LOCAL News

Quick meeting of council on 9 Dec.

by Brad Harness

4 January 2026

BURLINGTON - City Council met in regular session on 9 December 2025. For readers who

have never sat in on a city council meeting, you should - just to see what our local politicians and city staffers do, on our behalf. The meetings – held while you are at work, which is unfortunate

(you can certainly watch streamed video online) – and they can be long, but often are not. In fact,

they are shorter than hundreds I have reported on. Most of the work is done at the meetings of

several Standing Committees, which are equally a few hours long, each one. Videos for these

are also available to watch online. Those meetings end with recommendations made to the Regular

Council Meeting, at which, those recommendations are up for approval.

All meetings have minutes kept to record the discussion and the decisions. But often details

discussed and decision made refer to linked reports which you will need to access to find out what’s

going on. Sadly, at the regular Council meetings, there is very little discussion on most of these

items. This is especially so if those items were of legal, personnel or financial matters, in which case

they shift into Closed Session. Closed meetings are minuted by the Clerk, but not filmed or available on videos (live or archived). The minutes of these sessions are also not accessible to the public. ‘Consent Items’ – this is the term for all of the committee recommendations

put before councillors and the mayor at each Regular Council Meeting - are presented

‘en masse’ (as happens with an omnibus bill in Parliament). However, council members are asked if

they wish to pull out an item for more discussion. This does not happen often. At the meeting of

9 December, some two-dozen recommendations were voted upon. Nobody asked questions. The discussion was mostly procedural, and everything was approved. Here is a summary of those

recommendations that were approved: Some housekeeping items dealing with smaller loans for the city from RBC and Scotiabank totaling $10 million in credit facilities.

A report on the city’s savings accounts (Reserve Funds) indicated a total of $132.8-million in total

reserve funds set aside for specific future use (to replace city assets).

The 2026 Interim Tax Levy (50% of total taxes levied on all properties for 2026) was approved

allowing tax bills to be sent to ratepayers for the first half of 2026. Once again, a measure to ensure adequate cashflow for the city. All municipalities do this.

Appointments were approved to various city committees: the (new) Appeals Committee, for a

term ending 31 December 2026, to align with the term of Council; Extending the appointments of

the Pipeline to Permit Committee members for one year, for a term ending 31 December 2026 to align with the term of Council; and extending the terms of advisory committee members whose appointments expire at the end of 2025 for the Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee, Burlington Agricultural & Rural Affairs Advisory Committee, Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee, Mundialization Committee, Integrated Transportation Advisory Committee,

Burlington Cycling Advisory Committee, and Burlington Sustainable Development Committee.

A new and updated Emergency Response Plan bylaw was approved. This is required under the

provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The new bylaw shifts control during

emergencies from the Fire Dept. to the Transportation Services Dept. Due to the recent addition of a second staff member, the other components of the City’s Emergency & Continuity Management Program were also reviewed. Updates are recommended to reflect organizational changes, feedback from the July 2024 Flood response, and program enhancements.

The city has formally assumed the northend Alton Village West Subdivision, so now “all works

and services under the jurisdiction of the city within the subdivision to become the property of the City of Burlington”.

Council Remuneration was on the agenda - with a presentation up for discussion in January 2026. So far the working group of citizens has recommended that council pay and benefits remain as-is, with the addition of some sort of personal flexible health spending account (non-taxable) and/or wellness spending account (taxable) to augment the benefits package. Tthe expense budget was also discussed in the working group report. Areview of council members time on external agencies, boards and committees was called for. 

Council endorsed a partnership agreement for temporary dome structure at Corpus Christi High School to allow for year-round “outdoor” soccer.

A new Public Tree Bylaw was approved The new Public Tree bylaw introduces a compliance inspection fee, a pre-exploratory excavation fee, a new fee for applications requiring

additional investigation to support canopy retention goals. It also changes the fee structure to a

tiered approach: A tiered approach to the fee ensures fair administrative fees for tree removal permits. The bylaw amends the forestry reserve fund by-law: A modification to allow “staff to be able to utilize forfeited public tree securities to address public tree related issues resulting from construction and/or other works.” It also broadened enforcement powers.

During the 9 Dec. council meeting there was discussion of a few other items. Not surprisingly the

fallout from the long debate over the Sound of Music Festival – and its replacement by a new Waterfront Music Festival – led to additional comments. Coun. Kearns noted that the Sound of Music Festival (organizers of the earlier and now failed yet beloved summertime event) wanted her to provide clarification… That the group is a 100% independent, non-profit and is not affiliated with the city. Any arrears and outstanding amounts for Sound of Music Festival are their matters, and not city matters. 

The Mayor noted that an audit about how space was allocated to competitive swimming groups

“…I am hoping through the process there will be some answers for people, it has been a difficult process… this is not about changing what has been agreed to by both clubs…if our staff and council can do better, in that light, we need to review ways we can do better…” Fellow members of council agreed. 

The Whistleblower Program is scheduled for implementation in spring 2026. A procurement process

to source a service provider which will host an online confidential whistleblower hotline/portal

will proceed immediately.

The FIFA World Cup of Football will have a Burlington event.

And with that, the meeting drew to an early close after 2 hours (including 30 minutes in Closed Session).  Next meeting is set for 27 January 2026, 9:30am-4:30pm.

Budget OK’d - Up 5.8%

by Don Wall

4 January 2026

BURLINGTON - Burlington city council has concluded the City’s 2026 budget process, confirming

a 4.49-per-cent property tax increase as directed by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. The package

includes capital spending of $106-million, with a 10-year program of $1.2-billion, and an operating

budget of $387-million. Total 2026 spending will increase 5.8% over the 2025 budget.

In July council had endorsed a Mayoral Direction for staff to prepare a budget that would result in

a total tax increase (including the City, Halton Region and Boards of Education) in the order of 4.5 %. The final vote came Dec. 2, after hours of debate over several dates. In an eight-hour session

the councillors and mayor evaluated 22 proposed amendments to the budget package. In the final

minutes of the session it was determined the cuts offset the new spending approved in the amendments by $390,000, leading to a discussion of whether to allot that sum to capital spending or to reduce the overall budget. In the end, the councillors voted to allocate the $390,000 to capital spending and preserve the mayor’s targeted tax hike. Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan advocated for the capital spending dividend during the discussions. “I don’t want 10, 15, 20 years down the road for our roads to be crumbling because we didn’t make investments today,” he

said. “This is a small amount to invest into that, and it is a risk that if we don’t invest today, we’re going to be in a deficit that we can never climb out of, and our residents and our future residents and our kids are going to pay for it later.”

Meed Ward called the budget “very lean and responsible” and spoke to support the capital budget

top-up. “What we’ve heard directly from the community is where they want to see their dollars invested, and that’s infrastructure, and you don’t get an A-minus from the Burlington Community Foundation on quality of life without investing in your assets,” she said.

The budget includes $7.9-million for stormwater management capital projects in 2026, $675,000 for traffic management technology to improve response times for emergency

vehicles, and $180,000 for the Library’s new Appleby branch.

Spa worker charged with sexual assault

4 January 2026

BURLINGTON - The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made an arrest and laid a sexual

assault charge against a registered massage therapist working in Burlington. The accused was

working at “Be Pampered Spa” located at 700 Guelph Line in Burlington at the time of the offence.

Police were contacted after an adult female was sexually assaulted during a recent massage

at that location. On 15 December 2025, Li Ming QU (69) of Toronto, who also is known by the name “Leslie” was arrested and charged with one count of Sexual Assault.

Qu was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton. Qu is employed at a second “Be Pampered Spa” also located in Burlington. Police believe there may be additional victims and a photograph of the accused has been attached to this media release. Anyone with information, or anyone who has been victimized by the accused is asked to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.

Grave robbers charged

5 December 2025

BURLINGTON - The Halton Police have arrested a man, John Ruch (45), and a woman, Jordan

Noble (31), both of No Fixed Address and laid dozens of charges following a lengthy investigation

into a series of thefts targeting mausoleums and cemeteries across the Greater Toronto Area.

Over the past several months, thieves are believed to have committed more than 300 thefts from

cremation niches in Oakville, Burlington, Toronto, and the Niagara region. The suspects targeted jewellery, decorative cremation urns, keepsakes, and other valuables often stored in these niches.

Mausoleums targeted include Glen Oaks Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery in Oakville,

Bayview Cemetery and Crematorium in Burlington, and Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington.

The thefts occurred during daytime hours. The accused attended cemeteries and enter mausoleums. Once inside, they used a tool to enter niche compartments and steal jewellery or other valuables. The accused often stole necklaces and other jewellery containing human remains, which were discarded by the thieves. The stolen goods were then sold at pawnshops or through private sales.

BEDT in limbo for now

by Don Wall

5 December 2025

BURLINGTON - The future of Burlington Economic Development & Tourism agency remains up in the air following hours of discussion at three separate City committee and council meetings

in November.

City CAO Curt Benson had recommended bringing economic development and tourism functions

in-house, after the City received a report from consultant Rubicon Strategy that found multiple flaws within the governance and operating model of BEDT, which operates at arm’s length from the City. But at its Nov. 18 council meeting city council punted a decision until April.

Among several resolutions approved, council directed city staff to report back on two options:

integrating economic development and tourism functions within municipal operations; and, preparing a draft service agreement towards retaining an independent entity that would have a more collaborative relationship with the City.

The City of Burlington is BEDT’s primary funder, providing an annual operating grant  of approximately $1.9-million through a service agreement. The service agreement of 2024 has lapsed and has not been replaced. 

“Gosh, yes,” said Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman when asked if he felt BEDT has been doing a

good job. Regarding the proposed absorption of its functions by the city, he said, “I just think it was wrong-headed.” He said among many flaws in the Rubicon report, the consultant interviewed

non-experts whose opinions on the effectiveness of BEDT are of dubious value.

“I’m a finance guy, I believe in facts and objectivity and data and in the absence of that, what you

have is chaos,” said Sharman.

Sharman sits on BEDT’s board of directors, as does CAO Benson.

Benson’s report to council found the Rubicon report “identified several persistent issues within the

existing governance and operating model including duplicative activities and  overlapping organizational support functions, brand and operational confusion, differing accountability practices, and gaps in performance measurement, reporting and public transparency.”

Councillors vow restraint

by Don Wall

5 December 2025

BURLINGTON - Burlington city councillors reviewing the City’s proposed Budget 2026 at multiple

meetings last month repeatedly called for spending restraint in recognition of the financial pressures facing taxpayers as well as Canada’s current economic uncertainty.

The spending forecast was released Oct. 22 and officially presented to councillors Nov. 3 at a Committee of the Whole meeting. Council in July had endorsed a Mayoral Direction for staff to

prepare a budget that results in a total tax increase (including the City, Halton Region and boards

of education) approaching 4.5%, and the document produced by City CFO Craig Millar came in with a proposed 4.49% hike. Burlington’s share was just under 3%.

Resident watchdog group Focus Burlington insists that increase is closer to 5.8%.

Subsequent budget committee meetings were held Nov. 13 and Nov. 24, with a special meeting

of council scheduled for Dec. 2 to wrap up deliberations.

“We are looking for a year, at least, in terms of recovery for Canada. And that means we need to

deliver an austerity budget that is very, very prudent,” said Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns at the Nov. 3 committee meeting. Kearns is said to be planning a run at the mayoralty next year.

“I will entirely support every diligence that comes forward under this budget.”

The proposed tax increase represents an additional $43.68 in property taxes for every $100,000

of residential current value assessment. The proposed budget included $105.7-million in capital

spending. A total of $4.2-million would be spent to replace older transit fleet with hybrid-electric

vehicles. City staff had conducted several public engagement exercises including one survey that

identified residents’ top priorities for the 2026 budget. The top three themes, ranked as a percentage of all responses, were: keep taxes low (37%); roads and sidewalks (26%);

traffic congestion and flow (17%). Those worried about the impact of development is said to be only 9%.

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.