Sidewalks planned for more Burlington streets despite opposition

The City of Burlington is considering a plan to install sidewalks on three streets that have long been without them.

A report that will go before a committee of City councillors on Jan, 8 recommends that the sidewalks be installed in the lakefront community of Elizabeth Gardens on the streets, Bromley Road, Linwood Crescent and Maureen Court.

Burlington City staff want to proceed with the sidewalks even though some residents in the area and City councillors are opposed to the plan.

Residents have presented a petition stating their objection to the sidewalks and instead want the streetscape to remain the same.

City staff say the sidewalks are necessary to meet the demands of pedestrian traffic in the area.

The proposed sidewalks will be on the south side of Bromley and the east side of both Linwood and Maureen.

The report states that several streets in the neighbourhood are aging and need upgrades. Along with the sidewalks the streets will also see repairs made to the road asphalt, gutters, storm sewers, lighting and watermains, among others.

“The inclusion of sidewalks as part of the proposed reconstruction works contributes to the goal of increasing walkability,” the report reads. “Bromley Road, Linwood Crescent and Maureen Court provide direct connections to several significant pedestrian generators. Expansion of the pedestrian network serves to create critical linkages connecting the existing residential lands to adjacent parks, schools, and community amenities, as well as providing residents the opportunity to access transit. The proposed sidewalk infill achieves the goal of creating a completed pedestrian network and provides safe and convenient access to the pedestrian generators.”

Pedestrian generators are defined as locations where pedestrians originate from or travel to and can include schools, parks, recreational facilities and apartment buildings.

Earlier this year, speaking in support of those who are opposed, Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman said the residents fear the loss of several trees if the sidewalks go in.

“The people who live there feel that they are under assault,” Sharman said in September. “They don’t want to be party to it. And I think we need to respect them and deal with them in a way that they want to be dealt with.”

City council will ultimately decide if the sidewalk plan proceeds.