Burlington, ON
City in Ontario
Canada
Burlington, ON trials AI-driven review technology for industrial-commercial building permits
Developers working on designated employment lands upload their applications to the system. An AI-powered platform uses its knowledge of local zoning bylaws for immediate responses on project compliance. A comprehensive report identifies how components like floor area ratios and setbacks meet requirements or can be brought into compliance. City officials will evaluate the technology through 2023 with the potential for expansion into other land-use types.
Burlington, ON
Canada
Burlington, ON educates the public on the Private Tree By-law with its online tree protection guide
The Private Tree By-law requires permits prior to the removal or injury of select trees on private property. A 23-page guide explains the benefits of urban forestry and differentiates the Private Tree By-law from the Public Tree By-law. Guide authors included situations requiring city permits as well as tips for working around trees without causing damage. The guide also contains a step-by-step guide for permit applications including a sample Tree Protection Plan.
Burlington, ON
Canada
Burlington, ON evaluates beneficial soil conditions for tree transplants with Young Tree Pilot Study
Burlington added bacteria and Mycorrhizal fungi to the soil at tree transplant sites on Tremineer Avenue and Juniper Avenue. These naturally occurring additives support root recovery after plantings. A three-year study with Lallemand Plant Care and Vineland Research Institute will determine if the smaller trees benefit from new soil conditions. If successful, the pilot creates a blueprint for cost-efficient canopy development through reduced transplant shock.
Burlington, ON
Canada
Burlington, ON simplifies lobbying compliance and documenation with Lobbyist Registry
Lobbyists are required by federal law to register their meetings with public officers within 10 days of contact. Burlington created an easy-to-use flow chart for lobbyists to determine if they have engaged in regulated activities. The chart leads to a form for recording contacts with council officers based on answers to yes-or-no questions. Lobbyist Registry users can search for the dates, parties involved, and purpose of every interaction.
Burlington, ON
Canada
Burlington, ON focuses on public space improvements with Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund
Community groups and organizations apply for up to $10,000 CAD for long-term projects accessible by the public. Suggested project types include communal gardens, multi-purpose squares, and park beautification. The fund covers up to 50% of an approved project's budget with the remaining requirements met by donations, in-kind contributions, and volunteer time. City officials focused more on infrastructure projects than events or programs due to isolation created by COVID-19.
Burlington, ON
Canada
Burlington, ON integrates what3words location app into fire department responses
City firefighters use the app to find exact locations for emergency responses. The entirety of Burlington is divided into sections totaling nine square meters. Each section is assigned a random three-word name in what3words. For example, first responders can map their journey to inhaler.scowls.mimics when responding to a call from the southern edge of Spencer Smith Park. Large lots, trails, and difficult-to-reach areas are made more accessible with virtual addresses.
Burlington, ON
Canada
Burlington, ON makes the case for business growth in the city with Invest Burlington portal
The website maintains detailed profiles of key local industries including advanced manufacturing and clean technologies. A Grow Your Business section explores resources for startups and growing ventures like the Launchpad Resident Program. Invest Burlington presents demographic trends, labor market research, and a business directory in its Data Centre. The BurlingtonSites tool facilitates searches for available industrial and office spaces in the area.
Burlington, ON
Canada