Mayors across Ontario are requesting immediate, emergency funding from federal and provincial governments to deal with the impacts of COVID-19. Time has run out. We need governments to act. Municipalities are on the front lines of delivering essential services during the pandemic. We are key partners in any economic recovery through our infrastructure projects and …
UPDATED NOTE Saturday, July 4: Thanks to everyone who has so far provided me with feedback regarding the potential for a mandatory mask bylaw in Burlington/Halton. In the last few days we have received confirmation from the Medical Officer of Health at Halton Region of her support for a bylaw, and I have received overwhelming …
In recent days my office has received inquiries from local residents and businesses related to U.S. residents spending time in Burlington, and expressed their feelings of confusion and surprise as they thought the border was fully closed. This is understandably concerning as we see our friends and neighbours to the south deal with increasingly high …
Clarifying Canada-U.S. Border Travel & the Need to Remain Vigilant Read More »
With our move to biweekly meetings and next week’s Canada Day holiday, we held our 11th meeting yesterday afternoon. Our next meeting will take place on July 16th. Our group discussed the feedback we have seen in the community from Burlington’s move into Stage 2 of the provincial reopening, with many residents and businesses happy …
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of this year’s Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards! Last night I was thrilled to attend this beloved annual event in its creative and innovative new virtual format. We still dressed up (everyone looked fantastic), we still had ‘tables’ (through Zoom rooms) and we still had delicious …
Burlington Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Business Excellence Awards Go Virtual Read More »
Earlier this month, I received a letter from the Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing outlining proposed changes from the provincial government to the More Homes, More Choice: Ontario’s Housing Supply Action Plan. The update is to three major pieces of legislation: growth targets to 2051; mineral aggregate operations; and land-use needs/assessment. …
Province Releases New Proposed Growth Numbers for Halton to 2051 Read More »
This week marked our tenth meeting of the COVID-19 Task Force. We have seen some great successes thus far and this was a good opportunity to take stock as we continue to move forward together. Last weekend’s Gift of Giving Back drive-through food drive at Burlington Centre saw over 280 vehicles drop off thousands of …
This week, I launched a new specialized newsletter to keep residents up to date as the Millcroft Greens golf course development proposal moves through the planning process and in response to all those who recently emailed me with their requests, comments and/or questions regarding the proposed development. If you would like to subscribe to the …
Burlington Mayor Launches New Specialized Newsletter for Millcroft Read More »
Yesterday, the Province announced that Halton Region will be entering Stage 2 this Friday (June 19) in Ontario’s phased reopening. As City staff work on the safety procedures and protocols that need to be put into place for City services and facilities, more details will be shared with the public. In the meantime, here is …
As Burlington moves into Stage 2 of the provincial reopening strategy, our beloved restaurants will finally be able to welcome customers again to dine on-site – just in time for summer! While indoor dining is not yet permitted, outdoor patios will be permitted to open for businesses as of this Friday, June 19th for those …
Today (Monday, June 15), Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that Halton Region will be moving into Stage 2 of the re-opening of the Province, along with nearby regions like Hamilton and Niagara. Only Toronto, Peel Region, and Windsor Essex remain in Stage 1. This is good news for our city and our business owners who …
Province Adds Halton to List of Regions Entering Stage 2 Starting Friday Read More »
UPDATE: Council approved the motion. On June 22, City Council will consider a motion I brought forward at committee to get options for cancelling penalty and interest on late tax payments until the end of the year or some earlier time frame. The cost of eliminating penalty and interest is $1.65 million. Oakville has already …
Last weekend marked the 76th anniversary of the D-Day landing on Juno Beach by Canadian Forces and the beginning of the end of WWII. As many of you know, I was lucky enough to be in Normandy this time last year and share in the 75th anniversary commemoration ceremonies with local D-Day veteran Jim Warford, …
Today, a joint letter was sent to Premier Doug Ford from all four Halton Mayors and Regional Chair in regards to the regional re-opening of the province that was announced yesterday. Halton residents and businesses from across Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills have shown great diligence in adhering to physical distancing rules, wearing masks, …
Earlier today I met with fellow Large Urban Mayors Caucus of Ontario (LUMCO) mayors via webcast and discussed the urgent need to get financial support from upper levels of government to municipalities in dire need. As Guelph Mayor and LUMCO Chair Cam Guthrie explained, “Municipalities are facing a perfect storm of increased costs and decreased …
Large Urban Mayors’ Caucus of Ontario statements on Municipal Funding and Anti-Racism Read More »
Yesterday’s task force meeting took place with over 30 participants making time in their increasingly busy scheduled to connect and collaborate. I began by briefing the group on the City of Burlington’s ongoing redesign of services including the reopening of Burlington beach once grooming and water quality testing is complete next week, as well as …
**Updated June 5** I want to thank all those who have reached out to all of Burlington City Council, City planning staff, the Halton Regional Chair and Conservation Halton to share your concerns about the proposed Millcroft Greens development and upcoming virtual public meeting. Hundreds of residents have sent us the email petition or other …
Millcroft Virtual Public Meeting Rescheduled to Sept. 21 Read More »
At our Regional Council meeting on May 20, we approved a staff report outlining preliminary growth scenarios for Halton’s municipalities. Council’s recommendation: THAT Report No. LPS41-19 re: “Regional Official Plan Review – Progress Update on the Integrated Growth Management Strategy and Preliminary Growth Scenarios” be received for information THAT staff be directed to advance the …
Regional Council Approves Preliminary Growth Scenarios for Halton’s Municipalities Read More »
Today my fellow Halton Mayors, Halton Regional Chair, and I released a statement calling on the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to provide immediate additional funding for cities and towns as we continue to deal with COVID-19. Local Oakville-North Burlington MP Pam Damoff and Milton MP Adam van Koeverden signed on in …
UPDATE (June 5, 2020): Yesterday’s Solidarity March was part of a global movement to support members of our black community and add our voices to protest death based simply of the colour of someone’s skin. It’s an important message to send, even during a pandemic. I stand with the Halton Regional Police and my fellow …