Future of LaSalle Park Discussed in Closed Session at Nov. 12 CSSRA Committee

*Please note this item was approved by Burlington City Council at its meeting on Monday (Nov. 23). For a full run-down of what Council approved, please read the minutes: Post-Meeting Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council_Nov23_2020)

At the Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability (CSSRA) Committee meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12, committee members went into closed session for confidential discussions with the City’s legal team regarding the future of LaSalle Park.

The City of Burlington has been the proud steward of historic LaSalle Park, owned by the City of Hamilton, for decades continuing the legacy of providing rich recreational, cultural and environmental opportunities for Burlington and surrounding area residents.

Burlington leases the park for $1 a year, and the City has invested millions over the years in all of the park’s maintenance and any improvements. The term is 40 years from January 1, 1983 and the first term expires
December 31, 2022. There is an option to renew for 25 additional years if both parties agree.

This lease has been amended several times to address improvements made and approved by Hamilton.

The continuation of LaSalle Park in its current form is of vital importance to the City of Burlington and its residents and visitors who come from all over.

During the CSSRA Committee meeting, committee members carried unanimously the following motion:

• Direct the Executive Director of Legal Services & Corporation Counsel or their designate to proceed with the instructions given during the in-camera session regarding the future of LaSalle Park.

For more details, please see:

• the Legal Services Department staff report: L-32-20 Future of LaSalle Park
• Report appendices:
  • L-32-20 Appendix A – Agreement
  • L-32-20 Appendix B – Map

MAYOR MEED WARD’S TAKE:

We’re really looking forward to a resolution to this with our good neighbours in the City of Hamilton — one that serves us and our mutual communities as well. The City of Burlington has been a good steward of this property. We’ve invested millions and we’re glad to do it and continue to do it for our City, the City of Hamilton and the greater areas around us. We look forward to amicable discussions with Hamilton to resolve these issues.

RELATED LINK:

• Post-Meeting Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council_Nov23_2020

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*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor’s Media and Digital Communications Specialist