May 2016

WARD 1 NEWS FROM COUNCILLOR RICK CRAVEN

IN THIS ISSUE…

Vacant Land on Brant Street

Question of the Month?

Proposed New Building

Masonry Court Development

92 Plains Rd. E. Development

Waterdown Road Widening Public Meeting

Warning Signs and Construction on Plains

Townsend Ave Reconstruction

LaSalle Park Road

What’s with the ESSO Sign

Aldershot Arena Closed

Congratulations

Dundas Street Public Meeting

Lakeshore Road Reconstruction

Ward 1 Public Meetings

Community Information

Dear Friends

I continue to receive calls and visits from constituents inquiring about the future of the large open space in Tyandaga, south of Havendale and west of Brant Street. I provided background on this in previous newsletters and discussed it at my annual Tyandaga public meeting on March 30. It is well known that a developer has purchased the land. At this point however, there is no specific application before the City. Please be assured that when a proposal is submitted I will advise you and schedule at least one public meeting in the neighbourhood to discuss the plan in detail.

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Is there a rabies problem in our area? My office has received a number of calls recently about packets of rabies vaccine that have been found on the ground. Upon investigation I learned that this oral rabies vaccine bait is being spread around our area, particularly in raccoon habitats, by the Ministry of Natural Resources. This is in response to reports of rabies in Hamilton, Niagara and Haldimand Norfolk. The Ministry advises that a variety of measures have been taken to inform the public. For more information you can call the Ministry’s Rabies Hotline at 1-888-574-6656 or visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/rabies. In Halton, our Regional Health and Social Services Committee reports that in 2015 they investigated 986 reports of possible rabies but the actual incidence of human rabies cases turned out to be zero. The last rabies positive animals reported in Halton were two bats in 2013.

ALDERSHOT

Proposed New Building The City has received an application to redevelop the vacant lot at Cooke Boulevard and Plains Road (between the Royal Bank and Solid Gold). This proposal is for an eight storey “mixed use” building including 3,000 square feet of commercial space on the main floor and eighty condominium units above. The top two floors would be tiered back. Commercial parking would be on the surface at the rear of the building. Two levels of residential parking would be underground. This proposal raises a fundamental question. Is there an advantage to exceeding the traditional six storey limit on Plains Road? The general trend in planning has been to encourage new development and higher densities close to the GO Stations (also known as “mobility hubs”). The theory is that there is a benefit to having more people living within walking distance of public transit. Unfortunately, the city’s policies around mobility hubs have yet to be fully developed. The review of this building proposal may help focus that discussion. This proposal is currently under review by the City’s Planning Department. It will require an official plan amendment, a zoning change and a site plan agreement. I will host a neighbourhood meeting on June 22 to gauge community response to the application.

Masonry Court Development Detailed final site plan information is now available for Phase One of the ADI development proposal on Masonry Court, near the GO Station. To access this information go to: Burlington/PlanningandDevelopment. The ADI plan is still being reviewed by the City’s Planning Department and was the subject of a recent public meeting. The plan requires both site plan approval and some minor variances. The proposal is to construct two 6-storey condominium buildings totaling 179 units plus 249 townhouses including 35 regular townhouses, 16 rear lane townhouses, 58 back-to-back townhouses and 140 stacked townhouses. A ¾ acre park would be located within the development. It would be complemented by an adjacent open space “spill area” that would double as play area and a storm water management zone in the event of severe storms. If approved and completed the development will be connected to the GO station parking lot via a series of new, public sidewalks.

Public Meeting I reported last month that the city has received an application for redevelopment of the property at 92 Plains Rd East (between Birchwood and Glenwood). A date has now been set for a public meeting to discuss this application. The meeting will be held on Monday, June 6, 7:00 pm at St. Matthews Church, Parish Hall, 126 Plains Rd. E. The proposal is to remove the existing small home and replace it with a four storey “mixed-use” building including 24 apartments and about 3,000 square feet of office space on the first floor.

Widening Waterdown Road in North Aldershot The City will host a public meeting at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 26 at Woodview Children’s Centre, 69 Flatt Rd., to share the latest plans with the public. There will be a formal presentation. These plans are described as being at the 50% design stage. In the long run, Waterdown Road will be widened to a four lane platform but initially striped for three lanes (one lane north, one lane south, and a centre turning lane). After design and final approvals, construction is expected to begin with utility relocations in 2018 and major construction in 2019 and 2020. Further public meetings will be held at the 90% design stage and the pre construction stage.

Warning signs and Construction on Plains We were all caught a bit off guard recently when the “DANGER Due to Overhead Wires” signs appeared on Plains Road. Of course, these signs are related to the long awaited plan to resurface Plains Road from the QEW to Shadeland. They are meant as warnings to dump truck drivers. I would have preferred to have given you more notice but the contractor moved very quickly. Obviously, this work has caused some traffic problems along Plains Road but I am sure you will agree that the resurfacing needs to be done.

Townsend Avenue Reconstruction Work has started on this long awaited project! Construction on the east section (Shadeland Ave to Eagle Dr) is well underway. The section between Glenwood Ave and Shadeland Ave (the school section) will be done during the summer break, when the children are out of school.

More Road Construction The Province has advised us of some road projects that will impact traffic in the Aldershot area. This work involves repairs to several 403 ramps. Three ramps are involved. Each project is expected to take a full weekend in May. The ramps will be closed during the work. The ramps involved are:

the Highway 6 south ramp leading to the eastbound 403 lanes,

the Highway 403 westbound ramp to the northbound Highway 6 lanes

the Highway 403 eastbound ramp leading to the northbound Highway 6 lanes

LaSalle Park Road Update The previously announced plan to resurface LaSalle, south of North Shore, has been put on hold. The plan had called for a simple resurfacing with the addition of a sidewalk. Further analysis has shown however that the road is in bad shape and needs a complete reconstruction. This will now have to be designed, scheduled and budgeted for sometime in the future.

What’s with the ESSO sign? Constituents have been inquiring about the new ESSO sign that has gone up at the former Rendevous Gardens flower shop on Plains Road West (near the RBG). While it is true that a developer has been speaking with the City about the possibility of a gas station and Tim Hortons outlet, no formal application has been received yet. Technically, a gas station would be permitted in this area. Please be assured that if, and when, an application is received at the City I will advise the public and look forward to your comments.

Aldershot Arena Closed The City has closed Aldershot Arena until the week of May 31, to replace the electrical system due to a transformer issue. Parks & Recreation have temporarily moved it’s programs, including ball hockey, lacrosse and the “No Socks for Ivan” program, to other sites until the arena reopens. Thank you to the customers for your patience and understanding. For summer program information visit www.burlington.ca/parksrec.

Tennis Club Addition City Council has agreed to the removal of four city trees (3 locusts and 1 blue spruce) in Aldershot Park to accommodate a small addition to the Aldershot Tennis Club. The City will receive $9,500 in compensation to plant new trees. The proposed addition, which is still being reviewed by the Planning Department, is 1,550 square feet and will be located to the rear of the existing building. Over 90 trees remain in the park.

Funding Support for R.O.C.K. Halton Region’s “Community Investment Fund” has granted the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) a grant of $14,957 to purchase computer equipment for children’s homework support programs, including its Warwick Surrey operation in Aldershot.

Congratulations To Aldershot resident Rod Roland who was recently recognized for 20 years of volunteer service with Halton Regional Police “Communities on Phone Patrol” and Winnifred Stewart who was recognized for 40 years of volunteer service with Burlington Museums. Also to Elske de Visch Eybergen and Susan Olynyk for their nomination for the Hamilton YMCA Women of Distinction Award.

Congratulations to Aldershot Community Honour Roll 2016 Honourees This year’s honourees are:

Sophie Look-Achoy for her volunteer work in a variety of areas including as a Youth Ambassador for Burlington Transit

Catherine Brady for her work through the Burlington Central Rotary Club, the Art Gallery, the United Way and the Community Foundation

John Creary for his support of youth through the Burlington Youth Soccer Club, the Lions Optimist Hockey Association and the 3rd Aldershot Beavers

Joanna Baumgartner for her outreach to Haiti and years of service as a foster parent. Join us to celebrate these honourees on Wednesday, May 25, 7:00 p.m. at Geraldo’s at LaSalle. For ticket information visit www.achr.ca or call Lou at 905-526-1501.

TYANDAGA

Public Meeting about Dundas Street The Region of Halton’s long term plan is to widen Dundas Street to six lanes. One phase in this project will be the widening and upgrading of the intersection of Brant Street and Dundas Street. Included in this phase will be the widening of Dundas west of Brant to a point east of Kerns (at 1107 Dundas Street) including a 3 metre wide multi use pathway on the south side of the road. To this end, the Region will host a public information session about the project on Wednesday, June 1 at the Mountainside Arena, 2205 Mount Forest Drive, beginning at 6:30 pm.

MAPLE

Bellview Crescent A committee of City council has at last given its approval to a new housing development at 1167 Bellview Crescent in the Maple Community. This plan has been around, in one form or another, for a decade. It has faced challenges, mainly related to coordination with nearby properties. Now approved, the development will include two new freehold homes facing Bellview and five new homes on a private condominium road (adjacent to an existing condominium).

Lakeshore Road Reconstruction Council has awarded the tender for this project. New Alliance Limited will do the work from Maple to the Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant for $5.2 million. The road will be changed from a traditional rural look to a more urban appearance. It will be raised slightly in order to reduce the flooding that has plagued the area. A new 2.5 metre sidewalk will be installed on the west side of the road from Maple Avenue to the hospital’s parking garage. The new road will also include bike lanes and a traffic light at the parking garage. Work will begin in July and run until November.

Highway Noise Residents in the Maple Community, particularly those on North Shore Blvd near the QEW, have repeatedly requested that the Province improve existing noise walls to reduce the highway noise. Working through my office last year, they asked the Province to study the need for more and better noise walls. The results are in. Unfortunately, the Provincial study indicates that improved barriers would not “provide a five-decibel reduction in highway noise” which would be required to justify improving the walls.

Regina Drive As a result of a request from residents on this street, the City will restrict parking on Regina during the Sound of Music and Ribfest events.

Beach Habitat Restoration Event Thanks to funding from the Province’s Great Lakes Guardian Fund this annual event will be held on Saturday, May 28, 9:00 am to 12 noon. The goals are to retrieve litter from the shoreline, remove invasive species and plant native grasses.

Downtown Parking Meters The City is replacing the 300 individual parking meters downtown with new “pay-by-plate” parking machines. These new devices will allow you to pay for parking spaces by cash, credit or online. Time may be added remotely using www.telepark.ca and receipts can be provided. For more information please visit: www.burlington.ca/paybyplate.

PUBLIC MEETINGS Widening of Waterdown Road North Public Meeting May 26, 7:00 pm Woodview Children’s Centre, 69 Flatt Road Dundas Street Widening PIC June 1, 6:30 pm Mountainside Arena, 2205 Mount Forest Drive 92 Plains Road East Public Meeting (proposed development) June 6, 7:00 pm St. Matthew’s Church, Parish Hall (at back of building) 126 Plains Road East

OTHER

Dump Your Trash! The Burlington Closed Landfill site at 291 North Service Road will be open to the public from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, June 4.

Speaking of Trash Thanks to the Third Aldershot Scouts for their April 23 clean up of Hidden Valley Park.

Assisting Low Income Seniors City and Regional Councils have agreed to a plan to provide some additional property tax relief to qualifying seniors. This new initiative is called the “Halton Region Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program”. Essentially the plan assists low income seniors to remain in their homes by deferring 50% of the property taxes, until the house is sold, with the interest paid by the Region. Qualified applicants must be 65 or older, with an income of less than $43,000, and have owned their home for at least four years. More detailed information will be available soon. This new program is in addition to the “Low Income Seniors Property Tax Rebate” that provides a $525 property tax rebate to seniors 65 years of age or older who receive the guaranteed income supplement increase.

Secondary Housing Units Affordable rental housing continues to be a challenge in Halton, especially for people on limited income. The Region of Halton has always had a number of programs aimed at assisting low income people to find housing. Now, there is a new program. It is called the “Second Unit Pilot Program” and essentially is designed to assist home owners with the cost of converting some of their space into separate dwelling units, i.e. basement apartments. The idea is to increase the amount of rental housing available for low income people. To assist, the Region will provide an interest free forgivable loan up to 75% of the construction cost of the apartment to a maximum of $50,000. They key is that the new unit must meet all existing building and City regulations. Also, it must be made available to people earning less than $45,000 with rent not exceeding $1,126 per month. More information on this new program is expected to be available soon. The Region’s initiative supports the City’s existing policy to encourage development of “accessory dwelling units”

Metis Presentation Metis Elder Norman Fleury will offer a presentation on the history of horses and the Metis people. It will be on Saturday, May 14, 7:00 pm, at the Royal Botanical Gardens main building.

COMMUNITY EVENTS Halton Region Compost Giveaway May 9 to May 14, 8 am to 4:30 pm May 15, 8 am to 12 noon Halton Waste Management Site, 5400 Regional Rd 25, Milton Bring your own containers, garbage bags, truck, trailer etc. Electronics Recycling Recycling Revisited is hosting an electronics recycling event in Aldershot on May 14 at the corner of Cooke Blvd and Plains Rd E., 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Drop off unwanted electronics, cell phones, cameras, computers, etc.

Pause for a Cause Walk May 15, 10 am Beachway Park (at the pump house), Lakeshore Rd. Dogs must be on a leash Yoga in the Park (Free) Sunday, May 15, 10:30 - 11:30 pm LaSalle Park, 50 North Shore Blvd East Bring your yoga mat or towel, appropriate clothing and water. All levels welcome.

Community Garage Sale Saturday, May 28 (rain Date Sunday, May 29) 9:00am to 1:00pm Tables for rent $10 or join in by hosting your own sale BBQ from 11am to 1pm Park Avenue Manor, 924 Park Avenue West Call Leah or Kathy for more information at 905-333-3323

Community Clean up at Beachway Park May 28, 9 am to 12 noon 1100 Lakeshore Road Special Waste Drop-off Day June 4, 9 am to 4 pm Burlington Closed Landfill, 291 North Service Rd.