The Great Burlington Building Height Debate

[ScreamingViking]

This Spec story is a good summary of the ongoing tug of war over new towers in downtown Burlington. I think the discussion in Hamilton will be mild in comparison.


Reaching new heights in Burlington
Most buildings in downtown Burlington are two storeys. In the next two decades, plans call for dozens of towers ranging up to 26 storeys. The proposed transformation has sparked a backlash from residents.

by Carmela Fragomeni
Hamilton Spectator
February 24, 2018





A looming 'big city' skyline is threatening to dramatically transform downtown Burlington into a multitude of tall condo towers — and it is taking resident angst over redevelopment and intensification to new peaks.

Twenty-seven potential new towers are mapped out within walking distance of the downtown's coveted waterfront and lake views in the next 10 to 20 years.

Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring says it is unlikely they'll all be built, but some citizens are alarmed they could be — and at much taller heights than what has previously been approved.

Right now, the city's downtown zoning allows up to four storeys; that can go to 12 with an amendment. Existing buildings are mostly two.

Burlington city council is proposing a new limit of 17 storeys, but has already approved a 23-storey tower, known as 421 Brant, across from city hall on Brant Street. A 24-storey tower, called 409 Brant, is now being proposed on the opposite corner across from city hall.

Much of the quagmire results from Burlington agreeing to provincial policies of intensification in older built-up areas, including the downtown and areas around its three GO stations.

Intensification is being touted as the only way left for Burlington to grow its population and the city is now revising its official plan so that land use for the next 20 years complies with its growth policies.

Downtown councillor Marianne Meed Ward says residents were led to believe that if council approves 17 storeys, it will hold developers to it. But that wasn't the case in November when council approved 421 Brant.

The contradiction marked a turning point for residents, unleashing a storm of criticism and anger.

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Map of potential new towers downtown and along the Brant St. corridor, from the story: