Burlington mayor floats the idea of annexing Waterdown

It looks like Burlington’s mayor could have his sights set on Waterdown for growth opportunities.

During discussions about the Places to Grow Act with Doug Ford‘s Progressive Conservative government Tuesday, Rick Goldring floated the idea of handing over that part Hamilton to Burlington.

“To help alleviate growth pressures in Burlington and provide fairness for Burlington taxpayers who for years have been directly impacted by growth in Waterdown that has created demands on Burlington’s infrastructure,” he said.

As it stands, the provincially set growth target for the region of Halton is 220,000 people between 2031 and 2041.

How that will be distributed has yet to be decided.

Goldring says his meeting at Queen’s Park largely focused on putting a moratorium on the targets so that an evaluation can be done on its impact on communities like Burlington, where there is no more space to build single-family homes.

Hamilton’s Ward 15 Coun. Judi Partridge says she’s open to discussing East Flamborough as a solution.

“Out taxes in Flamborough are way too high and I think if there is a better deal on the table that conversation should take place.”

“There has always been a will to go with Burlington,” she adds, citing a familiarity between the communities.

Hamilton’s Ward 4 Coun. Sam Merulla points to it as a tactic ahead of October’s municipal election.

“Clearly the mayor must be hearing footsteps in his campaign because he is creating an environment conducive to a circus and very non-nonsensical and irresponsible,” he said.

Hamilton mayor Fred Eisenberger agrees that Goldring’s comments could be part of election ploy. Eisenberger said he was shocked and blindsided by the comments from Burlington’s mayor; adding that the conversation could escalate if a turf war ensues.

The request is being backed by Burlington PC MPP Jane McKenna, according to Goldring’s post on social media.

He says the next step is to meet with the minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.