The challenges facing the next council

Housing affordability, downtown density among issues Burlington faces

Thanks to all candidates who invest time and money to run for council. This election has attracted some fine individuals. A Burlington campaign can cost around $10,000.

Imagine the consternation of Toronto candidates who had the rug pulled out from under them by Premier Doug Ford’s halving of that council’s size. Registration opened May 1, and many registered early. They can’t raise or spend money before registering, but early spending is necessary for many campaign pieces.

New rules prohibit corporate donations, but individuals may donate up to $1,250. If rules are followed honestly, major developer financing is not available. Now many must rely on fundraising events, and who will donate to a defunct campaign?

This was unconscionably unfair and costly to individuals who followed all the rules. Toronto council likely needs shrinking, but by plan, not midcampaign, by something sketched on the back of a napkin by “The Doug” to settle a personal vendetta against John Tory.

Our “for the little guy” wealthy premier cancelled the three-year basic income trial early, affecting our must vulnerable. Part of the $6 billion “waste” he promised to find? But we get buck-a-beer! Maybe. What strange priorities.

Let’s look at Burlington. The most common serious complaint is that some councillors belittle or argue with delegations. Council has promoted intensification — with its extra congestion and reduced condo parking standards — but lacked the foresight to fund meaningful transit improvements. With the city’s no road-widening policy, what happens now?

Housing affordability is critical. And we’ve now lost bragging rights. Burlington was ranked Canada’s top city by Money Sense magazine. A weighting factor change dropped us to number 31. Oakville is now tops.

In Ward 1 (and universally) citizens have been upset by council’s lack of respect for the Official Plan and zoning, constantly ignoring city standards (as it has downtown). Solid Gold’s proposal is unresolved. It proposed massive, tall buildings, which it says it will reduce. By how much?

The Aldershot mobility hub still festers, and council’s $4-million gift to LaSalle Park Marina. Will Georgian Court’s redevelopment price its tenants out of the area? Aldershot is losing its hardware store, and excessive height and density are proposed in that plaza by National Homes.

Its over-dense proposal north of Tyandaga is pending, too. Meridian Quarry is a huge issue, but it’s licensed, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (which issues licences) is unlikely to revoke it.

Ward 2 includes downtown — the catalyst for the height and density angst spanning the city. Politicians, local and provincial, just don’t get it. We love Burlington, and want some vestiges of our city respected. Downtown is now awkward to visit. With planned condos and congestion, and few unique shops, it could become a wasteland — with only Spencer Smith as its salvation. And who can forget the New Street road diet bikelane fiasco?

Ward 3 is relatively unscathed, but has a large rural area which needs care.

Ward 4 contains much of Old Burlington east of Guelph Line, where little new development is proposed, but needs scrutiny. A Roseland pilot private tree bylaw was recently approved to prevent loss of our essential tree canopy. It should apply city wide.

Ward 5 faces development pressures — Appleby Mall, and redevelopment of Lakeside Plaza. Coun. Paul Sharman initiated the idea, but the height, density, and lot coverage proposals are shockers. It includes multiple highrises up to 18 storeys, mid-rises up to 11 storeys, stacked townhouses, new retail, and some new office space. Tim’s, Shoppers, Food Basics and medical offices and services will stay. Check the city site for details.

Ward 6 includes Alton, already congested, and a new mosque proposes inadequate parking. The only remaining new development area is near Tremaine and Dundas.

The city website — “elections, certified candidates” — lists links to candidates’ sites. Ward 1 candidate Vince Fiorito’s site wowed me (and it’s not my ward). It’s comprehensive and compelling. But Ward 4 incumbent Jack Dennison’s site seemingly suggests (erroneously) my endorsement.

Watch for debate dates. Please attend yours, then vote. It’s crucial for tomorrow’s Burlington.