Regular Council

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Council Chambers, City Hall, second floor
Members Present:
  • Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
  • Councillor Kelvin Galbraith
  • Councillor Lisa Kearns
  • Councillor Rory Nisan
  • Councillor Shawna Stolte
  • Councillor Paul Sharman
  • Councillor Angelo Bentivegna
Staff Present:
  • Curt Benson, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Blake Hurley, Commissioner, Legal and Legislative Services/City Solicitor
  • Jacqueline Johnson, Commissioner, Community Services
  • Scott Hamilton, Commissioner Public Works
  • Craig Millar, Chief Financial Officer
  • Stephen Robichaud, Commissioner, Development and Growth Management
  • Sue Evfremidis, Chief Human Resources Officer
  • David Thompson, Specialist, Digital Communications
  • Richard Bellemare, Specialist, Digital Communications
  • Debbie Hordyk, Administrative Assistant to the City Clerk
  • Mike de Rond, City Clerk/Director, Legislative Services

1.
Call to Order

 

2.
Land Acknowledgement

 

3.
National Anthem

 

4.
Roll Call

 

5.
Approval of the Agenda

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Stolte
    Seconded by:Councillor Sharman

    Waive section 46.1 of Procedure By-law 59-2024 to allow late registered delegates to speak.

    IN FAVOUR: (7)Councillor Sharman, Mayor Meed Ward, Councillor Galbraith, Councillor Kearns, Councillor Nisan, Councillor Stolte, and Councillor Bentivegna
    CARRIED (7 to 0)
  • Moved by:Councillor Stolte
    Seconded by:Councillor Nisan

    Defer all items excluding confidential items 13.1 p, q, r, s, t and item 7. Proclamations, item 8 Recognitions, item 10 Approval of council minutes, item 11 Delegations, item 16.1 Closed committee of the whole minutes from the Council meeting agenda of February 17, 2026 to a future Special Council meeting on March 2, 2026 called by the Mayor in accordance with the procedure by-law.

    IN FAVOUR: (4)Councillor Kearns, Councillor Nisan, Councillor Stolte, and Mayor Meed Ward
    OPPOSED: (3)Councillor Galbraith, Councillor Sharman, and Councillor Bentivegna
    CARRIED (4 to 3)
  • Moved by:Councillor Kearns
    Seconded by:Councillor Galbraith

    Approve the Council agenda for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as amended.

    IN FAVOUR: (7)Councillor Sharman, Mayor Meed Ward, Councillor Galbraith, Councillor Kearns, Councillor Nisan, Councillor Stolte, and Councillor Bentivegna
    CARRIED (7 to 0)

6.
Declarations of Interest

 

6.1
Councillor Galbraith - Confidential real estate matter (LLS-05-26)

 

Councillor Galbraith owns property in close proximity to the matter being discussed.

7.
Proclamations 

 

8.
Recognition and Achievements

 

9.
Presentations

 

This item was deferred to a Special Council meeting on March 2, 2026.

10.
Motion to approve Council Minutes

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Nisan
    Seconded by:Councillor Sharman

    Confirm the minutes of the following meeting of Council:

    CARRIED

11.
Delegations 

 

12.
Petitions

 

This item was deferred to a Special Council meeting on March 2, 2026.

13.
Recommendations from Standing Committees

 

Items p, q, r, and t were voted upon by way of one consent vote.

13.1
Committee of the Whole meeting of February 9 and 10, 2026

 
  • IN FAVOUR: (7)Councillor Sharman, Mayor Meed Ward, Councillor Galbraith, Councillor Kearns, Councillor Nisan, Councillor Stolte, and Councillor Bentivegna
    CARRIED (7 to 0)

p.
Confidential triannual litigation update report (LLS-01-26)

 

Pursuant to Section 239(2)(e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board.

  • Direct the Commissioner of Legal and Legislative Services and City Solicitor or his designate to proceed in accordance with the instructions sought in matters 8, 16, 17, 19, 20, 24, 38, 39 and 40 and that the balance of LLS-01-26 be received and filed.

    CARRIED

q.
Confidential status report on the Contingency Reserve - December 31, 2025 (FIN-02-26)

 

Pursuant to Section 239(2)(e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board.

  • Receive for information confidential Finance report FIN-02-26 providing an update on the Contingency Reserve - December 31, 2025.

    CARRIED

r.
Confidential report regarding Halton District School Board lands (DGM-08-26)

 

Pursuant to Section 239(2)(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board.

  • Authorize the Commissioner, Development & Growth Management or their designate to proceed in accordance with instructions given and proceed with next steps as outlined in confidential development and growth management report DGM-08-26.

    CARRIED

t.
Confidential legal advice regarding Lakeshore Music and Arts Festival (LLS-10-26)

 

Pursuant to Section 239(2)(f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.

  • Receive for information confidential legal report LLS-10-26 providing confidential advice regarding the Lakeshore Music & Arts Festival; and

    Direct the Commissioner of Community Services to proceed in accordance with instructions given during closed session discussions.

    CARRIED

    Items 13.1 a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, and o were deferred to a Special Council meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026


a.
2026 Halton Court Services business plan and budget (LLS-06-26) (CCS)

 

  • Approve the 2026 Halton Court Services (HCS) budget attached as Appendix A to legal services report LLS-06-26.

b.
Reserve fund request to strengthen municipal resilience (PWS-02-26) (PW)

 

  • Authorize the Chief Financial Officer to transfer $75,000 from the Tax Rate Stabilization reserve fund to strengthen municipal resilience through supporting the Emergency and Continuity Program as outlined in public works report PWS-02-26.

c.
Heritage Conservation Agreement for 461 Elizabeth Street (Knox Presbyterian Church) (DGM-09-26) (GM)

 

  • Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Heritage Conservation Agreement in connection with Heritage Grant Program application No. 501-06-7-01/25 (the “Application”) for 461 Elizabeth Street (Knox Presbyterian Church), as outlined in development and growth management report DGM-09-26.

d.
Heritage Conservation Agreement for 2411 Lakeshore Road (DGM-10-26) (GM)

 

  • Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Heritage Conservation Agreement in connection with Heritage Grant Program Application No. 501-06-7-02/25 (the “Application”) for 2411 Lakeshore Road, as outlined in development and growth management report DGM-10-26.

e.
Amendment to Procedure By-law 59-2024 to provide clarity on member speaking time and questions (LLS-07-26)

 

  • Enact a by-law to amend Procedure By-law No. 59-2024, substantially attached as Appendix A to legislative services report LLS-07-26.

f.
Recreation Fee Assistance Program improvements 2025 (CSS-02-26)

 

  • Receive for information community services memo CSS-02-26 regarding Recreation Fee Assistance Program improvements 2025.

g.
Motion Memorandum regarding City of Burlington leaving X social media (COW-05-26) (SD)

 

  • Direct the Director of Corporate Communications and Engagement to report back in Q4 2026 to the Committee of the Whole on best use of social media platforms and the potential consequences and mitigation strategy of leaving the X social media platform. 

h.
Motion Memorandum regarding amendments to the Council Code of Good Governance and Council Staff Relations Policy (COW-04-26) (SD)

 

  • Direct the City Clerk to review the Staff Council relations policy including consideration of a section  designed to guide the Mayor’s decision making when considering the use of Strong Mayor Powers., including that ”Strong Mayor Powers directions will only be delivered in writing in accordance with Ontario Regulation 530/22,” and to review the option of stipulating that staff are only to implement directions from the  mayor that are delivered in writing in accordance with Ontario Regulation 530/22; and

    Direct the City Clerk, in consultation with the Integrity Commissioner, to review Council's Code of Good Governance with a view to (a) alignment with the region's code; (b) clarity regarding the ability of member of council make directions to local boards and committees; and

    Direct the CAO to review staff policies to ensure clarity around the roles of staff with respect to local boards and committees; and

    Direct the City Clerk to report back to Committee of the Whole by May 11, 2026. 

i.
2026 Lakeshore Music & Arts Festival – event overview (CSS-01-26) (SD)

 

  • Receive for information community services report CSS-01-26 regarding 2026 Lakeshore Music & Arts Festival – event overview; and 

    Direct the Director of Recreation Community and Culture to be available to support a community-driven parade at the same time as the Lakeshore Music & Arts Festival in 2026.

j.
E-Scooter Micromobility Pilot Program update (PWS-04-26)

 

  • Receive for information public works memo PWS-04-26 regarding the E-Scooter Micromobility Pilot Program update. 

k.
Burlington Climate Plan: Taking Action to Reduce Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions (PWS-01-26) (PW)

 

  • Approve the Burlington Climate Action Plan: Taking Action to Reduce Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions contained in Appendix A to public works report PWS-01-26.

l.
Final Burlington Avenue and Ontario Street Heritage Conservation District Plan and Guidelines (DGM-04-26)

 

  • Approve a by-law, substantially in the form attached as Appendix D to development and growth management report DGM-04-26, to designate the Study Area as a Heritage Conservation District under section 41(1), Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act; and

    Adopt the Burlington Avenue – Ontario Street Heritage Conservation District Plan dated January 2026 under section 41 and subsection 41.1 (1), Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.

m.
Heritage response to Bill 23 - Phase II shortlist of designation candidates (DGM-07-26)

 

  • Direct the Director of Community Planning to retain a consultant to assess the eligibility of the following properties for potential heritage designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, consult the Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee, and report back to Council with statements explaining the cultural heritage value or interest of qualifying properties prior to January 1, 2027:

    1. 2137 Lakeshore Rd. (The Sewage Pumping Station aka 2137 Junction St.)
    2. 1419 Ontario St. (The O'Brien-Connell House)
    3. 2464 Dundas St. (St. John's Anglican Church)
    4. 1264 Lemonville Rd. (A. Lemon Family Farmhouse)
    5. 5534 Guelph Ln. (The Thomas Colling Centennial Farmhouse)
    6. 1391 Ontario St. (The New George Allen House)
    7. 1454 Birch Ave. (The Edwin Thorpe Retirement House)
    8. 566 Locust St. (The Harry Blessinger Retirement House)
    9. 2187 Lakeshore Rd. (The Dalton-Bell House)
    10. 524 Hager Ave. (The Bamford House).

n.
Options for the temporary elimination of Development Charges (DGM-03-26) (SD)

 

  • Direct the Commissioner of Development & Growth Management and Chief Financial Officer to initiate a temporary Development Charge bylaw amendment for a two-year residential Development Charges exemption on all units that pull a building permit and demonstrate active construction within the two-year period, as outlined in Option 1A in development and growth management report DGM-03-26; and

    Direct the Head of Corporate Affairs to initiate an advocacy and government relations campaign to advocate that the federal and provincial governments make good on their promise to keep municipalities whole from any DC reductions, to offset any lost DC or other revenues, and further, advocate that the MMAH provide clarity or changes to regulation related to repaying DC grants; and

    Direct the Chief Financial Officer to provide an uptake on the program as part of the quarterly financial reporting.

o.
New Residential Zoning By-law - Final (DGM-05-26)

 

  • Approve and enact the new Burlington Residential Zoning By-laws in accordance with Appendices A and B of development and growth management report DGM-05-26; and

    Deem that the new Burlington Residential Zoning By-laws will conform to the 2020 Official Plan of the City of Burlington, the 1997 Official Plan of the City of Burlington, and the 1995 Burlington Regional Official Plan, as applicable; and

    State that in accordance with Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, City Council has determined that no further public notice is required related to the changes to the proposed Zoning By-laws.

s.
Confidential real estate matter (LLS-05-26)

 This item has conflict.
  • Councillor Galbraith declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor Galbraith owns property in close proximity to the matter being discussed.)

Pursuant to Section 239(2)(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board.

  • Instruct the Manager of Realty Services to proceed in accordance with the instructions sought in confidential legal department report LLS-05-26.

    IN FAVOUR: (6)Councillor Sharman, Mayor Meed Ward, Councillor Kearns, Councillor Nisan, Councillor Stolte, and Councillor Bentivegna
    Conflict (1)Councillor Galbraith
    CARRIED (6 to 0)

13.2
Pipeline to Permit Committee meeting of February 12, 2026

 

This item was deferred to a Special Council meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026.

a.
Staff presentation regarding Faster, Smarter, Simpler: Transforming the Site Plan Process (PP-04-26)

 

  • Refer staff presentation regarding Faster, Smarter, Simpler: Transforming the Site Plan Process (PP-04-26) to the March 5, 2026 Pipeline to Permit Committee meeting.

b.
Staff presentation regarding Burlington's New Residential Zoning By-law (PP-06-26)

 

  • Refer staff presentation regarding Burlington's New Residential Zoning By-law (PP-06-26) to the March 5, 2026 Pipeline to Permit Committee meeting.

14.
Motion to Approve Standing Committee Minutes

 

This item was deferred to a Special Council meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026.

  • Approve the following minutes:

15.
Urgent Business

 

This item was deferred to a Special Council meeting on March 2, 2026.

16.
Confidential Items and Closed Meeting

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Bentivegna
    Seconded by:Councillor Kearns

    Council moved into closed session at 2:06 p.m. regarding the following confidential items:

    13.1 p. Confidential triannual litigation update report (LLS-01-26)
    13.1 q. Confidential status report on the Contingency Reserve - December 31, 2025 (FIN-02-26)
    13.1 r. Confidential report regarding Halton District School Board lands (DGM-08-26)
    13.1 s. Confidential real estate matter (LLS-05-26)
    13.1 t. Confidential legal advice regarding Lakeshore Music and Arts Festival (LLS-10-26) (SD)

    IN FAVOUR: (4)Mayor Meed Ward, Councillor Kearns, Councillor Stolte, and Councillor Bentivegna
    OPPOSED: (3)Councillor Sharman, Councillor Galbraith, and Councillor Nisan
    CARRIED (4 to 3)

16.1
Confidential triannual litigation update report (LLS-01-26)

 

16.2
Confidential status report on the Contingency Reserve - December 31, 2025 (FIN-02-26)

 

16.3
Confidential report regarding Halton District School Board lands (DGM-08-26)

 

16.4
Confidential real estate matter (LLS-05-26)

 

16.5
Confidential legal advice regarding Lakeshore Music and Arts Festival (LLS-10-26)

 

16.6
Motion to confirm confidential minutes

 

This item was deferred to a Special Council meeting on March 2, 2026

a.
Confidential closed meeting minutes from Committee of the Whole for February 9 and 10, 2026

 

17.
Rise and Report

 

Council reconvened into open session on February 17, 2026 at 2:34 p.m.

In closed session Council discussed following items:

13.1 p. Confidential triannual litigation update report (LLS-01-26)

13.1 q. Confidential status report on the Contingency Reserve - December 31, 2025 (FIN-02-26)

13.1 r. Confidential report regarding Halton District School Board lands (DGM-08-26)

13.1 t. Confidential legal advice regarding Lakeshore Music and Arts Festival (LLS-10-26) (SD)

Council did not discuss item 13.1 s. Confidential real estate matter (LLS-05-26)

18.
Motions of Members

 

This item was deferred to a Special Council meeting on March 2, 2026.

19.
Council Information Package

 

This item was deferred to a Special Council meeting on March 2, 2026.

20.
Motion to Receive and File Information Items

 

This item was deferred to a Special Council meeting on March 2, 2026.

  • Receive and file Information items, having been considered by Council:

20.1
Supplemental staff memorandum regarding 2026 Lakeshore Music & Arts Festival – event overview (CCS-01-26)

This item has attachments. 
1.CSS-01-26 Supplemental Staff Memo regardng 2026 Lakeshore Music and Arts Festival event overview.pdf
2.CSS-01-26 Appendix A Supplemental Staff Memo Parade Route 1.pdf

20.2
Supplemental staff memorandum regarding Options for the temporary elimination of Development Charges  (DGM-03-26)

This item has attachments. 
1.DGM-03-26 Financial Impact and Funding Memo-Council-Supplemental.pdf

20.3
Supplemental staff memorandum regarding Options for the temporary elimination of Development Charges (DGM-03-26)

This item has attachments. 
1.DGM-03-26 Memo-Council-Supplemental Mayoral decision 2026-03.pdf
2.DGM-03-26 Attachment A MD 26-03.pdf
3.DGM-03-26 Attachment B MD 26-03.pdf
4.DGM-03-26 Attachment C MD 26-03.pdf
5.DGM-03-25 Attachment D MD 26-03.pdf
6.DGM-03-26 Attachment E MD 26-03.pdf

20.4
Memorandum from Mayor Meed Ward regarding DRAFT Correspondence to Federal and Provincial Ministers – Development Charge Exemption Funding Request

This item has attachments. 
1.DGM-03-26 Mayor Motion Memorandun 03-25 - DCs.pdf
2.DGM-03- 26 Mayor Burlington Correspondence Feb 12 2026 V3.pdf

20.5
Supplemental staff memorandum regarding New Residential Zoning By-law – Final Draft – Statutory Public Meeting and Recommendation Report (DGM-05-26)

This item has attachments. 
1.DGM-05-26 Memo-Council-Supplemental.pdf

20.6
Correspondence from Hallett Homes regarding Options for the temporary elimination of Development Charges (DGM-03-26)

This item has attachments. 
1.DGM-03-26 Correspondence from Hallett Homes regarding Options for the temporary elimination of Development Charges.pdf

20.7
Correspondence from The Atmospheric Fund regarding New Residential Zoning by-law (DGM-05-26)

This item has attachments. 
1.DGM-05-26 Correspondence from The Atmospheric Fund regarding New Residential Zoning by-law.pdf

20.8
Correspondence from Trans-Northern Pipeline regarding New Residential Zoning by-law (DGM-05-26)

This item has attachments. 
1.DGM-05-26 Correspondence from Trans-Northern Pipeline regarding New Residential Zoning by-law.pdf

20.9
Correspondence from WSP regarding New Residential Zoning by-law (DGM-05-26)

This item has attachments. 
1.DGM-05-26 Correspondence from WSP regarding New Residential Zoning by-law.pdf

20.10
Correspondence from Halton Faith Communities regarding New Residential Zoning by-law (DGM-05-26)

This item has attachments. 
1.DGM-05-26 Correspondence from Halton Faith Communities regarding new residential zoning by-law.pdf

20.11
Correspondence from Joe Gaetan regarding amendment to Procedure By-law 59-2024 to provide clarity on member speaking time and questions (LLS-07-26)

This item has attachments. 
1.LLS-07-26 Correspondence from Joe Gaetan regarding amendment to procedure by-law_Redacted.pdf

20.12
Correspondence from Cynthia Shanahan regarding Options for the temporary elimination of Development Charges (DGM-03-26)

This item has attachments. 
1.DGM-03-26 Correspondence from Cynthia Shanahan Options for the temporary elimination of Development Charges Redacted.pdf

20.13
Delegation material from Jim Thomson regarding Motion Memorandum regarding amendments to the Council Code of Good Governance and Council Staff Relations Policy (COW-04-26)

This item has attachments. 
1.COW-04-26 Jim Thomson notes.pdf
2.COW-04-26 Out of Date Policies chart Jim Thomson .pdf

21.
Notice of Motion

 

This item was deferred to a Special Council meeting on March 2, 2026.

22.
Motion to Approve By-Laws

 

This item was deferred to a Special Council meeting on March 2, 2026.

  • Enact and pass the following by-laws which are now introduced, entitled and numbered as indicated below:

22.1
06-2026: A by-law to amend By-law 86-2007, as amended, being a by-law for the regulation of traffic.

This item has attachments. 
1.06-2026 Traffic By-law Amendment.pdf

22.2
07-2026: A by-law to amend By-law 59-2024 as amended to provide for changes to speaking times in Sections 49.12 and 49.3.

This item has attachments. 
1.07-2026 Procedure Bylaw Amendment_Speaking time.pdf

22.3
08-2026: A by-law to designate the Burlington Avenue-Ontario Street Heritage Conservation District and adopt the Burlington-Avenue Ontario Street Heritage Conservation District Plan.

This item has attachments. 
1.08-2026 - Burlington Ave Ontario St HCD Plan and Guidelines.docx.pdf
2.08-2026 - Schedule B- Halton Conservation District Plan and Guidelines.pdf

22.4
09-2026: A by-law to repeal Zoning By-law 2020, as amended, and replace it with a new Residential Zoning By-law only as it applies to certain residentially zoned lands. As amended with the revised schedule.

This item has attachments. 
1.09-2026 - Residential Zoning By-law.pdf
2.09-2026 Appendix A - REVISED Burlington Residential Zoning By-law (Feb 2026).pdf

22.5
10-2026: A by-law to repeal Zoning By-law 2020, as amended, and replace it with a new Residential Zoning By-law Near Rail. As amended with the revised schedules.

This item has attachments. 
1.10-2026 - Residential Zoning By-law Near Rail.pdf
2.10-2026 Appendix B - REVISED Burlington Residential Zoning By-law Near Rail (Feb 2026).pdf

23.
Confirmatory By-law

This item has attachments. 
1.11-2026 Confirming by-law Council .pdf

  • Enact and pass By-law Number 11-2026 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meeting held February 17, 2026 being read a first, second and third time.

24.
Statements by Members and Staff

 

This item was deferred to a Special Council meeting on March 2, 2026.

25.
Motion to Adjourn

 
  • Moved by:Councillor Sharman
    Seconded by:Councillor Nisan

    9:30 a.m. (recess), 9:45 a.m. (reconvene), 9:50 a.m. (recess), 9:55 (reconvene), 10:07 a.m. (recess), 10:18 (reconvene), 12:32 p.m. (recess). 1:00 p.m. (reconvene), 2:05 p.m. (closed session), 2:34 p.m. (open session)

    Adjourn this Council now to meet again at the call of the Mayor.  2:38 p.m.

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