Accessibility Plan

Loose Leaf Collection Program

The city's loose leaf collection program will begin on November 13, 2023 and end on Dec. 1. This program is weather dependent and freezing rain or snow can cause delays or cancel the program.

The city is split into three zones with a one-week collection period for each zone - see the map below for your zone.

Collection dates:

Zone 1 (Tyandaga area): Nov. 13 - 17

Zone 2 (north side of Plains, Bridgeview community): Nov. 20 - 24

Zone 3 (south side of Plains, Maple community): Nov. 27 - Dec. 1

You're asked to have your leaves to the curb no more than two days in advance of your collection week. If you miss the collection, your leaves can be bagged for Halton Region's yard waste pick up.

Leaf collection guidelines:

• Do not block sidewalks, bike lanes or crowd traffic lanes when moving your leaves to the curb
• Place leaves at the curb, shoulder or boulevard no more than two days before your zone's collection date
• Make sure leaves do not contain branches or other debris
• Do not place your leaves in ditches in front of your house or over catch basins
• Do not place garbage bags or bins, blue boxes or green carts on top of leaf piles
• Remove all obstructions, such as parked vehicles, sports equipment and basketball nets

New this year is a leaf collection tracker so that you can follow the progress made by collection crews. The tracker map will be updated by 7 p.m. daily to show you the routes completed each day. The roads on the map will change from red to green as collection progresses.

More information: Leaf Collection

Indoor Trick-or-Treating at Mapleview Shopping Centre

Dress up in your favourite costume, bring a candy pail and have some fun at the indoor Halloween trick-or-treat event at Mapleview Shopping Centre.

Date: Monday, October 30, 2023

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Location: 900 Maple Ave.

Before the trick-or-treating begins, stop by the food court for some photo booth fun beginning at 5 p.m. and visit the north end of the mall, near Sporting Life, for a brand new 360 video experience.

More information: Halloween Trick-or-Treat

East Plains United Church Arts & Crafts Show and Sale

You're invited to stop by East Plains United Church for their 48th Annual Arts & Crafts Show and Sale.

Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023

Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: 375 Plains Rd. E.

Admission: $1 at the door

Start your holiday shopping early with over 40 artisans, granny's treasures, food and a bake sale.

More information: East Plains Arts & Craft Sale

Holy Rosary Parish Bell Bazaar

Holy Rosary Parish invites you to shop early for the holiday season at their Bell Bazaar.

Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023

Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: 287 Plains Rd. E.

Admission: free

There will be handknitted crafts, penny sale table, costume jewellery table, home baking, preserves, tea room, candy count jar for the kids and more.

More information: Holy Rosary Parish Bell Bazaar

Food4Kids Halton Battle of the Chefs

Food4Kids Halton premier signature event, Battle of the Chefs, provides an opportunity to try 10 to 12 delectable dishes from local restaurants and vote on your favourite chef. Guests will also get to enjoy delicious treats from local bakeries.

Date: Monday, November 6, 2023

Time: 6 - 9 p.m.

Location: Oakville Conference Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Rd., Oakville

Tickets: $75

The Emcee for this year's event is Kim MacDonald from The Weather Network. There will be a wide array of silent auction items to bid on as well as a raffle. Proceeds from the event support the work of Food4Kids Halton which feeds over 1,000 kids in Halton every week.  

More information and tickets: Battle of the Chefs

Remembrance Day Services

Annual Remembrance Day services have been organized for the community on Saturday, November 11, 2023:

Burl-Oak Naval Veterans Remembrance Day Service, 9 a.m.

This 30-minute ceremony takes place at the Naval Ships Memorial Monument in Spencer Smith Park. For more information, contact the Burl-Oak Naval Veterans at 905-318-0236 or visit the Naval Veterans website.

Remembrance Day Procession, begins at 10:30 a.m.

Departing Central School on Baldwin Street, travelling down Brant Street to Elgin Street, Locust Street, Ontario Street and ending at the Cenotaph in Veteran Square, 426 Brant St.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60, Remembrance Day Service, 11 a.m.

This 60-minute ceremony is held at the Cenotaph, on the north side of City Hall. For more information, please contact the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60 at 905-639-6400 or visit the Burlington Legion website.

Live Stream

The Cenotaph ceremony will be available for viewing on the Burlington Legion website.

Please direct enquiries for ceremonial wreaths to the appropriate Veterans Association above.

West Plains Annual Crafter's Christmas Sale

West Plains United Church invites you to attend their annual Crafter's Christmas Sale.

Dates and times:

Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 19 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: 549 Plains Rd. W.

More information: West Plains Crafter's Christmas Sale

Aldershot Village Tree Lighting

Join me as we kick off the holiday season at the annual Aldershot Village Tree Lighting.

Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023

Time: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. (tree will be lit at 6 p.m.)

Location: 355 Plains Rd. E.

There will be hot dogs, hot chocolate and snacks, choirs and live music, Santa & friends, face painting, balloons and more.

Don't forget to bring a non-perishable food item for the Halton Police Cram-a-Cruiser in support of the Compassion Society of Halton and the Burlington Food Bank.

Start your holiday shopping at the vendor market which will feature some old favourites, as well as new vendors.

More information: Aldershot Village Tree Lighting

Food Donations

Food donations are being collected at St. Matthews Church's convenient drive-through.

Date: Every Wednesday

Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: St. Matthew on-the-Plains, 126 Plains Rd. E.

Monetary donations can also be made directly on the Burlington Food Bank website or the Compassion Society of Halton website.

Calendar of Events and Meetings

For a full lineup of city events, community events and engagement opportunities, visit the city's Calendar of Events. Community organizations are also welcome to submit events to be added to the calendar.

For a list of upcoming Council, standing committee, advisory committee and Committee of Adjustment meetings, visit the Council and Committees Calendar.

Ward 1 Community Links

Aldershot BIA

Aldershot Community Honour Roll

Aldershot Insider Facebook Group

Lockhart Village Community Forum Facebook Group

Partnering Aldershot

Surrey, Georgian, Warwick Community Facebook Group

Tyandaga Community Facebook Group

Share this link with your friends and neighbours to subscribe:

https://bit.ly/ward1newsletter

Your feedback and suggestions are valued.

ward1@burlington.ca