Let’s Talk about Canadian exports: Economic Development Corp sponsoring speaker.,

eventsblue 100x100By Staff

May 9th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Economic Development Corporation is sponsoring a Let’s Talk event about Canadian exports, which are expected to rise by 6% in 2018, despite the turbulence surrounding NAFTA and tariff discussions.
That means you can make this a year of global success for your company: the federal government’s Economic Development Corporation Vice-president and Chief Economist Peter Hall will tell you how.

Get the latest expert insights on market trends;
See where the Canadian dollar is headed;
Find key opportunities in today’s global markets; and
Connect with fellow exporters to share ideas, business needs and challenges.

Lets talk ExportsAfter Peter’s talk, participate in intimate roundtable discussions on trending exporting topics and receive competitive tools and strategic advice from market experts.

Register today to attend the Let’s Talk Exports event.

Individual tickets and tables of 8 are available.
June 7, 2018

Keynote with Peter Hall
7:30 am. to 9:30 am.
Roundtable
9:30 am. to 11:30 am.
Burlington Convention Centre
1120 Burloak Drive
Burlington, ON

Peter Hall EDCPeter Hall joined Export Development Canada (EDC) in November 2004. With over 25 years of experience in economic analysis and forecasting, Mr. Hall is responsible for overseeing EDC’s economic analysis, country risk assessment and corporate research groups.

In addition to preparing strategic advice for senior management at EDC, Mr. Hall is a featured speaker at conferences, international roundtables and policy fora, and regularly appears in television, radio and print media commenting on the world economy and Canadian international trade issues.

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Two of Burlington council members have yet to file nomination papers; one trustee has yet to file.

council 100x100By Staff

May 9th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A few more people met with the city Clerks who accepted their nomination papers and their deposit and placed their name on the list of people who want to represent the public at city hall or on school boards.

Two of the seven members of Council have yet to file nomination papers: Councillors Craven of ward 1, and Councillor Lancaster of ward 6 have yet to indicate they plan to seek re-election.

Ward 3 Councillor Taylor has said he is leaving politics and will not seek re-election.

The Mayor, Rick Goldring has filed his nomination papers.  Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward has filed nomination papers and will run for he Office of Mayor.  Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison filed his nomination papers and is actively seeking re-election.

There is a handful of young people with very impressive profiles and experience seeking public office which augers well for the city.  There are also a few with little in the way of experience and not much in the way of talent to bring to the table who have filed nomination papers; we are a democracy and anyone who meets the requirements of the Municipal Act can run for public office.

Wards 2 and 3 are going to have active contests and there might well be an active contest in ward 6

Jack Dennison faces a newcomer in ward 4

There are a few more people who have appointments with the clerk next week

The Gazette will provide this report each week day and show the latest nominations in red. There were no new nominations filed during  the 4th of May

 

COB WARD BOUNDARIES MAIN COUNCIL PAGE

Boundaries for each of the six wards in the city.

Mayor

Rick Goldring
524 Wicklow Rd., Burlington, L7L 2H8
905-320-3656

Marianne Meed Ward
497 Martha St., Burlington, ON, L7R 2R1
905-335-1899
mariannemeedward.ca
marianne4mayor@gmail.com

Mike Wallace
268 Tuck Dr., Burlington, ON, L7L 2R1
Home phone: 905-639-0185
Fax: 905-634-9822
mikewallaceformayor@gmail.com
www.mikewallaceformayor.ca

Councillor / Regional Councillor Ward 1

No one has filed nomination papers to date.

Rick Craven the incumbent has yet to file.

Councillor / Regional Councillor Ward 2

Kimberly Calderbank
905-719-6989
kimberly.solutions

David Cherry
1312 Hammond St., Burlington, ON, L7S 2C2
289-795-9203
info@davidcherry.ca
https://davidcherry.ca

Lisa Kearns
416-414-5335
kearns_lisa@hotmail.com
lisakearns.ca

Councillor / Regional Councillor Ward 3

Lisa Cooper
1299 Princeton Cres.
Home phone: 905-331-8469
Mobile phone: 289-259-9880
Fax: 905-331-8469
lisacooper1299@gmail.com

Rory Nisan
905-464-7195
info@rorynisan.ca
rorynisan.ca

Gareth Williams
289-635-8994
gareth@garethward3.ca
https://garethward3.ca

The incumbent John Taylor announced that he is retiring after 30 years as a member of the municipal council.

Councillor / Regional Councillor Ward 4

Jack Dennison
3087 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, L7N 1A3
905-634-7102

Shawna Stolte
shawnastolte@gmail.com

Councillor / Regional Councillor Ward 5

Xin Yi Zhang
electxyz@gmail.com

Paul Sharman

5070 Spruce Avenue

289-337-2297

paul@paulsharman.ca

 

Councillor / Regional Councillor Ward 6

Angelo Bentivegna
905-973-6923
Angelo.Bentivegna@gmail.com
www.AngeloBentivegnaWard6.ca

Angelo Bentivegna

905-973-6923

Angelo.Bemtivegna@gmail.com

www.AngeloBentivegnaWArd6.ca

 

Regional Chair

(nominations are filed with the Region of Halton)

Gary Carr
chaircarr@gmail.com
www.garycarr.ca

Halton District School Board Trustee – Wards 1 & 2

The incumbent Leah Reynolds has yet to file nominations papers.

Halton District School Board Trustee – Wards 3 & 6

Andrea Grebenc
905-901-2235
contact@trustandrea.com
www.trustandrea.com

Halton District School Board Trustee – Ward 4

Margo Shuttleworth
289-812-0629
shuttleworth.m.a@gmail.com
https://margoward4.wixsite.com/margoshuttleworth

Richelle Papin

3134 Terraview Ct

904-331-7608

 

Halton District School Board Trustee – Ward 5

Amy Collard
reelectamycollard@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/view/reelectamycollard

Collard has been acclaimed in every trustee election she has run in.

Halton Catholic District School Board Trustee

Arlene Iantomasi
772 Old York Rd., Burlington, ON, L7P 4X9
905-516-2691
arlo60@sympatico.ca

Maria Lourenco
905-808-5910
Lourenco4trustee@outlook.com

Conseil scolaire Viamonde

(nominations are filed with the City of Hamilton)

Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir

(nominations are filed with the Town of Oakville)

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Burlington selfies

News 100 greenBy Pepper Parr

May 9th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington selfies – a look at parts of the city that reflect what we are and what we want to be.
Quiet beauty during a time when the affairs of the community are anything but quiet.

Cherry Blossom spencer Smith park

Cherry tress in full blossom in Spencer Smith Park.

The province is on a four week election campaign that will define where it goes for the next four years.

Led for the past 15 years by a political party that is tired; the public wants a change – the choices are limited.

A man who hasn’t a clue as to how government runs has caught the imagination of a sector of society that may well place him in office and a woman whose ideas are decent enough but hasn’t in the past two terms managed to get her political party to the point where it can assume the running of the province with an economy that is the economic engine of the country.

There are troubling trust issues at several levels. One of the local school boards has lost the trust of many in the community; their elected trustees have not kept the faith with parents who just want their children to get the best education possible.

Teachers go about their tasks each day molding, shaping and filling the minds of their students with the information and skills they will need to live fruitful lives.

Housing prices seem to have settled and we might be at a point where the house is home and not something to be flipped for a significant capital gain.

From Civic Square

This is the view that people standing outside city hall looking east can expect to see five years from now. The shape on the left is an already approved 23 storey tower, the design on the right is a proposal that is now in the hands of the planning department.

City hall approved a new Official Plan that some are almost totally opposed to while others go about their business blissfully unaware of the scope and scale of change that is now upon the city. Two towers, both at the 23-24 storey range will be constructed opposite city hall changing the tone and feel of the downtown core.

Five years from now people will wonder how this happened.

When the provincial election is settled in a month the drive to elect the next city council will begin. This time around there are a number of people in the 40 years of age range 40 running for office with the Dean of Council bringing to an end his 30 years of serving the city coming to an end.

With all this – there is the quiet beauty of the cherry trees that are now in full bloom at the Royal Botanical Gardens and in Spencer Smith Park.

The best things in life are indeed free.

RBG cherry tree

Cherry trees in full blossom at the Royal Botanical Gardens – with a picnic table waiting for someone to sit and enjoy the splendor of it all.

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Burlington snatches its new CEO for the library system from Hamilton.

News 100 redBy Staff

May 8th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington Public Library Board Chair, Brian Kenny, announced today that Lita Barrie has been appointed to position of Chief Executive Officer, effective June 4, 2018.

Lita LBarrie-CEO

Lita Barrie, new CEO for the Burlington Library

Ms Barrie has progressively advanced in senior positions since starting her professional librarian career as a bilingual inquiries officer with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety and serving as a youth services librarian at Hamilton Public Library. She became the manager of children’s services at Brantford Public Library in 2007, and the chief librarian and chief executive officer of Grimsby Public Library in 2010.

Since joining Hamilton Public Library as a director in 2013, she has been responsible for the library’s digital technology, youth services, collections, and program development.

“Lita brings to Burlington a strong background in arts and cultural leadership, customer service excellence, and innovation in libraries,” says Kenny. “We are excited by her aspirations for the public library in our community and delighted that she accepted our offer to lead Burlington Public Library.”

“Burlington Public Library’s reputation for excellence and engagement is broadly known,” says Lita Barrie, in-coming chief executive officer. “I am so thrilled to continue the Library’s commitment to innovation and to providing stellar library services and programs to serve this wonderful city.”

Ms Barrie holds a Master of Library & Information Studies from McGill University, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Art History) from Concordia University, and certificates in leadership from McMaster University, University of Toronto, and University of Victoria.

Lita Barrie at arts event in Hamilton

Lita Barrie at arts event in Hamilton

She is active in the library profession as a frequent presenter at conferences and as a sessional lecturer at University of Toronto, Faculty of Information, where she also co-founded the Public Library Leaders Program offered through the iSchool Institute. She has also served in many senior volunteer roles with the Ontario Library Association.

Ms Barrie is a keen community volunteer and is currently vice chair of the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board’s Special Education Advisory Committee and president of the Hamilton Arts Council Board.

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New parking initiatives from city hall - they just might work.

News 100 blueBy Staff

May 8, 29018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Some new parking initiatives from city hall. No new parking spaces though.

Parking - HonkMobile signThe parking initiatives are designed to make it easier for users to find and pay for a parking space in downtown Burlington.

These initiatives include:

• new occupancy sensor technology to show real-time information about available parking spaces in city-owned parking lots

• the introduction of a new pay-for-parking app called HonkMobile

• improvements to pay-by-plate parking machines in downtown Burlington to simplify the payment process and improve the user parking experience.

Occupancy sensor technology
Throughout 2017 and 2018, the City of Burlington installed occupancy sensors in Burlington’s downtown, at every on-street parking space and all parking spots at city-owned parking lots. Burlington is one of the first cities in Canada to use this new occupancy sensor technology that keeps track of occupied and available parking spaces.

How it works?
Small occupancy sensors placed in every parking space send a wireless signal to a nearby receiver when a vehicle is parked in a parking spot.

Using the data from the occupancy sensors, real-time parking supply information is displayed on new digital counter signs installed at all city-owned parking lots. The digital counter signs showing drivers the number of available parking spaces in each lot have been installed and are expected to be operational by the end of May.

In addition to the digital counter signs, new digital wayfinding signs are expected to be installed on primary downtown streets within the next few weeks.

The wayfinding signs will display real-time information about the number of available parking spaces in nearby lots and use directional arrows to guide drivers to those parking lots with empty parking spaces.

Mobile parking app HonkMobile
Parking - HonkDiscountCodeOn April 30, 2018, residents and visitors were able to use the HonkMobile app to search, pay for, and top-up parking payments directly from their smartphone, tablet or computer.

The HonkMobile app can be downloaded from the App Store or the Google Play store using any internet-connected device. Users are required to sign up for an account and pay a transaction fee of $0.35 for each payment.

HonkMobile replaces the city’s former online payment tool Telepark and can be used on-street and in city parking lots. Use the code BURLINGTON to receive $5 off the cost of parking with your first Honk payment between now and June 30, 2018.

Enhancements to the pay-by-plate parking machines
Launched in 2016, downtown Burlington’s pay-by-plate parking machines recently received some improvements to help make the machines easier to use. The updates include:

• new, step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions displayed on the payment screen

• new stickers on the outside of the machine to provide bold visual markers

• an increase in the brightness of the payment screens

• the relocation of a remote server to reduce payment processing time.

One can assume that the Honk application will steer people clear of the parking lot in front of the No Frill supermarket in the Plaza on Brant Street north of Caroline – people are paying a $300 fee to recover their cars from the Classic Towing pound.

Transit - Vito Tolone

Director of Transportation Vito Tolone

Vito Tolone, Director of Transportation commented: The city had heard concerns from businesses and visitors about the process and time taken to park downtown. The enhancements to the parking machines, along with the new technology we’ve introduced to provide real-time parking information, will directly address those issues and help improve the parking experience for all in downtown Burlington.”

Time will tell.

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Food for Thought raises $67,000 at their celebration event.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

May 8th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They hosted their 9th Annual Spring Breakfast Gala, in support of Halton Food for Thought Student Nutrition Programs – it took place on Friday May 4th at the Oakville Conference Centre.

Halton Food for Thought dollars raised in 2018

Halton Food for Thought dollars raised in 2018

Breakfast was done as  marketplace highlighting the importance of a nutritious meal at the start of a day for students.

Where did the $67,000 come from?

CIBC Wood Gundy $10,000
Prime Contact Group $5,000
EarthFresh Farms $5,000
L3 WESCAM $2,500
Global Citrus Group Inc. $2,500
Fidelity Investments $2,500
Cogeco $1,000 (plus $4,500 in-kind)
TerraPure Environmental $1,000
Mercedes-Benz Oakville $1,000
Boehringer Ingelheim Canada $1,000
Sylvite $1,000

 

Cropped Abbey Lane

Abbey Lane welcoming the guests.

Add to that the 500 tickets they sold to the event, a silent auction and a raffle. They covered every fund raising base there is.

73% of Halton students have access to a Student Nutrition Program; It costs just $1 to feed 2 students breakfast each day.

3.4 million meals were served to 27,700 meals in the 2016-17 school year.

2100 volunteers including  930 students get the job done.

Politicians were popping out of every corner. You wouldn’t be wrong if you arrived at the conclusion that there are elections taking place.

The Halton Food for Thought program is made up of representatives from 14 Lead Agencies who administer provincial grant funds. These funds help to develop and implement healthy breakfasts, snack and at times, lunch programs across the province.

The 14 Lead Agencies in turn, represent regions in the province and work with over 39 Community Partnerships across the province. These community partnerships engage school boards, public health units, communities and parents to support school programs at the local level.

As part of Central West Region (CWR), Halton Food for Thought’s Lead Agency is Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA. The other members making up CWR are Peel, Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin and Guelph.

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Halton Region providing enhanced yard waste collection services - Saturday May 12 to Sunday May 13

News 100 greenBy Staff

May 8th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Cleaning up from that wind storm creates a problem for some people. What do they do with all the waste that they now have?

The Region is going to provide enhanced yard waste collection services.
Halton Region will provide extra yard waste collection this weekend, from Saturday May 12 to Sunday May 13.

Residents are asked to place debris at the curbside by 7 a.m. on Saturday May 12. Crews will collect material throughout the weekend.

Curb side wastePlease remember the following before placing yard waste or brush piles at the curbside:

• Curbside piles are to be arranged neatly with branches no wider than 3 inches in diameter and branches no longer than 6 feet.

• There is no limit to the amount of over-sized brush or yard waste bags that can be placed at the curbside.

• Over-sized brush collection services are only for households that currently receive yard waste collection from Halton Region.

Halton residents may also dispose their yard waste free of charge at the Halton Waste Management Site starting Tuesday, May 8 up to and including Sunday, June 3. The site is located at 5400 Regional Road 25 in Milton. Regular fees will continue to apply to commercial contractors.

Residents are reminded to place all spoiled food in the Green Cart and to ensure that all plastic material and glass jars are rinsed and dry before placing in the Blue Box.

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Little Shop of Horrors to take to the Performing Arts Centre stage: A Student Theatre production.

artsorange 100x100By Staff

May 8th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington Student Theatre is celebrating 40 years of drama, music, dance and creativity. Located in Optimist Park the theatre is home to the longest-running youth theatre program in Burlington.

House of horrorsThe theatre’s show, Little Shop of Horrors, performs at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on May 24 and 25 during Student Theatre Week, – May 21 to 27 – helps to promote the positive role that arts programs in Burlington have played in maintaining the health and wellness of our young citizens.

Burlington Student Theatre contributes to the life and vibrancy of the arts in Burlington.

Little Shop of Horrors gives students the opportunity to develop skills, find themselves as they mature, involve themselves in the community and demonstrate leadership skills.

The Show:
SENIOR MAINSTAGE 2018 – Senior Level May 24 & 25, 2018
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS – Howard Ashman & Alan Menkin

From the company that brought you Joseph, Xanadu, Once on this Island, this scifi comic romance rock musical won’t disappoint! A nerdy flower shop assistant finds a chance at success and romance with the help of a plant that feeds on human flesh and blood! The music, composed by Alan Menkin – best known for writing songs for Disney’s Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, is in the style of 1960’s rock & roll.

It premiered off Broadway in 1982 and ran for five years with 2209 performances. The 1986 film version, directed by Frank Oz, received 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. A Must See!!!

Ticket Prices (Includes Fees & Tax):
Regular $30.00 ($35.00 starting April 24, 2018)
Youth 16 & Under $25.00 ($30.00 starting April 24, 2018)
Group (10+) $15.00 (Please contact Box Office)

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Everything you need or want to know about the school your child attends - waiting for you on your cell phone with a Board of Education app.

News 100 redBy Staff

May 8th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Halton District School Board has announced the launch of its mobile app that consolidates important information for parents, guardians and students into one easy-to-access location.

HDSB app screenThe app, a pilot project since October 2017 at four Burlington schools, is being rolled out to all 105 elementary and secondary schools in the Halton District School Board during Education Week (May 7-11).

Parents/guardians will receive a link to an instructional video to learn about the app features. The free app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play (search “Halton District School Board” or “HDSB”).
During the setup process, users will be prompted to “subscribe” to individual schools. This means parents/guardians can customize their news by choosing which schools they would like to receive information from, in addition to updates from the Halton District School Board.

Through a simple tap of the app, users have access to a series of icons containing helpful and timely information and resources, such as:

• Reporting student absences
• School news and calendar feeds
• Transportation information and updates
• School Cash Online
• Notifications about school closures and bus cancellations
• Access to school and Board news including media releases, school stories and videos
• Links to Board and school social media pages.
• All school contact information including maps to schools

Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education, Equity and Communications pointed out that “The ever-increasing use of mobile devices by our parents provides greater opportunities to communicate and connect.

“The Halton District School Board mobile app will provide families with quick access to information from their child’s school and the Board in one location.”

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First the Queen - then The Donald: both are now owners of Foxcroft 40 whistles.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

May 7th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

We all know who Ron Foxcroft – the whistle guy.

Foxcroft and the Queen

Ron Foxcroft with Queen Elizabeth II – she now has a Foxcroft whistle.

The guy that got himself into Buckingham Palace and presented one of his whistles to Queen Elizabeth II and convinced her that it would get rid of the Canada Geese that ere fowling her lawns.

The guy is shameless – he took his wife Marie with him – she had to learn to curtsy – which she did very well.

She did a curtsy to convince me that she knew how to do one properly.

Once you’ve presented a whistle to the Queen not much further up the food chain you can go.

Don’t underestimate Foxcroft.

He managed to get one of his whistles into the White House where it was used at a White House event.

Here’s the word we got from Foxcroft – “Donald Trump has a Fox 40 Safety Whistle to start the White House Easter Egg Roll.

TRump letter to Foxcroft

The President now has his Foxcroft whistle.

WE ARE SAFE now that DONALD has a Fox 40, Made in Canada.”

And Foxcroft has a letter to prove it.

He did it kind of sneaky. The whistle was sent from the American office of the world wide Foxcroft operations. Apparently Foxcroft didn’t want to upset the NAFTA negotiations.

Don’t think for a minute that Foxcroft won’t eventually get one of his whistles into the hands of the President of the United States of America.

The Queen has one – The Donald is next!.

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There was nothing wrong with the decision the Public School Board made to rent Pearson high school to the Catholic Board. The problem was the way the public was informed.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

May 7th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Sometime in April of this year the Director of the Halon District School Board (HDSB) said he got a call from the Director of Education for the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB).

The HCDSB had a problem and she felt there just might be a solution to that problem.

Assumption1-620x264

Assumption High School.

When the Assumption school on Upper Middle Road was built (1977) it was to be a Middle School. It became a high school over time. As a high school it was missing a lot of the needs of a high school particularly the labs.

The HCDSB wanted to build a new high school but could not get the funding they needed from the province.

They were able to get funding for a major renovation which in itself created problems. In would take an expected five years to complete renovations with students in the school which wasn’t something the HCDSB was looking forward to.

In 2016 the HDSB began a Program Accommodation Review of its high schools. In June of 2017 the HDSB trustees voted to close two of the seven high schools in the city.

PARC with options on the walls

Parents from every high school in Burlington took part in a Review process. As a committee they were unable to arrive at a consensus as to which schools should be closed.

Parents at both Bateman high school and the Lester B. Pearson high school were upset over the decision. They felt the process used by the Board was unfair and that the process set out was not followed. They took advantage of the opportunity to ask for a Review of the process.

The Bateman and Pearson parents could not appeal the actual decision – just the process. The Facilitator of the Review could suggest to the Minister of Education that the PAR process be done a second time.

The province considered the request for a Review and appointed Margaret Wilson to do that Review of the decision the trustees had made.

Miller Diane addressing Wilson HDSB

Margaret Wilson listening to parents who believed the Program Administration Review was flawed.

She turned in her report early in January of this year said: “Based on my review and consultations, I conclude that, while there were violations of the Board PAR Policy, they were such that they had no material effect on either the deliberations of the PARC or on the final decisions of the Board.”

With that decision the HDSB could begin the process of closing two high schools and arranging for the transfer of students to new high schools.

Pearson was to close in June of 2018 and Bateman was to close at the end of the school year in 2019 – which was extended to 2020.

The Director of the HDSB began the process of putting transition programs in place – moving the Pearson high school students to M.M. Robinson and moving the Bateman students to new facilities that would be built at Nelson high school.

The Gazette has been told that it was when the Margaret Wilson report was made public that the HCDSB Director made the call to the Director of the HDSB asking if they could rent the Pearson high school building for a short period of time.

Exactly when that call was made is not yet certain. It would appear that there was a 90 day period during which there were conversations and the arriving at a rental rate had to be determined.

miller-prep-at-central

Halton District School Board Director of Education speaking to parents at Central High School.

Stuart Miller, the Director of Education took the request to his Board of Trustees and in a closed session on May 2nd and explained to them the details of the request and what the HDSB was able to do.

A rental agreement was put together, the HCDSB approved it on May 1st and the HDSB approved it on May 2nd.

The decision was released to the public on May 3rd.

Parents and students who were going through the very emotionally difficult process of moving to a new school were not impressed with the decision and began to believe that the plan to close Pearson and let the Catholic school board use the building was always the plan.

That suspicion was fostered by the HDSB making the decision in a private session and then saying very little when the decision was made public.

The facts are that it was not until the Catholic school board knew that Pearson was going to be closed that they approached the HDSB to discuss a short term rental of the Lester B. Pearson building.

The HDSB just reacted to the request to lease the school.

trustees 2018

The Halton District School Board in session

They just didn’t involve the public nor prepare the parents for the decision that was going to be contentious.

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Burlington Foundation looking for nominations for their Philanthropist of the year.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

May 6th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Each year the Burlington Foundation nominates and celebrates a person who believes that the things you do for others remains your legacy.

The Foundation ask citizens of Burlington to help them in discovering and celebrating a community giver who quietly recognizes the power of one person’s influence.

BCF logoThe Foundation is looking for an individual, couple or family, who have a history of constantly thinking about how they can take action and help others.

The Foundation’s Presenting Partner, Great-West Life, London Life, Canada Life are part of the honouring a true everyday community hero, our Distinguished Philanthropist for 2018.

Please submit nominations on or before 5 p.m., May 28, 2018.

The selected nominee will be honoured Thursday, October 18, 2018 at our People Power 2018 community celebration of giving.

Link to the nominations forms.

The event takes place four days before the municipal election; guess what the chatter at the Celebration  evening is going to be about?

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Burlington gets to see the Herd on Saturday the 12th at Nelson Park

sportsred 100x100By Staff

May 7th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

IBL statsThe Barrie Baycats’ quest for a fifth straight Intercounty Baseball League title started with a 3-1 win over the visiting Kitchener Panthers Sunday afternoon.

Baycats winning team

The Barrie Baycats were the top team in 2017 – got off to a good 2018 start by winning their home opener.

Kyle DeGrace and Kevin Atkinson each had solo home runs in the decisive seventh inning as Barrie increased its lead to 3-0. Brandon Dhue singled home Branfy Infante in the sixth.

Emilis Guerrero (1-0) went seven scoreless innings for the win, scattering two hits with one walk and six strikeouts.

Chris Nagorski picked up the save after giving up a run on three hits with two strikeouts in the ninth.

Mike Gordner drove in the Panthers’ run, while Colin Gordner had two of Kitchener’s six hits.

Adrian Yuen (0-1) took the loss after giving up a run on two hits in an inning.

Panthers starter Christian Hauck went three scoreless innings, walking four and striking out five while allowing one hit.

The Toronto Maple Leafs opened the 100th Intercounty Baseball League season and 50 years of ownership under Jack Dominico with a 10-6 win over the London Majors at Christie Pits Sunday afternoon.

Toronto led 7-0 after the first inning and held off a late London surge for its first win of 2018.
Jonathan Solazzo went 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and two runs, while teammate Julian Johnson hit a three-run blast in the Leafs’ seven-run first.

Mike Reeves had two hits, two RBI and scored three times, Dan Marra had three singles and scored a run, and Adam Odd went 2-for-4 with a run.

Leafs starter Zac Sloan (1-0) benefitted from the offence, going five scoreless innings and allowing one hit with four walks and four strikeouts.

Petro De Los Santos picked up the last five outs for the save, allowing a run on no hits with two walks and a strikeout.

Edward Salcedo led London’s attack with two hits, including a home run, while driving in three and stealing a base. RJ Fuhr singled twice and scored three times, and Chris McQueen singled once and scored twice. Byron Reichstein had the other RBI.

Joan Montero (0-1) took the loss, allowing seven unearned runs on five hits in two innings as the Majors committed three errors. Montero struck out one and walked one.

Herd T-shirtThe Burlington Herd were taken out of contention in the quarter finals; winning just the game. Their 2018 Home opener takes place on Saturday May 12th at Nelson Park – 1:05 pm. The Herd plays the Barrie Baycats on Sunday.

Future games
Friday, May 11
Toronto at London, 7:35 p.m.

Saturday, May 12
Brantford at Guelph, 1 p.m.
Kitchener at Burlington, 1:05 p.m.

Sunday, May 13
Burlington at Barrie, 2 p.m.
London at Kitchener, 2 p.m.
Guelph at Toronto, 2 p.m.
Hamilton at Brantford, 2 p.m.

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Shredding sensitive documents - May 27th in Burlington - MMR parking lot.

News 100 blueBy Staff

May 6th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Crime Stoppers of Halton, in partnership with FileBank Canada, is hosting two Shred Events this May to help combat Identity Theft and other fraud.

The Burlington event will be held Saturday, May 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot at M.M. Robinson High School on Upper Middle Road. The Shred Event in Oakville will take place on Sunday, May 27, from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the parking lots (A, B, C) of Halton Regional Centre on 1151 Bronte Road.

Shred event Beast

Shreds sensitive documents.

For a cash donation to Halton’s Crime Stoppers program, residents and business owners can feed FileBank’s “Beast” – a state-of-the-art mobile shredding vehicle – to ensure destruction of personal and sensitive documents so they are not used by scam artists to defraud victims.

Identity Theft remains one of the largest means of fraud with losses running into the billions of dollars
Detective Constable Jodi Richmond, police coordinator of Halton Crime Stoppers, said it’s important for people to protect themselves from becoming victims by ensuring any documents with personal information are destroyed properly.

Shred event - constant flow

The flow of people wanting to have sensitive financial documents shredded is usually consistent all day.

She also warned that anyone can become a victim of Identity Theft, but seniors are particularly vulnerable because of the amount of paper work they amass through the years from financial institutions and other sources.

“Items such as cancelled cheques, financial records, old letterhead, invoices, copies of job applications or anything containing personal information can easily be used by criminals to obtain credit cards; steal money from bank accounts; procure passports or other identification and even get a mortgage on your home without you even knowing,” Richmond said. “Destroying confidential and business documents is the best way to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.”

Halton Crime Stoppers is committed to helping people protect themselves from this crime with conveniently located community shred campaigns across the region throughout the year.

Jodi Thomson Crime Stoppers

Detective Constable Richmond

Detective Constable Richmond also pointed out that FileBank’s process is eco-friendly since all sensitive documents pulverized through the mobile shredding equipment is recycled into new paper products.

In addition, those bringing old financial records and other documents to the shredding site in Burlington will receive a 500-sheet package of recycled paper courtesy of Domtar, one of Canada’s leading paper producers.

“Shred events hosted by Crime Stoppers of Halton are a win-win situation for everyone,” Richmond said.

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The Burlington Herd, our baseball team, will play their first game in the 2018 season May 12th - in a league that has been around for 100 years.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

May 6th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

A century of baseball in Ontario started in 1919, the IBL kicks off its 100th season this weekend.

The opening game will be a rematch of last year’s championship series as the defending champion Barrie Baycats play host to the Kitchener Panthers for a Sunday afternoon matinee.

The Baycats swept the Kitchener Panthers to win their fourth title in a row last summer.

Herd player sliding home Ph by Crystal Young

Herd player sliding home in a 2017 game. Ph by Crystal Young

Meanwhile, down the 400, the Toronto Maple Leafs play host to the London Majors in another afternoon game. The IBL has a number of events planned to celebrate its 100th Season and thanks to Rawlings, the league will use commemorative baseballs this season.

Sunday is another milestone as this marks the 100th season for the Panthers and the 50th season for Toronto Maple Leafs owner Jack Dominico.

The IBL finishes off its first century with eight teams as the Guelph Royals return after failing to finish the 2017 season. The Royals, with new owner Shawn Fuller at the helm, have no intentions of living in the basement this season.

Veteran IBL baseball man Steve Scagnetti wasted little time in putting the Royals back in the mix. The Royals acquired reigning MVP Sean Reilly as well as first baseman Justin Interisano from the Kitchener Panthers and have former Panthers field manager Dave TeBoekhorst at the helm.

Hamilton Cardinals, who struggled last season, also have new ownership. A community group, led by P.J. Mercanti, looks to revitalize the Steel City franchise. In conjunction with that new ownership, the city of Hamilton has committed to major improvements to Bernie Arbour Stadium.

The London Majors have their home opener next Friday night while the Burlington Herd open up Saturday followed by home openers for the Brantford Red Sox and Kitchener Panthers next Sunday.

contest

Fill out the form on the Herd website for your chance to win: Three Tickets to the Locker Room Lager Opening Day All-You-Can-Eat Seats behind home plate Three Burlington Herd T-Shirts Three tickets to a July Toronto Blue Jays Home Game Contest closes on May 10th, 2018 at 11:59 p.m.

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500 native trees will get planted - while 9000 trees just across the road are at serious risk.

eventsgreen 100x100By Staff

May 5th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If the weather holds Conservation Halton could get the 100 community volunteers it needs to help plant 500 native trees and shrubs at Bayview Park on King Road; a part of the city where the Jefferson Salamander crosses the road to mate in the spring.

Bayview looking over the Bay

The view of th Bay and the Skyway bridge from Bayview Park.

The park is in between two of the cell quarries where shale is mined for the manufacturing of brick. It has astounding views of the Bay and the Skyway bridge. It is home to a rifle club; the space where model airplane enthusiasts send the models climbing into the sky and an enclosed dog run.

Full TEC site

At the bottom of the photograph is the location of the now closed city dump. To the right of that is the western cell of the quarry with the brick manufacturing plant below. Then Bayview Park where there is a rifle range, a Dog Run and space for the model airplane people. On the eastern side of King Road there is the Centre cell of the quarry. To the left of the red marker is a forested area where the brick manufacturer wants to begin mining for shale in the eastern cell – that’s where the 900 tress are going o have to be cut down.

Registration and check-in for the tree planters will begin at 9 am. Light refreshments will be available – coffee, juice, water and a continental breakfast. Volunteers are reminded to dress according to the weather, wear waterproof boots and bring a shovel.

The Tyandaga people, who live two quarry cells to the east of Bayview Park are delighted to learn that more trees are going to be planted – what they fear is that the 9000 trees around the most easterly quarry will get cut down. In a letter to the Mayor the Tyandaga Coalition people said:

“We are pleased to read that the City of Burlington is partnering with Conservation Halton and CootesToEscarpment in a “Trees for Watershed” Health” tree planting event that is, ironically, just across the road from where Meridian Brick intends to destroy 9,000 trees of the diminishing Carolinian forest.

Excavation equipment 1

Excavation equipment like this will operate yards away from the homes on West Haven Drive once the eastern cell of the three cell quarry begins to be mined for shale.

“Why is that we yet again need to request our City’s participation in coming to a resolution on this matter? A request the Tyandaga Environmental Coalition (www.tecburlington.com) has repeatedly brought to your attention since September 2015. We have constantly and consistently asked you and the City to be part of a solution that is to the benefit of ALL but once again you prefer to take the political photo- op rather than make the hard decision to stand by your own statement – “more than ever, sustainability and green initiatives need to be our priorities,”. Your inaction on the Meridian Brick quarry development matter is very concerning.

“What proactive and sustainable measures will you take beyond telling us that this is not a City matter. Surely the fact that, to our knowledge, there have been no official Air Quality measurements by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) and the Ministery of Natural Resources and Forestry ( MNRF) is of concern to you and the City, especially when you consider the numerous ‘heavy’ industries that surround the tax- paying residents of the Tyandaga and Aldershot areas, and beyond.

“Without this Air Quality information what guarantee can you assure the residents with respect to their health and well-being?

Now is the time to show us that you will help all who “live, work and play” in our City and live up to your many talks of a greener and healthier Burlington when you said: – “we want to create a sustainable and healthy Burlington for our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren”.

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Traditional Mother's Day Champagne Tea takes place on May 12 at Ireland House

eventspink 100x100By Staff

May 4th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Museums of Burlington is quite a bit more than the two locations they manage.

Their events program is popular and often full of surprises.

MothersDayThe traditional Mother’s Day Champagne Tea takes place on May 12!

Guests will receive glass of champagne upon arrival and all moms will receive a flower and sample tea gift.

Once seated at your private table, you can look forward to a selection of premium custom tea blends.

Each table will receive a tray packed with savoury and sweet treats, made-from-scratch scones and homemade jam!

Tickets include free parking and a museum tour.

Select from one of three seating times….stop by the Ireland House Museum, call us at 905.332.9888 or reserve online.

 

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Three of the seven current council members have yet to file nomination paper.

council 100x100By Staff

May 4th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

As of the close of business at city hall on May 3rd, the following people have filed nomination papers.

The Gazette will provide this report daily and show the latest nominations in red.  There were no new nominations during the 3rd of May

mmm

Mayor

Rick Goldring
524 Wicklow Rd., Burlington, L7L 2H8
905-320-3656

 

Marianne Meed Ward
497 Martha St., Burlington, ON, L7R 2R1
905-335-1899
mariannemeedward.ca
marianne4mayor@gmail.com

 

Mike Wallace
268 Tuck Dr., Burlington, ON, L7L 2R1
Home phone: 905-639-0185
Fax: 905-634-9822
mikewallaceformayor@gmail.com
www.mikewallaceformayor.ca

 

Councillor / Regional Councillor Ward 1

No one has filed nomination papers to date.

Rick Craven the incumbent has yet to file.

Councillor / Regional Councillor Ward 2

Kimberly Calderbank
905-719-6989
kimberly.solutions

David Cherry
1312 Hammond St., Burlington, ON, L7S 2C2
289-795-9203
info@davidcherry.ca
https://davidcherry.ca

Lisa Kearns
416-414-5335
kearns_lisa@hotmail.com
lisakearns.ca

Councillor / Regional Councillor Ward 3

Lisa Cooper
1299 Princeton Cres.
Home phone: 905-331-8469
Mobile phone: 289-259-9880
Fax: 905-331-8469
lisacooper1299@gmail.com

Rory Nisan
905-464-7195
info@rorynisan.ca
rorynisan.ca

Gareth Williams
289-635-8994
gareth@garethward3.ca
https://garethward3.ca

The incumbent John Taylor announced that he is retiring after 30 years as a member of the municipal council.

Councillor / Regional Councillor Ward 4

Jack Dennison
3087 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, L7N 1A3
905-634-7102

Shawna Stolte
shawnastolte@gmail.com

Councillor / Regional Councillor Ward 5

Xin Yi Zhang
electxyz@gmail.com

The incumbent, Paul Sharman, has yet to file nomination papers

Councillor / Regional Councillor Ward 6

Angelo Bentivegna
905-973-6923
Angelo.Bentivegna@gmail.com
www.AngeloBentivegnaWard6.ca

The incumbent Blair Lancaster has yet to file nomination papers.

There is an additional new face who is expected to file nomination papers

Regional Chair

(nominations are filed with the Region of Halton)

Gary Carr
chaircarr@gmail.com
www.garycarr.ca

Halton District School Board Trustee – Wards 1 & 2

Halton District School Board Trustee – Wards 3 & 6

Andrea Grebenc
905-901-2235
contact@trustandrea.com
www.trustandrea.com

Halton District School Board Trustee – Ward 4

Margo Shuttleworth
289-812-0629
shuttleworth.m.a@gmail.com
https://margoward4.wixsite.com/margoshuttleworth

Halton District School Board Trustee – Ward 5

Amy Collard
reelectamycollard@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/view/reelectamycollard

Halton Catholic District School Board Trustee

Arlene Iantomasi
772 Old York Rd., Burlington, ON, L7P 4X9
905-516-2691
arlo60@sympatico.ca

Maria Lourenco
905-808-5910
Lourenco4trustee@outlook.com

Conseil scolaire Viamonde

(nominations are filed with the City of Hamilton)

Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir

(nominations are filed with the Town of Oakville)

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Why didn't the public school board trustees ensure that the Pearson high school parents know the full story behind the leasing of their school?

SwP thumbnail graphicBy Pepper Parr

May 4, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with leasing out a school that is empty and not being used.

What is wrong is not telling the public what you have done.

The Halton District School Board leased the Lester B. Pearson high school to the Halton Catholic District School Board.

Pearson high school is schedule for closure in June of 2017 due to poor enrollment.

The parents at Pearson high school didn’t agree with that decision and argued vociferously that there school could be kept open if the Board kept the elementary feeder  schools in place.

Delegation May 8 HDSB

Pearson high school parents at a Board of Education meeting – they did everything they could to keep their school open.

The trustees didn’t see it that way and voted to close the school and have the Pearson students begin attending M.M. Robinson high school in September of 2018.

Merging the two student populations has not been an easy task. How well that merging is going to work will be known in September when the former Pearson students begin showing up at M.M. Robinson in September.

Some of the parents at Pearson have always felt there was some other reason for closing their school. Those suspicions were given some validity when the Board of Education, without any public discussion, met in a closed session to decide to lease the school the Catholic Board.

Some questions:

Who called who?

Did the Public school board call the Catholic school Board or was it the other way around?

When did the discussions about a leasing possibility take place?

The when is critical – and that may be the reason for the HDSB handling this matter in private session.

It is understood that the Catholic school board wants to do some major renovations to one of their high schools – Assumption, and that they wanted to close their school while the work was being done. Nothing wrong with that.

But did the Catholic School Board talk to the Public School Board before the trustees had made a decision to close Pearson?

Did the availability of an opportunity to lease the school have any influence on the decision to close Pearson?

And why is the public learning about this now?

At the May 2nd meeting of the HDSB, vice chair Ehl Harris read into the record two resolutions that were passed in the private session to:

Approve the resolutions from private session respecting property matters.

Ehl Harris moved the motion, Oakville trustee Kelly Amos quickly seconded the motion. There was a bit of confusion whether trustee Papin wanted to be the seconder of the motion (Pearson high school is in her ward)

Board Chair Grebenc said to trustee Papin “You don’t actually want to speak do you?”

Miller while motion being read May 2-18

Director of Education Stuart Miller during the vote to approve resolutions made in a closed session of the Board of Education.

When it was clear that Papin didn’t want to speak – she just wanted to be the seconder of the motion, the chair then asked if anyone else wanted to speak.

Not a word from anyone.

They voted and that was that – Pearson is leased to the Catholic Board for a year.

Everything was going according to whatever plan was hatched in the private session- this Board of trustees was going to make sure they stayed on script.

Get the resolutions on the record as quickly and as quietly as you can and move on.

There is no surer way to lose the trust of the public than to try to fool or hood wink them; and without public trust there can be no growth and without growth the students who enter those schools lose and cynicism takes over.

Why did Stuart Miller not tell the public how the opportunity to lease a school he no longer needed to another school Board came about?

Burlington has a community that just doesn’t trust it’s school board trustees. And there is, on the surface, very good reason not to trust them.

This story isn’t over.

Related news story.

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Board of education announces that is has leased a school it is about to close.

News 100 redBy Staff

May 4th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A media release from the Halton District School Board:

“At the May 2, 2018 meeting, trustees of the Halton District School Board passed a motion to temporarily lease Lester B. Pearson High School to the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) beginning November 1, 2018. This request from the HCDSB serves as temporary accommodation for Assumption Catholic Secondary School students during the school’s upcoming renovation expected to begin in late 2018.

“This temporary lease of the school by the HCDSB will commence on November 1, 2018 to prepare the school for student accommodation during the second semester. The term of the lease will end on August 31, 2019.

“This provides a responsible use of the school facilities until the Halton District School Board determines the future use of the school property according to Ontario Regulation 444/98. The leasing of this school property to another school board is not precedent setting. The Halton District School Board has leased school facilities to other school boards in the past on a temporary basis.

“Lester B. Pearson High School will be closing at the end of June 2018 with students moving to nearby M.M. Robinson High School.”

There was not a word of public debate on this matter during the May 2nd Board of trustees meeting.

The Board meets in closed session for a period of time before each public meeting. They pass motions during those private meetings and debate in private.

What the public got to hear was a motion that approved all the motions about a “property matter”done in the closed session. And then the next day the releases of a media notice.

And that was the extent of what the elected trustees had to say.

At each Board of Education meeting there is a report from the Director of Education – he didn’t say a word either.

trustees 2018

Halton District School Board trustees in session

Related editorial material:

An opinion on the approach the Board took.

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