Citizens form city-wide group to advocate on development, a better Burlington for all

An independent group of residents from across the city have formed Engaged Citizens of Burlington (ECOB), a "non-profit group working towards a better Burlington for generations to come."According to information from the group, ECOB "brings together citizens across Burlington in the common belief that together they can shape their city in positive ways. Working with the City of Burlington and other players in the civic process, and particularly concerned with issues of planning and development, the group is energized to bring voices and action to challenges that will effect the quality of life for Burlingtonians today and in the future."ECOB is currently working to inform the people of Burlington about the implications of the proposed Burlington New Official Plan which will regulate land use over the next several decades. It is ECOB's position that the finalization of the proposed Official Plan is being rushed through (expected approval is April 2018) without enough time for citizens to exert the substantial scrutiny and input it requires.ECOB proposes that approval of the Official Plan should be delayed until Burlingtonians can react to it, and Council’s response to citizen concerns should be an election issue.The group encourages citizens to join them in actively communicating with city Council and planners about the Official Plan and proposals involving intensification, height restrictions, transportation, waterfront development, Mobility Hubs planning, traffic issues, downtown precincts. The downtown changes to the Official Plan will be discussed at the Jan. 23 Planning and Development committee meeting and residents can register as a delegation to speak.The group is also considering an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board regarding the recent council approval of a 23 storey condo development across from city hall.ECOB's website is engagedburlington.ca. The tab “First Public Meeting Presentation” provides and outline of the implications of proposed New Official PlanInformation is also available on Facebook and Twitter. Email the group at: info@engagedburlington.ca