Engaged Citizens of Burlington. Public Meeting December 13, 2017

Transcription

1 Engaged Citizens of Burlington Public Meeting December 13, 2017

2 The ECoB Story Engaged Citizens of Burlington is a non-profit group of citizens that have come together in the common belief that they can affect their city in a positive way. Through our online and community presence we help build awareness on issues important to Burlington residents and the community as a whole. We are a diverse group of residents, business people and professional experts who only want the best for Burlington.

3 Agenda Presenter Jim Young Lisa Kearns Don Fletcher Fran Fendelet Glenna Cranston Dania Thurman Jim Young ECoB Item Welcome, Introduction, Acknowledgements, City Hall Recap New Official Plan & Development Proposal Brant St. Plan B Waterfront Development Tyandaga Environmental Coalition: Opposing the Tyandaga Quarry Expansion Burlington for Affordable Sustainable Transit: Why intensification will not work without Improved Transit Funding Strategy, Connect with ECoB & Stay Involved Q&A Session; Next Steps Close & Contact

4 Welcome Initiated less than a month ago, ECoB has earned positive media coverage: At this point the ECoB people have a commitment from city hall that they will be advised when the file is complete at which point they will file their appeal. Burlington Gazette 12/11 A local advocacy group wants to challenge council s recent decision to approve a highrise tower across from Burlington City Hall to the Ontario Municipal Board. Inside Halton 12/06 Burlington council reverses course and listens to citizens: City-wide, residents were furious, and have formed a citizens' group Engaged Citizens of Burlington (ECOB). They plan to appeal council's decision to the OMB, have already raised several thousand, and plan a "Go Fund Me" campaign for lawyers and consultants for such a costly undertaking. The Spectator 12/06 It is when ordinary people see a decision made by a level of government that they do not agree with and turn to their neighbours and friends and decide to become agents of change that a city grows. Burlington Gazette 11/20

5 City Hall Recap Penny Hersh and Jim Young at City Hall ECoB Appeal Surprised City Officials Too Soon for City Hall Application Declined For Now ECoB Appeal Is Ready to Go City Scrutinizing Amendment Legalities YES.You Can Fight City Hall

6 New Official Plan (OP) What is an Official Plan? The province requires this document that describes a city s land use strategy from now until 2031 and beyond. What is a Strategic Plan? The product of strong engagement and a plan the city believes captures the priorities of the city's residents and community leaders. Based on four strategic directions: A City that Grows, A City that Moves, A Healthy and Greener City, An Engaging City. Approved by Council April 2016

7 Burlington OP Timeline 2002 Last Official Plan review began 2008 Official Plan approved by Halton region- The Big Move / Mobility Hubs 2016 Council approved Strategic Plan Draft Official Plan released for public consultation (April (Sept*) November) 2017 Draft Official Plan proposed for approval November (deferred) -> Approval

8 Burlington NEW OP Timeline November 30 Proposed OP (PB-50-17) & Downtown Mobility Hub (PB ). Refer the reports back to the Director of Planning and Building: consider feedback, make revisions, advise Council of the nature and scope of revisions & timeline.*note Downtown mobility hub referred back to Director Planning & Building December 11 Regular Meeting of Council. Minutes from the above were delivered to Council. Includes 21 deputations and submitted comments December 11 Proposed New OP Process Updated delivered to Council, City Manager, Staff, Mgr of Policy Mobility Hubs, Mgr of Development Planning, Committee Clerk; by Mgr of Policy and Research. New Timeline (Planning and Development Committee): January 8 Rural, Agricultural, Natural Heritage & Mineral Aggregates January 16 Employment Conversations JANUARY 23 URBAN GROWTH CENTER; HEIGHTS; KEY REDEVELOPMENT SITES February 6 Growth Management, remaining topics (except Downtown). Motion to recommend Council receive and file staff report PB February 27 Statutory Meeting for any revisions to OP April 2018 Meeting to recommend adoption of the new proposed Official Plan

9 Highlights of the new Official Plan

10 Key Differences ECoB: The Downtown Precinct Plan and associated Mobility Hub must be given careful consideration to protect the character of Brant Street at 2-4 storeys.

11 Downtown Precinct Plan ECoB delegated at P&D committee November 30 SPEAK UP! January 23 new boundaries excessive intensification 25 storeys begin at schools density with no community value pressure on stable neighbourhoods no targets for affordable housing character of Brant St is not addressed THIS WAS ONLY INCLUDED TO COMMITTEE IN SEPTEMBER!!!

12 Key Issues: Downtown Precinct Land massing impact on retail Wind tunnels Development too close to lake/brant corridor No opportunity for new greenspace Massive transit issues Added to draft OP in Sept

13 Grow Bold Plan

14 Mobility Hub There are 3 Mobility Hubs in Burlington. 1. Aldershot 2. Burlington GO (Gateway Hub) 3. Appleby Downtown does not qualify as a Mobility Hub, The new Official Plan must reflect this. It is an Anchor Hub. Downtown will be using the existing roadways; there is no new transit infrastructure.

15 Burlington Anchor Mobility Hub Case Studies: Milton- not on main Character street. Compare Burlington size to other Anchor Hubs. This do not support the level of planned intensification in the new Official Plan.

16 What can we do? No record of the province mandating the Downtown Core Precinct. Council can revise the new official plan, if the Regional Official plan is also changed based on sound rationale to redefine downtown Burlington as part of the Anchor Hub. We must demand that the Brant St. corridor be protected. Is this the new Brant St???

17 What can be done? BE VOCAL: TO COUNCIL, STAFF & THE REGION The revised timeline is a win for everyone who has challenged Staff & Council to truly engage in an understanding of the impact of the new OP. Keep asking questions. There is pressure to push this OP through before the elections in October. Register to delegate. Join ECoB as a unified and resourced countermeasure to OP deficits.

18 OMB Appeal Brant We are ready. Significant research, expert opinion, understanding, financial contributions and professional support has put ECoB in a confident position to begin the ZBA & OPA Appeal. Bill Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act, 2017 has received Royal Assent (December 12).

19 Why Appeal? Residents have told the City that this development is not appropriate. *note final Council vote 5:2 (MMW,RG)

20 Plan B Waterfront Development The B Stands for better: The Plan B group has formed to not only voice its concerns over the Emerging Preferred Concept(s) for the Waterfront Hotel redevelopment, but to share its vision for an alternate proposal that will extend Spencer Smith Park & broaden its Brant Street gateway. Don Fletcher

21 Tyandaga Environmental Coalition We really need your help and we also need a donation (whatever you can afford) to fight the quarry battle. We MUST stop the deforestation and defoliation by the Fall of If you have suggestions and / or can help in any way we would appreciate hearing from you - for those who have already contributed THANK YOU. The most important thing is your support and encouragement! TECBurlington@Gmail.com

22 Burlington For Accessible Sustainable Transit Advocates for better transit service in Burlington: Advocates for better transit service in Burlington. Its goal is to make Burlington Transit more convenient, reliable, accessible and affordable, thereby enhancing Burlington s economy and quality of life. BFAST supports the City s goal to increase transit ridership and the transit modal split in accordance with Burlington s Official and Strategic Plans. Glenna OBJECTIVES: To increase ridership To improve quality of life To treat all citizens equally

23 Funding Strategy Be part of our mighty team to challenge the approval of a 23 storey tower in the heart of Burlington. This is a bad deal for our City. We received nothing in exchange for height where a combination of 4-12 storeys are suitable. We will appeal. Here s what we need: Upstart funds covering application fees $600 Funding ideas GoFundMe, donor campaigns, direct donations Treasurer to manage the budget Articulate and professional experts to represent our interests Your passion for Burlington s core and its revitalization Budget strategy to support issues in the community as a whole

24 Its easy to get involved. How? You can be heard. We need to mobilize and pressure our leaders to take action against this development and other buildings that exceed existing zoning regulations. I am a supporter of Engaged Citizens of Burlington and I. It s important to provide your own opinions as to what issues are concerning. Who to Contact? Our Regional Chair: Gary Carr: gary.carr@halton.ca Our MPP: Eleanor McMahon: emcmahon.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Our Mayor: Rick Goldring: mayor@burlington.ca Your City Councillor:

25 Open Q&A Discussion

26 What is to come. Incorporation Website Strong OP Rep. Awareness Campaigns OMB APPEAL

27 Engaged Citizens of Burlington Who to Contact? Our Regional Chair: Gary Carr: Our MPP: Eleanor McMahon: Our Mayor: Rick Goldring: Your City Councillor: