Ward 5 News Update - February 19, 2021 - City of Burlington
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Ward 5 News Update – February 19, 2021 Dear friends and neighbours, It is a pleasure to write to you every few weeks and to have many other members of our community take an interest in news about Burlington, our Ward 5 and the broader context in which we function. Much of the time I include information that we hope will be of interest simply because they are topical. Other items are included because we have received emails from community members about something that they wish to hear more about. I sometimes add a personal comment on specific items. In this News Update, I include comments about the recently approved 2021 Capital Budget. In a few weeks, I will provide analysis and comments about the 2021 Operating Budget, which will affect our property taxes for the rest of the year. I also provide an update on the long planned Burloak underpass, for which construction activities should begin to appear later this year. Of course, COVID-19 continues to dominate our lives as we approach the one-year anniversary of the beginning of lockdowns. A year ago, like many of you, I had plans to make some overseas visits. COVID-19 alarms were sounding, but we were not overly anxious that our plans would be disrupted. Little did we know. To some degree, I feel that we are still in the same situation. We know much more about COVID-19 and many have suffered illness and the loss of loved ones and friends. We are optimistically getting ready to see further relief from lockdown and the return of some sense of the normality we are accustomed to. Clearly, the lockdown has achieved its intended results relative to the second wave that started in September. Now the balancing act begins for each of us in deciding how to spend our time between the need for continued caution and optimism about effects of vaccine, warm weather with less time indoors as well as annual cabin fever that plagues most of us around this time. It is, of course, our personal decisions that will determine whether COVID infections will stay low or not. Please continue to take care, we have been here before.
We are always interested to hear from you and all our community members about any matter that is
on your mind. We are only an email or phone call away, we post, monitor, and respond on Facebook
and Twitter. Recently we have joined Nextdoor.com which provides a neighbourhood communication
service for folks who are less interested in other social networking apps. Please check it out.
As my office continues to work remotely, please know that I am always available to speak or meet,
whether by phone or virtual platform by appointment. Please email ward5@burlington.ca to schedule
an appointment. Please feel free to contact me directly by email Paul.Sharman@Burlington.ca or
leave a message at 905 335 7600 ext. 7591 if you have any question or concerns.
As always, if you see me out and about please say hi!
Halton Region Moves into Red Zone
On February 12, 2021 the Province announced that Halton Region will move to the Red/Control Level
of the Province’s COVID-19 Response Framework effective Tuesday, February, 16.
What is Permitted in the Red Zone?
• Social gatherings are limited to five people inside and 25 people outside.
• Religious services can resume indoors, at 30% capacity.
• All businesses must screen employees and customers and limit capacity to allow guests to
stay at least two metres apart.
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• Restaurants and bars may bring back indoor dining, but no more than 10 people are allowed in
total and no more than four per table. They must close by 10 pm and may not sell alcohol after
9 p.m.
• Gyms are also subject to strict capacity limits of no more than 10 people in a class or in an
area with weights or exercise equipment. Up to 25 people can take place in outdoor classes.
Team sports must not be practised or played, but training is permitted.
• Cinemas must remain closed, though drive-ins would be allowed to operate.
• Supermarkets that primarily sell groceries can have 75% of capacity and all other retail outlets
are limited to 50% capacity.
• Personal care services, except for saunas and steam rooms, are permitted, but guests must
provide full contact information and cannot provide services that require masks to be
removed.
• Casinos and bingo halls may also reopen but are restricted to 10 people indoors and 25
people outdoors.
• Performing arts centres may not have audiences, but rehearsals area permitted, with social
distancing in place.
Visit halton.ca/COVID19 for a summary of these measures or read the Red/Control Level of the
Province’s COVID-19 Response Framework for additional details.
Some city services resume as Burlington moves to level red in provincial COVID-
19 framework
The City of Burlington is preparing to resume some city services and programs following the recent
announcement by the provincial government that Halton Region, including the City of Burlington, will
move to the red level in the Province’s COVID-19 framework, effective Tuesday, Feb. 16.
A complete list of the public health and workplace safety measures for each zone under the colour-
coded response framework is available at the Province of Ontario’s website.
Under level red, the city services listed below will be delivered as follows:
City Details of service delivery
Service
Burlington Burlington Transit will continue to run as scheduled including
Transit specialized transit. The transit terminal at 430 John St. will remain
open to provide PRESTO services including SPLIT passes. Presto
services are available at Shoppers Drug Mart or online at
prestocard.ca.
Transit schedules are available online at burlingtontransit.ca to
download and print, via Google Maps, Apple Maps and using
myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
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City Hall Beginning Monday, Feb. 22, the Service Burlington counter at City
Hall, at 426 Brant St., will be open to the public to offer in-person
payments for the following services:
• Parking permits and tickets
• Property taxes
• Freedom of Information requests
• Garbage tags
• Dog licenses
• Property information requests
• Recreation services.
The counter will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to
Friday. Anyone entering City Hall must wear a mask or face covering
unless exempted from by the Mandatory Mask Bylaw. Residents are
asked to bring and wear their own masks.
Payment methods accepted
At this time, customers can use debit or credit card payments for all
payments except property taxes. Customers can pay property taxes by
debit or cheque. If cash is the preferred method of payment for
property taxes, please visit your bank to make the payment.
Residents can also use the drop box outside City Hall, located at the
Elgin Street entrance for cheque payments, letters, or small packages.
Marriage Licencing and Commissioning
Service Burlington will continue to offer marriage licences and
commissioning services by appointment. Please visit
burlington.ca/commissioning, burlington.ca/marriage or call 905-335-
7777 to book your appointment.
Other ways to contact us
Residents can also visit burlington.ca/onlineservices to access a
variety of City services online.
Service Burlington is available to answer questions by phone, Monday
to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 905-335-7777 or by
email at city@burlington.ca.
4
Halton Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will
Court remain open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday. Visitors to the
Services – courthouse must self-screen using the provincial e-screening
Provincial application at http://covid-19.ontario.ca/courthouse-screening and wear
Offences a mask or face covering.
Office
Telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Many online services are also available
by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court
Services.
Roads, Services provided by the Roads, Parks and Forestry Department will
Parks and continue as needed. Residents with questions or issues can email
Forestry RPF@burlington.ca or call 905-333-6166.
The City of Burlington is excited to slowly and
safely re-open City recreation facilities and
welcome back participants in recreation
programming. Facilities and programs will start to
re-open with a phased approach starting the week
of Feb. 16. Not all programs and facilities will be
opened immediately as re-staffing and facility
preparation is underway.
All Adult Virtual Fitness, Learning and Music
Registered Programs already running until March
26 will continue as is with no change at this time until the spring session begins.
Drop-in skating, lap swims, recreation swims and Aquatic Fitness will start to re-open this week and
programs and locations will increase over the next two weeks. All programs can be viewed and
registered for at burlington.ca/recreation.
Restrictions for City facilities and recreation as a result of moving in the Red (Control) Phase in the
Province’s COVID-19 framework include:
• 10 people maximum for indoor programs such as ice pads, gymnasiums, etc.
• 25 people maximum for outdoor programs
• Drop-in recreation programs will have a maximum capacity of 10 people, this includes skating
and Aquatic Fitness
• Pool capacities for drop-in recreational swimming and lap swims will be reduced to ensure
physical distancing can be maintained
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• Bistro Express Curbside Pickup will again be accepting phone orders and providing nutritious
home-style cooking for reheating at home. Pickup at Seniors Centre Main Entrance. Tap
payment only accepted
• In-person instruction, including Learn to Swim and Aquatic Leadership courses will have a
maximum capacity of 10 people
• Indoor pickleball activities are cancelled. Outdoor pickleball is available in Optimist and
Leighland parks, weather permitting
• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian
supervision of children
These restrictions will impact program providers in the following ways:
• For all team sports, indoor and outdoor game-play is not permitted
• Teams in City facilities and on City fields can adjust their programming to training and skill
development with a maximum of 10 people indoors, up to two coaches and 25 people
outdoors. Program participants are encouraged to reach out to their organization for additional
information
• If you are a participant in a non-City program or team sport, please connect with your
organization to understand how this may impact you
• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian
supervision of children
• Parents/guardian must maintain 3-meter distance while in facilities
• No contact permitted for team or individual sports
• Limit duration of stay in a City facility or on City fields to 90 minutes (does not apply to sports)
• Require active screening, contact information and attendance for all patrons
• No live performances. Performing arts rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted
event permitted
• Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other
performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barrier
Existing restrictions that will remain for City facilities indoor and outdoor recreation
include:
• Physical distancing
• Mandatory face coverings
• Mandatory health pre-screening, pre-registration and online payment
• Mandatory masks while waiting in line outdoors
Anyone with questions should follow-up with their sport provider or user group or you can call
Recreation, Community and Culture’s Customer service at 905-335-7738.
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Programs Viewable Registration Program
Date Start Dates
Adult
• Virtual including Fitness, Music, Open Open Mar. 1-26
Continual Learning
• TelePALS Open Open Mar. 1-29
• Bistro Express Curbside Pick Up Open Call 905-335- Feb. 22
7888, ext. 6346
• Spring Indoor, Virtual, and Outdoor Mar. 5 Mar. 13 Mar. 29
Swimming
• Drop-In Lap swims Open Open Feb. 17
• Drop-In Rec. swims Feb. 21 Feb. 21 Feb. 22
• Drop-In Aquatic Fitness Feb. 21 Feb. 21 Feb. 22
Skating
• Drop-In Skating (Indoors) Open Feb. 19 Feb. 20:
Appleby Ice
Register 25
hours before for Feb.28:
residents and 2 Central
hours for non- Arena
residents
March 1:
Mountainside
Arena
Youth
• Virtual Family Programs Open Open Feb. 22
• Drop-In Family Gym Feb. 22 Feb. 24 Mar. 1
• No Socks for Ivan Feb. 21 Feb. 21 Feb. 22
• Family Winter Play at Tyandaga Feb. 22 Feb. 24 Feb. 27
For more information about Recreation Programming and drop-ins, visit burlington.ca/recreation.
Outdoor winter activities in service include:
• Outdoor skating at Rotary Centennial Pond (1340 Lakeshore Rd.) and the artificial rink at Hidden
Valley Park, (1137 Hidden Valley Rd.). Pre-registration is required.
• Disc golf at Tyandaga Golf Course (1265 Tyandaga Park Dr.)
• Outdoor tennis and pickleball at Leighland Park (1200 Leighland Rd.) and Optimist Park (2131
Prospect St.)
• Toboggan hills – choose from five locations across the city
• Outdoor Play Challenge is running until Feb. 28, 2021
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• Play Equipment Lending is still available at Brant Hills Community Centre with online reservation
and curbside pick-up
For more information about all activities, visit burlington.ca/outdoorplay. For information about the
Play Equipment Lending program, visit burlingto.ca/playlending.
Burlington Public Library Update
With Halton Region now back in the Red Zone, the Burlington Public Library is delighted to restart a
few in-branch services and move one step closer to the next stage of safely reopening our
community. Here’s what you can expect when you visit your local branch:
• Contactless in-branch holds pick-up: Drop by anytime opening hours to pick up your hold
items. No need to call staff when you arrive. Just bring your library card number and wear your
face covering.
• Computers by-appointment: Book a 45-minute computer appointment starting Mon February
22. Book online or call the library during open hours at 905.639.3611.
• No browsing collections, walk-in library services, or sit & stay for leisure, work, or study at this
time.
Visit the services update web page for the latest reopening news as library staff continue to make
changes to serve you in the safest way possible.
Update on Halton Region Vaccinations
Vaccine data is now available on the COVID-19 dashboard on Halton.ca that shares data about the
vaccine rollout in Halton.
As of Feb. 19, a total of 23,934 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Halton, including
doses administered at mobile clinics and the Halton Healthcare Vaccination Centre. Vaccine data will
be updated once a week on Fridays. Halton’s COVID-19 vaccination program remains contingent on
supply. As more vaccine is available, they will continue to roll out the vaccine to priority populations.
Watch the latest update from the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hamidah Meghani, on #COVID19
Variants of Concern (VoCs). Learn more about what they are and what you can do to prevent the
spread/ https://youtu.be/RNjwf8PExTQ
Ontario Community Support Program Extended until 2022
The Ontario government is extending the Ontario Community Support Program (OCSP) until 2022 to
ensure that low-income seniors and people with disabilities have access to food, medicine and other
essentials during COVID-19. The program was established in April 2020, and involves an innovative
8partnership with the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) and its large volunteer base in
communities across the province. During that period nearly 800,000 deliveries have been made.
The OCSP operates in communities across the province by matching volunteer services with seniors,
people with disabilities and other vulnerable Ontarians through an online registration system.
Volunteers are stepping up in significant numbers to give their time and efforts to fellow Ontarians
who need support to meet the challenges of COVID-19.
To sign up for Meals on Wheels in your local community or get essentials such as medicine delivered,
visit www.ontariocommunitysupport.ca.
Services can also be arranged by dialing 211 or 1-877-330-3212 (toll free). TTY service is also
available by dialing 1-888-340-1001.
Read the Media Release.
City of Burlington reinstates parking enforcement of 5-hour limit
As the City of Burlington continues to monitor services during COVID-19, enforcement of the 5-hour
parking limit was reinstated for on-street parking effective Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021.
Parking enforcement will resume for those illegally parked on neighbourhood streets past the five-
hour limit in addition to safety-related issues such as fire routes, accessible parking, no
parking/stopping areas and blocked areas, including parking lots at City parks. Residents needing to
park on-street past the 5-hour limit can apply for a parking permit or exemptions online beginning on
Feb. 11 at burlington.ca/parkingexemption.
For more information on parking, visit www.burlington.ca/parking.
Paul’s Comment: At the beginning of COVID-19 lockdowns it was clear that the City needed to
provide parking relief for many people who found themselves at home when they might otherwise
have been away. Clearly that has not changed, however, City staff have received many complaints
about cars being left in the same place for months without being moved. While it is understood that
certain cars become unused in a family situation where there is more than one car, perhaps the car
that is not being used can be stored on the driveway or in the garage. Please note, if parking on the
road is unavoidable, please apply for a parking exemption. Exemptions will automatically be provided
for 15 days per license plate annually and on a more extended basis under extenuating
circumstances.
9Work to determine city’s 2021 budget continues with a review of the proposed
operating budget next week
Work to determine the City of Burlington’s 2021 budget will continue with a review of the proposed
operating budget at a meeting of the Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability
Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 9:30 a.m. and Thursday, Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m. (if additional time is
required).
The proposed city tax increase is 4.99%. When combined with the approved Halton Region increase
and the Boards of Education, the overall tax increase is 2.88%, which works out to $21.89 per
$100,000 of residential current value assessment.
A livestream of the proposed operating budget review meetings on Feb. 23 and 25 (if additional time
is required) is available on the City’s website, along with a copy of the report being presented (F-04-
21-1).
The city budget consists of both an operating budget for the delivery of services to the community and
a capital budget to invest in the construction and renewal of city assets and infrastructure. The city’s
2021 capital budget of $72.1 million, with a 10-year program of $786.4 million, was approved by
Burlington City Council on Jan. 19, 2021.
Paul’s Comments on the Capital Budget: We have received emails from community members
suggesting that the City and Council should be reducing 2021 taxes because of COVID-19 and its
negative impact on the economy. There can be no doubt that City staff and all Council members are
extremely conscious of COVID-19 and all its implications. The following are my thoughts and
response to people’s concerns so far relating to the recently approved Capital Budget. I will provide
more comments on the Operating Budget that we are presently reviewing. Please be assured that we
all treat this extremely seriously in the same we do every year. This is year is more demanding.
1. The City’s 2021 Capital budget is dominated by infrastructure repair and maintenance to the
tune of $50.2m or 70%. That includes, vehicles, roads, parks, storm water sewers and
buildings; $7m is related to new and enhanced related items such as the long planned Plains
Rd. redevelopments as well as critical Information Technology; $15.2 is related to growth of
the city, much of which is related to long foreseen items such as the Burloak underpass and
other roads. Staff spent months examining every item in the budget, leaving out many things
that were “needed but could wait” and Council spent a number of hours exploring every item
outside of meeting times and in public meetings that you can watch on line. In the end Council
concluded that staff recommendations were well thought out and completely supportable.
View details of the Capital Budget
Watch the video of Council reviewing the Capital Budget here
102. Deferring capital items only delays the work needed to be done. That means, for example,
resurfacing roads that were planned for 2021 would face another year of wear and tear, many
of which are at a point where further delay would only increase the cost of doing the work in
future years. It would also mean that other roads in serious need of repair scheduled for
following years would also be delayed. Council concluded that staff recommendations were
carefully made and appropriate. It is worth noting that COVID-19 has caused a drag on the
economy. By reducing capital expenditures, the City would contribute further to economic
decline at the very time the opposite is needed. You may recall that government spending and
capital programs is what revived the US economy after the great depression.
3. The 2020 $18m loss in revenue has been completely offset by reduction in cost actions, such
as layoffs of about 600 part time personnel, coupled with offsetting grants from the Provincial
Government. All members of Council are acutely aware of all COVID-19 related challenges
faced by every level of government including Halton Region and the City of Burlington. We
have spent hundreds of hours reviewing and discussing every aspect of these challenges, as
well as having been engaged in meetings at Halton Regional Council with the Medical Officer
of Health. We are all very well informed. The Capital Budget as well as the Operating Budget,
when finally approved, will exactly reflect the decisions of Council.
Council and city staff are as concerned about making the best financial choices for the city, both while
the pandemic is upon us and for what might follow in the future. The review process has consumed
hours of work along with considered and sensitive decisions. The city’s financial performance is a
continuum. It is influenced by choices of the past, as well what can be seen occurring in the
future. The big question facing Council is, if holding back on much needed budget items occurs in
2021, how much bigger will tax increases have to be in future years? I attest, that it is a serious
question with significant consequences for the entire community should Council and city staff get it
wrong.
Update on the Burloak Rail Grade Separation
The Burloak Rail Grade Separation project is a joint project led by the Province in partnership with
Metrolinx, the Town of Oakville and the City of Burlington. The rail grade separation will include:
• Construction of a six-lane underpass (road-under-rail) at the existing at-grade crossing
including retaining walls and provisions to electrify the GO service
• Temporary detour of Burloak Drive to the east to build the underpass below the rail corridor
• Two road closures at the rail crossing for several weeks to complete the road detour
• Temporary diversion of existing tracks to the south during construction
• Relocation of utilities (e.g. sewer, hydro, and communications) to build the underpass
11The project is currently in the final procurement phase with the
contractor. The project will be awarded later this year with the
new underpass being open in the fall of 2025.
Once a contractor has been hired, a schedule on the design and
construction work will be determined and shared with the public.
There will also be two public information sessions for residents
to view the design.
Subscribe to the City’s project webpage to receive updates on the Burloak Rail Grade Separation.
Dundas Street Improvements – Phase 1: Appleby Line to Bronte Road Notice of
Online Public Information Session
Halton Region is making improvements to Dundas Street (Regional Road 5), from Appleby Line in
Burlington to Bronte Road (Regional Road 25) in Oakville.
These improvements will help accommodate future growth and travel demand through north
Burlington and Oakville and provide safe travel options for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
Improvements include:
• widening from four to six lanes;
• road resurfacing;
• new multi-use paths, sidewalks and on-road bike lanes
• new bus stops and shelters
• new traffic signals and street lights
• new bridges
• upgraded storm water infrastructure
• environmental protection measures
12An online Public Information Centre (PIC) is being held February 11-25 for any residents or
businesses with an interest in the project. The online PIC will cover:
• planned road improvements
• project renderings
• how to plan ahead for construction; and
• the project schedule.
To participate in the online PIC, visit the Dundas Street Improvements webpage and provide your
questions or comments through the online comment form.
Mountainside Outdoor Pool Revitalization and Community Input
Mountainside Outdoor Pool has served the community well for over 50 years and the City of
Burlington is planning a future revitalization of this popular community outdoor pool. The renewal
project is anticipated to begin after the 2021 summer swim season. The pool will remain open for
use this summer, pending public health and provincial COVID-19 direction.
The City is inviting and encouraging all families and individuals who use the pool to take the
online survey to help guide us with the style and themes of the following amenities and features
planned for the new pool. The survey is open until Feb. 19, 2021, at
getinvolvedburlington.ca/mountainsidepool. Styles and themes of amenities in the survey include:
• Pool water spray features
• Climbing wall
• Water slide
• Shade structures
The revitalization will create an attractive, fun, active and welcoming multi-use outdoor swimming
pool, that invites the community to participate and experience swimming and water play while
encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2021, with completion expected in the spring of
2022.
Residents invited to share their thoughts on proposed designs for
Regal Road Bridge Public Art
The City of Burlington is commissioning an artist to create a public art piece for the Regal Road
bridge. Residents are invited to share their thoughts on three finalists chosen by an independent jury.
The three proposed designs can be viewed and commented on by logging into or joining the City’s
engagement platform: GetInvolvedBurlington.ca. The comments received, along with the technical
and detailed design proposals, will inform the jury’s final selection.
13The artwork will be 10 laser-cut steel panels installed on the concrete sidewall of the bridge this
summer. An independent jury reviewed 54 applications and selected three artists to develop detailed
design plans.
The jury chose:
• bau & ćos, www.bauandcos.com
• Karen Ho Fatt Lee, www.karenhofatt.com
• Laura Wood & Dawn Tyrrell, https://laurawood.ca/
Artwork Location
The Regal Road Bridge crosses Tuck Creek and is located on Regal Road, between Oakwood Drive
and Swinburne Road. The bridge was upgraded in 2019 as part of the City’s flood mitigation project.
One artist will be commissioned to create a series of 10 unique laser cut steel panels to enhance the
bridge. The panels will celebrate the community and/or natural environment surrounding Regal Road
and Tuck Creek.
Canada Healthy Communities Initiative Applications for Funding
The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) is a national initiative funded by the
Government of Canada to create and adapt public spaces to respond to the new realities of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Burlington Foundation is proud to be a member of The Golden Horseshoe Hub. Led by the Oakville
Community Foundation, this hub is a consortium of eight community foundations located across
Southern Ontario including: Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation, Brant County
Community Foundation, Burlington Foundation, Community Foundation of Halton North, Hamilton
Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Mississauga and Niagara Community Foundation.
The Golden Horseshoe Hub will work together to provide $1,840,190 to transform public spaces in
response to COVID-19.
This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s new $31 million Healthy Communities Initiative
and will support community-led organizations in developing local, small-scale infrastructure projects
that respond to the immediate needs arising from COVID-19, while building towards a more
pandemic-resilient future.
Organizations are invited to apply for funding between $5,000 and $250,000 to lead projects that help
create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options, and provide digital solutions to help
their neighbourhoods or communities navigate the pandemic and look to build back better in the
COVID-19 recovery. This could include projects that adapt crosswalks and access to public transport
to allow for safe physical distancing, the creation of community gardens, and art installations, and free
14wifi in targeted public spaces. A variety of community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including
local governments, charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations.
Organizations can apply here from February 9, 2021 until March 9, 2021, at 8:00 PM EST.
A second application period for funding will take place starting in May 2021.
Around the Kitchen Table:
Discussing Climate Change with Others
Free Virtual Event | Tues., March 9 | 6:30-8pm
The Bay Area Climate Forum is the #1 annual event focused on climate action in the Hamilton-
Burlington Bay Area. The theme of this year's event is "Around the Kitchen Table: Discussing Climate
Change with others."
Hear updates on progress to their region’s climate goals and join
the discussion on having better climate conversations.
The keynote Katharine Hayhoe is an award-winning climate
scientist, viral TED Talk host and host of the PBS Digital Series
Global Weirding. Katharine will be speaking about overcoming the
barriers to public acceptance of climate impacts and solutions.
This free virtual event will be held on Zoom – register here. Live
Closed Captioning and ASL Interpretation will be provided.
Taste of Burlington
Restaurants in our city continue to struggle as a result of COVID-19 and are currently open for
takeout only. Taste of Burlington has changed their winter program to a “Special Take Out” program
that will run from February 18 – March 21. The participating restaurants will offer some special take-
out meals and specials. Learn more at tasteofburlington.ca.
Mental Health Resources
During these long, winter months we continue to face many challenges associated with COVID-19
and the province-wide lockdown including loneliness, isolation, anxiety, stress and financial
pressures.
There are many resources available to help us during these difficult days. Please share with
neighbours, family members and friends who may need support at this time.
15Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868, https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Crisis Text Line - Free 24/7 support for people in crisis. Text HOME to 686868. (You will receive 2
automated responses and then will be connected to a crisis responder, usually within 5
minutes.) https://www.crisistextline.ca/
Canada Suicide Prevention/Crisis Service - 1-833-456-4566
Canadian Mental Health Association - Halton Region Branch – Call 905-693-4270 or toll-free 1-
877-693-4270 https://halton.cmha.ca/
Connex Ontario - assists with helping you discover mental health, addiction and gambling
services. 1-866-531-2600 or https://www.connexontario.ca/
Wellness Together Canada - https://ca.portal.gs/; for immediate crisis support text WELLNESS to
741741.
BounceBack Ontario - https://bouncebackontario.ca. Free skill-building program managed by the
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low
mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a
coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to
mental wellness.
World Health Organization - offers parenting resources and healthy at home topics
: https://www.who.int/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat-
coronavirus/healthyathome/healthyathome---healthy-parenting
Halton Community Services Database- http://search.hipinfo.info/
City Agendas
Learn more about what is upcoming at City Council. Visit with City’s Calendar to find meeting dates
and agendas for upcoming Standing Committees of Council.
16COVID-19 Links and Resources
• For further COVID-19 information, including where to get tested, please visit Halton Region Public
Health www.halton.ca/coronavirus
• Residents can stay informed at www.burlington.ca/coronavirus as well as on our social media
channels: @cityburlington on twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington
• Government of Ontario: www.ontario.ca/coronavirus
• Government of Canada: www.canada.ca/coronavirus
• World Health Organization: www.who.int
• Joseph Brant Hospital: www.josephbranthospital.ca/covid-19
• Team Burlington - Burlington’s business organizations
• Other local parks: Conservation Halton, RBG, Bruce Trail
17You can also read
