Street parking an option as Burlington residents look to save field at Bateman site

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Published June 6, 2023 at 4:39 pm

Burlington new community centre robert bateman high school

Burlington will consider street parking in surrounding neighbourhoods or building a parking garage to accommodate the future needs of the community centre that is being developed at the old Robert Bateman High School site.

Responding to public questions on her website about the Bateman project, particularly about the need to expand parking at the location, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward explained that more spots for vehicles are needed to meet future demand.

“Parking is needed to accommodate the higher parking demand generated by the new uses including Brock University, Burlington Public Library, Tech Place, Halton District School Board, and the communities use of the existing and new community spaces,” the mayor noted about the tenants that will occupy the space when it reopens.

She goes on to explain the City is looking at all options to satisfy the future parking needs including street parking in the neighbourhood, on-site parking, off-site parking and building a parking structure. Reducing the number of parking spaces will also be considered, although that would have to go through a number of approvals based on zoning rules.

Burlington residents have expressed concern that increased parking will take away all or part of the existing track and football field at the site. The City has not yet decided what will happen to that space but it is expected to remain open for public use until the end of this year before construction takes over.

“Once a parking plan is in place, we will know what can and can’t be done with the existing track and open space,” she said. “Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the parking and open space plan for the site.”

A report with recommendations about parking and how it will affect the track and open space is expected back later this year.

The conversion of the school into a community centre and hub comes at a cost of $100 million and could be ready to open by the fall of 2024 or early 2025.

 

 

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