Ask the Councillor: What happened to the Martha/Lakeshore development proposal? Why is the Art Gallery of Burlington land being rezoned?

What happened to the Martha/Lakeshore development proposal?

A proposed 26-storey development at the foot of Martha and Lakeshore Road heads back to an Ontario Municipal Board hearing July 17. Staff and council unanimously opposed the development, and mediation failed. The OMB hearing began in February 2017 for two weeks, but had to be cut short due to illness of one of the witnesses. The second week of the hearing resumes Monday, July 17, at City Hall, Room 247, 10am. The hearing is open to the public to attend.For background visit:Hearing postponedMediation requestedNeighbourhood meetingRevised 26-story plan

Why is the Art Gallery land being rezoned?

City staff have initiated a rezoning of the Art Gallery lands to reflect the current use of the property. The land where the building sits is currently zoned 03 (Open Space) and staff propose to rezone the lands to DI (Downtown Institutional). The change will not affect the nearby park, but only the lands where the building currents sits and adjacent parking. The change will help to streamline applications for upgrades to the  building.View the staff report.