The North 40

A stretch of land encompassing forty acres between North Beach and Waterfront Park has been set aside for "future generations" to decide on its use.  The land is known as the North 40 or Urban Reserve, and it is classified as Public Trust Land for use as "indoor or outdoor parks and recreation uses and facilities including parks and open space, marinas open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis, water dependent uses, boating and related services."   

According to the City of Burlington's most recent (2011) Municipal Development Plan, "a long-term plan [for the Urban Reserve] should be completed by 2012."

Long-time Burlington residents might recall the oil tanks that occupied the North 40 until the 1990s. The air photos below show how the area has changed through the 20th century. Where will it go in the next 100 years?   

1942

Present Day - 2011

    

1974