Coronavirus (COVID-19)

August 2020 Virtual Council and Committee Meeting Schedule

• Monday, Aug. 10, Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services Committee
• Tuesday Aug. 11, Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility Committee
• Thursday, Aug. 13, Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability Committee and Special Burlington City Council - time sensitive COVID-19 ratifications
• Monday, Aug. 24, Burlington City Council

Virtual Statutory Public Meetings

The City of Burlington is allowing virtual statutory public meetings beginning this July. Staff are developing a process so virtual meetings can work as closely as possible to an in-person meeting. Residents are encouraged to pre-register but there will be staff in place to help those who need to register during the meeting.

How to participate at Statutory Public Meetings

1. Fill out the online delegation request form or email clerks@burlington.ca by noon the day before the statutory public meeting.
2. Include a copy of the delegate’s intended remarks which will be circulated to all Members in advance as a back-up to technology. It is understood that those who register during the course of the meeting, may not have the ability to draft and submit written submissions. All rules in the Procedure Bylaw with respect to delegations (Section 41 Delegations) shall apply to remote delegations.
3. If you are confirmed as a registered delegate, you will be sent access codes and instructions to enter the teleconference or video conference system.
4. On the day of the meeting, log into the system 30 minutes before the meeting start time to check-in with appropriate staff and test your audio settings.
5. When waiting to be called upon by the Mayor/Chair, stay on mute.
6. The Mayor/ Chair or the City Clerk/designate may give you a one-minute warning in your delegation time.
7. During the meeting, those who want to make a request to provide an oral submission can fill out the online delegation request form or email clerks@burlington.ca.
8. If there are requests during the meeting, speakers may be added to the delegate list.
9. After all registered delegations are completed the Chair will make a last call for delegations and give a deadline.
10. A recess will be called to make sure that all requests made by the deadline are given access codes and instructions to enter the teleconference or video conference system.
11. The meeting will continue and the rest of delegates will be heard by Committee.

For more information or to register to delegate at committee or council meeting, visit burlington.ca/delegate.

The town hall will be hosted by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who will be joined by a panel of local leaders to help answer residents’ questions.

How to Participate

Residents who would like to participate in the town hall can do so in the following ways:

1. Register in advance: Burlington residential phone numbers will be randomly selected to be part of the telephone town hall. Residents who would like to be added to the telephone call list can email getinvolved@burlington.ca by the end of day on June 3.
   Please note: if you registered for either of the two previous town halls (held on March 26 and April 14), you are not required to register your phone number a second time.
2. Join by telephone: Anyone who does not receive a telephone invitation can call 1-800-779-7154 just before 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 4 to join the town hall. For those individuals calling in, please be advised more than one attempt may be required due to the high volume of traffic on the phone lines. If the first call does not connect, please hang up and dial the 1-800 number again.

Once the call begins, a moderator will provide participants with instructions for how to submit their questions to the leadership panel.

Any questions not answered during the call will be posted, with answers, to the City’s website at burlington.ca/townhall, along with an audio file and full transcript of the call after June 4.

When announcements are made by the Province about activities and spaces that can re-open, the City’s service redesign strategy carefully determines which new policies and protocols need to be in place to prioritize the community’s health and safety. The City must also wait for accompanying regulations to be made public by the Province, which will guide how we deliver services.

As City services resume, the delivery of these services will look different than it did before the pandemic.

We ask for your patience and understanding as the City works to ensure it has resources and procedures in place that align with Provincial regulations and the latest guidance from Halton Region public health to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The resumption of City services is something everyone is looking forward to, but we must continue to do it slowly and carefully with the right precautions.

Over the coming days and weeks, as more announcements are made by the Province, the City will update the public on our new services. We have created a dedicated space online where residents can get information on what’s opened, what’s closed and what services look like, at Burlington.ca/coronavirus. We have organized this information under “What’s re-opened” to help residents rediscover the services and activities that have resumed.

The City also recently launched a new online Community Resources Data Hub to provide the public with open access to the latest COVID-19 information, data and interactive maps, including daily case updates, locations for local grocery stores, restaurants, food banks, and more.

What’s re-opened?
Amenities and spaces that have recently re-opened, include:

• Basketball hoops in parks
• Benches and picnic tables in parks – please note these amenities are not being sanitized
• BMX cycling area at Nelson Park
• Community gardens – open to residents to have reserved a plot for 2020
• Leash-free dog parks
• Multi-use sports fields - open for use by members of the same household (fenced/locked fields are not available for use)
• Parking lots in City parks (Lowville park continues to be closed)
• Skate parks at Maple Park, Nelson Park and Norton Park
• Tennis courts at Leighland Park, Optimist Park, Brant Hills Park, Millcroft Park and Palmer Park
• Tyandaga Golf Course.

At re-opened amenities, residents are reminded to continue to be vigilant about public health practices and provincial directives to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including:

• Maintaining 2 metre physical distance from anyone you don’t live with
• Gathering in groups of 5 or fewer
• Staying home if you feel sick
• Washing and sanitizing hands before and after using these areas.

The City of Burlington is working towards opening leash-free dog areas and most City park parking lots by end of day on Friday, May 22, 2020. The City of Burlington is still encouraging everyone to follow public health directions and Provincial orders to physically distance themselves a minimum of six feet to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

All City-owned leash-free dog areas, parking lots and tennis courts are scheduled to be opened by end of day Friday, May 22 with the exceptions of:

1. The west parking lot at Spencer Smith Park (ongoing construction)
2. LaSalle Park Marina parking lot (ongoing construction)
3. Lowville Park parking lot (continued crowd management)

Residents are encouraged to leave their cars at home when visiting a park. Walk, bike or roll to your neighbourhood park.

City Multi-use Sports Fields

The Province announced today that multi-use sports fields (such as baseball diamonds and soccer fields) can be opened. Families can now enjoy our publicly accessible sports fields (areas not locked and enclosed with fencing) with members of their own household for casual play. Only family members from the same household are able to be within six feet of each other. The City of Burlington will provide further information regarding our sports fields by Friday, May 22.

In the meantime, organized group sports are still not permitted due to Provincial emergency orders. Requirements need to be in place by provincial sport organizations before permitted field use can be re-introduced. The City will work in collaboration with local sport organizations and as the specifics are provided, an implementation plan will be finalized.

Provincial emergency orders remain in effect that limit the number of people in a gathering to five. If sports fields are used for casual purposes they are to be used at resident’s own risk; the City has not maintained or inspected sports fields during the pandemic.

Park amenities, including all washrooms and playground equipment remain closed.

Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and following the Provincial and public health directives, the City of Burlington is cancelling all City-run summer programs. This includes activities such as summer camps, recreation programs, festivals and events, swimming and skating drop-ins that were originally offered in the Live & Play Guide.

Programs

Organizations and residents are asked to please be patient during this time as we expect it will take 4-6 weeks for staff process these cancellations. Residents who paid for these programs using a credit card will be refunded to that same credit card if possible. All other payment methods will receive a credit to their Recreation accounts. Following the processing of cancellations, cheque refunds will be issued based on specific email requests. Please email liveandplay@burlington.ca for cheque refund requests, and be sure to include your full mailing address.

As restrictions from the Province and Public Health are lifted, the City will implement a redesigned or modified program where possible. Any programs available will be advertised. To be notified of any new programs, visit and subscribe to burlington.ca/play.

Facility Rentals

All facility rentals up to and including Sept. 7, 2020, including arenas, pools, community centres, schools, sport fields and picnics are cancelled. Renters who paid by credit card will be refunded to that same credit card if possible. Others will receive a credit on account. A confirmation will be emailed once the rental cancellation has been processed.

Requests for future booking dates are not being accepted until further notice.

For questions about facility rentals or rental refund requests please email rentals@burlington.ca.

For more information and FAQ’s on summer closures, cancellations and refunds visit burlington.ca/coronavirus.

The City is monitoring the situation closely and will work with local organizations to determine any modified programs as we are able to. Any opportunity to re-open facilities or resume programming following health directives including physical distancing or reduced group sizes will be posted to the City’s website and social media.

Parks

While City of Burlington parks were never closed for walk-through traffic, residents can now enjoy a few more activities in their local City of Burlington parks and green spaces with members of their own household including:

• Playing catch, kicking a soccer ball and flying a kite
• Sitting on a blanket, grass or lawn chair
• Exercising and stretching on a yoga mat, but not in a class
• Letting young children run and burn off some energy

We are asking everyone to remember they have a role to play in slowing the spread of COVID-19. For more information on the City of Burlington’s efforts to support the community in response to COVID-19, please visit burlington.ca/coronavirus.

Following the Provincial Government’s announcement and public health advice, the City’s Tyandaga Golf Course are preparing for opening Saturday, May 23, 2020 with COVID-19 safety precautions in place to help keep both golfers and staff safe by minimizing the spread of the virus.

The course is in great shape and combines a perfect mix of urban convenience with rural beauty, natural waterways, contours and mature trees.

Players wishing to book a tee time can do so online as of Saturday, May 16, 2020 at tyandagagolf.com. Booking by phone can be done starting Tuesday, May 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. by calling 905-336-0005.

New Rules and Operations

• Tyandaga will be open daily, 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Online tyandagagolf.com and phone booking for tee times only; no walk-in green fees
• Only credit card or debit cards will be accepted for payments (no cash)
• Food and beverage services will be limited to window take-out service only. Dining area is closed.
• No group events or tournaments at this time
• Clubhouse will be closed except for washrooms and pro-shop area. Only one person allowed in pro-shop and washroom at a time
• One person per power cart
• Lessons, practice greens, practice chipping area and rental clubs will not be available at this time
• Sand bunker rakes have been removed. Any shots in the bunker are a free drop
• All high-contact surfaces are regularly sanitized such as the payment terminals, all service-related surfaces, power carts and bathrooms
• All machinery will be sanitized daily to ensure public and staff safety

Guest Expectations

• Stay home if you are sick
• Wash your hands with water and soap before and after the round
• Use proper coughing/sneezing etiquette by using your inner elbow
• Practice physical distancing with a minimum of 6 feet between you and others while on the property
• Do not share any equipment including scorecards, tees, clubs, balls, ball markers, etc.
• Refrain from picking up random golf balls you find
• Leave the pins in the hole
• While we’re all in favour of sportsmanship, please refrain from a hand-shake at the end of a round
• Follow all posted rules and restrictions on site including any direction provided by Staff or Volunteers

The City of Burlington continues to respond to COVID-19 and take steps to slow the spread of the virus by following public health direction and Provincial orders and announcements. As the City works to redesign our service delivery, we ask for your patience and cooperation. Re-opening of the City parks and facilities is something everyone is looking forward to, but we must continue to do it slowly and carefully with the right precautions.

The City of Burlington remains committed to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 to protect its residents and employees. As the province plans for a gradual, phased reopening for recovery, the City of Burlington is taking steps to phase in activities families and members of the same household can enjoy.

Parks

While City of Burlington parks were never closed for walk-through traffic, residents can now enjoy a few more casual activities in their local City of Burlington parks and green spaces with members of their own household or groups of five of less, including:

• Playing catch, kicking a soccer ball and flying a kite (not on a soccer field or baseball diamond)
• Sitting on a blanket, grass or lawn chair
• Exercising and stretching on a yoga mat, but not in a class
• Letting young children run and burn off some energy

Facilities, amenities and spaces that continue to be closed in City parks include:

• playgrounds and play structures such as swings, slides, climbers
• sports fields such as soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, tennis courts, running tracks
• outdoor exercise equipment
• skateboard parks
• off-leash dog areas
• benches, picnic tables and shelters
• beaches
• marinas and boat launch ramps
• park parking lots and washrooms
• recreation centre grounds and parking lots

Please continue to respect the caution tape and keep off playgrounds, sports fields, skateboard areas, tennis and basketball courts. The City has signage and barricades in the entrances of parking lots to block vehicles from parking. Parking lots remain closed to encourage people to stay in the neighborhood and to help prevent overcrowding at some of our larger parks. This will be reviewed as we consider additional phased opening of park uses.

Organized sporting activities and training, such as football, softball, ball hockey, soccer, ultimate frisbee and basketball – even if they are not being played on a court or sports field – are still not allowed in City parks. Similar activities that do not allow for proper physical distancing, like running a sports or fitness class in City parks, are not allowed until further notice.

Physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most important steps everyone needs to take. The COVID-19 virus doesn’t move on its own; it needs people to move it. Remember to:

• Keep two metres away from others - about the length of a hockey stick
• Move to the right on pathways to make room for others to pass safely
• Carry out your garbage whenever possible

Residents who see groups of more than five people gathering or individuals using outdoor recreational facilities that remain closed can call the Halton Regional Police Service COVID hotline to file a report at 905-825-4722.

Provincial emergency orders that remain in force include:

• Prohibiting events and gatherings of more than five people
• Closure of public places and establishments
• Closure of outdoor recreational amenities

LaSalle Community Marina

The marina remains closed due to on-going construction. Construction is expected to be complete this summer. For information about the construction and the marina, visit burlington.ca/marina.

Sport Facilities

The Province announced some sport organizations are able to resume activities. The City of Burlington will work with our joint venture partners to ensure there are plans in place based on provincial guidelines and their sport governing body’s requirements. The City is also working to ensure these organizations can use the facilities while complying with provincial guidelines and protecting the health of athletes and city staff.

Team Burlington Supporting Businesses
Burlington’s business support organizations (Team Burlington), which includes Burlington Economic Development, Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Aldershot Village BIA and Tourism Burlington are taking a coordinated approach in supporting businesses during COVID-19. 

A business resource site has been launched to keep businesses informed about programs, funding opportunities, resources and online services to help ease the stress and uncertainty businesses are currently facing.  

Burlington Economic Development has also set-up a business support phone line to provide businesses with direct access to staff to answer questions and help make sense of new information coming from higher levels of government. Businesses can call 289-337-5505, ext. 102, Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• City resources are being allocated to increase cleaning and disinfecting, with specific focus on high-traffic touch points. This will include increasing the cleaning and disinfection of common contact points such as door handles, customer service counters, elevator buttons and handrails, water filling stations, meeting rooms, lunchrooms, POS machines, vehicle steering wheels, door handles, etc.
• The City is increasing Healthy Hands stations (alcohol-based hand sanitizers) in our facilities
• As is normal practice, disinfectant wipes are available for Transit operators to clean the driver’s area on the bus they are assigned to. Additional cleaning and disinfecting strategies are being considered.
• Information posters will be up in City facilities to inform both the public and our staff about steps to take to reduce the likelihood of virus transmission.
• A rapid response team has been created at the City that includes staff from across the organization. The Team’s purpose is to review the latest information received from provincial, regional and public health sources and advise on appropriate actions needed related to City activities.
• After careful consideration, Burlington’s Teen Tour Band nine-day trip to Myrtle Beach for the Can-Am Days parades and concerts has been cancelled. The bus trip to Myrtle Beach would have taken the band through at least 2 states that have currently declared states of emergencies in order to deal with COVID-19. The decision was made out of the abundance of caution to ensure the safety of band members, volunteers and staff based on the information we have at this time.
• The City continues to investigate technology and best practices for cleaning and disinfecting.
• City staff have been directed that all travel for conferences and other work-related trips for out of country that have already been booked should be cancelled.
• City staff have been directed to hold on booking any out of province travel for work.
• City staff continue to be advised to stay home if feeling sick.
• City of Burlington waives downtown parking fees during COVID-1. As the City of Burlington continues to support the efforts to slow the COVID-19 virus, payment is not required for on-street parking or in municipal parking lots until further notice. This is to take away numerous people touching the same parking machines throughout the day. Parking enforcement for lack of payment is also suspended. Machines are being put ‘out-of-order’ and covered with stickers to let patrons know that payment is not required. Learn more...

• practice physical distancing (social distancing);
• stay home unless absolutely necessary;
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve;
• wash hands frequently with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub;
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces;
• avoid all non-essential trips into the community;
• avoid all non-essential travel until further notice; and
• if you have travelled, stay at home and self-isolate for 14 days from when you return home.

We need to listen to the recommendations of Public Health to practice physical distancing and self-isolate when directed – to protect ourselves, the ones most vulnerable, our first responders and healthcare workers. We must all do our part to control the spread of COVID-19.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has provided this comprehensive information about social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more...