Search results: downtown

Towers on the lake? A train station in the park? We can do better

November 27, 2009 – 3:50 pm

A small turnout greeted the downtown councilor and city staff for a public meeting this week to discuss waterfront development and traffic issues. We know residents care about these issues – more than a 100 people have attended each of our last 2 meetings – so what gives? Two thoughts come to mind. First, the [...]

By Marianne Meed Ward | Posted in Waterfront development | Also tagged , , , , , , | Comments (16)

City Council quietly removes shoreline protection

September 19, 2009 – 11:52 pm

Most of us have assumed that the heritage buildings along Burlington’s waterfront on the south side of Old Lakeshore Road are protected from destruction and development, because of shoreline setbacks, inside of which no development can take place. But we’re wrong – city council quietly removed the shoreline protection. Even worse, the owner of the empty lot beside Emma’s Back Porch – Tim Hortons (TDL) – is appealing just about all the limits on development in this area.


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By Marianne Meed Ward | Posted in Waterfront development | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (27)

“Extensive” waterfront consultation consists of 2 meetings + 62 people

August 4, 2009 – 4:23 pm

Those of us raising concerns about development on Old Lakeshore Road on our waterfront that would add highrises and take out heritage buildings, have been told the public was already “extensively consulted” – and that no consensus emerged. Consultation went “above and beyond” what the Planning Act requires, we have been told, although the Act [...]

By Marianne Meed Ward | Posted in Waterfront development | Also tagged , , , , , | Comments (9)

Towers are your fault

July 7, 2009 – 12:47 pm

Apparently, the potential towers on the waterfront are your fault. That was the message coming through at last night’s city council meeting, where Burlington councillors unanimously voted to pass urban design guidelines for the Old Lakeshore Road precinct.

The guidelines are the final step in a long process that started years ago with the Official Plan and zoning bylaws which permit 6-15 storey towers along Old Lakeshore Road. Weren’t around then? Didn’t know this was happening? Your bad.

Councillors blamed the official plan, the zoning bylaws, previous councils, residents for not knowing more, and even the media for not covering this better – essentially everyone but themselves for the situation we now find ourselves in. Read More

By Marianne Meed Ward | Posted in Waterfront development | Also tagged , , , , , , | Comments (8)

Save our waterfront

July 2, 2009 – 11:39 pm

Do you want Burlington’s waterfront turned into tower alley? If no, join the campaign to Save our Waterfront. Click herel The city’s official plan allows for two development options in the Old Lakeshore Road precinct, between Pearl and Torrance: those options are  for 6-10 storey towers, or even worse, 8-15 storey towers. The area currently [...]

By Marianne Meed Ward | Posted in Waterfront development | Also tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (29)

Designing downtowns to avoid lemons

April 12, 2009 – 10:23 pm

(originally published in the Toronto Sun) If they put Lululemon in your downtown, would you visit? City planners and business associations are asking questions like that, namely what mix of shops and services will entice people downtown. I found it heartening to learn that my own city, in conjunction with the local business association, is [...]

By Marianne Meed Ward | Posted in Downtown | Also tagged , | Comments (0)