A solid, well informed and socially active community, will have something to say to the planners.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

January 13th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

Part eleven of a multi-part editorial feature on the precincts and mobility hub being planned for the downtown core

The St. Luke’s/Emerald Neighbourhood Precinct is a retained precinct that exists in the current Official Plan and is intended to protect established residential neighbourhoods which are located outside of the Urban Growth Centre from significant redevelopment.

St Likes-Emerald precinct

The precinct is the core of the downtown residential community. If Burlington has a set of middle class values they come from this community.

Draft Intention Statement:

The St. Luke’s Neighbourhood and Emerald Neighbourhood Precinct will conserve the existing established residential and heritage character of these neighbourhoods. Limited development may exist within the precinct and will be compatible with the existing character and built form of the area. New and/or enhanced pedestrian and cycling connections will be established as a priority throughout the precinct to allow for improved access to amenities and services.

St lukes emerald precinct 1

Homes on the Emerald side of the precinct.

The key policy directions for the St. Luke’s/Emerald Neighbourhood Precinct include the potential for semi-detached dwellings as well as the introduction of accessory dwelling units as a permitted use within single and semi-detached dwellings as well as in detached garages consistent with city-wide policy directions in the draft new Official Plan.

These precinct policies also recognize existing low-rise apartments and townhouse developments within the precinct and introduce new opportunities for park/green spaces and pedestrian and cycling connections and amenities.

St lukes emerals precinct 2

St. Luke’s is the larger of the two parts of the precinct.

The phrase “accessory dwelling units” is some of that weasel language that is creeping into documents coming out of city hall.  Former Director of Planning Mary Lou Tanner has said that she is very much in favour of “granny flats” which is nice.  And if this is what the community wants – then let it be.  Is this what the community wants?

The St. Likes side of the precinct has a very informed and active community group.  Expect them to speak up at the January 23rd meeting that will be going over the precincts as the planners have defined them.

comment blackThe ward Councillor has served notice that she will be bringing none motions for changes in what the planners have put forward.

Part 1  Evolution of precincts and hubs

Part 2 Brant Main Street

Part 3 – Parks and promenades

Part 4 – Bates precinct

Part 5 – Cannery precinct

Part 6 Old Lakeshore Road

Part 7 Mid Rise precinct

Part 8 Tall buildings precinct

Part 9 Public service precinct

Part 10 Upper Brant Precinct

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1 comment to A solid, well informed and socially active community, will have something to say to the planners.

  • “The key policy directions for the St. Luke’s/Emerald Neighbourhood Precinct include the potential for semi-detached dwellings”

    This seems designed to get developers to knock down existing and rebuild. It’s not designed to preserver the area but “intensify it”.