Fall 2016

WARD 4 NEWS UPDATE Click on any of the contents for direct access to the update:

WARD 4 NEWS ................................................................................................................... 3

Budget 2017 ................................................................................................................................ 3

Character Area Studies ................................................................................................................ 3

Coyotes ........................................................................................................................................ 5

Report a Coyote Sighting ......................................................................................................... 6

Nelson Pool ................................................................................................................................. 7

Nelson Pool – Sponsorship for Naming Rights ........................................................................ 8

Nelson Skatepark - Corporate Sponsorship and Fundraising ..................................................... 8

Construction in our Ward ............................................................................................................ 8

Fairview Street Improvements ................................................................................................ 9

New Street Improvements .................................................................................................... 10

New Street – Bike Lanes ........................................................................................................ 10

South Service Road ................................................................................................................ 11

Willow Lane, Maplehill Drive & Oakhurst Road ................................................................... 11

Wilton Street ......................................................................................................................... 12

Planning & Development .......................................................................................................... 12

Blue Water Place and Avondale Court .................................................................................. 12

Dynes Road ............................................................................................................................ 13

Transportation Services ............................................................................................................ 14

Traffic Calming ....................................................................................................................... 14 Traffic Calming – Belvenia Road & Henderson Road ............................................................ 14

Traffic Initiatives – Halton Regional Police ............................................................................ 14

Meetings & Community Events................................................................................................. 16

CITY-WIDE NEWS ............................................................................................................ 16

Flood Study Update ................................................................................................................... 16

Loose-Leaf Collection Program ................................................................................................. 16

Tall Building Design Guidelines ................................................................................................. 17

Weeping Willow Trees – Spencer Smith Park ........................................................................... 17

Windrow Clearing Program for Persons with Disabilities ......................................................... 18

HALTON REGION NEWS ................................................................................................. 18

Downspout Disconnection Program ......................................................................................... 18

Halton Second Unit Pilot Program ............................................................................................ 19

Influenza – The Flu .................................................................................................................... 19

Older Adults Directory 2016-2017 ............................................................................................ 19

Older Adults Property Tax Increase Deferral Program ............................................................. 20

Red Light Camera Program ....................................................................................................... 20

Waste Resources Online ........................................................................................................... 20

NEWS of INTEREST ............................................................................................................... 20

Burlington Hydro – Monthly Bills .............................................................................................. 20

Burlington Public Library ......................................................................................................... 21

Halton District School Board - Program Accommodation Review (PAR)……………………………….21

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) ............................................................................. 22

Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) – Review / Proposed Changes .............................................. 22

Take Action Burlington – Think Before You Throw ................................................................... 22

IN CLOSING ...................................................................................................................... 23

Ward 4 News

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Budget 2017 The City of Burlington is preparing the 2017 capital and operating budgets. The budget provides funding for the services used by Burlington residents which are paid for by our taxes. Much of the budget is legislated or mandatory; however, your input matters and can influence various sections of the budget. If we want to have an impact on the budget, we need your participation! It’s never too early to plan, so please mark your calendar to attend my Ward 4 Budget meeting on:

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017

6:30 pm – 8 pm

Room 247, Burlington City Hall 426 Brant Street

As per my usual tradition, the format of the meeting will include a staff presentation on the budget followed by a Q&A session. Bring your questions, share your concerns, and speak to myself and staff from the Finance team. Hope to see you there. Visit the city’s Budget webpage and be sure to subscribe to receive regular updates. ________________________________________________________________________________

Character Area Studies The Character Area Studies for Roseland, Indian Point and Shoreacres neighbourhoods are nearly complete. City staff is preparing a report about these studies and their impact on other low density residential areas.

Drop-in style open houses providing an opportunity to learn more and provide input about these planning initiatives have been held on Oct. 17, 18 and 21, with the final drop-in style open house scheduled for:

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Room 247, Burlington City Hall 426 Brant Street

At this time, the Statutory Public Meeting for Council to consider the proposed amendments to the Official Plan, Zoning By-law, Site Plan By-law and Site Alteration By-law is being targeted for December 2016. Some of the zoning by-law changes being considered are:

City-wide o Driveways – minimum of 6m in length.

o Decks/ Balconies – Balconies in the side and rear above the 1st storey are not allowed. If obtain support from neighbours, can apply to Committee of Adjustment.

o Dwelling Depth – maximum depth of dwelling to be 18m measured from front wall to rear wall.

o Architectural Features – Columns only one storey high. o Garages – Front width shall not exceed 50% of the front of the building and shall

not project beyond the front wall of the first storey. o Lot Coverage – The city added a separate category for 1.5 storey dwellings which

allows lot coverage for 30%. o Floor Area Ratio (FAR) – Maximum of 0.45:1. FAR Definition: The mathematical

relationship between building floor area and lot area determined by dividing the floor area of a building by the net area of that lot.

In addition to the above city-wide Zoning by-law changes, the Roseland and Shoreacres Character Areas have the additional specific Zoning by-law changes applicable to their areas only:

Roseland Area o For lots under 17m, side yard must be a minimum of 10% of actual lot width.

o For lots between 17m to 25m, side yard must be a minimum of 12% of actual lot width.

o For lots greater than 25m, side yard must be greater than 15% of actual lot width.

Shoreacres Area o Side yard must be a minimum of 10% of actual lot width. o Front yard must be a minimum of 9m. o Driveways – combined maximum width must be 50% of the front lot.

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Coyotes

Coyotes are native to North America and can be found living in urban and rural areas. While coyotes are very wary of humans and avoid people whenever possible, coyote sightings in Burlington are common.

Burlington's green spaces and forested areas provide an excellent habitat for coyotes. They can travel great distances along ravines, hydro corridors, and highways. Food sources like mice, rats, and garbage are readily available in urban areas, attracting coyotes to residential neighbourhoods.

Earlier this month, I met with a group of residents about coyotes. Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF) staff attended and provided a presentation on the Eastern Coyote in Ontario. The session also involved a significant Q&A and for your information, sharing with you the following excerpt from the meeting notes:

Question / Comment Response

How can we stop neighbours from feeding wildlife?

MNRF:

Can be a challenge as some people like feeding wildlife

Requires community effort to raise awareness

The more information available to residents – the better

Educate your neighbours – work together as a group

What is the coyote’s food supply? Small animals, rabbits?

Rodents are 80 % of their diet

Coyotes are omnivores and diet depends on what is available. Food includes: small mammals, insects, birds, amphibians, fruit, berries, etc.

Human sources of food (e.g. improperly stored garbage, pet food, etc.) can attract coyotes

Will Animal Control visit my townhouse complex and to help educate other owners?

Animal Control:

Yes, Animal Control will attend the property, look for evidence and make suggestions for coyote proofing

Animal Control will be pleased to attend a townhouse board meeting to speak/educate owners

Visit the city’s website for information about coyotes including a video on How to Wildlife-Proof Your Property

Question if sterilization is a possibility?

MNRF:

Sterilization is not recommended as a control strategy

Will follow-up with the MNRF Wildlife experts and report back; however, would requires approval from the Animal Care Committee and under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act

Possible that the City of Burlington be considered a pilot community where coyote(s) can be tracked so that we can see their patterns and territory ultimately helping with concerns?

MNRF:

Would involve discussion between both MNRF and city staff

Will follow up with MNRF Wildlife experts and report back; however, would require approval from the Animal Care Committee and under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act

Moving Forward – Councillor Dennison / Animal Control o Will put forward a staff direction requesting that staff work with the MNRF to investigate the City of

Burlington becoming a pilot community where coyotes found within the city are sterilized, and that staff work with the MNRF to investigate the City of Burlington becoming a pilot community where coyotes are properly tracked in order to learn more about coyote patterns and territory ultimately helping with concerns.

o Follow up with the Halton Region Waste Management team regarding

Improved anti-wildlife garbage/waste containers

Notices to residents about placing garbage containers out the morning of pick-up o Ensure that all area garbage park bins have wild-proof lids o Request increased park patrol from the city’s By-law Enforcement / Animal Control team in both the

General Brock Park and Tuck Creek area as well as enforcement of dogs off leash by-law. o Work with city staff including Animal Control and Communications to coordinate:

Reminder notice to area residents, city park user groups, the Halton Catholic District School Board and the Halton District School Board about behaviours which may be contributing to increased coyote presence in the area.

Placement of additional coyote awareness signs in the key areas where coyotes have been sighted

Coyote information placed in the media including the Burlington Post o Continued reminder to residents to submit coyote sightings so that staff can better monitor coyote

locations.

I will keep you updated as we move forward with the above action items. For more information about coyotes, visit: Coyotes, City of Burlington Eastern Coyote – Fact Sheet, Government of Ontario Various Fact Sheets, Government of Ontario Preventing and Managing Conflicts with Coyotes, Wolves and Foxes , Government of Ontario website ________________________________________________________________________________

Report a Coyote Sighting Your feedback helps the city’s Animal Control team to monitor the location of coyotes in the community. If you see a coyote, or observe a potential problem related to garbage or someone intentionally or accidentally feeding a coyote, you can assist the city by submitting an online report. Alternatively, you can also call 905 335-3030 to report a coyote sighting or feeding issue. Please be prepared to provide location details. ________________________________________________________________________________

Report a Coyote Sighting

Nelson Pool Where are we at with Nelson Pool? Work to replace the pool and splash pad at Nelson Park is underway and being completed in three stages. Phase 1 and 2 are now complete.

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3

Detailed design

Demolition and site

servicing

Pool construction

Winter/Spring 2016

Complete

Summer/Fall 2016

Complete

Fall 2016/Summer 2017

(weather permitting)

Construction will commence

this month - Oct. 2016.

A General Contractor has been awarded and will commence construction this month, October 2016. Note that construction timelines are weather-permitting. Staff will provide a progress update in early 2017. I will keep you posted.

Artist's renderings of Nelson Park outdoor pool.

Nelson Pool - How can you be involved?

o Share your thoughts about the artist’s renderings of the Replacement Outdoor Pool o Subscribe to the Replacement of the Outdoor Pool at Nelson Park webpage to

receive updates about this project.

Nelson Pool – Sponsorship for Naming Rights

The city is actively seeking a naming sponsor for the Outdoor Pool Replacement Project at Nelson Park. Are you or do you know of a local, socially responsible organization that aligns with the values of the corporation, believes in the benefits of recreation and active living and can make the financial commitment required to be a naming sponsor? To learn more, visit Sponsorship of Outdoor Pool at Nelson Park. ________________________________________________________________________________

Nelson Skatepark - Corporate Sponsorship and Fundraising

The Nelson Skatepark Committee (NSC) is a group of residents working together to improve the public skatepark for our youth. There are many kids in our community who are passionate about skateboarding and scootering, and the NSC is looking to upgrade the existing Nelson Park similar to that of the Norton Skatepark located at Hwy # 5 and 3040 Tim Dobbie Drive in north Burlington. The drive of this group is to see a safe, sanctioned place for children of all ages to exercise, socialize, and develop skills. The NSC is dedicated to making that happen.

The NSC is seeking corporate sponsorship and donations to upgrade our Nelson community Skatepark. NSC is working together with the city (through my office) and New Line Skateparks . Corporate sponsors will be acknowledged on the NSC Facebook page and at upcoming fundraising events. For more information, please e-mail nelsonskatepark@gmail.com

Construction in our Ward

There are changes happening in our community.

This summer has certainly been busy with numerous construction projects underway in our Ward. These projects are essential in order to keep our

infrastructure safe and reliable for many years to come.

Your patience & understanding during these projects is appreciated - thank you.

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Fairview Street Improvements The improvements to Fairview Street between Guelph Line and Walker's Line and Commerce Court from Fairview Street to the cul-de-sac are moving along nicely.

Effective Oct. 17, 2016, Fairview Street, between Guelph Line and Walkers Line, will be experiencing various lane closures at night between the hours of 7 pm and 6:30 am in order to complete asphalt paving works. This will be followed by asphalt resurfacing on Commerce Court and minor concrete works along Fairview Street. The construction is expected to be completed by mid-November, weather permitting. For more information about this project, visit Fairview Street Improvements. ________________________________________________________________________________

New Street – Construction The roadwork currently underway along New Street, between Guelph Line and Dynes Road, is for the installation of a watermain. This is part of the New Street / Drury Lane project which was tendered as one single contract and awarded to King Paving and Construction in Feb. 2016. The contract had the New Street section (Guelph Line to Cumberland Avenue) scheduled to be completed in March to early July of 2017.

King Paving was successful in completing the works planned for 2016 several weeks ahead of schedule including the works at Drury Lane at Prospect Street. As a result, the Capital Works team agreed to advance part of the 2017 watermain works on New Street. Accordingly, the watermain installation along New Street is being completed in two phases: Guelph Line to Dynes Road is currently underway and staff advises that this work, weather-permitting, will be complete by Nov. 18, 2016. The second phase of the watermain installation along New Street between Dynes Road to Cumberland will be completed in spring 2017 (March/April). The advancement of this work will result in financial savings to the City and minimize the overall impact on the public by reducing the duration of the work associated with the watermain replacement. ________________________________________________________________________________

New Street – Bike Lanes

Meanwhile, we have the New Street bike lane one-year pilot project at this very same location. As the pilot will be continuing into 2017, it was more advantageous to have the lanes disrupted for 2 months during the fall (Oct./Nov. 2016) followed by 2 months in early spring (March/April 2017 – weather permitting) as opposed to a continual 6 month disruption (March to August 2017) as was originally scheduled. The final resurfacing of New Street will then be deferred until after the cycle trial is complete in the fall 2017. Staff continues to do their best to accommodate the pilot and bike lanes within the confines of the existing contract in place. Data collected during this period for both motor vehicular and bike traffic is via video technology. The data collected will distinguish between motor vehicles and cyclists and will also allow for separation of the time during which the watermain construction is taking place.

There are no additional costs for the advancement of the watermain work, as the repainting of the lines was already included in the existing contract. There’s a wealth of information about both the construction project and bike lane pilot project available:

o New Street Construction and Street Improvements includes project overview, timelines and updates. o New Street Road Diet includes a Q&A and online form to submit your questions and feedback.

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South Service Road

This Halton Region project involves replacement of the watermain on South Service Road from Cumberland Avenue to Billings Court, on Billings Court from South Service Road to 160m east, on South Service Road from Paletta Court to 875m west, and on Paletta Court from South Service Road to East End.

The construction is tentatively scheduled for the Spring of 2017. As part of the design process, you may have noticed Halton Region project team members surveying, locating and marking aboveground and underground infrastructure with the above area. The Region asks that residents do not disturb or remove any stakes or paint markings. For more information, view the Notice. ________________________________________________________________________________

Willow Lane, Maplehill Drive & Oakhurst Road Minor Reconstruction

This Minor Reconstruction project is complete! If you have any questions about this project, please contact Janine Yaromich at 905 335-7600, ext. 7421 or e-mail Janine.Yaromich@burlington.ca

Wilton Street

As part of Halton Region’s on-going State of Good Repair Program to upgrade existing infrastructure as it approaches the end of its life cycle, work is underway on Wilton Street for the replacement of Ductile Iron (DI) watermain with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) watermain.

For more information, view the Notice of Construction. ________________________________________________________________________________

Planning & Development

Blue Water Place and Avondale Court

The city has received a Planning application from Weston Consulting to amend the zoning for the properties located at 143 Blue Water Place and 105 Avondale Court. The purpose of the application is to rezone the property in order to develop 35 townhouses and 4 semi-detached dwelling units. The property is presently zoned R1.2 which permits single detached dwellings only. A Statutory Public Meeting regarding this application will be held on held on Monday, Oct. 31/16 at 2 pm at Burlington City Hall, Council Chambers.

NOTE: Staff is recommending refusal of this application.

View the report on-line HERE

scroll down to Item 2.1 and select Zoning By-law amendment application for 143 Blue Water Place and 105 Avondale Court.

Anyone can attend and speak (delegate) at the meeting on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016 (starts at 2 pm in the Council Chambers, 2nd floor at Burlington City Hall, 426 Brant Street). Just to clarify, as this meeting is a statutory public meeting there is no need to register (to speak) beforehand. The Chair of the meeting will open the floor for delegations and one by one delegations may come to the podium to speak.

If you have any questions, please contact me or you may wish to connect with Mark Hefferton, Planner II, at Mark.Hefferton@burlington.ca. More information is available at 143 Blue Water Place. ________________________________________________________________________________

Dynes Road

The Planning and Building Department has received an application from DiCarlo Custom Homes to amend the Official Plan and the Zoning By-law for 607 Dynes Road to permit the development of 23 townhouse units and one semi- detached unit, for a total of 25 residential units. The subject property contains both a church and a school. The application proposes to redevelop the eastern portion of the site. The proposal seeks to demolish the existing school, replacing it with a residential condominium development with a private road. Road access for the proposed development would be from Maplehill Drive which is currently a cul-de-sac. The western portion of the site containing the church is not being altered by the proposed development.

A neighbourhood meeting was held on Oct. 13/16, providing residents with information about the proposal as well as the opportunity to ask questions and share comments. City staff will take all comments into consideration as they prepare a Technical Report to the Development and Infrastructure Committee of Council. All comments received from residents will be included in the Technical Report and posted on the City’s website – although note that personal information will not be included. At a later point in the Planning process, the Development and Infrastructure Committee will hold a Public Meeting in accordance with Section 34 of the Planning Act to consider this application. I will keep you posted. For more information, visit 607 Dynes Road. ________________________________________________________________________________

Transportation Services

Traffic Calming

What is Traffic Calming? Traffic calming is the installation of physical measures designed to alter driver behaviour and reduce the speed and volume of traffic. The city uses a variety of measures to calm traffic, including raised crosswalks, speed humps, split speed humps, traffic circles, raised centre median islands, road narrowing, and pavement markings. Interesting to note that a four-way stop is not a traffic calming measure.

Residents interested in traffic calming are required to submit their name, address and contact information (phone and email) to traffic@burlington.ca

For more information about traffic calming, visit Speeding and Aggressive Driving. __________________________________________________________________________________________

Traffic Calming – Belvenia Road & Henderson Road

A public meeting was held earlier this fall to share with residents proposed traffic calming measures for Belvenia Drive and Henderson Road. As a result of feedback received from residents (including the Sept. 28th open house meeting, phone calls and emails), the Belvenia Road Traffic Calming Plan between Spruce Avenue and Lakeshore Road has been revised to include only one measure – a full speed hump directly in front of the park entrance. For more details, please contact Brent Jefferson, Traffic Technologist, at 905 335-7600, ext. 7760 or e-mail Brent.Jefferson@burlington.ca __________________________________________________________________________________________

Traffic Initiatives – Halton Regional Police On the topic of traffic calming, sharing with you the following excerpt from a recent Halton Regional Police Media Release dated Oct. 25, 2016. Traffic Initiatives Continue throughout Burlington

Halton Regional Police officers from 30 Division have been running two traffic initiatives across the City of Burlington throughout 2016.

Operation RISC (Reducing Intersection Safety Concerns) has been in effect since 2015 by officers from 30 Division, in order to maximize police visibility and increase the public's perception of safety while driving. Collisions at intersections have a high risk potential of serious injuries or even death, making intersection safety a priority for the Halton Regional Police. The most common contributing factors are inattentiveness, distracted driving (cell phone use), failing to yield, driving too fast for road conditions, following too closely and disobeying traffic light signals. The Halton Regional Police have also continued the Residential Traffic/Stop Sign/Speeding (RTSS) Initiative in order to deliver a clear message to drivers that our residential roads are not raceways. This traffic safety initiative was designed to increase compliance of stop signs. Police have utilized education and enforcement strategies throughout 2016 in order to reduce the speeds of vehicles travelling on residential roadways and to promote safer driving habits. During the first 9 months of 2016, officers in Burlington conducted 8,137 traffic stops, issued 7,937 Provincial Offences Notices and handed out more than 400 warnings to drivers. Furthermore, Halton Police spent a total of 3,167 hours dedicated to these 2 initiatives throughout Burlington. Police will continue to focus their efforts on intersections that pose a higher risk to the public based on past collision analytic data. "Accidents can be prevented if all drivers slowed down and were less distracted behind the wheel," said Sgt. Jared McLeod, District Response Unit. Halton Regional Police is committed to reducing motor vehicle collisions in an effort to provide a safer community. Halton Regional Police is further committed to reducing dangerous and aggressive driving behaviours that put all road users at risk. Operation RISC and Residential Traffic/Stop Sign/Speeding (RTSS) will continue throughout the City of Burlington. If any citizen would like to report a traffic concern they can do so by visiting the HRPS website and submitting an online traffic complaint.

***

With the every day pressure and stress many of us endure, let’s all remember to take a deep breathe and ….

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Meetings & Community Events

Ward 4

Visit my Ward 4 Meetings & Community Events for a listing of upcoming

Ward 4 meetings and a variety of community events.

If you have a community event you’d like to include, please e-mail my assistant Francine at Francine.Grimshire@burlington.ca

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City-Wide News

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Flood Study Update

At the Oct. 12/16 Development & Infrastructure Committee meeting, staff provided an update on the flood study. Committee agreed with staff’s recommendation to “approve the extension of the plumbing permit fees grant program to the end of 2017 to offset the cost of plumbing permit fees for the installation of backwater valves, disconnection of foundation drains from the sewer system and the installation of sump pumps for homes qualifying under the Region of Halton’s Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program at an estimated cost of $50,000 to be funded from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund.” For complete details, view Flood Study Update, Report CW-48-16 (and scroll down to Item 5.3). __________________________________________________________________________________________

Loose-Leaf Collection Program

Get your rakes ready! The city’s loose-leaf collection program begins Monday, Oct. 24 and runs until Dec. 2, 2016.

VIEW the Loose Leaf Collection Schedule http://www.bu

To help ensure a successful leaf collection program, please remember to:

o check the leaf collection schedule to see when collection crews will be visiting your street o rake leaves to the edge of the curb or roadway, but not on the road, in a loose pile just prior to the

start of collection in your neighbourhood o avoid raking leaves to the road too early o ensure loose leaves are not in ditches or covering catch basins in front of homes.

For information, visit Leaf Collection. __________________________________________________________________________________________

Tall Building Design Guidelines

Our city is no longer growing outwards via greenfield development. To preserve our urban/rural boundary, the City is now growing from within. As such, the development pressures of intensification and tall buildings are becoming increasingly evident. When carefully designed and located, tall buildings become a distinct and defining component of a city’s character, forging a memorable skyline and establishing city landmarks. Tall building guidelines play an important part in how the City grows. They will help build communities with quality of life and quality of place, and fulfill part of the new Grow Bold strategy by building up, building smart and building beautiful.

At the Sept. 13/16 Development & Infrastructure Committee meeting, staff recommended the endorsement of a set of tall building design guidelines. The purpose of the guidelines will help manage the pressures of intensification as well as support and supplement the city’s new approach to growth – Grow Bold. The guidelines were prepared by Brook McIlroy, an award winning architecture, urban design, and planning firm from Toronto. The guidelines are based on an analysis of best practices for tall building guidelines from other municipalities and the professional experiences of Brook McIlroy. At the Oct. 12/16 Development and Infrastructure Committee, the following staff direction was passed:

Endorse for public consultation the interim Tall Building Guidelines prepared by BrookMcIlroy, dated August 2016, provided as appendix a of planning and building department report PB-77-16.

For more information, visit the staff report PB-77-16 (scroll down to Item 5.4) and Tall Building Design Guidelines (scroll down to Item 5.4 and select Burlington Tall Building Guidelines in the right-hand column). __________________________________________________________________________________________

Weeping Willow Trees – Spencer Smith Park In June 2016, the two iconic 70-year-old weeping willow trees near the gazebo at Spencer Smith Park were removed to ensure public safety. City arborists had found significant rotting and areas of decay in the trees, originally transplanted by park founder Spencer Smith in the 1950s.

Thank you to the donation of two local companies Arborwood Tree Service Inc. and Exotic Woods who were recently at the city’s roads and parks maintenance building, planing, milling and then kiln-drying the wood from six large logs to make boards that can form a table, chairs or other furniture.

The city also has more than 200 clippings from the willow trees growing in a greenhouse this fall and winter. The young trees will be ready in the spring for people who are interested in growing a piece of history on their own properties. More information will be available in early 2017 about how people can get one of the willow clippings or to take a piece of wood home as a souvenir. Updates will be posted at Willow Trees. ________________________________________________________________________________

Windrow Clearing Program for Persons with Disabilities What is a windrow you may ask? A windrow is the snow pushed back into a driveway by a passing snowplow. The City of Burlington offers a Windrow Clearing Program for persons with disabilities. For more information including eligibility, visit Windrow Clearing Program. Keep in mind that the registration period ends Nov. 13, 2016. __________________________________________________________________________________________

Halton Region News

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Downspout Disconnection Program Prior to the widespread adoption of modern lot drainage practices, many weeping tiles and downspouts from eaves troughs were connected to the sanitary sewer system (photo on the left below). These connections have the potential to overload sewers and cause basement flooding during large storm events. If you have weeping tiles and downspouts connected to the sanitary sewer system, consider participating in Halton Region’s Downspout Disconnection Program.

Example of a Connected Downspout

Example of a PROPERLY Disconnected Downspout

To learn more about the Downspout Disconnection Program and to schedule an inspection, visit Basement Flooding Mitigation Program. You can also dial 311 to set up an appointment or obtain answers to any questions you might have. ________________________________________________________________________________

Halton Second Unit Pilot Program Halton Region includes Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills. AND Halton Region is growing. Over the next 15 years, our population is expected to increase by almost 50 per cent to 780,000. More housing options will be needed to accommodate this growth, including affordable housing options. What is a second unit? A second unit is a self-contained unit with sleeping, kitchen and bathroom facilities and a separate entrance. It is usually located in the basement of a single home and is also referred to as a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit. A second unit must meet applicable zoning, building code, fire code and property standards. To create a second unit, a building permit issued by the city is required. The Second Unit Pilot Program is a new Halton initiative that will help increase the supply of affordable rental housing; and provide financial assistance to eligible Halton homeowners for the creation of a second unit in their home. For more information, visit Halton Second Unit Pilot Program. ________________________________________________________________________________

Influenza – The Flu

What is the flu? Influenza (commonly known as “the flu”) is a respiratory infection caused by influenza A and B viruses. It should not be confused with "stomach flu" and other illnesses. People of all ages, including the young and healthy, can be affected by the flu. To learn more, visit The Flu where you’ll find a wealth of information including upcoming seasonal flu immunization clinics for residents 6 months of age and older. ________________________________________________________________________________

Older Adults’ Directory 2016-2017 The Halton Older Adults Directory provides valuable information to older adults and caregivers. This resource is published by the Older Adult Advisory Committee (OAAC), formerly the Elder Services Advisory Committee, and is an advisory body to Halton Regional Council providing information on seniors’ issues to assist Council in making informed decisions on behalf of seniors living in Halton. For more information on the OAAC and to download your copy of the Older Adults’ Directory 2016-2017, visit Older Adults.

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Older Adults Property Tax Increase Deferral Program

On June 1, 2016, Halton Region introduced the Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program to help eligible older adults with low incomes living in Halton stay in their homes and communities. The program will enable participants to defer the full value of their annual property taxes, interest free, helping them manage the rising costs of home ownership. The application must be submitted within 45 days of the date of mailing of the final property tax bill. Visit the Halton Region website for information on this program or call 311.

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Red Light Camera Program

Did you know that on average, there's 1 collision every week in our Halton Region because someone ran a red light? I’m sure you’ll agree that this is certainly unacceptable … and also preventable. To improve road safety and reduce the number of drivers running red lights, Halton Region is participating in the Red Light Camera Program.

How does the Red Light Camera Program work? Cameras snap photos of red light runners 24 hour a day, 7 days a week, but only operate after the traffic signal has turned red. For more information including red light camera locations in our city, visit Red Light Camera Program.

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Waste Resources Online

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News of Interest ________________________________________________________________________________

Burlington Hydro – Monthly Bills

Beginning in January 2017, Burlington Hydro will make the transition to monthly billing as required by the Ontario Energy Board. Burlington Hydro will begin billing its residential customers in the City of Burlington monthly instead of every other month. Burlington Hydro is the Billing Agent for Halton Region water charges in our distribution area. Water charges will continue to be billed every other month as per direction from the Region of Halton. For more details, visit Burlington Hydro. ________________________________________________________________________________

Need yard waste labels?

How about garbage tags or diaper bag tags? Have you signed for waste collection date reminders?

Visit the Online Waste Tools page to learn about all the tools available to help you manage your waste!

Burlington Public Library

*NOTE* Special Closure – All Burlington Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, for the library’s annual Staff Development Day. Regular library service resumes on Nov. 8, 2016. If you have any questions, please contact Christine Dalgetty, Director, Service Experience, at 905 639-3611, ext. 1210. Have you signed up for the Burlington Public Library’s eNewsletter? Visit Burlington Public Library to learn

more.

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Halton District School Board – Program Accommodation Review (PAR) On October 19, 2016, the Halton District School Board of Trustees voted to initiate a Program and Accommodation Review (PAR) for all Burlington secondary schools. Seven schools are involved in this review:

o Aldershot HS (Gr. 9-12) o Burlington Central HS (Gr. 9-12) o Dr. Frank J. Hayden HS o Lester B. Pearson HS o M.M. Robinson HS o Nelson HS o Robert Bateman HS

The HDSB is hosting community information sessions. I understand that these sessions are to provide information only and that there will be no time allotted for a Q&A:

Date School

Time

Nov. 1, 2016 Robert Bateman High School 6 - 7 p.m. Nov. 1, 2016 Nelson High School 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Nov. 3, 2016 Aldershot High School 6 - 7 p.m. Nov. 3, 2016 Burlington Central High School 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Nov. 14, 2016 Lester B Pearson High School 6 - 7 p.m. Nov. 14, 2016 MM Robinson High School 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 2016 Dr. Frank J Hayden Secondary School 6 - 7 p.m.

The presentation will be posted on the HDSB website. Additional information throughout the process will be shared with parents, students and the community via email, the Board’s Twitter account, the media, and other communication vehicles. As much as have no control over what the Board ultimately decides, I am certainly a concerned member of the community and will support our LBP community in whatever capacity I can. I will keep you posted. __________________________________________________________________________________________

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) If you are a customer of an electricity utility and in a lower-income home, you may qualify for a monthly on-bill credit through the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP). For more information including eligibility and online application form, visit Ontario Electricity Support Program. ________________________________________________________________________________

Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) – Review / Proposed Changes

What is the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB)? The OMB plays a central role in Ontario's land-use planning process as an independent, public body through which people can appeal or defend land-use decisions that affect their property or community.

As part of the review, the government is consulting the public on possible changes to the OMB that, if adopted, would allow for more meaningful and affordable public participation, give more weight to local and provincial decisions and support alternative ways to settle disputes and bring fewer municipal and provincial decisions to the OMB.

The changes under consideration would improve everyday life for Ontarians by providing easier public access to information about the OMB and its processes through an expanded Citizen Liaison Office. The proposed changes would also better specify what can be appealed to the OMB, as well as the mechanisms through which the OMB hears these appeals. Visit the news release from the Province of Ontario and town hall meetings to learn more. ________________________________________________________________________________

Take Action Burlington – Think Before You Throw

Did you know that Oct 17-23, 2106, was Waste Reduction Week in Canada? What a great time to remind ourselves about that piece of garbage and which bin to place it in! Visit the city’s Take Action Burlington team’s recent blog for more information about thinking before you throw and placing your waste in the correct bin.

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In closing …

Thank you for your time. I hope that you find my news updates informative and interesting. My assistant and I enjoy sharing the latest with you and very much welcome your ideas for items of interest to include in future updates. Hope to see you at my upcoming Ward 4 Drop-in on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016 between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm at Burlington City Hall. More details can be found on my Ward 4 Meetings & Events webpage. I firmly believe that if we all continue to work harder, we can make Burlington an even better place to live work and play. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Ward 4 Councillor.

Jack Dennison Ward 4 - City & Regional Councillor City of Burlington Tel: (905) 335-7600, ext. 7531 E-mail: Jack.Dennison@burlington.ca

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Quick Links: Ward 4 Meetings & Events City of Burlington Region of Halton

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