Get Involved - New Official Plan

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Stay Involved

Early in 2019, Burlington City Council voted to re-examine the downtown policies in the adopted Official Plan. Over the next few months, the City of Burlington will be looking for your feedback and ideas to help refine and improve the downtown policies. This is your opportunity to help shape the policies that will guide development in the downtown, including the height and density of buildings.

We Want to Hear From You

Residents and others interested in the re-examination of the downtown policies in the adopted Official Plan are encouraged to visit Get Involved Burlington to:

Learn more about the re-examination of the downtown policies in the adopted Official Plan
Read the engagement plan supporting this project
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Past Events

2019 Past Official Plan Events

Event Date	Event Details
Nov. 8, 12, 15, 2019	Between Nov. 8 to 15, drop-in sessions with city planners were held to provide opportunities to review and discuss two possible concepts for how downtown Burlington could accommodate growth and development in the future.
Nov. 2, 2019	Taking a Closer Look: Action Lab This workshop provided an opportunity for participants to review and discuss two possible concepts for how downtown Burlington could accommodate growth and development in the future. 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Mountainside Recreation Centre, 2205 Mount Forest Dr
Nov. 1 - 19, 2019	Online survey to review two possible concepts for how downtown Burlington could accommodate growth and development in the future.
Oct. 26, 2019	On Oct. 26, a walking tour of downtown Burlington was held between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. to provide participants with a first-hand view of the areas of downtown that are being looked at as part of the re-examination of the adopted Official Plan
Oct. 23, 2019	Taking a Closer Look: Action Lab This workshop provided an opportunity for participants to review and discuss two possible concepts for how downtown Burlington could accommodate growth and development in the future. 1 to 3:30 p.m. or 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Lions Club, 471 Pearl Street, Burlington
Aug. 15 - 24, 2019	Pop-up Events - Throughout the month of August, City staff visited a variety of locations and events throughout the community to talk with residents and identify what is most important to them about downtown Burlington.
Aug. 22, 2019	To help identify what matters most about downtown Burlington, the City hosted two Citizen Action Labs on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. At these in-person, public sessions, participants worked in small groups to discuss and identify what is most important to them about downtown Burlington. The feedback gathered was used to inform the creation of two concepts of what the downtown could look like in the future. Action Labs: Taking a Closer Look at the Downtown Thursday, Aug. 22 1 to 3 p.m. or 7 to 9 p.m. Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd.

2018 Past Official Plan Events

Event Date	Event Details
April 24, 2018	Meeting to recommend adoption of New Official Plan on April 24 and 25 A report recommending adoption of Burlington's proposed new Official Plan was presented to Burlington City Council at a meeting of the Planning and Development Committee on April 24, 25 and 26, followed by a special meeting of City Council on April 26. Grow Bold: Burlington new Official Plan was adopted by Council.
Feb. 27, 2018	Statutory Public Meeting for Proposed new Official Plan (February 2018) The Statutory Public Meeting provided the public with the opportunity to provide comments to Council on the third version of the proposed new Official Plan (February 2018). Location: City Hall, Council Chambers Time: 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 15, 2018	Proposed New Official Plan (February 2018) Open House Session 2 and 3 These Open House sessions provided the public with the opportunity to review and discuss the proposed new Official Plan (February 2018) with representatives of the city. Location: City Hall, Council Chambers Times: 1 to 3 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Feb. 12, 2018	Proposed New Official Plan (February 2018) Open House Session 1 The purpose of the Open House session is to provide the public with the opportunity to review and discuss the proposed new Official Plan (February 2018) with representatives of the City. Location: Haber Community Centre Time: 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Feb. 6, 2018	Statutory Public Meeting - Continuation This meeting served as continuation to the Nov. 30, 2017 Planning and Development Committee meeting. Topics of discussion: Growth management, implementation and any remaining topic areas identified by Council. The public was welcome to attend the meeting or watch a live webcast. The meeting did not include further delegations. Location: City Hall, Council Chambers Time: 1 to 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 23, 2018	Statutory Public Meeting - Continuation The proposed new Official Plan contains the proposed new Downtown Precinct Plan and associated policies, resulting from the Downtown Mobility Hub Area-Specific planning study. At this meeting, a recommendation report related to the downtown was presented. Location: City Hall, Council Chambers Times: 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 16, 2018	Statutory Public Meeting - Continuation This meeting served as continuation to the Nov. 30, 2017 Planning and Development Committee meeting. Topics of discussion: Employment policies, employment conversions and the mixed use intensification area policies. The public was welcome to attend the meeting or watch a live webcast. The meeting did not include further delegations. Location: City Hall, Council Chambers Time: 1 to 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 8, 2018	Statutory Public Meeting - Continuation This meeting served as continuation to the Nov. 30, 2017 Planning and Development Committee meeting. Topics of discussion: Sections of the proposed new Official Plan that relate to the rural area, agriculture, natural heritage, greenspace and mineral aggregates. The public was welcome to attend the meeting or watch a live webcast. The meeting did not include further delegations. Location: City Hall, Council Chambers Time: 1 to 6:30 p.m.

2017 Past Official Plan Events

Event Date	Event Details
Nov. 30, 2017	Statutory Public Meeting The purpose of the Statutory Public Meeting is to provide the public with the opportunity to provide comments to City Council on the proposed new Official Plan. Staff report PB-50-17 concerning the proposed new Official Plan was made available for public review on Nov. 20, 2017. The report provided an overview of the key components of the new Official Plan and included staff responses to feedback received on the draft Official Plan (April 2017). The proposed new Official Plan was presented to the Planning and Development Committee at a Statutory Public Meeting. Location: City Hall, Council Chambers Time: 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 20, 2017	Proposed New Official Plan Open House Session 3 The purpose of the Open House session is to provide the public with the opportunity to review and discuss the proposed new Official Plan with representatives of the City. Location: Haber Community Centre Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 20, 2017	Proposed New Official Plan Open House Session 2 The purpose of the Open House session is to provide the public with the opportunity to review and discuss the proposed new Official Plan with representatives of the City. Location: City Hall Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Nov. 16, 2017	Proposed New Official Plan Open House Session 1 The purpose of the Open House session is to provide the public with the opportunity to review and discuss the proposed new Official Plan with representatives of the City. Location: Art Gallery of Burlington Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
	Consultation Period The consultation period for the draft new Official Plan extended until the end of June, 2017. Burlington's proposed new Official Plan (November 2017) was released in November 10th. The proposed new Official Plan contains additions, deletions and modifications to the draft new Official Plan that was released in April 2017. Feedback received from agencies, stakeholders and the public was considered in undertaking revisions to the draft new Official Plan. Following the release of the proposed new Official Plan in Nov 20, 2017, the City held three open houses and a Statutory Public Meeting. Information on past and upcoming events can be found on the City Meeting Calendar.

2016 Past Official Plan Events

Event Date	Event Details
May 2, 2016	Community Meeting Notice: Mount Nemo Study Update

2015 Past Official Plan Events

Event Date	Event Details
June 10, 2015	Destination Downtown: A Conversation about our Future - Public Workshops A series of public workshops were held to discuss issues related to Burlington's downtown. For more information on the workshops, please visit the City of Burlington Ward 2 news website. Workshop 3: A Conversation about our Future Location: Burlington Lion's Club Hall Time: 7 p.m.
May 27, 2015	Destination Downtown: A Conversation about our Future - Public Workshops A series of public workshops were held to discuss issues related to Burlington's downtown. For more information on the workshops, please visit the City of Burlington Ward 2 news website. Workshop 2: A Conversation about our Future Location: Burlington Performing Arts Centre Time: 7 p.m.
May 13, 2015	Destination Downtown: A Conversation about our Future - Public Workshops A series of public workshops were held to discuss issues related to Burlington's downtown. For more information on the workshops, please visit the City of Burlington Ward 2 news website. Workshop 1: A Conversation about our Future Location: Burlington Lion's Club Hall Resources: Downtown Meeting No. 1 - Precinct Reference Sheet May 13 2015 Downtown Meeting No. 1 - Comment Form May 13 2015
May 7, 2015	May 7, 2015 - Accessory Drive-Through Stakeholder Meeting #2 On May 7, 2015 a stakeholder meeting was held with drive-through developers, businesses and industry representatives in order to: Provide an update regarding City staff's review of Accessory Drive-Through's since the previous stakeholder meeting in February 2014; Provide an overview of the policy directions for Accessory Drive-Throughs that were endorsed by City Council as part of staff report PB-10-15 in February 2015; and Provide stakeholders an opportunity to inform City staff's development of design and functionality policies for accessory drive-throughs as part of the current Official Plan Review. Minutes from this meeting and a copy of City staff's presentation are now available. Questions or comments regarding the City's review of Accessory Drive-Throughs can be directed to Phillip Caldwell, Planner - Policy, at 905-335-7600, ext 7536 or phil.caldwell@burlington.ca
March 24, 2015	Community Consultation Meeting on the south side of Plains Road East On March 24, 2015, the City of Burlington hosted a community meeting to talk about the future of the Residential Medium Density lands on the south side of Plains Road East, between Cooke Boulevard and Filmandale Road. The meeting was an opportunity to consult on the potential redesignation to allow further redevelopment; and on public's concerns regarding the impacts of development and how to reduce them. No decisions have been made to redesignate these lands at this time. Resources: Staff Presentation (PDF) Official Plan Policy and Zoning By-law regulation (PDF) Comment Form (PDF) Summary Report (PDF) A follow-up meeting will be held in fall 2015.

2014 Past Official Plan Events

Event Date	Event Details
July 29, 2014	Community Meeting about development in Shoreacres South A Community Meeting was held on July 29, 2014 to discuss recent development in Shoreacres South. At the meeting, Planning staff: Provided a presentation on the planning process and the current set of land use planning tools that guide development decision making today; Provided an overview of recent studies in other Burlington neighbourhoods which explore opportunities and alternatives in managing land use change; and Facilitated a discussion to collect community feedback Read the Shoreacres South Presentation and the presentation meeting minutes. For more information, please contact Rosa Bustamante at 905-335-7600, ext. 7811 or Rosa.Bustamante@burlington.ca
July 7, 2014	Council Workshop on the Commercial Strategy Study On Monday, July 7, a Council Workshop was held to discuss the city's Commercial Strategy Study. This multi-phased study was undertaken to help the City of Burlington develop policies that incorporates commercial land use planning with neighbourhood planning and urban design. The Phase 2: Commercial Policy Recommendations and the Phase 3: Urban Design Guidelines for Mixed Use Activity Areas, components of the Official Plan Review, will be the focus of discussion with Council. Briefing Note: Council Workshop on the Commercial Strategy Study
June 16, 2014	Council Workshop on the Mobility Hubs Opportunities and Constraints Study A Council Workshop was held on Monday, June 16, to discuss findings and recommendations of the final Mobility Hubs Opportunities and Constraints Study (May 2014). The discussion with Council, together with consultation with the public, agencies, stakeholders and staff's internal interdepartmental review in the coming months, will inform the development of draft mobility hub policy directions for the Official Plan. Briefing Note: Council Workshop on Mobility Hubs - Mobility Hubs Briefing
May 6, 2014	Council Workshop on Employment Lands A Council Workshop was held to discuss the city's Employment Lands Study. This multi-phased study was undertaken to help the City of Burlington develop a new long-term employment lands strategy. The Final Phase 2 Employment Lands Study, a component of the Official Plan Review, was the focus of discussion with Council. Briefing Note: Council Workshop on Employment Lands
April 30, 2014	Mount Nemo Public Consultation Meeting Conservation Halton - Auditorium 2596 Britannia Rd 7 - 9 p.m. The City of Burlington hosted a second public consultation meeting for the Mount Nemo Heritage Landscape Study to discuss the Mount Nemo heritage landscape, including the history, process and the results of the Preliminary Study.
Feb. 12, 2014	Second Public Session for the Mobility Hubs Opportunities and Constraints Study Shoreline Room, Burlington Arts Centre 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The evening provided an opportunity to review and provide comments on: The opportunities and constraints at Burlington's Mobility Hubs, The future role and vision of each hub, and The draft Official Plan directions for land-use, built form, open space and circulation. See the original ad for details
Feb. 11, 2014	Character Area Study for Roseland Final Workshop Multi-Purpose Room, Burlington Seniors' Centre 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The final workshop discussed the proposed neighbourhood options from the consulting team at Brook McIlroy Draft Workshop Presentation
Feb. 10, 2014	Mount Nemo Plateau - Public Consultation Kilbride Public School - Auditorium 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The City of Burlington held a public consultation event to discuss the future of the Mount Nemo Plateau.
Jan. 29, 2014	Character Area Study for Indian Point Final Workshop Shoreline Room, Burlington Arts Centre 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The final workshop discussed the proposed recommendations from the consulting team at Brook McIlroy. Workshop Handout Workshop Presentation

2013 Past Official Plan Events

Event Date	Event Details
Oct. 10, 2013	Transforming Aldershot Public Meeting 6:45 - 9 p.m. St. Matthew's Church, 126 Plains Rd East The public meeting discussed a variety of topics impacting development in Aldershot including auto-oriented uses, intensification and building heights and mixed-use development. Presentations and summary documents from the meeting: City of Burlington Presentation Brook McIlroy Presentation Transforming Aldershot Summary
Sept. 26, 2013	Telephone Town Hall The Mayor hosted a telephone town hall to discuss land use planning, transportation networks and transit service in the city. Approximately 145 people stayed on the line for at least 30 minutes to listen to the Mayor and to ask questions. Fifteen people also had the opportunity to speak live to the Mayor to ask a question. Several participants took the opportunity to record their questions which can be found in our FAQ section. Thanks to all of the residents who listened in and asked so many great questions. Several key themes emerged that will be carried through the Official Plan Review and the Transportation Master Plan update.
Sept. 12, 2013	Commercial Study Stakeholders Meeting 1: City-Wide Strategic Recommendations Burlington Arts Centre, Shoreline Room, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Stakeholders Meeting 2: Downtown Burlington Strategic Recommendations Burlington City Hall, Room 247, 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Contact: Hugo Rincon, Planner - Policy, 905-335-7600 ext 7418 or hugo.rincon@burlington.ca
Sept. 10, 2013	Mobility Hubs Opportunities and Constraints Mapping of the study areas: Burlington GO Station Mobility Hub Area Downtown Mobility Hub Area Aldershot GO Station Major Transit Station Area Appleby GO Station Major Transit Station Area
June 25, 2013	Roseland Workshop for Development Tools Central Arena - Auditorium A 6:30 - 9 p.m. Download the presentation
June 5, 2013	Indian Point Workshop for Development Tools Burlington Arts Centre, Fireside Room 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Download the presentation
May 13, 2013	Hwy 403/Waterdown Road Meeting Cafe Annex at the Royal Botanical Gardens
May 1, 2013	Character Area Study for Roseland A public meeting was held to help develop the vision for Roseland. Download the presentation
April 2, 2013	Character Area Study for Indian Point A public meeting was held to develop the vision for Indian Point. Download the presentation Download the workshop summary
Jan. 19, 2013	Rural Summit The Rural Summit was held to provide the public with an opportunity to discuss the vision for the Rural Area.

2012 Past Official Plan Events

Event Date	Event Details
Nov. 7, 2012	Downtown Workshop A workshop to talk about a vision for downtown and what it will take to get there. November 7, 2012 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Burlington Art Centre, Shoreline Room 1333 Lakeshore Road Burlington, ON L7S 1A9 Canada
Oct. 4, 2012	Council Workshop on Neighbourhoods This workshop provided Council with an opportunity to explore what a neighbourhoood planning framework could look like in Burlington. Download the presentation
Aug. 27, 2012	Comprehensive Work Plan City staff presented the Committee of the Whole with a Work Plan Report, which illustrated the relationships among the individual work plans, timing, and their connections to other studies and city initiatives. Download the report
June 18, 2012	Proposed Scope of Work City staff presented the Community Development Committee with a Scope Report, which presented the findings of the internal and external scans. These scans offer an assessment of the existing Official Plan. Download the report
May 7, 2012	Statutory Meeting This special meeting of Council allowed for the receipt of public comments with regard to any section of the Official Plan which may require revision. Download the report
May 1 & 3, 2012	Interactive Open Houses These open houses invited the citizens of Burlington to provide their input and comments about the current Official Plan.

2011 Past Official Plan Events

Event Date

Event Details

Dec. 12, 2011

Introduction to the 2012 Official Plan Review

City staff presented the Community Development Committee with an Introduction to the Official Plan Review and asked the Committee to consider undertaking the Official Plan Review and Zoning By-Law Review in sequence.

Download the report

Newsletters

2019 Newsletters

Date	Document
Nov. 7, 2019	Taking a closer look at the downtown: Voices from across the city needed to help refine the policies in Burlington's adopted Official Plan that will guide development in the downtown: November 2019 Update
August 2019	Taking a closer look at the downtown: Voices from across the city needed to help refine the policies in Burlington's adopted Official Plan that will guide development in the downtown: August 2019 Update
May 13, 2019	Scoped Re-examination of the Adopted Official Plan (2018): May 2019
Feb. 12, 2019	Burlington Adopted Official Plan (2018): February 2019 Update

2018 Newsletters

Date	Document
Dec. 17, 2018	Grow Bold: Burlington Official Plan (adopted April 26, 2018) Approval Process Update
May 10, 2018	Notice of Adoption: City of Burlington Official Plan Project Update
April 17, 2018	Proposed New Official Plan Update - Reminder: Release of Proposed New Official Plan Recommended for Adoption and Staff Report
April 9, 2018	Proposed New Official Plan Update - Release of Proposed New Official Plan Recommended for Adoption and Staff Report
March 28, 2018	Proposed New Official Plan Update
March 13, 2018	Proposed New Official Plan Update
Feb. 21, 2018	Notice of Statutory Public Meeting - Burlington's Proposed New Official Plan (February 2018) - Reminder
Feb. 12, 2018	Notice of Open Houses and Statutory Public Meeting - Burlington's Proposed New Official Plan (February 2018) - Update: Afternoon Open House Added
Feb. 7, 2017	Notice of Open Houses and Statutory Public Meeting - Burlington's Proposed New Official Plan (February 2018)
Jan 26, 2018	Proposed New Official Plan: Save the date
Jan 18, 2018	Burlington's Proposed New Official Plan Process Update

2017 Newsletters

Date	Document
Dec 11, 2017	Burlington's Proposed New Official Plan Process Update
Nov 20, 2017	Burlington's Proposed New Official Plan: Open House Reminder and Staff Reports available
Nov 9, 2017	Notice of Open Houses and Statutory Public Meeting Proposed Sustainable Building and Development Guidelines
Oct 30, 2017	Proposed New Official Plan: Save the Dates
Sept 27, 2017	Mobility Hub Area Specific Planning: Upcoming Event
August 30, 2017	Burlington's New Official Plan Project: Public Consultation and Engagement Summary and Mobility Hub Area Specific Planning: Upcoming Events
June 22, 2017	Burlington's New Official Plan Project: Community Consultation Update
June 9, 2017	Burlington's New Official Plan Project: Ask a Planner Session - Burlington North
May 30, 2017	Burlington's New Official Plan Project: Community Consultation Updates
May 12, 2017	Burlington's New Official Plan Project: Community Consultation Updates and Mobility Hubs Area Specific Planning
May 1, 2017	Burlington's New Official Plan Project: Community Consultation on the Draft New Official Plan
March 24, 2017	Burlington's new Official Plan - Draft New Official Plan Proposed to be Released for Community Consultation

2016 Newsletters

Date	Document
Dec. 8, 2016	Burlington's new Official Plan - Report Available: Rural, Natural Heritage and Sustainability Policy Directions
Sept. 30, 2016	Burlington's Official Plan Review: Upcoming Staff Reports Available
July 20, 2016	You answered our question
June 30, 2016	Burlington's Official Plan Review: Upcoming Staff Reports Available and we have a question for you...
June 23, 2016	Urban Structure and Intensification Policy Directions Report
April 14, 2016	Community Meeting Notice: Mount Nemo Study Update
Feb. 5, 2016	Upcoming Staff Reports: Character Area Studies for Shoreacres, Roseland and Indian Point
Jan. 26, 2016	Employment Land Conversion Requests Submission Deadline: Feb. 26, 2016
Jan. 6, 2016	Revised Work Plan and Schedule Staff Report available for the Jan. 12, 2016 Development and Infrastructure Committee Meeting

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Personal information is collected under the authority of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13. The City of Burlington collects this information in order to make informed decisions about planning issues and to notify interested parties of City Council's decision as well as the Region of Halton's decision, and to serve you notice of an Ontario Municipal Board hearing. Under the Planning Act, this information is considered part of the public record and will be disclosed, including personal information. Personal information (including your name, address, and comments) may be contained in an appendix of a staff report, published in the meeting agenda, delegation list and/or the minutes of the public meeting, and made part of the public record which may be available for public disclosure to members of the public, at the meeting, through requests or through the City of Burlington website, unless you expressly request the City of Burlington to remove your personal information. Questions about this collection and disclosure should be directed to: Andrea Smith, Manager of Policy and Research, Planning and Building Department, City of Burlington, 426 Brant St, P.O. Box 5013, Burlington, Ontario, L7R 3Z6 at 905-335-7385.