Major Transit Station Areas

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The City of Burlington is in our next phase of city-building as we approach full build-out of our urban area. We are looking at area-specific plans (ASPs) for Aldershot GO, Burlington GO and Appleby GO Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) to continue implementing our vision for the right level of intensification for Burlington. We are also looking to protect established neighbourhoods by focusing future population growth to key areas, such as around higher order transit.


This work is not new. We started with the Mobility Hubs Study in 2017-2018 and focused on area-specific planning work for the three GO Station areas. At that time, we gathered feedback through visioning, public engagement and technical studies. From there, we drafted precinct plans for each study area around the Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby GO Stations. In the end, these draft precinct plans were presented to Council for comment, but not approved and the Mobility Hubs Study was placed on hold. For more information on the Mobility Hubs Study including past events and staff reports, please visit the Mobility Hubs Study webpage.


We are now planning to resume this work as the MTSA Area-Specific Planning Project. We will build upon and refine the work undertaken through the Mobility Hubs Study. This includes:


  • the completion of all required technical studies,
  • more public and stakeholder engagement,
  • completion of three (3) area-specific plans,
  • implementing Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments, and
  • other implementation strategies as required

Please subscribe to this project page to stay up-to-date.

To assist Council in making their decision, the City is committed to leading an open and transparent public engagement process to ensure the voices of people from every corner of the city are heard and valued.

The City of Burlington is in our next phase of city-building as we approach full build-out of our urban area. We are looking at area-specific plans (ASPs) for Aldershot GO, Burlington GO and Appleby GO Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) to continue implementing our vision for the right level of intensification for Burlington. We are also looking to protect established neighbourhoods by focusing future population growth to key areas, such as around higher order transit.


This work is not new. We started with the Mobility Hubs Study in 2017-2018 and focused on area-specific planning work for the three GO Station areas. At that time, we gathered feedback through visioning, public engagement and technical studies. From there, we drafted precinct plans for each study area around the Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby GO Stations. In the end, these draft precinct plans were presented to Council for comment, but not approved and the Mobility Hubs Study was placed on hold. For more information on the Mobility Hubs Study including past events and staff reports, please visit the Mobility Hubs Study webpage.


We are now planning to resume this work as the MTSA Area-Specific Planning Project. We will build upon and refine the work undertaken through the Mobility Hubs Study. This includes:


  • the completion of all required technical studies,
  • more public and stakeholder engagement,
  • completion of three (3) area-specific plans,
  • implementing Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments, and
  • other implementation strategies as required

Please subscribe to this project page to stay up-to-date.

To assist Council in making their decision, the City is committed to leading an open and transparent public engagement process to ensure the voices of people from every corner of the city are heard and valued.

  • Updated Timing of Future Recommendation Report: Targeting June 2024

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    The MTSA project team is continuing to work through the feedback received on the draft Official Plan Amendment and Community Planning Permit System By-law that was released for public engagement in October 2023.

    Key themes of the feedback received were:

    • Land Use Compatibility: Feedback received included ensuring that existing and future employment uses continue to be allowed in the Urban Employment precinct, while mitigating land use compatibility impacts associated with the introduction of new sensitive uses such as residential. The feedback also highlighted the need for a clear framework for assessing land use compatibility through a Community Planning Permit application.


    • Housing Unit Type and Tenure: Feedback received raised concerns about the feasibility of achieving the 3-bedroom unit target and providing a range of tenures, and the impacts of these requirements on housing affordability.


    • Parking Standards: Submissions noted that parking requirements are a barrier to housing affordability and, as a result, there will likely be future requests for reductions to the minimum parking rates in the draft Community Planning Permit By-law. Submissions also highlighted the need for further clarity on the ability for variations to the parking standards and provisions.


    • Services, Facilities, and Matters: Submissions raised concerns around the three classes of permit applications, the City’s ability to acquire services, facilities and matters, and its impacts on housing affordability and industry proformas.


    • Structure and Clarity: Submissions highlighted a lack of clarity in the structure of permit classes and the need to allow for flexibility in the regulations and development standards on a site-specific basis, and a request for further understanding of the Community Planning Permit application process.

    As highlighted above, one of the major themes of the feedback received is about the framework for the provision of services, facilities and matters that will support the City in achieving its housing and community objectives over time as the City sees the redevelopment of these key areas. Recognizing that there is a need for additional work and analysis to support resolving that feedback, the Statutory Public Meeting and Recommendation Report is now targeted for June 2024.

    Staff continue to be available every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-3 pm for Talk to a Planner meetings, and will continue to update this project webpage with timing information and future engagement opportunities leading up to June. Email mtsa@burlington.ca if you would like to Talk to a Planner.

  • Timing Update of Future Recommendation Report: Targeting May 2024

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    In November, staff extended the deadline for comments on the draft Official Plan Amendment and Community Planning Permit System following the October 31, 2023 Statutory Public Meeting. City staff continue to review and consider the feedback received. In order to allow staff time to work through the volume of feedback, staff are now targeting bringing forward a Recommendation Report to Council for adoption of the OPA and CPP By-law later in the spring. Sign up to this project page to receive notifications of updates.

    Staff continue to be available to answer any questions about the project and continue to set aside time every Tuesday and Thursday from 2 – 3pm for Talk to a Planner meetings. Email mtsa@burlington.ca if you have any questions or would like to Talk to a Planner.

  • Updated Timing of Future Recommendation Report: Q1 2024

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    Thank you to all who spoke at the Statutory Public Meeting or provided written comments on the draft Official Plan Amendment and Community Planning Permit By-law. Following the meeting, on November 14, 2023, City Council directed staff to consider the feedback received at the public meeting before bringing forward a staff report recommending adoption of the OPA and CPP By-law.

    In order to ensure everyone has time to provide comments and for staff to properly consider all of the feedback received, staff have extended the deadline for comments. Comments received by Monday December 4, 2023 will be used to inform staff’s recommendation to Council now targeted for Q1 2024.

  • Deadline for Comments Extended Until December 4

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    City staff continue to engage on the proposed Official Plan Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and proposed Community Planning Permit (CPP) By-law and have extended the deadline to receive comments by Monday, December 4th, 2023.

    Submit your comments to the MTSA team at mtsa@burlington.ca or Community Planning Department, P.O. Box 5013, 426 Brant Street, Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6 by Monday, December 4.

    Feedback received by December 4, 2023 will be used to inform staff’s recommended OPA and CPP By-law.

  • Staff report PL-59-23 now available

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    Staff report PL-59-23: Proposed Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Draft Community Planning Permit (CPP) By-law public release is now available online. The report can be found in the Agenda Meeting Package for the October 31st, 2023 Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility meeting at www.burlington.ca/calendar.

    Tell us what you think:

    1. Speak at the upcoming Statutory Public Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023.

    OR register during the meeting by emailing clerks@burlington.ca if you are attending virtually, and follow the instructions provided at the meeting if attending in person.

    2. Send your comments to Jo-Anne Rudy, Committee Clerk at Jo-Anne.Rudy@burlington.ca by noon Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 if you wish for it to be distributed and reviewed by all members of the Committee in advance of the Statutory Public Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023.

    3. Write to the MTSA team by November 7, 2023 at mtsa@burlington.ca or Community Planning Department, P.O. Box 5013, 426 Brant Street, Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6

    Feedback received at the Statutory Public Meeting on Oct. 31, 2023 and written comments received by November 7, 2023 will be used to inform staff’s recommended OPA and CPP By-law.

  • Recording and Question & Answers from the Virtual Open House is now available

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    The recording from the October 12, 2023 Virtual Open House is now available. To access Closed Captioning, click onto the icon that says CC.

    A list of all the Question and Answers, as well as the polling results are now available.


  • Presentation from the Virtual Open House is now available

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    Thank you to all those who were able to join us for the virtual open house on the evening of October 12, 2023. The presentation is now available.

    A recording of the virtual open house as well as a record of Question and Answers from the meeting will be posted to this project page once available.

  • Tell Us What You Think! Draft Official Plan Policies, Community Planning Permit By-law and Transportation Assessment Now Available

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    Here is the draft Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Community Planning Permit (CPP) Bylaw for the City’s Major Transit Station Areas for your review and comment:


    A copy of the draft Transportation Assessment for the MTSA Area Specific Plan Study is also now available. It needs to be reviewed by Halton Region before it will be approved.


    Building on several years of engagement and technical study, the draft OPA and CPP By-law will set up a Community Planning Permit System that will support the evolution of MTSAs into complete communities and transform how development is assessed and approved in the MTSAs. Click here for a one page overview of the proposed Community Planning Permit System.


    Key effects of the proposed OPA and CPP By-law are:

    • The proposed OPA and CPP Bylaw will set up new land uses, development standards and development review for the MTSAs.
    • The CPP Bylaw for the City’s three MTSAs will be used instead of the City’s Zoning By-law 2020.
    • The Community Planning Permit application process will be used for the MTSAs instead of zoning amendments, minor variances and site plan applications.
    • Once the CPP Bylaw is in place, development in the MTSAs will only be allowed with a Community Planning Permit, with some exceptions. The CPP Bylaw uses on engagement from the MTSA Project to set the vision and standards for development. This means individual CPP applications will not need more engagement if the development meets the standards or variation criteria of the bylaw.


    The proposed draft OPA and CPP by-law will be formally presented at a Statutory Virtual Open House this Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023 and at a Statutory Public Meeting held by the Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. See previous post for details or Burlington.ca/Calendar


    Remember to:

    Learn more, ask questions and speak to City staff about the proposed Official Plan Amendment and Community Planning Permit By-law/System:

    • Attend the upcoming Virtual Open House on Oct. 12, 2023
    • Visit a drop-in session at Aldershot Library on Oct. 16 or New Appleby Library on Oct. 17, 2023, both 6-8:00 p.m.
    • Email mtsa@burlington.ca to schedule a one-on-one meeting with city staff


    Tell us what you think:

    1. Speak at the upcoming Statutory Public Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023.

    OR register during the meeting by emailing clerks@burlington.ca if you are attending virtually, and follow the instructions provided at the meeting if attending in person.

    2. Send your comments to Jo-Anne Rudy, Committee Clerk at Jo-Anne.Rudy@burlington.ca by noon Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 if you wish for it to be distributed and reviewed by all members of the Committee in advance of the Statutory Public Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023.

    3. Write to the MTSA team by November 7, 2023 at mtsa@burlington.ca or Community Planning Department, P.O. Box 5013, 426 Brant Street, Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6


    Feedback received at the Statutory Public Meeting on Oct. 31, 2023 and written comments received by November 7, 2023 will be used to inform staff’s recommended OPA and CPP By-law.


    Staff are planning to present the recommended OPA and CPP Bylaw to the Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility Committee later this year. Sign up for updates so you know when more information is available!

  • You’re Invited! Upcoming October Engagement Events

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    As part of the final stage of the Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) Area-Specific Planning Project, the City will be releasing and engaging on a draft Official Plan Amendment and a Community Planning Permit By-law starting next week.


    Together, the draft Official Plan Amendment and Community Planning Permit System By-law will support the evolution of the MTSAs into complete communities and transform how development is assessed and approved in the MTSAs.


    You are invited to:

    • Review the draft Official Plan Amendment and Community Planning Permit By-law – Available Oct. 10, 2023

    The draft amendment and bylaw will be posted to the MTSA Project Webpage on October 10, 2023.

    • Listen in and ask questions at the Statutory Virtual Open House on Oct. 12, 2023
      Oct. 12, 6 to 8 p.m. on Zoom

    Webinar ID: 899 8062 8040

    Participate On-line: https://bit.ly/mtsaopenhouse (internet connection required)

    Participate by Telephone: 1-647-558-0588 (audio only)


    • Visit a Drop-In Information Session in person at Aldershot Library or Appleby Library

    The drop-in sessions are opportunities for you to learn more and ask questions about the proposed amendment and by-law. While a formal presentation will not be provided, staff will be available to answer any questions.

    1. Oct 16, 6 to 8 p.m. at Aldershot Library, Program Room (550 Plains Road East, Burlington, ON L7T 2E3)
    2. Oct 17, 6 to 8 p.m. at New Appleby Library, Program Room (676 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON L7L 5Y1)


    Oct. 31 at 9:30 a.m., resuming at 6:30 p.m. if needed

    Virtual and In-Person at City Hall Council Chambers, 426 Brant Street


    • Share your written comments by November 7, 2023

    Written comments can be emailed to the MTSA General Mailbox (mtsa@burlington.ca) or mailed to Community Planning Department, P.O. Box 5013, 426 Brant Street, Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6


    • Speak with City Planning staff

    The MTSA team have set aside time every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-3 p.m. to accommodate any one-on-one meeting requests. Email mtsa@burlington.ca to schedule a meeting.

    More information about the upcoming Virtual Open House, Public Meeting and Drop-In Information Sessions can be found on the City’s Calendar of Public Engagement and Events.

    A formal Notice of Statutory Open House and Public Meeting has been mailed to all owners and tenants within 120 m of the MTSAs, The notice contains a general overview of the proposed amendment and by-law.

  • Talk to a Planner this Summer

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    Over the summer, the MTSA team will be continuing to prepare draft official plan policies and a draft community planning permit by-law for the MTSAs, as directed by City Council on July 11, 2023. The team will also be finalizing the remaining technical studies and will post the studies on the MTSA project webpage as soon as they are complete. To receive an automatic email notification when new information becomes available, subscribe to this project page.

    The MTSA team is available throughout the summer to discuss any questions or comments about the project, and have set aside time every Tuesday from 3 - 4 pm and Thursday 2 - 3pm for Talk to a Planner meetings. Email mtsa@burlington.ca if you would like to Talk to a Planner.

Page last updated: 26 Mar 2024, 02:16 PM