Help shape direction of Burlington’s newest community centre

The first of several in-person public consultation sessions that will help shape the direction of Burlington’s newest community centre takes place next week.

The City of Burlington wants to know what to name the centre that will rise out of the old Robert Bateman High School site on New St., and, it wants to know what to put in it.

The first Bateman in-person public engagement session is Aug. 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Appleby Ice Centre. Register by calling 905-335-7777, ext. 7965 or emailing getinvolved@burlington.ca.

The centre — which is expected to be grander than most community centres — is currently undergoing renovations.

The project is an expensive one, with the City already committing to $100 million for both the purchase and the renovations.

Already several high-profile tenants have committed to the site including Brock University, Burlington Public Library, Halton District School Board, Tech Place and some City of Burlington offices but programming also needs to be decided

These opportunities for engagement and input are only for the use of the inside of the building, and not about greenspace or parking. Input on greenspace and parking will come at a later date.

For the name, suggestions including rationale can also be sent to getinvolvedburlington.ca/bateman-highschool.

Submissions will be reviewed to ensure they meet the City of Burlington naming standards and a short-list will be created. Residents will have another opportunity to vote on their favourite name from the short-list later this year.

Names will be collected until Sept. 18.

As for the type of services that the public would like to see, there will be several opportunities to have a say at the following community meetings:

• Aug. 23, 1 to 3 p.m. LaSalle Park, 50 North Shore Blvd. Registration required.
• Sept. 16, noon to 4 p.m. Food for Feedback. Central Park, 2299 New St. No registration needed.
• Sept. 24, 1 to 5 p.m. Appleby Street Festival, Appleby Line between New Street and Fairview Street. No registration needed.
• Oct. 18, 7 to 9 p.m. Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way. Registration required.
• Oct. 19, 7 to 9 p.m. Online engagement session. Link to join is at getinvolvedburlington.ca/bateman-highschool. Registration required.

To register, email [email protected](External link) or call 905-335-7777, ext. 7965. Please include the date of the session you’d like to attend.