By Pepper Parr
 BURLINGTON, ON May 5, 2011 – There is a better way to do things and both Burlington Council members and senior staff are learning that it isn’t very productive to jam eight hours of meetings into a single day and forget about arranging for breaks.
I’m not sure who – either the Mayor or the City Manager – is responsible for setting out agendas and determining what happens when in a meeting but in the very recent past Burlington has held meetings that run for four straight hours. There was to be one day in May where the City Manager was prepared to have 12 hours of meetings. Ward 3 Councillor John Taylor said he wasn’t going to do that – and Taylor was right – as he often is.
Council and senior staff are meeting with a pair of consultants out at the Paletta Mansion,learning how to approach the creation of a Strategic Plan. A Strategic Plan is the document that sets out what the city wants to do longer term. Sort of the vision for the city for the next 20 to 25 years which then gets broken down into what this council can get done in the three and a half years it has left.
This is all very sound management – something this city administration, and council to some degree, have not been very good at. The tendency is to focus on what is in front of them now. First it was the budget and senior staff set out a schedule of events that was brutal, especially for a council that had three new members and a Mayor who was new to the job.
Before really knowing what the job was your Council was faced with issue after issue as they struggled to get on top of things. As they were getting ready to actually get into the budget they learned there as this very, very significant surplus – like $9.3 million, that had been budgeted for but not spent. The Council members didn’t know each other all that well and there was a stunned pause the day that Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman said he wanted to see a 0% tax increase when the Mayor had already said he was heading for an increase of about 2.5 – 3 % increase each year for the four year term.
The Sharman “bombshell” took a little time to digest but he was right. The city is awash with cash that it wasn’t using. Burlington was quite proud of a .9 – that’s less than 1 percent – tax increase which was made possible to a considerable degree by the surplus. Hamilton, a dysfunctional municipality if there ever was one, came in with a budget increase of point eight (.8) percent and they didn’t have a massive budget surplus to play with. Your Council is going to be keeping a much closer eye on the flow of cash each month and hopefully make sure the city’s Executive Budget Committee doesn’t pull another “gapping” stunt.
Let me loop back to the training sessions your Council and senior city staff are going through out at Paletta Mansion. There are going to be five sessions – each half a day long. Each is led by a very skilled facilitator who set up a horseshoe type seating arrangement and had council and stiff mixed in together. They were there to work as a team and not have staff on one side and council on the other.
Every 60 to 75 minutes there was a break. Coffee, juice and stuff to nibble on had been set out. Everyone was asked to put their cell phones on vibrate which brought out a very telling remark from John Taylor but we don’t need to go there – do we?
Georgina Black, the lead facilitator from KPMG , a national consulting firm, would pause often and double check with a council member or a staff member to ensure there was agreement on the direction they were going. What was impressive was the pace put in place. Unlike the Budget Orientation meetings which had one staff member after another standing at the podium the Council Chamber droning away at how well they were doing.
These facilitated sessions had the objective of creating something, working towards a common goal, with everyone buying into the concept as they moved forward. If there appeared to be some hesitation, Ms Black would pause and double back and tease out what someone was trying to say.
Every hour or so the “team” and they were treated as a team in these sessions, would break out into small wok groups with six to eight people at a table – half staff half council members – and work through an idea and then report back to the whole group. Then a break to refresh and talk with each other one on one.
It was an impressive session – there are four more to take place. Some will ask – how much is it costing ?– and indeed it does cost – but the city is getting exceptional value for the maybe $25,000 being spent for the five sessions. So before you go standing up on your hind legs and howling about waste at city hall – accept the fact that you now have a council and senior staff learning how to use some of the more advanced management tools. It’s quite a sight to see these men and woman sitting together and learning. John Taylor is having the time of his life. Councillor Craven however is still saying the jury is out. Good thing Craven is not involved with the Freeman Station crowd – he’d miss the train.
Now – if some of this professionalism that Council and Staff are rubbing up against out there on Lakeshore Road can get transported into the Council chamber, citizen – you are going to have a very effective group of people doing a first class job on your behalf. Stand By – I’ll keep you posted on this.
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 By Pepper Parr
January 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This is one of those projects where the citizens lost because the Planning Department didn’t do its job.
 It was to be a community minutes away from the Aldershot GO station. Hone for more than 3000 families – not even a coffee shop in the immediate area. The development is the last stage of the Station West development ADI built on Masonry Road, just east of Waterdown Road.
It is a huge development on land the Adi Group bought from Paletta International for a reported $14 million. It was a fantastic deal for the Adi people
It all started in 2015 in a church hall.On Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at the West Plains United Church there was a community meeting at which the city’s planning staff set out a proposal that had been submitted by the ADI Development Group for the development of land that was south of the rail line, east of Waterdown Road and immediately north of Masonry Road
It was a staff presentation and the first time the community got a look at what the developer had in mind. Using the language of the planner it was an application to subdivide a 5.09 hectare parcel of land located south of the CN Rail tracks on the east side of Waterdown Road.
The subdivision design includes a road running north/south, extending north from Cooke Boulevard, and a 3.08 hectare development block on the east side of the proposed road.
The proposed development for the development block includes 200 stacked townhouses, 64 standard town
This latest application proposes to amend the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw to permit a mixed-use development comprising three tall buildings with retail uses at ground level and residential uses above.
In the original proposal (2022): Building A (northwest corner of site) was 36 storeys tall including a 4-storey podium. Building B (southeast) was 26 storeys tall. Building C (southwest) was 36 storeys tall. Buildings B and C shared a three-story podium. The proposed buildings contained a total of 1,139 residential units and 231m2 of ground-level retail at the corner of Masonry Court and Cooke Blvd. 1,031 parking spaces were proposed within five levels of underground parking.
Continue reading Final stage of the Adi development gets approved – the citizens- there are thousands of them – have next to nothing in the way of parkland
 By Staff
November 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government is making it faster and easier for people in the Burlington region to connect to high quality, comprehensive mental health and addiction support services closer to home by building a new mental health unit at the Joseph Brant Hospital.
 Natalie Pierre, in what might be her last major public announcement spoke of the need for the services the new funding will make possible. Pierre has announced that she is retiring from politics. “This new mental health unit will complement the incredible work Joseph Brant’s hardworking doctors, nurses and other staff do every day to provide high-quality care to the people of Burlington and the surrounding area,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I’m pleased that our government’s investment will support this work as part of our $50 billion worth of investments in more than 50 hospital projects province-wide, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the community.”
The province’s investment will build and create a larger, state-of-the-art space for inpatient and outpatient services at Joseph Brant Hospital to ensure the hospital is better equipped to deliver timely and high-quality mental health and addictions care for more patients and their families, in a safe and comfortable setting.
Once opened, the new mental health unit will include:
A new adult outpatient space better suited to improve clinical flow and patient care
Improved adult psychiatric intensive care space allowing for better patient-centred care and safety
Programs will include interdisciplinary teams of nurses, physicians, social workers, psychiatrists and recreation therapists to support complex patient care needs and provide crisis intervention, psychiatric assessment, treatment and stabilization
Enhanced child and youth programming
Improved infection prevention and control measures
“All Ontarians deserve to have convenient access to the care they need, when they need it, no matter where they live,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By building a new mental health unit at Joseph Brant, our government is ensuring families in the Burlington region have faster access to mental health and addictions support services for years to come.”
 Michael and Laura Paletta spoke about the need for better mental health services in the community. As a next step, the ministry is working with Joseph Brant Hospital to complete early planning and design for this project. A construction schedule will be confirmed once future planning is complete and the project is tendered and awarded.
“Our government continues to address the critical need for timely, accessible, and comprehensive mental health and addiction services across Ontario,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “By investing in a state-of-the-art mental health unit at Joseph Brant Hospital, we are reinforcing the continuum of care, ensuring patients in Burlington and surrounding areas receive the specialized treatment and supports necessary for long-term recovery and improved quality of life.”
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is making it easier and faster for people of all ages to connect to care. In 2020, the province introduced the Roadmap to Wellness, a plan to build a modern, world-class mental health and addictions care system.
It was a half-hour media event with the Premier and several Ministers speaking – all the politicians – except MAyor Meed Ward who skipped a City Council meeting to attend but didn’t get any air time.
 Mayor Meed Ward, far left, didn’t get to say a word during the hospital announcement.
By Staff
November 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Honourable Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Burlington said yesterday:
“It is with great joy that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This award recognizes the exceptional contributions and remarkable achievements of Burlington residents, who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on our community.”
You can scroll over the pictures to enlarge the image.
 One would be hard-pressed to disagree with any of the choices. The 35 Recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medals
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- Mohit Bhandari
- William Geoffrey Bowes
- Richard Burgess
- Wendy Caron
- Pamela Chase
- Kathy Coffey
- John D’Addario
- Douglas Dicker
- Michelle Douglas
- Laurelle Doxey
- Cameron Jackson
- Beverley Jacobs
- Lisette Kingo
- Michele Lewis
- Lisa Lunski
- John Mattocks
- Raj Murthy
- Soobramani Naidoo
- Rainer Noack
- Angelo Paletta
- Marsha Paley
- John Peller
- Stuart Pike
- Dorothy Pocock
- Trent Ralston
- Jolene Regan
- Kai Ruhl
- Jodie Schnurr
- Gordon Schottlander
- Simon Smith
- Lorraine Sommerfeld
- Jeff Thomblison
- Nancy Turingia
- Gloria Turney
- Mike Vencel
One would be hard pressed to disagree with any of the choices. Every one of them has made a difference to what Burlington is today.
 By Pepper Parr
September 30th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
What is the Alinea Corporation?
The biggest land owner in the Region with huge holding in Hamilton and Waterdown.
 Lou Frapporti – lawyer and advisor to the Alinea Land Corporation At the moment they are focused on the King Road development which has huge potential. Lou Frapporti, a lawyer with Gowlings is the lead speaker for Alinea . He comes close to walking on water for the corporation.
 Pat Paletta and his four sons: Angelo, Paul, Michael and Remi Paul Paletta is the President of Alinea ; a number of years ago there was a difference between Paul and Angelo, two of the four brothers who are part of the family. When Pat Paletta died on February 6th, in his 88th year, the differences began to come to the surface.
Paul’s skills began to become evident resulting in a finely tunes group that includes Dave Pitblado who does a lot of the essential on the ground work. He is overseeing the rehabilitation of what was once the head office of Paletta International that was seriously damaged in the December 6th, 2017 fire.
 Engineers have stripped away what was left of the front of the then head office of Paletta International as they prepare to put in new offices and redevelop the 18 acre site. Fraporti recently got two members of council to sing their praises for the King Road development – many thought that the members of Council were in place to protect the interests of the city and to give close gimlet eyed look at every development: the bigger the development the more detailed the look.
Council members are required to withhold their views and opinion until all the evidence is in place.
The Alinea holdings are extensive. Shown below are some of the properties that are in various stages of development.
 From the left: Waterdown where single family homes are part of a large development; 1200 King Road where the holding are between 403 and the Rail lines – they extend to the Aldershot GO station; Eagle Height, a development that has been on hold for decades; Bronte Meadows which will probably be the first of these four holdings that are in Burlington to be developed. There are reasons to believe that partnerships on what will be built are already in place.  A development the community had little in the way of appetite for. These are important developments. Added to those already mentioned there is a development proposal on Fairview that stunned area residents when the saw the very rough, somewhat limited renderings. The event drew very negative responses. The impression seemed to be Alinea trying out a development possibility and seeing what the public reaction was – it wasn’t very good and will probably not proceed as it was presented – but Alinea owns the land and the city needs housing.
This one, located in ward 4, needs a close eye.
Related news story:
The monster of a development in ward 4
 By Staff
August 6th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Note the event and the date.
This is something you will want to pay attention to. The King Road site will have a massive impact on the growth and development of the city. A decade from now will probably see a shift westward in the economic center of Burlington.
The event is being put on by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. Registration has to be done at their web site: https://www.burlingtonchamber.com/
By Pepper Parr
July 2nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington celebrates the 35th Twinning Anniversary with Itabashi, Japan this year. To commemorate the milestone, Itabashi Mayor Takeshi Sakamoto and other city officials will visit Burlington over the Canada Day weekend (June 29 – July 2, 2024), and Mayor Meed Ward along with other city representatives (six of them) will visit Itabashi, Japan in October 2024.
A twinning agreement between Burlington and Itabashi was signed at Burlington City Hall by Mayor Roly Bird and Mayor Keizo Kurihara on May 12, 1989. The relationship has flourished and remained strong since then through official delegation visits, citizen exchanges, gift exchanges, student pen pal and art exchange programs and memorable anniversary celebrations.
 A luscious garden in the city that commemorates the relationship with twin city Apeldoorn. The City of Burlington is also twinned with the City of Apeldoorn, the Netherlands since May 2005.
Burlington’s twin city relationships are actively supported by members of the Burlington Mundialization Committee – an established committee of Burlington City Council. Volunteer members of the committee coordinate a number of events annually to promote the twin city cultures with a broader goal of promoting Burlington as a world community dedicated to the United Nations philosophy of peaceful cooperation between people of the world through the understanding of different cultures.
The Mundialization Committee hosts the annual Sakura Festival and Canada Netherlands Friendship Day events and organizes pen pal and art exchanges with elementary and high school students. They also coordinate cultural events in cooperation with the Burlington Public Library such as haiku, ikebana and anime workshops. The Mundialization Committee fosters relationships with the Consul-General of Japan’s office and the Japan Foundation and Japanese cultural groups. The work of the Mundialization Committee is a major contributing factor to the strength of the relationship for more than 3 decades.
Another major contributor to the strength of the twinning relationship has been the bond with citizens. The late Itabashi citizen Taroo Enomoto made an annual financial contribution to Burlington, directed to charities benefiting women and children, for more than 30 years. He also donated the Rhododendron Garden found at Paletta Mansion. The late Kan Nakazawa donated the Sakura trees found at Spencer Smith Park and along Itabashi Way. He has also given generously to the Burlington Art Centre Building Fund and funds a scholarship for international studies presented annually by the Rotary Club of Burlington – Lakeshore each year. The ongoing activities and exchanges have contributed to the strong twinning relationship that exists between city officials, staff and citizens.
 Mayor Meed Ward was strutting her stuff in a parade that took place on the streets of Itabashi the last time a twinning event took place. On February 26, 2007, Council approved clerks department report and the framework for managing twin city relationships. The framework outlines the parameters for hosting twin city delegations and for participating in official visits to Burlington’s twin cities. The 2007 approved framework outlined that the City of Burlington would celebrate the anniversary of twin city relationships once every five years, including the 25th year, and that after the 25th year, twinning anniversary celebrations would only occur every 10 years.
On December 11, 2017, Council approved an amendment to the City of Burlington framework for managing twin city relationships to permit the celebration of twinning anniversaries every five years.
2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the twinning relationship between Burlington and Itabashi. Planning has been underway for several months with staff at the City of Itabashi – Culture and International Exchange Foundation. Events being planned at this time include:
- An Itabashi official delegation visit to Burlington during the Canada Day weekend from Jun. 29 – Jul. 2, 2024.
- A Burlington official delegation visit to Itabashi to participate in twinning celebrations being held from October 17 – 20, 2024.
Both cities are arranging commemorative events that showcase the twinning relationship and the respective cultures to their citizens, and both cities will present a city gift with the maximum value of the gift agreed to mutually between cities.
In accordance with the approved framework for managing twin city anniversary celebrations, an official Burlington delegation to Itabashi would consist of the Mayor (or designate), the Council’s appointed representative to the Burlington Mundialization Committee (or designate), Chair or Vice-Chair of the Burlington Mundialization Committee, Chair of the Itabashi sub-committee and two city staff responsible for the twin city relationship.
In accordance with the approved twinning framework, the City of Burlington will cover the airfare, accommodation, transfer and per diem costs for 6 delegates to travel to Itabashi, Japan to participate in 35th anniversary twinning celebrations. The City of Itabashi has defined Oct. 17 – 20, 2024 as their hosting dates. The cost of an official city gift will also be covered. During the visit to Itabashi, Mayor Meed Ward will present an official gift to the City of Itabashi.
 The late Kan Nakazawa donated the Sakura trees found at Spencer Smith Park and along Itabashi Way. He has also given generously to the Burlington Art Centre Building Fund and funds a scholarship for international studies presented annually by the Rotary Club of Burlington – Lakeshore each year. A current estimate for the travel expenses for one individual travelling to Itabashi (air, hotel and transfers) is approximately $3000.00. This number is subject to change. Once the travel cost per person is identified, any change fees or additional travel arrangements will be at the expense of the individual.
The purchase of the city gift is generally in the range of $1200 to $1500 and is sourced locally.
Travel expenses for the Burlington delegation and purchase of the city gift will be funded from the Mundialization Reserve Fund. The uncommitted balance in the Mundalization reserve fund is $223,759 as of March 31, 2024.
A couple of questions:
Is this the time to be doing something like this? Tax payers are beginning to holler about spending levels.
The cost of the trip comes in at about $20,000 – that total doesn’t appear in the report from the City Clerk.
And why is there $223,759. in the reserve fund?
Might this be a good time to revert to the once every ten year celebration that was the practice ?
 By Pepper Parr
June 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It was described as “transformative”; the first public look at what the 1200 King Road property would look like based on architect renderings.
 King Road on the right.
 Aldershot GO station on the right. This was an early look at what the site that would house 9125 people when the site has been built out.
 A rendering of the park area of the 1200 King Road site. On the right, Mayor Meed Ward meeting with Paul Paletta during the viewing of the plans. 
By Staff
June 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Alinea Land Corporation, formerly Paletta International is hosting an in-person Pre-Application Community Meeting to discuss a proposal to redevelop three properties totalling 51 acres on the north and south side of Fairview Street, west of Appleby Line.
The proposed development consists of 28 high-density residential and mixed use commercial buildings ranging from 12 to 45 stories tall with a housing capacity upwards of 25,000 new residents.
No application has been submitted to the City as of yet, nor has this proposal come before Council for any decision. The purpose of a Pre-Application Community meeting is to give the residents in the neighbourhood the opportunity to give feedback on the proposed development before an application is submitted.
The meeting will follow and Open-House format, featuring informational stations with poster boards. Members of the developer team will be present to discuss elements of the development and gather community feedback. City staff will be in attendance to observe and respond to queries regarding City process.
The meeting will be held at Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way, Burlington, ON L7M 4J8, on June 17th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
By Staff
June 1st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
When the big guys build – they build big.
Alinea Land is holding a Preconsultation meeting in June to get a sense as to what the community thinks about a proposed development that is said to consist of 28 high-density residential and mixed use commercial buildings ranging from 12 to 45 stories tall with a housing capacity upwards of 25,000 new residents
By Pepper Parr
May 10th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Alinea, the organization that holds significant parts of the Paletta International holdings has been spreading their cash around lately.
They have “invested” major dollars at the Art Gallery of Burlington. They have chosen to get behind specific events rather than pass along a lump sum.
In their media release the AGB said: “The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is thrilled to announce a significant donation by Alinea Land Corporation. The Burlington-based group will be the presenting sponsors for the next two exhibitions in the Lee-Chin Family Gallery: We Who Have Known Many Shores by artist Alize Zorlutuna (May 10 – September 1, 2024) and David Harper (September 13, 2024 – January 5, 2025).
 Art Gallery benefits from developers financial support. “We are excited to announce this important partnership with the AGB,” said Paul Paletta, President & CEO of Alinea Land Corporation. “Our goal at Alinea is to enhance prosperity within the communities and by investing in the next two exhibitions at the AGB we continue the work our parents started. Arts and culture can make a positive, meaningful, and lasting influence for people within our community and we hope we inspire every person to come down and visit these exhibitions.”
The Art Gallery people were “delighted”. Every little bit counts.
Alinea also supported the Bay Area Climate Change Council annual Forum held recently at the RBG’s Rock Garden building. Give them credit for choosing a great location.
 Jennifer Keesmaat – sharing her experience as the one time Chief Planner for the City of Toronto Jennifer Keesmaat was the keynote speaker.
Keesmaat will be the speaker at Mayor Meed Ward’s Speaker Series taking place late in May – assuming the manages to find the sponsorship money she is going to need. Her colleagues at City Council were not prepared to go beyond the endorsement the Mayor was asking for.
Our tipster, who asked to be anonymous, said Alinea was the big sponsor.
 Part of the Alinea executive team discussing a matter with the former city Manager (his back is to the camera). Alinea currently has one of the largest developments, the 1200 King Road development, before the City. The 57 hectare site, nestled between Hwy 403 and the railway line between King Road and the Aldershot GO station is the biggest thing the city has seen in decades.
The development is expected to be a combination of housing, sports facilities and office space. The intention is to create a community the likes of which the city has never seen before. Bigger than the Alton community.
 The 1200 King Road site.
 An early rendering that represent some of the thinking going into the 1200 King Road development.
By Pepper Parr
March 4th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Lou Frapporti with Dave Pitblado talking to City Manager Tim Commisso – on the left King Paving Executive – the kind of meeting the Alinea people are going to miss. He kissed every ring in the room and mentioned there was “the hint of a tear” in his eye on the news of City Manager Tim Comisso moving on to something a little less stressful.
 Alinea spokesperson Lou Frapporti “It’s a delight to be back with you today on behalf of Alinea delegating to comment on the presentation you’ll hear later from your Economic Development department on the city’s vision for what we are now at least temporarily calling the project at 1200 King road”, said Lou Frapporti.
“As you are keenly aware this will be the first public presentation relating to the project; the first the community will hear about the scope of the vision for King Road that we have been been engaged with you on for the past several years. It is a moment in what has been years of reflection, engagement, conversation and exploration on the subject of the remarkable potential.
 Raw land that has been on hold for decades while the owners wait for the right time to begin development. Deer roamed the property, some farming was done, homeless people chose to call it home. “The thoughtful development of this parcel of land presents engagement that began over three years ago at the Alinea corporate launch event which many of you attended, Where CEO Paul Paletta made the commitment to begin a new chapter in the company’s history – moving beyond transactions to the building of relationships in the community, which are premised on first listening to you to better understand your priorities and vision for your community manifested through these lands.
 That large rink has NHL written all over it. “Having met with you and listened to you over the last several years, we have been particularly moved by Councillor Galbraith’s passionate championing of his constituents and their needs in this project. Councillor Sharman’s thought provoking suggestions regarding innovative approaches to fostering well-being and soliciting strategic partnerships. Councillor Nisan’s encouragement of our prioritizing sustainability in the development. Councillor Bentavegna’s engagement around the importance of anchoring sports and recreation in the effort. We have all benefited from the Mayor’s leadership not only here but regionally as well in urging rapid action in addressing the housing crisis.
“I’d also be remiss in not pointing out that we have greatly benefited from the thoughtful engagement of your staff at every level, whose effort and input has been invaluable today and will be critical in the future. Having benefited from a better understanding of your needs and vision it’s been our pleasure to begin recruiting and engaging leading partners here and abroad to assist in realizing the vision that we and you I believe share in relation to development of this parcel of land.
“Whether it is in the recruitment of post-secondary institutions or arena and recreational partners or to the engagement of thought leaders here and elsewhere in a variety of disciplines, all critical to the outcome will be presented later today. We have and will continue to have the very best organizations available and committed to you and this project as it moves forward.
“Work which collectively centers on a vision that demands our close collaboration, and ultimately nothing less than the best will be required of us. A quick look at this map explains why this is a massive blank canvas of land not only at the geographic heart of the city, but of the population and transportation epicenters of the most significant economic cluster in Canada, and the second most significant in North America. It’s a future city on a hill in its own right, that can advance a remarkable range of important outcomes, not only for those that live work, learn and play in this community or will in the future, but for the region as a whole.
 The reach the development will have if the plans are actually met is significant. It is a bold move that will have many beginning to think about what it will mean to the socioeconomic make up of GTA West “All of these and more outcomes and benefits will be pursued: they can and will be realized in our work together on this project. And with all of this in mind, I humbly submit that the moment demands that we stop to reflect on the sobering reality that we collectively face. In all of this. We really have just one shot to advance so many of the city’s priorities in the development of what is arguably the most significant greenfield site in the city.
“Are we going to capture it? It’s not an exaggeration to say that owing to the nature scale, location and quality of this and other development assets in the community. This council, staff have it in their power to materially transform this community in almost unimaginable ways at an unprecedented pace.
“With a remarkable in growing list of aligned stakeholders, almost all the decision makers necessary to determine these outcomes are in the room looking at each other today.
“That said, the history of development is replete with examples of squandered opportunities, crushing incrementalism, short sighted thinking parochialism, the paralysis of nimbyism and resistance to change – Yes, bold action entails risk, but in the end, the greatest risk we face is not the risk of action, it is the risk of inaction of missed opportunity of not being worthy of the moment our not seizing the opportunity together to bring about the transformative change that is within our collective grasp. In this and in the related projects of which you are all very familiar you have the collective power to be to be the most significant public and private leaders in this city’s history, transforming this community for generations to come. A transformation that moves you beyond simply being the best midsize city to live in Ontario, or the fourth or best, whatever in Canada, but to being one of the most remarkable cities anywhere in the world to live. I truly believe that’s possible.
 Aspiration at best – and filled with promise. Given the strong push from the developer and a City Council that is onside this could move quite quickly.
“I have lived here in the past and aspire to live here again working for leaders like Paul and Michael Paletta who are deeply invested in every way imaginable in the success and well-being of the community. I have every confidence will get there together.”
A classic example of covering all the bases.
 By Pepper Parr
February 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 The property to the right of Cooke Blvd is where there are thousands of housing units. At the top left there is a proposed storm water holding area. While not clear just where park space should be they are at least indicating there should be some park space. With some creative thinking a park could be build atop of the storm water pond. It has been done elsewhere before. A public meeting has been scheduled for March 4, 2024 on an ADI Developmen Group in the Aldershot community on Masonry Road
The meeting is a Statutory meeting required under the Planning Act.
It is an occasion when the public can put question to Staff and the developer if they choose to participate.
The is an event that needs as much participation from the public is as possible – why? We will get to that in a bit.
Proposed Development
The applications propose to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a mixed-use development comprising three tall buildings with retail uses at ground level and residential uses above.
In the original proposal (2022): Building A (northwest corner of site) was 36 storeys tall including a 4-storey podium. Building B (southeast) was 26 storeys tall. Building C (southwest) was 36 storeys tall. Buildings B and C shared a three-storey podium. The proposed buildings contained a total of 1,139 residential units and 231m2 of ground-level retail at the corner of Masonry Court and Cooke Blvd. 1,031 parking spaces were proposed within five levels of underground parking.
 A rendering of the additional three towers ADI wants to add to an already big development – you will have to look really hard to see where park space will be located. In the revised proposal (2023): Building A (northwest) is 33 storeys tall including a 12-storey podium. Building B (southeast) is 29 storeys including a six-storey podium that steps down to three storeys on the north side. Building C (southwest) is 31 storeys including a six-storey podium. The buildings are no longer connected to each other, and a plaza has been introduced at the ground level between Buildings B and C. The total number of residential units has increased from 1,139 to 1,165. The total amount of retail floor area has increased from 231m2 to 495m2. The total number of parking spaces has increased from 1,031 to 1,145 spaces within 6 underground parking levels.
The developer provided renderings that make the three tower development look very inviting. There was a point when much of the space was to be park space – that idea didn’t get the push it needed from the ward Councillor.
The Statutory meeting taking place March 4th is a public event and you can participate virtually and delegate to City Council. Delegating is tricky – if you need some help – pop us a note at publisher@bgzt.ca and we will take you through the steps.
 It does look inviting – but where is the park space for the 2000 families in the community. The community that ADI built is much more than the three towers they want to add. Set out below are some of the buildings. There is much in the way of community space and there doesn’t appear to be much in the way of small community organizations. The ADI people invest in building – they don’t invest in creating community nor does the ward Councillor.
 This is the eastern boundary of the Station West development that is walking distance to the GO station.  It was a big bold development set on property bought by xxx from Paletta who will tell you now that selling the property was not one of the best decisions.  This is one portion of what it a very large development that needed a small supermarket and some park space.  Another part of a very big development that has few social amenities. The Bateman Community Centre is going to provide all kinds of space for the public. The ADI development is a stiff walk to LaSalle Park
By Pepper Parr
June 29th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Creating the image and the message you want your market to have is an art more than it is a science.
In Burlington, many business operators will give a portion of their profits to a local charity. Car dealerships will loan a vehicle to an organization and have their name well displayed on the vehicle.
Alinea , the largest developable land owner in the Region, was formed when the Paletta brothers found that they didn’t see the world the way they used to when their father was alive and decided to distribute the significant assets between them and each go their own way.
Alinea now needs to grow their brand. Paletta as a developer was a little rough at the edges; Alinea wanted to move away from that image. How to tell the story ?.
They found a way to work with the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation and has offered to match dollar for dollar in their You are more than just a business campaign. It isn’t clear whether the Hospital Foundation pitched the idea to Alinea or Alinea went to the hospital.
Anissa Hilborn, President & CEO of the Foundation has a very good reputation for coming up with innovative and interesting ideas.
 Alinea, wants the public to know they are more than just a developer and wants local commercial interests to tell the public they are more than just a business. It’s an interesting approach and so far well executed. The campaign reaches out to the business community and giving them an opportunity to show they are more than just a business. For every dollar a local business raises Alinea will match it up to $100,000
Alinea is positioning themselves as a different kind of developer. As part of their working relationship with the hospital foundation they are getting their message out.
The sign in the photograph is being installed on the outside of the hospital – we aren’t quite sure where the sign is – we will dig that out.
They produced a video (Link here) telling the story
The message to the business community is: You’re a team of hard-working people who want to help our community thrive. You don’t just do business in Burlington; you live here, you raise your families here, and you know how important local healthcare is. So show your customers, employees and friends that you’re doing more for your community.
The objective is to raise $100K IN 100 DAYS!
 This retailer wants her customers to know that she is supporting the hospital and invites you to join them It’s an innovative approach, well executed so far. Look for the signs participating businesses get to put in their window or lobby.
It is your hospital – you want it to be there when you need it,
On a slightly negative note – the people of Burlington wanted some reaction to a feature article that ran four pages in the Spectator on problems at the hospital. Not a word in the way of response from Eric Vandewall · President & CEO at Joseph Brant Hospital who, apparently, has yet to learn that the way to handle a negative news story is to get in front of it.
Joseph Brant Hospital is more than just a hospital – it is the place you go to when you are seriously ill and you need help. The public needs to trust you.
Related news stories:
Spectator does feature on problems at Joseph Brant Hospital
Alinea is a new name in the development field
By Pepper Parr
May 23, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Spencer Smith Park is over crowded – people have realized that for some time.
What to do?
Early in June Council will discuss Future vision of the Waterfront Centre and perhaps agree to:
Direct the Executive Director of Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services to retain a consultant to provide options for the capital renewal and/or replacement of the outdoor amenities at the Waterfront; and
Authorize the Chief Financial Officer to transfer $60,000 from the Waterfront Reserve Fund to fund a study
 Inside Spencer’s on the Waterfront Spencer Smith Park is a significant focal point and landmark on the Burlington waterfront, highly sought after by visitors year-round. During winter, the park attracts many visitors who come to the ice rink and the festival of lights. In the summer months, the park experiences a significant surge in visitors, drawn in by many events, walking trails, the spray pad, reflecting pond, and beach access. The Waterfront Centre opened in 2006 and is located within Spencer Smith Park. It is home to Spencer’s at the Waterfront. The facility also supports many park amenities, parking, the reflecting pond, ice rink, spray pad, and provides public access to gathering spaces and park washrooms.
The increase in visitors and users has put a strain on the infrastructure, and demand on the park washroom that exceeds its’ capacity. Over the past number of years we have experienced more precipitation and milder winters which have resulted in a rise in the number of closures to the ice rink.
Improvements and updates to the facility, including a roof replacement to both the observatory and the restaurant along with interior renovations of the observatory, restaurant, and the lower lobby have been completed in partnership with Spencer’s. In December 2019, there was a watermain break that occurred in the lower level which resulted in a full replacement of the pond and spray pad filtration equipment.
The ice plant refrigeration equipment is operated by R-22 (freon). Environment action plans removed R-22from production in 2020 and freon equipment will be removed by 2030 and as a result, the ice plant must be replaced.
 A very popular place for parents and kids who just love running in and out of the splash pads. The outdoor components of the spray pad, such as the concrete pad and jets, are also approaching end-of-life. The artificial turf and drainage system is being repaired this spring but will require a full replacement in spring of 2024, in advance of the larger spray pad renewal.
The need for facility renewal and replacement has provided staff with the opportunity to collectively review the overall services and amenities, including the ice rink, spray pad, and park washrooms, and to improve operational efficiency and community experience resulting in short- and long-term plans.
In the short term, staff will perform life cycle maintenance on the ice plant and repair the spray pad turf to extend their lifespan.
For the long term, staff plan to conduct a comprehensive review of services, amenities, and the operating model with the assistance of a consultant who will provide different design options and Class D costings for each.
The consultant will consider service levels and standards, environmental factors, and possible synergies with other projects, such as the Civic Square Renewal, Beachway Master Plan, Parks and Recreation, Cultural Assets Master Plan (PRCAMP), and Climate Resilient Burlington. Additionally, staff have received feedback over the years, both formally and informally, indicating the need for more seating, park washrooms, and shade structures to support the community’s needs at the Waterfront.
 This is what childhood is all about! The consultant will develop options with Class D cost estimates based on the following design considerations;
1. Minimize impacts to adjacent greenspace.
2. Materials and options will consider climate impacts.
3. Options will consider community needs.
4. Options will align with the overall downtown vision and partners at the Waterfront Centre.
5. Options will consider accessibility requirements.
6. Capital and operating costs.
 In 2024, staff will complete the required renewal of the existing ice plant to extend its’ life cycle to 2028 as well as the repairs to the artificial turf and drainage system that supports the spray pad. With the timelines indicated below, staff will report back to council with consultant options along with the various estimated capital and operating costs for each option in Q1 of 2024.
Following a report to council with consultant options and estimated capital costs, staff will engage with the community. The focus of this engagement phase will be to gather input from the community on the renewal and replacement options provided by the consultant to improve user experience and the efficiencies of the spray pad, pond, and ice rink.
Subsequently, a secondary phase of engagement will occur in 2026 and 2027, prior to construction on the preferred concept design based on the information collected in the first phase of community engagement.
 The proposed time line. Staff have considered a full spray pad renewal in 2025 and a synthetic ice surface for the ice rink. The synthetic ice surfaces that are currently available in the market are not
a viable solution and do not provide the customer with a comparable experience to skating on real ice. The decision to renew the spray pad will be provisional based on the outcomes of the consultant’s report.
The Waterfront Centre and the outdoor amenities have operated under a net zero model since 2016, mirroring the operating models at Paletta Mansion and LaSalle Banquet Centre. The net zero operating model allows for an annual contribution to a reserve fund which represents the revenues collected through tenant agreements offset by the operating expenses to maintain the asset.
The reserve fund was designed to financially support any future capital replacements and renewals on a like for like basis. With the rising costs of goods and services along with an unplanned replacement of the freon ice plant system, this will impact the financial forecasts previously estimated.
It is anticipated that the cost for the consultant to complete the review of the renewal and replacement options described within this report is $60,000. The balance of the reserve fund is $286,287. The consultant will investigate the options presented and provide concept drawings with Class D costing. With the options and costing provided by the consultant, staff will review the capital renewal forecast along with the operating cost for each options provided to help determine the future operating model of the Waterfront Centre. Depending on the renewal or replacement options recommended; there may be a need to adjust both the capital and operating models accordingly.
The plan to eliminate R-22 has been initiated in phases, the most recent of which occurred on January 1st, 2020, Currently R-22 is only available from recycled and stockpiled supplies, which is very costly. The final stage is to have a complete removal all R-22 by January 1st, 2030; at this time, the government will officially ban the remaining production and import of R-22. The renewal of the ice plant will support the environmental initiatives to protecting the ozone. Future options will consider environmentally friendly replacements of the R-22.
Once staff have options for renewal and replacement that will improve efficiencies of the spray pad, pond, and ice rink, the community and stakeholders will be engaged along with improved community experience. With the council approved options staff would complete phase 1 of community and stakeholder engagement in the summer and winter of 2024 to hear from the park visitors and amenity users.
With preferred options by the community and council, a phase 2 engagement will be completed prior to construction to select a preferred concept design.
Staff will also have meaningful conversations and engagement with the tenant to discuss synergies with facility renewals and lease renewal negotiations to align with any outdoor amenity’s construction.
Given the end-of-life assets and new legislative requirements for replacing the ice plant, there is an exciting opportunity to revitalize the outdoor space as part of the renewal process. After reviewing the considerations and guiding principles, staff are eager to provide options that offer the most promising opportunities for the community. As such, staff recommend the engagement of a consultant to provide guidance on effective operations and options, as well as cost estimates for construction and maintenance.
 By Staff
May 14th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation’s More Than Just a Business campaign has a new partner.
Alinea Group Holdings Inc. (formerly the Paletta Group of Companies) has once again joined and is the lead donor.
The Foundation’s goal to raise $100,000 in 100 days, Alinea will match all corporate donations made until July 31, and is challenging businesses across Burlington to be more than just a business.
  “Inspired by the example of our parents, my brother Michael and I are delighted to help the Joseph Brant Hospital improve the health and wellbeing of Burlington’s residents. ” said Paul Paletta, CEO, Alinea Group Holdings Inc. “This donation is a powerful demonstration of that commitment and we urge other companies to join us in contributing to a healthier tomorrow.”
Along with the JBH Foundation, Alinea is inviting corporate Burlington to show their customers, employees and friends they are doing more for our community and recognizing those corporate partners who have joined the J.
visit jbhfoundation.ca/corporate-giving.
By Pepper Parr
May 2nd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
When there is a public event that brings different interest groups together one has to watch carefully what is taking place in the room; who is talking to whom.
Last week the Burlington Chamber of Commerce hosted an event on Red Tape Reduction. It wasn’t particularly well attended – a little over 100 people took part.
 Lou Frapporti, second from the right is keeping a close eye on City Manager Tim Commisso, with his back to the camera. Frapporti is a Partner at Gowlings, a Hamilton law firm and corporate Counsel for Alinea. Dave Pitblado, second from the left is attentive. John Hutter is on the far left runs King Paving. A decent number of people from City Hall attended: Mayor Meed Ward was on hand to chat people up, she wasn’t one of the speakers. City Manager Tim Commisso was on hand as well is as city Executive Director Jackie Johnson who is responsible for Communications and Engagement. Neither spoke
Three city councillors were on hand: Paul Sharman, Angelo Bentivegna and Kelvin Galbraith; he was one of the panel speakers.
A number of politicians did speak: provincial Minister of Red Tape Reduction Parm Gill whose riding includes parts of northern Burlington: he addressed the attendees,. Natalie Pierre who is the MPP for Burlington said a few words.
Lou Frapporti, a partner at law firm Gowlings, spoke and told the audience that he was corporate counsel for Alinea , an organization that had taken over Paletta International, the largest land holder in Halton Region.
 After the formal part of the event people gathered in small groups to chat. One group of four caught my attention. Dave Pitblado of Alinea who does a lot of the stick handling for different Alinea developments. Two of the developments on the go are 1200 King Road and Bronte Meadows. Recent changes made by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing made changes to the Regional Official Plan that opened up the kind of development that would be permitted on those two properties.
Recently Burlington City Council went into a CLOSED session to discuss an Alinea property. There was no detail given when Council came out of the CLOSED session.
 Dave Pitblado listens carefully to what City Manager Tim Commisso has to say. It was clear that Commisso was explaining something that was important to Pitblado and it wasn’t whether or not the Leafs were going to win the first round of the Stanley Cup finals. This was business – big business. So, when we spotted City Manager Tim Commisso in discussion with Dave Pitblado, Lou Frapporti, Corporate counsel for Alinea and John Hutter of King Paving we wondered what that conversation was about.
Time to take some pictures.
The two that are part of this story offer one interpretation of what the conversation is about.
We expect City Council to get brought up to speed when they are next in a CLOSED session.
When the public will hear anything from the City Communications department is anyone’s guess.
By Pepper Parr
April 30th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
It was billed is as a Symposium on Red Tape Reduction put on by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce with Alinea as the main sponsor.
Attendance was thin – maybe 100 people. City Councillor Paul Sharman and Angelo Bentivegna were on hand; Mayor Meed Ward glad handed her way around the room; Councillors Nisan and Kearns took a pass on the event – Councillor Stolte is out of action and on a leave of absence.
 For some reason the photo op is a necessary part of these events Milton MPP Parm Gil, Minister of Red Tape Reduction gave a pretty strong political speech which seemed to take too many pokes at the former Liberal government and far too much patting on the back for the Ford government – but this was a Chamber of Commerce crowd.
A banner at the front of the room with the statement ‘’’Business without boundaries” surprised me. They wish.
My immediate thought was – have they never heard of Walkerton?
Parm Gil made mention of using robots to do inspection work – can you imagine how quickly that would spiral out of control. Where public safety is the issue experienced eyes are required. You can program a robot to do whatever you want it to do.
 Deputy Mayor Kelvin Galbraith Our interest in the event was to see how ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith handled himself. He was positioned as both a small business owner and a Council member with a Deputy Mayor for Business and Red Tape Reduction portfolio on a panel of three people. That included John Romano of Nickel Brook Brewery and Josie Tavares, Senior Development Planner/ Project Manager, CLV Group Developments Inc., a group that has significant rental properties in Burlington and is one of the partners involved with the Holland Park development on Fairview close to the GO station where seven towers are proposed.
 Kelvin Galbraith getting a look from Josie Tavares during the panel discussion Ms Tavares knew her stuff and talk with both confidence and experience about the problems – she didn’t appear to hold much hope for any real change in the way planning is done remarked that planning is getting to be a legal exercise.
She made some very good points; knew her brief and was able to point to situations where the developers were able to work with the planners.
John Romano, Co-founder, Nickel Brook Brewing Co. had some hard earned experience with the planning department. When he moved from Drury Lane to Mainway his intention was to take the brewery operation with him – years later years later the brewing is now being done in Etobicoke and Romano has no idea when it will be on Mainway – if ever.
Galbraith didn’t have much in the way of experience as a business man with planning issues but as the Deputy Mayor for Business he was the guy getting the calls and the person who probably knows best where the problems are at city hall. And that wasn’t something he was going to talk about in a public session.
He did mention the reduction in the length of time needed to get a development application through city hall and spoke as well of the “My File Portal” software that was due any day now that would let an applicant log in and see exactly where their application was and where the holdup was is as well.
 John Romano – Nickel Brook Brewery – waiting for an application to get through city hall Tavares and Romano appeared to agree that the problem in Burlington was at the Engineering level and that the number of retirements taking place has put a lot of younger people behind those desks now doing the work.
Did anything useful come out of the panel discussion ? Could anything useful have come out of it ?
The province is introducing new legislation that is going to have a huge impact on the way development gets done.
Burlington is expected to have 29,000 new homes in place by 2031 – they signed a pledge saying they would deliver.
Some of the legislation cuts deeply into the amount of money from Development Charges and Community Benefit Charges the city would receive.
The municipalities don’t have the power to do very much – they are on the receiving end of everything except the cash needed to do the work that has to be done.
The federal government is bringing in close to half a million people every year to do the jobs that are part of a robust economy.
Growth is taking place at every turn with a public that is fine with the growth –“ just don’t put it where I live”.
 Kelvin Galbraith responding to a question during a symposium on Red Tape reduction Anyone expecting more from Galbraith would be disappointed – he just wasn’t able to make a presence. His hopes to at some point be the Mayor of Burlington didn’t advance much at this event. This was a panel where the speakers were there to talk about planning problems – Galbraith didn’t have any. However he has more in the way of planning issues to deal with in his ward.
Lou Frapporti, a partner with Gowlings in Hamilton said publicly that he was corporate counsel for Alinea, adding that Alinea had taken over the Paletta International operations – which while true was just part of what was a messy corporate battle that ended up with Angelo Paletta leaving the firm and Paul Paletta taking the reins, forming a new corporate entity and doing his best to create a different, less abrasive approach to development.
Alinea is the largest landowner in the Region and the holders of the three largest development properties in Burlington; Bronte Meadows in the east and 1200 King Road in the west. Eagle Heights, in the north west, is outside the urban boundary where the infrastructure needs a lot of work.
Waterdown Road is undergoing some widening north of the 403.
It is in the southern part of Waterdown Road where all the action is taking place and where Galbraith has significant personal property holdings.
 By Pepper Parr
March 28th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
It goes back to 2009, long time for a Master Plan to be developed and presented to Council. The document providing a 20-year strategic framework for the development and enhancement of parks, recreation and cultural facilities and services has been used to guide city capital budgets, development charge studies, and overall, to enhance our services and meet the needs of our growing and changing community.
The document is a solid look at where Parks, Recreation and Culture staff think has to be done. Document is riddled with acronyms.
Excellent progress has been made in the implementation of the 2009 plan.
Notable projects completed over the last twelve years include:
 The Skyway Arena in the east end of the city is under construction. Recreation Facilities
Haber Community Centre
Mountainside Recreation Centre Revitalization
Angela Coughlan, Centennial and Aldershot Major Pool Renewals
Nelson Outdoor Pool and Splash Park Re-Build
Central Arena Renovations and Accessibility Upgrades
Skyway Community Centre and Arena Re-Build (in progress)
Mountainside Outdoor Pool Re-Build (in progress)
New Community Centre (former Bateman H.S. – in progress)
Parks
 A first look at what was being proposed as a Beachway Master Plan. It meant a community would be destroyed and perfectly good houses demolished. City View Park Development Phase 1
Sherwood Forest Park Renewal Phase 1
Norton Park and Alton Neighbourhood Park Developments
Burloak Park Re-development (ongoing)
Lowville Park Enhancements
New Splash Pads, Skateparks, Leash Free Parks and Community Gardens
Community Trails Strategy and Implementation
Beachway Park Master Plan
LaSalle Park Marina Wavebreak
 Joseph Brant Museum: The house got lifted up and put on top of a little hill with the museum under the hill. Cultural Facilities
New Haber Branch Library
Appleby Branch Library Relocation to new Community Centre (former Bateman H.S. – in progress)
Joseph Brant Museum Expansion
Cultural Action Plan
Public Art Initiatives
Strategy/process
Over the past year, staff have worked on the Parks Provisioning Master Plan which is now complete and tabled for Council’s consideration. The next important piece of work is the update of the 2009 PRCAMP. Both initiatives are critical in shaping the future of parks, recreation and cultural services. The table below explains the difference between the two master plans at a high level.
Initiative Focus Timeline
Parks Provisioning Master Plan (PPMP) Parkland service level (land base needs). Goal to ensure adequate public greenspace for future generations. Completed March 2023
PRCAMP Update Determine long term needs for new recreational facilities as well as revitalization and enhancement of existing assets. Q2 2023 to
Q2 2024
Overall, the goal of the PRCAMP update is:
To provide a 20-30 year strategic framework for the development and enhancement of city parks, recreation and leisure services that will contribute to the health, well-being and quality of life for all citizens of Burlington. The plan will be driven by existing and forecasted data, influenced by community needs, and informed by industry leading best practices.
Strategic Context for the PRCAMP Update
to re-evaluate community needs and priorities for parks, recreation and cultural services for the next 20-30 years. The biggest change is the projected growth: the city will grow to over 260,000 by 2051. In comparison, the 2009 PRCAMP was based on a build out population of under 200,000 by 2031 as per the Region’s “Best Planning Estimates” at the time. This projected growth will have a significant impact on parks, recreation and cultural services.
Other strategic factors that will be considered
 Lawn Bowling Club is right beside the Seniors Centre. Shifting demographics and a desire for an age friendly and inclusive community
New trends and needs for recreation and leisure services
Impacts of new provincial legislation on funding for recreation services
Land availability for more facilities and services
Optimizing the capacity and functionality of existing assets and resources
Striving for accessible and affordable services
Achieving a balanced array of recreational opportunities and services
Financial pressure of maintaining existing assets while planning for new facilities
Changing attitudes on recreation participation due to pandemic and economic factors
Exploring partnerships and available community resources to meet community recreational needs
Establishing appropriate and achievable service levels to meet community needs and expectations
Assessing the involvement of the private sector in recreation service delivery
Alignment to other corporate policies and plans including the Framework for Community Recreation, Parks Provisioning Master Plan, Urban Forest Master Plan, Integrated Mobility Plan, Climate Action Plan, Asset Management Plan, Cycling Master Plan, Community Trails Strategy, Vision to Focus.
Provision of services in the Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby Major Transit Station Areas (MTSA’s). These new compact urban communities will account for a large portion of the city’s overall growth and will require creative new ways of integrating meaningful and accessible recreational services for residents and employees. Convenient access to high quality local parks and diverse recreational opportunities is a key attribute of the “complete and healthy community” concept which is our vision for the MTSA’s. This will be a significant focus for the PRCAMP Update.
PRCAMP Scope
The PRCAMP Update will determine the need for new city recreation and leisure facilities as well as revitalization of existing assets for a 20-30 year period. The facility types that will be reviewed as part of the master plan study are listed in the table below, however other needs may be identified.
 Indoor Facilities Outdoor Facilities
Recreation:
Arenas/Ice Pads
Indoor Pools
Multi-Use Community Centres (gymnasiums and multi-purpose rooms)
Age-Specific Program Centres (Seniors and Youth Centres)
Culture:
Smaller Cultural Program Centres (Music Centre, Student Theatre)
Integrated cultural components & uses within multi-use community centres Parks:
Sports Fields
Playgrounds
Tennis Courts
Pickleball Courts
Basketball/Multi-Purpose Courts
Skate Parks (major and minor)
Splash Pads (major and minor)
Outdoor Pools
Outdoor Skating
Leash Free Dog Parks
Community Gardens
Bocce
Disc/Frisbee Sports
Fitness Equipment
Park Amenities (water fountains, shade, seating, washrooms, and park lighting)
Event/Festival spaces
Casual open spaces
Other emerging needs (Cricket)
Types of Recommendations
Service Level Targets (e.g., 1 ice pad per x thousand residents)
New Facility Needs (location, timing, cost, prioritization)
Major Renewal/Revitalization/Expansion (timing, cost, prioritization)
Facility Re-Purposing (timing, cost, prioritization)
Partnership Initiatives
Facility Consolidations (e.g., arena twinning, library/community centre mergers)
Facility Leases
Leveraging available community resources and assets
Strategic Acquisitions (land and facilities)
New policies, strategies, and standards
While the PRCAMP Update will be a comprehensive study, there are a number of items that will be out of scope since these items have their own focused planning and business processes.
Out of Scope:
 The trail from Spencer Smith Park that leads to the canal is something every Burlington resident treasures. Routine life cycle renewal (e.g., flooring, roof, mechanical components).
Trails – Community Trails Strategy will be refreshed in 2025.
Cycling – Cycling Master Plan recently approved.
Major Cultural Venues – The city is well served in this area through significant investments over the past 10-15 years.
Municipal Golf Course – Subject to specific business reviews
Heritage Buildings – E.g., LaSalle Pavilion, Paletta Mansion. Require focused business reviews.
Joint Ventures – These community driven initiatives accommodate specialized recreational interests and programming, over and above the City’s typical service provisions. Joint Venture initiatives are evaluated on a case- by-case basis. The City will be undertaking a broad governance accountability review of city-affiliated service organizations including Joint Ventures (JV) and Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABC).
PRCAMP Work Plan
The following table provides a high level workplan for the PRCAMP Update.
Phase Work Activities
Project Planning
Q1 2023 o Data collection
Project Structure – Steering Committee, Project Team
RFP – Hire Planning Consultant
Situation Analysis
Q2 2023 o Review relevant policies and plans
Review current levels of service and benchmark with other municipalities
Assess non-municipal recreation services in the city
Assess functionality, capacity and utilization of existing city facilities
Review current demographic profile
Review development and population growth forecasts
Review trends in recreation and leisure participation and facility development
Understand partnership models that support service delivery
Phase Work Activities
Community Engagement
Q3 to Q4 2023 o Community and user group surveys
Stakeholder focus groups
Public Information Centres
Council interviews, workshop
Identification of key findings and strategic themes
Q4 2023 to Q2 2024 o Develop recommendations and strategies
Internal review and consultation
Prepare reports
Opportunity for public review and comment
Seek Council approval
As a head start to this project, work has already started on various tasks in the Situation Analysis Phase including data collection and an analysis of current service levels, capacity, utilization, and distribution of existing recreational assets.
Next Steps
Staff are in the process of retaining a multi-disciplinary consulting team to lead this project. The award of the contract is anticipated in early April. All data and background research work completed to date will be handed over to the new consultant.
Total Financial Impact
The will determine the need for new city recreation and leisure facilities and revitalization of existing facilities needs over a long-term horizon of 20-30 years.
The Master Plan team will come forward in 2024 with a prioritization of capital needs, associated costing, and timing.
Staff will be reporting back on the City’s multi-year community investment plan in Q4 2023 to include completed master plans to date: Integrated Mobility Plan, Fire Master Plan, Transit Master Plan), and overview of funding options resulting from Health report, Bill 23 Impact Analysis, new park dedication by-law, CBC and DC updates, etc. The MCIP will provide a preliminary financing strategy to assist in meeting the objectives of the master plans completed to date and will set the stage for financing future master plans, such as the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan which is scheduled for completion in 2024.
The MCIP will continue to be refined to encompass changes to investment opportunities subject to completion of master plans, funding opportunities and city priorities.
Source of Funding
The PRCAMP Update has an approved budget of $200,000 in capital account PR0205 (Parks and Open Space). Most of the budget will be used for consultant fees. Other minor expenses include advertising, mail-outs, printing, and meeting expenses.
Other Resource Impacts
The master plan will involve staff from many Departments on various committees and teams including:
Recreation, Community and Culture (*Lead Department)
Engineering Services (Parks Design and Construction, Asset Planning, Geomatics)
Finance
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Corporate Communications and Engagement
Community Planning
Climate Implications
New weather patterns are certainly affecting recreational services including more rain and extreme storms, heat waves, higher UV index, and milder winters.
The need for more shade and shelters, water fountains, water play features to cool off, better field drainage, more reliable playing surfaces like artificial turf, and refrigerated outdoor skating surfaces are potential responses to climate change.
Finally, the protection and enhancement of green spaces and vegetation is also critical in reducing the urban heat island effect, slowing stormwater runoff and erosion, improving air quality, supporting local biodiversity and urban wildlife.
Engagement Matters:
A robust community engagement program will be implemented to get the broadest community perspectives on sport, recreation and cultural service needs. The engagement program will be finalized once the successful consultant is selected.
A communication plan will be developed to support the engagement program and ensure a high level of community awareness of the master plan initiative and opportunities for getting involved.
Council will be made aware of all community engagement opportunities before the public is notified. The community engagement will also help to inform the programmatic direction, use and functional design of the former Bateman H.S. Community Centre, and ensure that it aligns with broader community needs for recreation, arts and cultural programs and services.
Conclusion:
Once completed, the updated master plan will inform our multi-year community investment plan, future capital budgets and development charge reviews.
The recommendation from the Standing Committee will go to Council April 18th
By Pepper Parr
March 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Rendering of the revised development application In an announcement from city hall today we learn that the ADI applications to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a mixed-use development comprising three tall buildings with retail uses at ground level and residential uses above in properties east of Waterdown Road and south of the GO railway tracks near the Aldershot GO station have been revised.
In the original proposal (2022):
Building A (northwest corner of site) was 36 storeys tall including a 4-storey podium.
Building B (southeast) was 26 storeys tall.
Building C (southwest) was 36 storeys tall. Buildings B and C shared a three-storey podium.
The proposed buildings contained a total of 1,139 residential units and 231m2 of ground-level retail at the corner of Masonry Court and Cooke Blvd. 1,031 parking spaces were proposed within five levels of underground parking.
In the revised proposal (2023):
Building A (northwest) is 33 storeys tall including a 12-storey podium.
Building B (southeast) is 29 storeys including a six-storey podium that steps down to three storeys on the north side.
Building C (southwest) is 31 storeys including a six-storey podium. The buildings are no longer connected to each other, and a plaza has been introduced at the ground level between Buildings B and C.
The total number of residential units has increased from 1,139 to 1,165.
The total amount of retail floor area has increased from 231m2 to 495m2.
The total number of parking spaces has increased from 1,031 to 1,145 spaces within 6 underground parking levels.
Those are the hard facts.
 This is the eastern boundary of the property ADI has developed since it bought the land from Paletta International; a Paletta is said to now regret. What is absolutely amazing is how this development has evolved and found a way to not even mention space for parks.
The patch of land, and it really isn’t much more than that, was originally going to have three building and some parkland space. ADI was prepared at one point to talk to the public about where parkland would be within the site.
This part of the development has to be seen in context with what has already been built. The pictures below tell that story.
 Mid rise units are part of the development. The problem with getting involvement from the public is that the community ADI has created hasn’t had a chance to come together and talk about what has happened. Covid19 kept people indoors and then when people were ready to be outside more there was no place for people to gather.
The overall neighbourhood has resigned themselves to the fact that everything north of Masonry road is high rise. This by the way was the part of the city where Marianne Meed Ward launched her 2018 campaign to become Mayor. While it was never her ward (she did run in the ward prior to 2010 and was soundly trounced) she hasn’t done much to help the people in that community.
 Town houses are part of the mix in the very large development. The current ward councillor hasn’t done all that much either – other than to advise one of the better community activists that the ward Councillor’s office would no longer communicate with him.
There was a slight ray of sunshine on how the city distributed the news. Changes in development applications don’t usually get include in what the city sends out. Even though it came out during the afternoon of a Friday – it was at least more public than in the past. Kudos to whoever made that decision.
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