Media Releases

Public input needed on Civic Square refresh concepts

The City of Burlington has worked with consultants and used feedback from residents, businesses, community partners and Indigenous and First Nations groups to create three concepts of Civic Square, City Hall front entrance, façade and streetscapes. Residents, community partners and businesses are asked to view the concepts and answer a short survey either online at getinvolvedburlington.ca/civicsquare or in-person. The online survey will be open until June 9.

An in-person drop-in session is scheduled at City Hall (426 Brant St.) on Wednesday, June 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Staff will be in the City Hall lobby with concepts on display to take feedback and answer questions. Parking downtown after 6 p.m. is free on weekdays.

Residents can not only pick the concept they prefer, but also select aspects of the other concepts to combine into a design that uses the best features of all three concepts.

Providing your feedback will allow staff to create the best design that will help us turn the area...

National AccessAbility Week kicks off May 26

May 26 to June 1 is National AccessAbility Week (NAAW). The Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee is inviting residents of all abilities to recognize and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, as well as to promote accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of life. This year’s theme is “Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All”.

Flag raising at City Hall

A NAAW flag designed by the Rick Hansen Foundation will be raised at City Hall on May 24 at 9 a.m. with elected officials. NAAW was originally inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour in 1988.

Residents, organizations and community stakeholders are welcome to attend this event.

ReadAbility, in partnership with Burlington Public Library

Join a special guest storyteller on June 1 as they read stories and share their own personal experiences living with a disability. Learn more by visiting bpl.on.ca.

• 1 to 1:45 p.m., Burlington Public Library – Brant Hills Branch
• 2 to 2:45 p.m., Burlington Public...

Burlington’s outdoor pools and splash pads opening soon

In time for the Victoria Day long weekend, the City’s nine splashpads will be open by Saturday, May 18. The splash pads will stay open until the fall.

The Nelson Outdoor Splash Park will offer designated free times during the pre-season schedule. The pool will be unavailable during these sessions.

Splash pads are located throughout the city and are free to use. To find a splash pad near you, visit burlington.ca/splashpads.

Outdoor Pools

Outdoor Pools will be opening earlier this summer.

• Nelson Pool and Splash Park (4235 New St.) will open May 25.
• Mountainside Pool and Splash Park (2205 Mount Forest Dr.) will open June 8.
• LaSalle Wading Pool (50 North Shore Blvd.) will open June 15.

The City of Burlington will offer a modified drop-in swim schedule at outdoor facilities between May 25 and June 29, with summer schedules beginning June 29.

Stay informed by checking out our schedule online, which will be fully available for viewing starting May 22 at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.

Burlington is a city...

Summer Patios and Sidewalk Detours

Burlington, Ont.—May 16, 2024— Earlier this year, Burlington City Council approved the City-wide seasonal patio program for the 2024 patio season to continue to support local businesses. Some patios have already been installed. The installation of several downtown sidewalk detours began yesterday and will run until Oct. 31, 2024.

Sidewalk Detours

Some patios are being installed on City sidewalks. These sections of the sidewalk will be detoured onto the road with traffic barriers. These barriers will help with pedestrian safety.

The sidewalk detours for patios are being installed in downtown Burlington on:

• The north side of Lakeshore Road between Brant Street and John Street
• The north side of Lakeshore Road between Locust Street and Brant Street
• The west side of Brant Street, north of Lakeshore Road
• The north side of Pine Street between Elizabeth Street and Pearl Street
• The east side of John Street between Pine Street and Lakeshore Road
• The north side of Elgin Street between Locust Street and...

City of Burlington’s updated draft Burlington Engagement Charter ready for review

The City of Burlington’s updated draft Community Engagement Charter is now ready for review before being finalized.

The City has used public feedback on the original Charter to create this draft.

To date we have engaged with a variety of groups and individuals such as residents, City staff, Members of Council, community groups local businesses, Council appointed Committees, faith-based groups and past members of the Charter Action Team. Staff also sought input at the Food for Feedback event and the Appleby Street Festival in fall 2023.

Some of the proposed changes or updates based on what we heard include:

• Having more detail and explanations.
• Providing an emphasis on accountability, including standards for reporting back on how public feedback was or was not used in the decision-making.
• Prioritizing inclusion, making sure all voices are included, with an emphasis on efforts to consider interpreters/translation, reaching out to underrepresented groups.
• Allowing current and future technology...