LOCAL News

Builders ask for help 

by Cynthia Carpenter

BURLINGTON - At council’s October 14, 2025 meeting, Mike Collins Williams, CEO of the Canadian Home Builder’s Association spoke to councillors of the economic and housing crisis, and how this affects the job market. He stated that, “The housing market is broken, we need housing prices to come down.” He proposed eliminating city Development Charges (DC) 100% over a temporary two-year period, suggesting that the province and federal government come up with infrastructure funding. Regional DCs for Halton will be approached next. In the GTA, 41,000 job losses are predicted for 2026. This is worse than the early 1990s. New condominiums are down 94% since 2021. Single family home sales are down roughly 91%. A 100% DC elimination would equal $37.5-million dollars.

Victoria Marteliti, representing the Building Industry & Land Association also backed a reduction of the city’s development charges, with the stipulation that funding only go to projects with shovels in the ground. She also indicated funds for things specific to Burlington, like purpose-built rentals, and multi-family units. A two-year temporary city development charges reduction plan was referred to November 3, 2025, and amendments were made to direct the Commissioner of Development & Growth Management to bring a DC bylaw update to eliminate DCs for two years subject to this being tied to achieving policy goals for housing units, subject to provincial and/or federal government funding. The reduction only applies to projects that have already achieved a defined level of start and/or completion. DCs are collectable upon occupancy. The recommendation is not to amend the bylaw until federal and/or provincial funding is secured. Looking at this through a geographic lens suggests building around major transit stations, as opposed to waterfront development. The mayor spoke concerning achieving policy goals, and the conditions tied to this. She noted that across the board, there have been no other DC reductions on this level. Mississauga saw units go from 2,000 per year to 12,000. 

Busy council agenda

by Cynthia Carpenter

BURLINGTON - At the October 14, 2025 City Council meeting, council voted in support of a community donation toward a new off-leash dog park at Palmer Park. They declined the Burlington Sound of Music Festival 2026 funding request, with $150,000 earmarked for a different music festival to take its place at Spencer  Smith Park next summer. A new bylaw passed designating the following addresses as heritage sites: 380 Brant Street, 444 Plains Rd. E., 482 and 490 Elizabeth Street, 562 Maple Avenue, and 2280 No.2 Side Rd.

There was unanimous support for the Commissioner of Development & Growth Management to bring back a report to the Committee of the Whole - at its January 2026 meeting - on options relating to a two-year temporary reduction in city housing Development Charges. This includes a potential Community Improvement Plan amendment, and a development charge bylaw update to eliminate development charges for two years, subject to conditions. The Pipeline to Permit Committee meeting on October 9, had earlier recommended a two-year reduction in city development charges.

Millcroft Golf Course issues were taken into closed session. Upon returning, council voted in favour of the Development & Growth Report concerning Provincial Facilitation regarding Millcroft Golf Course trees and new homes issues.

There was a Motion Memorandum from the Mayor concerning automated speed cameras, with support from the Ontario Assistant Chief of Police, Ontario Traffic Council, and the Assocition of Municipalities of Ontario. Council voted in support of six planned cameras outside Burlington elementary and secondary schools. Fines will support future traffic calming measures. 20 mayors across Ontario support automated speed cameras, advocating provincial reconsideration of a total ban.

The Appleby Library opening celebrations, and the Celebration of Lights by the Lion’s Club at Spencer Smith Park were reflected upon.  Next council meeting is set for November 18, 2025 9:30am-4:30pm.

Cyclist dies in collision

BURLINGTON - On October 17, 2025 at approximately 6:29am, Halton Regional Police responded to a serious motor vehicle collision involving a cyclist on Appleby Line, north of Harvester Road in the City of Burlington. A cyclist had been travelling northbound on Appleby Line and was struck in the northbound lanes by a Mazda SUV. The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Mazda remained on scene and is cooperating with the police investigation. Due to the severity of the collision, the Collision Reconstruction Unit attended the scene and has taken carriage of the investigation. Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are requested to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5065 or CRU@haltonpolice.ca

Pedestrian hit at intersection

BURLINGTON - At approximately 2:47pm on October 7th, 2025, the Halton Regional Police Service was notified of a pedestrian involved motor vehicle collision in the area of Fairview St and Brant St in the City of Burlington. The initial investigation indicated that an 22-year-old male pedestrian was on the northwest corner...

BURLINGTON - On September 25, 2025 at approximately 10:04am, the Halton Regional Police Service attended the intersection of Guelph Line and Britannia Road in the City of Burlington for a serious motor vehicle collision.

A black Lexus SUV was travelling westbound on Britannia Road. As the Lexus entered the intersection at Guelph Line a collision occurred with a red Kenworth gravel truck that was southbound on Guelph Line. A passenger in the Lexus SUV sustained critical injuries as a result of the collision. The passenger was transported to an out of region trauma centre and later died as a result her injuries. The driver of the Lexus sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the gravel truck was uninjured. 

Due to the severity of the collision, the Collision Reconstruction Unit has taken carriage of the investigation. Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are requested to contact the CRU at 905-825-4747 ext. 5065 or CRU@haltonpolice.ca 

BURLINGTON - Burlington’s Committee of the Whole met September 8 and 9, 2025, tackling a packed agenda that reflected the city’s ongoing growth and development pressures.

One of the key decisions was the approval of a 23-storey mixed-use building at 2072 Lakeshore Road. Council amended the planning rules to raise the height limit from 10 to 23 storeys. The project will include more than 160 units, around 300 square metres of ground-floor retail, and about 160 parking spaces. Approval is subject to conditions, including confirmation of wastewater capacity and completion of environmental reviews.

Council also held a statutory public meeting on a proposed 12-storey mixed-use building at 100 Plains Road East. The application would allow about 250 homes above ground-floor retail. Residents raised concerns about height, how the building fits the neighbourhood, and traffic impacts on nearby streets. The committee sent the file back to staff for further analysis before a final decision.

At Appleby Line, Council approved a SmartCentres application to broaden permitted uses at the former Toys “R” Us site. The amendments allow grocery and department stores without new construction, re-using the existing building for re-tenanting.

The Millcroft Greens redevelopment also remained in the spotlight. Staff reported on the Ontario Land Tribunal-approved plan for new housing and a mid-rise apartment building on parts of the golf course. Back in May, tree removal led to a City-issued stop-work order that is still in effect, and residents continued to call for strict enforcement. 

Since the meeting in early September, the City has charged the developer, landowner, and contractor for allegedly cutting down trees without permits, with extra charges against the contractor. Millcroft Greens denied the charges, according to a statement to CP24.

Council also approved amendments to the 2025 Rates and Fees By-law, introducing a $300 licensing fee for short-term rentals and harmonizing appeal fees, and received financial reports projecting a $2.13-million surplus for 2025.

With development pressures mounting and community concerns ongoing, many of these files are expected to return to Council in the months ahead.

BURLINGTON - Burlington Council has approved a 23-storey mixed-use tower at 2072 Lakeshore Road. This marks a major change for the Old Lakeshore Road area and sparks debate over growth on the waterfront.

The decision came on September 16, after an earlier recommendation at the Committee of the Whole. Council voted 5–2 in favour. Councillors Galbraith, Kearns, Nisan, Sharman, and Bentivegna supported the project, while Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Councillor Stolte voted against it, concerned about the building’s size and fit with the neighbourhood.

The approval changes both Burlington’s 1997 Official Plan and its zoning by-law. Together, these changes raise the height limit from 10 to 23 storeys and allow a much larger building than the rules previously permitted.

The development will bring more than 160 units, about 300 square metres of ground-floor retail, and around 160 parking spaces at Lakeshore Road and Pearl Street. Council added conditions that require wastewater capacity and environmental reviews to be completed before the zoning can take effect.

City planning staff supported the project, saying it fits with provincial and regional planning policies. They noted the site’s closeness to transit, jobs, and services, and pointed out that over a third of the units will be three-bedrooms, offering more options for families.

Public opinion was split. Supporters said the tower will add much-needed housing and support downtown businesses. Opponents expressed worry about traffic, parking, the effect on the waterfront’s character, and the example it might set for future tall buildings.

As part of the approval, Council required the tower to be set back on its upper floors, add more greenery and public space around the site, and leave a wider open corner at Lakeshore and Pearl for better safety and visibility. The developer will also need to submit a detailed site plan with final design and servicing details before construction can begin.

BURLINGTON - Burlington’s Skyway Community Centre is about to reopen its doors after nearly five years of construction. Closed in October 2020 for a complete rebuild, the former

single-pad arena has been transformed into a multi-use space designed to be enjoyed for years to come.

Located between Appleby Line and Burloak Drive, the new centre features an NHL-size arena, an indoor walking track, and two community rooms with kitchenettes and space for pickleball.

Accessibility was a priority throughout the design, with barrier-free dressing rooms and an

accessible viewing platform at the rink. A bright lobby and lounge provide space to gather, while

public art, an upgraded baseball diamond, and a natural play area enhance the park.

The project was shaped through consultation with residents and community groups to ensure that

the design meets local needs. City officials also note that the low-carbon facility supports Burlington’s climate goals.

The centre will be open for public use starting September 2. Beginning September 12, staff will be on-site during programme hours, giving visitors a chance to explore the new facility even outside of

scheduled activities.

The official grand opening is on September 20 from 1pm to 3pm. It will include speeches from local

leaders, guided tours, refreshments, programme showcases, live demonstrations, a Burlington Teen

Tour Band barbecue and performance, as well as a free community skate.

Community room rentals begin September 21, followed by cityled youth, family, and  adult programmes on September 22.

Staff described the project as a turning point for the neighbourhood. “The Skyway Community Centre and Park will celebrate a major milestone in its transformation into a modern, inclusive, and accessible community hub,” they wrote in their report.

BURLINGTON - Burlington City Council held a Special Meeting on August 13, 2025, to meet planning deadlines under the Planning Act and finalize licensing by-law amendments ahead of the fall session.

The most notable decision was the Council’s unanimous rejection of a proposed 25-storey high-rise

at 127 Plains Road West. The application from MHBC Planning on behalf of Losani Investment

Corporation was seeking approval for 240 residential units above 475 square metres of retail space.

In its report, city planning staff concluded the project “does not represent good planning,” stating

it was inconsistent with the Provincial Planning Statement and did not conform to the Regional or

Burlington Official Plans. Staff said the tower didn’t fit Aldershot’s Official Plan, which sets aside Plains Road for mid-rise buildings of about 5 to 11 storeys, not a 25-storey high-rise.

Residents reinforced those concerns. In a written submission, Aldershot resident Alison Hood said

the building would “overshadow my home and negatively impact the enjoyment and privacy of my

property… My living room, bedroom and backyard will be directly overlooked by the apartment’s

many units.” Hood also cited traffic, noise, and the absence of safe play areas for children as concerns.

Losani Homes formally requested that Council defer its decision to allow time to revise and resubmit the application as a 16-storey building in response to the comments. Council declined the request, moving instead to a closed session before returning to vote 7–0 in favour of outright refusal.

Alongside the development decision, Council also approved reforms to Burlington’s licensing system. Three by-laws covering public vehicles, business licensing, and adult entertainment were amended to give business owners 30 days to appeal city decisions instead of seven.

Appeals will now go to a new citizen-led Appeals Committee rather than councillors, a change staff say will make the process more efficient.

Property Standards appeals, which used to be handled by the Committee of Adjustment, will

also move to this new committee. Committee of the Whole meetings will resume on 8 September as

Council returns to a regular schedule following the summer break.

BURLINGTON - Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) are requesting the public’s assistance

with identifying an man who assaulted a teenaged girl in Burlington. On 6 August 2025, at approximately 2:50pm the victim returned home from riding her bicycle and entered her home’s garage located in the area of Headon Rd. and Deer Run Ave. While inside the garage she was approached and startled by the man who requested a drink of water. As the victim attempted to assist the suspect, he forcefully grabbed the victim by the arm. The victim pulled her arm away and the suspect walked away, leaving in a white SUV that was parked on the street. The victim did not sustain any physical injuries and no other suspects were observed.

The suspect is described as male, medium dark complexion, approximately 5’8” tall with a medium

build, wearing dark coloured clothing, white/grey coloured shoes and a dark baseball cap.

Investigators believe the suspect vehicle may be an older model white GMC Acadia.