Burlington gives up fight against Lakeshore Rd. high-rise, will focus on future development

Despite turning down the original application, Burlington city council has decided not to fight an Ontario Land Tribunal decision that will allow a 29-storey high-rise near Lake Ontario.

The decision, which led to Mayor Marianne Meed Ward to publicly call for the abolition of the OLT, came at the same time the tribunal approved the city’s bigger-picture plan of focusing future development around the three GO stations.

“I know this will be very disappointing news to residents who wanted us to challenge this decision,” said Meed Ward.

“I know that all of council will continue to do what we collectively believe is best to protect our community’s interests and vision for the downtown now and for the future. We will continue to advocate that the vision of our staff, council and the community as outlined in our city and regional official plans, and in provincial decisions, be respected by developers and be considered at hearings before the Ontario Lands Tribunal.”

The new tower will be located at 2069-2079 Lakeshore Rd., at Pearl St.

“I assure community members that the commitment to advocate and advance our downtown planning vision and values remains steadfast,” said Lisa Kearns, the Ward 2 councillor where the tower will be built.

“Planning matters that far exceed the planning vision for downtown and especially the waterfront continue to be an incredible concern among residents city-wide. The best path forward for our community is focusing on having our new Official Plan in place. We look forward to defending and implementing our new Official Plan, so we can properly manage the growth in our downtown and beyond.”