*Please see below a joint statement from Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns on an Ontario Land Tribunal Update for the Waterfront Hotel and a copy of the OLT Update: OLT-22-003866-JAN-03-2023.
Burlington, Ont. — Jan. 6, 2023 — On Jan. 3, 2023, the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) released an update related to the appeal of a development application for the site of the Waterfront Hotel.
The OLT concluded the application was “made” on the day a complete application was accepted by the City of Burlington. That date was after the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing shifted the Urban Growth Centre (UGC) and Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) designations from the downtown towards the Burlington GO station area.
This means the applicant can no longer rely on the UGC or MTSA designations to justify their proposal that Burlington City Council unanimously rejected last year with strong planning rationale as overdevelopment.
The OLT’s determination is a significant victory in our city’s priority to control overdevelopment in our downtown, particularly along our waterfront.
We worked hard with staff, our Council colleagues, and the Province of Ontario to shift the UGC and MTSA designations to better direct major developments to where they are more suited, namely around our Burlington GO station. This gives us better tools to combat overdevelopment and this finding by the OLT reflects Council’s efforts.
There is still a long way to go on this file, and ultimately a decision will be made by the OLT.
The City is committed to ensuring that development of this unique property is in line with the best planning outcome and the community’s needs primarily in mind. We will continue to work with our City staff to advocate for the best interests of our residents for a more appropriate project on this key piece of land in our downtown.
Members of the public can stay up-to-date and receive email alerts on this file when new information is available by subscribing to the dedicated project page on the City of Burlington’s website at burlington.ca/2020Lakeshore
Sincerely,
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns
City of Burlington City of Burlington
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3 thoughts on “Burlington Mayor & Councillor Joint Statement: City Wins First-Step Victory in Waterfront Hotel Development Application”
I agree with Mary McBain – these buildings in my opinion are still too tall and will have a negative affect on traffic flow along the waterfront. We have such a unique and beautiful waterfront and I think this overcrowding will spoil this area for the general public. I am afraid that I cannot consider this move a “victory”.
thank goodness the first step is ours, but still the outcome remains a huge threat. I have emailed & spoken to Lisa and we submitted 3 pages of signatures way back when, against this plan for the most important piece of land in the city.
I would like to see a new condo or business bldg. built on the same height as the hotel and on the same footprint. period.
Present traffic lining up on Lakeshore at rush hour forbids more larger bldg. and parking areas. How be the city trade a different piece of land and just allow what I propose. the Spectator has written about the builder — and that should influence the OLT greatly. There would be some difference in the value of lands and that could be covered with a slight tax increase. Or we as citizens could do a go fund me campaign. My start would $1000.00. I am 87 years old and love Burlington’s waterfront. Am certain many would be willing to do so.
Well done, keep up the good work