Burlington councilors to vote on condo project

At Burlington city hall tonight, councilors are voting on another downtown condo project. In the last few years, the battle over developments in the core has been heating up. Specifically, the height of these buildings. These recent plans will displace some of the downtown businesses, including the popular Kelly’s Bake Shoppe.

This project is just across the street from city hall, and is proposed to be 19 storeys.

It’s expected to be approved tonight by the committee of the whole, and then go to council on Monday with a similar outcome.

The owners of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe spoke in front of council last night, and will be back here tonight for the vote, but say they already know what the outcome will be.

About 12,000 customers visit Kelly’s Bake Shoppe every week. Even on a Wednesday morning, there’s a lineup.

They’ve been selling vegan, gluten free and nut-free treats for the last 5 years on Burlington’s main drag, but that may soon change.

A proposed condo development on this block, if approved, means Kelly’s will have to move shop.

The mother and daughter team spoke in front of council last night, but say they know the fate of their business. since a condo tower on the other side of the street has already been approved.

Downtown Councillor Marriane Meed Wards says she will be voting against the project.

Saying 3 to 11 storey buildings are what is reasonable for the core.

The mayor saying as the population grows they’re focusing most of that in the downtown core and around the Go Station, creating walkable transit friendly neighbourhoods.

While making sure to protect the wetlands and agriculture north of the city.

As for where Kelly’s will move, she says she’s not sure yet. She loves Burlington, but cities like Oakville and Hamilton have reached out to her. Customers we spoke to said they will follow up and vote tonight.