Victory! Tim Hortons backs off – but there’s a long road ahead
You did it! As a member of the Save Our Waterfront movement, you’ve helped achieved a significant victory. We’ve just learned that Tim Hortons has withdrawn its appeal to exceed height limits of 15 storeys on the vacant waterfront lot east of Emma’s Back Porch in Burlington’s downtown. The Ontario Municipal Board hearing on this matter scheduled for Jan. 12-15 was cancelled after Tim Hortons unconditionally withdrew. That clears the way to set up the Citizens Advisory Committee on the Waterfront that we’ve been asking for.
Hearing cancelled – but no one told us
I found out about the cancellation just days ago by chance, from a journalist during an interview. The OMB should have contacted us, since we’re a participant in the hearing. City Hall was notified Dec. 21 – but no one told us. Our elected officials are well aware of our interest in this matter, and a courtesy call was in order.
You made it happen
But even that can’t dampen our spirits today. This is a true victory for people power – though you’re not likely to get any credit for it. This wouldn’t have happened without you speaking up and making waterfront development an issue. It wouldn’t have happened without you letting our elected officials know you’re closely watching the decisions they make on our city-wide asset, our waterfront.