 By Staff
September 30th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
This past weekend, the 2011 AAA Burlington Bulls won the 10U/11U Back to School Blast in Kitchener.
The Burlington Bulls 2011 AAA is made up of kids from Burlington born in 2011 or after. The team plays in the COBA loop (Central Ontario Baseball Association). The loop contains Rep teams throughout Central Ontario.
The tournament last weekend (Sept 24-26) was The Back to School Blast hosted by Kitchener Panthers. The Bulls went undefeated over two days besting 10U/11U teams from Kitchener, Guelph and Waterloo. They faced Waterloo in the Championship game, winning a tightly contested affair 2-1.
- Boys played lights out on both sides of the ball. They outscored their opponents 36-5 in round robin play, securing a birth in the championship.
- Team combined for 58 hits and 15 stolen bases over 4 games.
- Owen Simpson belted a Home Run securing our place in the championship.
- Christian Moscato pitched lights out in the championship game going five innings allowing 1 hit, 1 earned run and striking out 14 on zero walks.
- Nate Ogiltree came in as relief in the championship game going two innings allowing 2 hits , no runs and striking out 3.
 From Left to Right:: Back row: Bronson Kung, Coltin Hamor, Brayden McPetrie, Christian Moscato, Owen Simpson. Front row: Henry Hooper, Colton McEntee, Nate Ogiltree, Ryan Wallace, Tripp Mihalik. Missing: Carter Boyko, Jordan Colameco, Owen Petrie Coaches: Bob Hooper, John Ogiltree, Kyle Mihalik. Coaches: Bob Hooper, John Ogiltree, Kyle Mihalik 
 By Staff
September 30th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Sarah Wahidi is part of a group that has created a Help Centre for recently landed refugees. The aim is to help those who have recently entered Canada, including those who have arrived from Afghanistan. Their intention is to provide food, clothing and referral/support services to those in need.
 They have a location in Burlington at 895 Brant street, on the corner of Fairview and Brant. They will be holding an Opening Celebration on Saturday, October 2nd.
They are accepting donations and will begin a donation pick up schedule for those who may not be able to bring anything to the centre. “The community has given us tremendous support so far with almost 20 bags of donations. It’s really fulfilling to see how many people really care about making change and welcoming these individuals and families escaping their country”, said Wahidi.
Their Facebook page will be launched next week. They can be contacted at their email account: HaltonRefugeeHelpCentre@gmail.com
 By Pepper Parr
September 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It was during a meeting on that wonderful deck that runs along the north side of Lakeshore Road – across the street from Spencer Smith Park where one can see the ships heading to, or leaving, Hamilton harbour and where, what a long departed friend said, one can enjoy an Adult Libation.
 One of the prime places to just enjoy the city is on the north side of Lakeshore looking out over the lake. Great ideas bubble to the surface while enjoying an Adult Beverage, I was meeting with a couple of friends and talking through possible options and new ideas to keep the Waterfront Hotel site in public hands rather than have a large tower go up.
At the time no one knew that the developer’s plan was for two 30 story plus towers on the site.
Many see the land south of Lakeshore Road as a “public” part of the public realm. Much of it is land that was recovered and made usable with landfill.
The owners of the hotel do have title to some of the land but surely not all the land right up to the edge of the lake.
My friends, who don’t want their names trotted out at this point – at an appropriate time they will be more public. These are men who comment intelligently on public matters.
They wondered aloud if there was not some kind of land swap that could be done.
And that was when a light bulb lit up.
 It doesn’t function all that well as a place to work and the city is going to need a lot more space. City hall as a building is not that functional. It is past its best-before date but, because it is what we have, money is going to be spent on making the best of a bad situation.
 It is an awkward building – there was no real design – additions kept being added. The entrance was once on the west side. The Art Gallery has never been a truly functional building. It is a collection of additions to a structure that were added on when there was a donor.
So – here is a swap that could be done:
 The owner wants to build and has some impressive designs – that will, if ever built, change the heart and soul of the city. There is a chance to give the developer what they want and to save what is left of Burlington. Exchange the Waterfront Hotel site for the city hall site and the Art Gallery site.
Then design a purpose built building that would house City Hall and the Art Gallery on the Waterfront Hotel site.
Include a band shell and ensure the roof of the structure is environmentally friendly. And ensure that the building is not more than four storeys.
Two for the Art Gallery and two floors for the city.
Hold a charette and commission some design ideas from architects from around the world.
Imagine for a moment: City Hall and the Art Gallery nestled at the base of the slope of the land immediately south of Lakeshore Road leaving a clear view of the Lake. Try the idea on for size the next time you are walking along the promenade and talk it up with your friends.
Parking – that is something that would have to be figured out. The Lotus Street Parking lot is used by city hall staff now – that could continue and there could be some parking beneath the four storey building.
Can’t be done you say? With the right leadership – it certainly can be done.
 Rob MacIsaac, a former Burlington Mayor, took bold steps and changed the city in a way that no one has since his time. Rob MacIsaac, a former Burlington Mayor, did it when he turned the former police station on Locust into the Performing Arts Centre, then had the building that houses a restaurant along with the tourist office on the ground floor and office for the Chamber of Commerce, the BDBA and the Economic Development Corporation on the second floor with five levels of parking above it all.
Then he got really ambitious and got a pier built as well.
So – never say it can’t be done – think about how it can be done and where the leadership is going to come from.
More on this going forward.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
 By Pepper Parr
September 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON. ON
When there is a new appointment at city hall the Gazette reports on the newcomer and their experience.
 Craig Kummer, newly appointed Director of Transportation. Craig Kummer was announced as Director of Transportation Department; it is an important job and he brings an impressive record of achievement with him.
But before we get into telling you about the new Director – we would be amiss if we did not say goodbye to the Director who retired.
 They called it the New Street Diet. Tolone never got a chance to say what he really thought of the idea. He kept his head down and lived through it – until the then Mayor gave up on the idea. There will never be another Vito Tolone at city hall. He was more than unique – a pleasure to listen to, even when he got excited when an audience was giving him grief. Vito had to deal with traffic and in Burlington that is a touch point.
With Craig Kummer now signed on and fresh business cards to hand out he may want to get an idea of what Vito had to deal with.
 Vito Tolone was not impressed. He had to deal with a city that had too many cars, not enough roads and a public that did not want to give up on their cars. Vito knew more than anyone else what was needed to keep traffic moving – he was seldom listened to – even though he usually had the answers. We are told that Vito is about to take up carpentry on those occasions when he isn’t chatting with his friends at the Fortinos at Limestone Ridge.
Kummer brings over 20 years of public sector experience in the Transportation Industry to the City of Burlington.
For the past five years, he has served as the Senior Manager of Traffic Services with the City of Brampton and was responsible for the strategic alignment and delivery of programs within the Traffic Services Section.
During this period, he oversaw the implementation of many citywide initiatives including one of the province’s largest Automated Speed Enforcement programs and Brampton’s Active Transportation Master Plan.
 He listened, he watched and he made a difference. Kummer was an active member of the City of Brampton’s Smart City Team and the Hurontario Light Rail Transit Transportation Management Committee where he provided guidance and insight on transportation issues.
Prior to this, Kummer held several roles within the City of Brampton in the areas of Traffic Signals, Street Lighting, and Traffic Operations. In these roles, he was instrumental in the implementation of Transit Signal Priority and Brampton’s traffic management centre.
 It was a day Vito Tolone just wanted to forget. An active participant within the Transportation Industry, he offers support to moderate certificate programs, and currently sits on the board of directors for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Canada.
Kummer is a graduate of the Transportation Engineering Technology Program from Mohawk College and has completed numerous management certificates.
He will join the Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility Service Group on Oct. 13 and report to the Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility.
 By Staff
September 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
One Burlington celebrates the diversity of faith and cultural groups in Burlington, Halton and area by hosting engaging multifaith, multicultural events.
In honour of Canada’s first National Truth and Reconciliation Day: September. 30th, you are invited to an online Zoom event highlighting the faith and culture of our Indigenous peoples.
 This is a free event funded in part by the City of Burlington and the Government of Canada.
Please register by Sept. 29th at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAocOuoqDstHtXHKzbnDDtbdcuuoLt68CQb
Celebrating an Indigenous Harvest on 30th September starting at 7:30 pm with
– Indigenous Elder of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Carolyn King CM.
– Semiah Smith will performing singing and dancing of the Mohawk Nation at Crawford Lake
– Sherry Saevil of “Grandmothers’ Voice” of the Haudenosaunee at an Indigenous Healing Garden
To attend, please register by 29 September at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAocOuoqDstHtXHKzbnDDtbdcuuoLt68CQb
 By Staff
September 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In September, 2021, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has seen a significant increase in reprograming thefts of high end vehicles with keyless entry and push start technology in the Burlington area. To date, for the month of September, there have been a total of ten vehicles stolen from Burlington that have been attributed to what investigators believe to be reprograming thefts. These vehicles have been taken from residential driveways during the overnight hours. The thefts generally take less than 20 minutes to complete.
 Car theft in progress During a reprograming theft, the suspect(s) forcefully gains entry to the vehicle. Once inside, the suspect(s) access the diagnostic port of the vehicle which allows them to reprogram a blank key fab to start and steal the vehicle.
The majority of vehicles being targeted include (but are not limited to):
• Honda CRV
• Lexus RX 350
• Toyota Highlander
• Ford F150
There are some measures that residents can take to decrease the chance of the vehicle being stolen:
• Park your vehicle in a locked garage
• Block the exit of a potential target vehicle with a second vehicle parked behind it
• Install and on-board diagnostic blocker/protector
• Install a steering wheel lock device
• Install a aftermarket GPS tracking device
• Install home security cameras on the exterior of the residence
Additional Tips:
• Always lock vehicle doors and close all windows
• With the colder weather approaching never leave your vehicle running with the keys in the vehicle
• Never leave a spare key inside any vehicle in the driveway
• Ignition/Fuel Kill switches
• Aftermarket car audio alarm
The HRPS is applying significant resources to investigate these occurrences. Crime prevention is a shared responsibility. Call 911 if you witness a crime in progress or if you see suspicious persons/vehicles in your neighbourhood.
 Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Detective Constable Colin MacLeod of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2357.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
 By Staff
September 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday, Sept. 30, the Halton District School Board and individual schools will be honouring this important day with a number of acknowledgments and learning opportunities, in addition to lowering the Canadian flag at all schools and Board offices.
Traditionally, this day has been commemorated as Orange Shirt Day. Inspired by the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, Orange Shirt Day is held annually on Sept. 30. Phyllis was a student at St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, B.C. Orange Shirt Day is inspired by her experience on her first day at a residential school.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis residential school survivors, their families and communities, and to ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
 Stuffed animals were placed in front of the former Kamloops Residential School Monday in a community vigil that encouraged attendees to wear orange, a Canadian tradition that aims to raise awareness for the atrocities of residential schools. “As we recognize this day, we must ensure that we go beyond wearing orange shirts,” says Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education. “Creating meaningful learning opportunities that centre Indignenous voices, focus on Indigenous rights, contributions, histories, truths and contemporary realities that are rooted in colonization helps create a more complete picture of the historical truths and realities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. We all play a part in upholding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.”
“In upholding our responsibility to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action #62 and #63, resources have been shared with staff leading up to Sept. 30 and will be a part of ongoing learning throughout the school year.”
In many classrooms, a week of learning is planned for students and staff, which has included resources from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. As the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has stated, education holds the key to making things better.
Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board, has shared a video message for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
By Ryan O’Dowd: Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
September 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this Thursday with a memorial walk at Spencer Smith Park.
The event begins at noon and runs until 6 p.m. on September 30th.
The memorial walk from Beachway Park to the gazebo begins at 3:30 pm and will be followed by a ceremony at 4:30 pm. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange. Beachway Park is an extension of Spencer Smith Park – they come together at about where the Brant Museum is located.
City employees will observe the holiday from Sept. 27th through Sept. 30th by focusing on educational events and opportunities reflecting Canada’s commitment to understand the truth about Indigenous relations and advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
 Unidentified graves at a Residential school IN Western Canada In June 2021 the federal government passed legislation to proclaim September 30th a public holiday. The holiday was created to honor Indian Residential School survivors and to remember the lives lost there. The implementation of the holiday was one of 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation originated with “Orange Shirt Day ” in 2013, where Canadians would wear orange shirts to signal their support for Indigenous communities, this year is the first time the day will be observed as a holiday.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action urged all levels of government-federal, provincial, territorial, and aboriginal-to work together to change policies and programs to address the harm done by residential schools and move toward reconciliation.
The calls to action are divided into two parts: legacy and reconciliation. The legacy calls to action are those seeking to address ongoing structural inequalities marginalizing Indigenous people, intentionally or not. Reconciliation calls to action are meant to advance the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in various sectors of society, educate Canadians about the truth of Indigenous relations, and affirm Indigenous rights.
The 94 calls to action were released in 2015, as of the Yellowhead Institute’s (a First Nations-led research center based in Ryerson University) 2020 report – only 8 had been followed through on to date
By Staff
September 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Parents/guardians, staff members, students and the broader community are invited to review and provide feedback on the Halton District School Board’s 2020-2021 Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP).
This plan addresses the existing and projected accommodation needs of students in elementary and secondary schools and identifies new capital project initiatives such as the need for new schools.
Before the LTAP is approved by the Board, feedback on the document is welcomed until Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021.
 It’s a 300 plus page report. Not for the faint of heart. The LTAP, along with documents and resources outlining key points for Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville are available on the Long Term Accommodation Plan webpage on the Halton District School Board website (www.hdsb.ca).
The public is asked to provide feedback by Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021 at 4 p.m. using:
● The online feedback form, or
● Email: plan@hdsb.ca
Once feedback has been collected, staff will provide a report for Trustees at the Oct. 20, 2021 Board meeting.
The LTAP is not a short document – it is data laden and not exactly bedtime reading. The Gazette will review the documents and do our best to provide some clarification.
Some background information on just what the LTAP is and why it is in place can be found HERE
The full report is more than 300 pages long – it is not for the faint of heart. It is broken out by municipality.
 By Pepper Parr
September 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It is time to bring to an end the machinations of the recent federal election.
In the ten years the Gazette has been publishing we have never seen the bitter, angry misinformed comment from some of our readers.
One in particular, who chose to comment in the name she used most of the time and then on other occasions used her maiden name.
She made the claim – that a Conservative running for office would never take part in a one on one interview with the Gazette.
 Clip from an interview with Mike Wallace  Mike Wallace advertisement in the Gazette – he ran several different ads. We have to correct her. In 2015 Mike Wallace did an interview with us; he also advertised in the Gazette.
We were never able to convince Emily Brown to sit down for an interview. This was a decision she made not have made on her own. Except for a Conservative candidate in Milton, the Gazette was not able to do interviews with Conservative candidates.
Not healthy from a public engagement perspective. And just plain bad politics.
We gave some thought to setting up a small card table right outside the Conservative campaign offices and waiting for Ms Brown – but thought the better of it – she is a gun toting lady and we are told a good shot as well.
By Staff
September 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male who exposed himself at a Burlington pet store.
On August 22, 2021, at approximately 4:45 pm, a male suspect attended the PetSmart store located at 2311 Appleby Line in Burlington. He engaged a female employee in conversation before exposing himself by removing his pants and underwear. The suspect apologized to the manager and left the store before returning and offering to apologize to the employee.
 The suspect is described as
• Male, 20-30 years old
• 5’10 – 6’0 tall, 160 lbs.
• Full beard
• Wearing a white t-shirt, beige pants and a camouflage “Support our troops” hat
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2316.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Pepper Parr
September 27th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There was a headline on a story that we published that gave the Conservatives in the city some indigestion
We wrote:
 Karina Gould rallying her troops in the days leading up to the election Karina Gould keeps the Burlington seat; Emily Brown was never able to attract the Conservative vote
Newspaper headlines can be misunderstood, especially if you don’t like what you think they said.
 Emily Brown When we said Brown was not able to attract the Conservative vote we were referring to the number of people who had voted Conservative in the past who did not appear to show up in 2021.
Conservatives votes in the past were substantially more than the number that showed up in this election.
The Liberal vote – held at basically the same number in other elections.
We thought there was something about Emily Brown the Conservative vote just wasn’t buying.
In 2006 Wallace got 28,030; Liberal Paddy Torsney got 21,656
In 2008 Wallace got 28614; Liberal Paddy Torsney got 19,57721,656
In 2011 Wallace got 32,958; Liberal Brierley got 14,154
In 2015 Mike Wallace got 29,870 votes; Gould got 32,229Head
In 2019 Jane Michael got 23,467; Gould got 34,217
In 2021 Emily Brown got 25,842; Gould got 31,602
There was that 25 to 30 thousand range that the Tories held year after year.
Karina Gould came along and moved beyond the 30,000 level but the Tories didn’t move with her.
There was a solid Wallace vote. Jane Michael should never have been a candidate; the Burlington Conservatives saw through her and didn’t show up.
The point we were making is that the strong Wallace vote just wasn’t there for Emily Brown this time around.
The Liberal vote held for Gould – even though Justin Trudeau had called a vote the country didn’t need – her vote count improved. Gould clearly has captured the hearts of Burlingtonians.
Does that once vibrant Conservative vote still exist? Of that no one can be certain.
The piece we published.
 By Pepper Parr
September 27th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Many in Burlington have been patiently waiting for the federal government to announce that Terry Fox will be on the next version of the five dollar $5.00 bill. They aren’t ready to announce yet. The wheels turn slowly.
 Hopefully they will not be as slow when the Office of the Governor General, where the Order of Canada awards and announcements are made, decide that the two Michael’s are to be made Members of the Order of Canada.
There is a process of course and it has to be followed – but is this not a very special situation ?
 Michael Kovrig on the left, Michael Spavor on the right Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor spent more than 1000 days in wretched jail cells, cooped up with others because the Chinese government wanted to force the Canadian government to let one of their citizens return to China. We are not going to name the Chinese citizen – enough attention has been wasted on her.
All she had to do was admit what she eventually did admit she had done.
The Michaels are different – they stood strong during a very hard situation. Now they have to adjust and learn about all the things they missed. Their credit cards have to be renewed; do they have places to live? Do they have jobs? Is their mental health good?
Both men are going to need time to adjust – they will need as much privacy as media and the public in general can give them. In the immediate future though, there is an opportunity for their government to formally recognize their contribution to making this country what it is.
By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Lilia Koleva is a partner with the firm of architects that did the early design work on the structure the proponent wants to build on the site of the Waterfront Hotel.
 Lilia Koleva Ms Koleva did not determine how high the towers would be – her job was to find a way to create as much density for what is expected to be a multi-use development that will include 537 apartments, a 130 room hotel, four levels of parking, office space and retail space.
She told the audience taking part in the Zoom presentation that she was there to explain what had been done so far in the way of design work and to listen to what the public had to say.
Unfortunately, the public wasn’t very large for what was a required pre-application presentation by the developer at which the Mayor and the Ward Councillor got to say a few words. The Mayor explained that the city had yet to receive an application to build anything. The ward Councillor assured everyone she would be following things very closely.
Before Ms Koleva spoke the proponents planner explained how the plans fit into the various levels of the municipal planning process and proceeded to try and show that there were tall buildings under construction around the waterfront and that this development, the largest ever, was going to be located at what he called “ground zero” for Burlington – the intersection of Brant Street and Lakeshore Road.
The Gazette published an article on that part of the event on Thursday.
 They will soar above Lakeshore Road. Ms Koleva’s job was to move from the planning realm to that of architecture and explain what the site was going to look like and how it would work as a place where, to use a favourite city phrase, people would live, work and play.
 The public entrance to the site would be from John Street into an open area with the towers on either side. A graded slope would lead to the open area leading to the edge of the lake. The slope, which is quite steep, will be terraced.
The project includes two towers, a 35 storey and a 30 storey tower that sit on top of a four storey podium that frames the public realm and creates a large courtyard space in the middle.
The podium has been scaled to urbanize and animate Lakeshore Road to the north, and Elizabeth Street to the east and Spencer Smith park to the west by adding new amenities to the park.
Not sure the citizens of Burlington are ready to have this part of the city “urbanized and animated”.
Ms Koleva explained that the distance between the towers is generous, minimizing overshadowing enhancing privacy of residents, and also giving ample space for the public below.
In what can only be described as ‘architect speak’, Ms Kolev said: “Careful articulation of the architectural elements like terraces, … in the kind of white color creates a gentle curve that reflects the lake ripples and appealing gentle curve of the façade …. providing beautiful views of the lake”.
The views of the lake are a huge concern for many people. The design presented does away with a wide view of the lake from Brant Street with a four level podium butting quite close to the pathway leading to the Pier and the Promenade..
The view from John Street will lead right into a large open space that will be part atrium and part open space leading to the land that leads to the lake.
That space will be terraced – how steeply terraced isn’t clear yet. Ms Kolev did acknowledge that there is a substantial slope that has to be dealt with.
Additional architect speak has “the owner and the project team envisioning a truly landmark project with high quality design and excellence achieved through the iconic tower curves, novel materials and subtle lighting accentuating the curve for the podium which includes a transparent atrium.”
The illustration below is unfortunately small in scale making it difficult to figure out what is going to go where.
 In this cross section of the building, the view is looking down to the lake. In pink are the residential uses, in blue the hotel which is limited to the podium level on the west side where the views will be to the lake and the Promenade. The amenity spaces are in green and there they are the kind of the bar or the bridge that connects at the podium level. The office functions are in purple; two levels of office function are proposed at this time. Commercial is shown in orange. Amenities are shown in green. The towers are diamond shaped with a slender front facing the lake and then a kind of step like podium. Below in gray.
There is then a large setback to the north, the footplate of the towers meets the requirements of the tall building guidelines; those floor plates gently reduce in size as the towers go up. This reduces the shadowing effect, and also makes the towers look sharp and slender. Setbacks are provided at all four with a generous setback along Lakeshore road. At the core of the project is an ample public realm of green space.
From a landscape perspective the setback along Lakeshore road envisions patio space and flexible seating, large canopy trees and decorative metal fencing around the perimeter.
 In reports to Council a number of design principles were set out. The architects were expected to incorporate these principles into the design. The first row of trees are those that exist now along Lakeshore. The architect envisions a second row of trees which along with the pavers would create a pattern look that differentiates the active users from building entrances.
The team is also continuing to develop the central zone, the space between the two buildings.
The continuation of the atrium leading to the lake will have accessible ramps and stairs with planters and some trellis and furnishings to create a unique space for event gatherings and public use of the podium which frames the views from the towers which rise from this level.
This Open Atrium is what connects a complete open vista from John Street to Lake Ontario.
 The site has a significant slope to the green space on the south side. In the image there is a substantial grade that will be terraced with trellises and seating areas. The terracing will step from Lakeshore down to the Waterfront Trail.
The residential space in the towers will break down currently into 23 studio units; 212 units as one bedrooms; 165 one bedroom plus a den; and 139, as two bedrooms; and some units of three bedroom for a total of 557 units.
These numbers would adjust, the importance here is to stress that they are envisioning a variety of spaces, and a variety of units.
We are at the beginning and we’re looking to hear your feedback on this as well. So of some of those strategies are commercial opportunities at grade. We are envisioning this to be a very open, transparent, ground floor with an active street frontage and a truly animated experience very, very different to what the experience is at the moment with the large setback of the existing building.
We also envision public art opportunities.
Last but not least, the importance of the connection to Spencer Smith. Park, where we adjusted the building to the natural topography, allowing the entrances and active uses at Lakeshore level and what we call the lake level.
Essentially, what that means is we have a higher level along Lake Shore and a lower level at the lake, and we’ve stepped up the program in such a way that these active frontages could maintain the natural sight topography.
Being in one of the city’s prime locations, we acknowledge also the importance of active transportation and connectivity to the public transit network. So, we are providing short term and long term bike storage.
It is difficult to convey what the architects have in mind with so little in the way of images. Ms Kolova did her best. Had this pre-application event been held in a public place with people in attendance – and be assured the room would have been packed – Covid19 has robbed us of that opportunity – much more information would have been available and better questions asked.
Once an application has been filed there will be a required Statutory meeting at which questions can be asked.
We can expect as well that groups opposed to the idea of high rise development on the site will have things to say.
Now that the public has a glimpse of what the proponent wants – might we hear something from the members of council?
 By Max Bowder: Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
September 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington/Oakville Climate event was held in Spencer Smith Park yesterday to raise awareness of Climate Change with the mission of raising awareness and educating people on how to make a difference with the environment.
“We want to have people come, learn something about climate and have hope,” said event organizer, Aki Tanaka.
The event had a line up of two children’s choirs, a singing performance by Hayley Verrall, and powerful speeches. One such speech by Liana De Sousa was captivating and called for politicians to take immediate action against climate change.
 Environmental groups such as Grand(m)others Act to Save the Planet, Burlington Green, Fridays for Future, and others came to the park hoping to convince people that climate change needs to be taken seriously and what they can do to limit their effects on the planet.
Grand(m)others Act to Save the Planet is a community group started by grandmothers but open to everyone with the purpose of making the planet livable for their grandchildren and everyone else. They have been operating since 2019, advocating to all levels of government and organizing community petitions and rallies.
 Sign board at the climate change event held in Spencer Smith Park Local and federal environmental organizations at the park explained the dangers of climate change and several ways they can make a difference in very large and impactful ways and small things regular people can do everyday.
Large things people can do is get involved in any of the organizations at the event such as Burlington Green and the Halton Environment Network.
These organizations work at raising awareness, particularly amongst young people with the hope of “teach our children the wonders of the natural world.”
Other things people can do include calling on their local Member of Parliament (MP) and making sure they are aware of their concerns. The other thing is to get involved in any environmental group that does good and effective work in protecting the environment.
Small things people can do include recycling and limiting their consumption of meat and dairy products, together they contribute a total of 50% of all foods contributing to climate change. Planting trees also makes a difference.
 Liana De Sousa was captivating – calling for politicians to take immediate action against climate change. Several youth speakers raised awareness at the event with powerful words calling for immediate action against Global Warming saying we only have six years before we reach a point that can’t be undone making it a climate emergency.
“Dear Politicians, Everyday you continue to refuse to take action, you’re actively stealing the futures of your children, your grandchildren and every generation to come.” – Liana DeSousa
De Sousa is 17 years old and has been involved in public speaking for a few years including giving speeches at other events and at Hamilton city council meetings. DeSousa says there is much more to be done to bring carbon emissions down to zero and she will continue to advocate for the environment.
“We are continuing to do the fracking and old brick logging that needs to be stopped,” DeSousa said.
Event organizers had trouble getting stared with the event – delays due to high winds at the beginning and rainfall nearing the end. Despite the weather event organizers are happy with the way the event turned out.
Many people left the event feeling strongly about environmental action. Many also felt that not enough is being done on the federal level saying they are trying to please everyone, subsidizing fossil fuel extraction that contributes to carbon emissions and not raising the carbon emission taxes high or fast enough.
Environmental organizations to join:
Fridays for future – https://fridaysforfuture.org/
Burlington Green – https://www.burlingtongreen.org/
Halton Environmental network – https://gsshaltonpeel.ca/
By Staff
September 25th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Inclusionary zoning (IZ) is a relatively new strategy in many Canadian municipalities that specifically allows municipalities to require affordable housing units to be provided in new residential development projects.
There is little value for IZ in areas where, due to the lack of market demand, significant measures and incentives are required to attract development. In these circumstances, more direct measures such as funding construction of affordable housing units through non-profit organizations may be more efficient at addressing affordable housing needs.
 Young families have been driving the population growth in the reason; that growth is threatened by the high cost of housing, Halton Region has a higher proportion of family households than most other areas of the province. Across Halton 78.4% of the dwellings are family households, compared to 71.3% across the GTHA and results in a lack of available detached or semi- detached single-family dwellings.
By 2041, the percentage of family households is projected to decrease to 75.8% of Halton’s housing mix. After 2021, intensification in Halton was planned to be pursued aggressively with 90% of the growth in built-up areas being in the form of condominiums and apartments, and just 10% in the form of ground related housing.
If Halton wants to attract younger generations to support its aging population, it will need a proper housing mix including condominiums and apartments to do so.
Younger families have been the bedrock of Halton’s growth and are the most likely to stay in the region long-term and multi-generationally. If these families have to drive further to find the quality and price of home they expect, Halton will be left with an aging population that has a higher demand on local services such as health care, without a stable and growing tax base to offset and support that increased usage.
Inclusionary zoning should be based on a partnership model. The costs of establishing affordable housing units should be shared among the province, municipalities, development industry, non-profit housing sector, housing advocates, as well as the public.
 This is one f the last single family dwellings projects in the city. No more land When determining what areas would benefit from inclusionary zoning, it is important to assess the specific housing types targeted for affordable housing, target groups where policy efforts should be focused, potential developments that may be exempt from IZ, and examples of how IZ would work in practice and how potential measures and incentives would apply to a given development.
Burlington has a Housing Strategy Working group led by ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stole that happens to have a wide range of people involved in housing issues taking part. Some deep discussion on how to create an Inclusive zoning category for Burlington (it would have to be Region wide) and maybe even a recommendation to both the city and the Region.
 This article along with several others came out of a Dispatch released by Community Development Halton – it is one of the best CDH has produced in some time. The work was done by Rachel
Ferry, a McMaster University placement student.
By Pepper Parr
September 25th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette has been able to tell this story after wrangling with city hall to get access to the recording of the Zoom event. Details on what that was all about are set out in the link at the bottom of this story
On September 8th a required pre-application presentation was done virtually by the planners for Vrancor, the company that owns the Waterfront Hotel site.
 David Faletta David Faletta is a planning consultant speaking on behalf of the owners, about the proposed plans for the re-development of the site.
Faletta is a senior planner with Bousfields, a top ranking Ontario Planning Consulting firm.
He started with a brief overview of the planning policy framework that applies to the site and setting out what the early thinking was for the site which he described as both ground zero for Burlington and an iconic location in the city. (Iconic is certainly getting a work over by anyone talking about the features in the city.)
 The towers sitting atop a four storey podium that would house office space, a 130 room hotel. The towers would be residential. He was joined by Lillia; Lillia described the development proposal in detail making use of a lot of visuals.
Faletta said he was there to provide some clarity regarding the proposal and to hear what people think.
The number of people taking part in the Zoom meeting was believed to be less than 100.
Faletta described the site and its surrounding contexts.
 The red locations signify developments that are over 11 storeys. They set out the pattern of the built form and show clusters of tall buildings approved and proposed in the area. ave been completed or are in the planning stage. At this point in time there are two development in the downtown area that are under construction with a third being built close to Maple Avenue. The site was described as “pulled away from the street lines” and is “very underutilized in an area that is asking for urban edges that animate the surrounding context.”
 The developer’s planner points to the nine structures above – one has been approved and built – the others are concepts that are in different stages of planning. Most are at an appeal stage. Faletta uses visuals “to show some of the development activity in the neighborhood. It’s also intended to show the pattern of built form surrounding the site. And “wanted to to illustrate the pattern of building heights in the area. “There are clusterings of tall buildings that surround the site, some of which are existing, some of which are proposed, and some of which are approved.
“In terms of what those heights are directly surrounding the site there are existing buildings that range from 12 to 22 storeys.
There are buildings that are approved of up to 26 storeys. And then there are buildings that are proposed up to 29 storeys.
“There’s been a significant amount of new urban tall buildings being built and or proposed in the vicinity of the site. And this aligns with provincial regional and local planning policy, which mandates intensification, especially in strategic growth areas, such as the urban growth center.
“The intention is to move to a more compact, transit supportive and sustainable development form and policies have been directing this type of development since the inception of the growth plan in 2006.
“Buildings are taller, they’re more slender. They include podiums that are pulled close to the street line that include active uses that animate surrounding streets and public realm elements.
 The only development that has been approved on Brant Street is The Gallery located directly opposite city hall and under construction. There are buildings further north along Brant street that have been approved, and are under construction: 374 Martha Street, 26 storey building and the Bridgewater development approved and built at 22 stories.
Faletta has the site located within the urban center the downtown urban growth center and designated as a site specific policy area that requires the downtown waterfront hotel planning study to be completed. Faletta was technically correct – the revised boundary has yet to be approved by the Minister; however the Minister has said publicly that he would sign the document approving the Regional Official Plan which sets out the boundaries of the Urban Growth Centre
That study is intended to guide development of the site, given its, its strategic location.
In terms of a planning policy framework sites within a strategic growth area are intended to intensify into urban compact development form that is sustainable and transit supportive.
The ongoing Waterfront Hotel planning study, that was fully funded by the proponents who paid the city, a significant amount to undertake the study (the amount has been reported to have been $150,000. It was started back in 2017, and halted in 2018. And it has sort of sat idle since.
And at this point, we’re looking to progress. The development of the subject site. So the Waterfront Hotel study as you will recall, had a number of public information centers and public engagement elements. There were two emerging preferred concepts that came out of the study.
 This is what came from the city planning department. It sets the entrance to the site coming from John Street. Brant Street would be the entrance to Spencer Smith Park and the Pier. Elizabeth Street would be the eastern boundary and where vehicles would enter and exit the four levels of parking. It was the emergence of the Preferred Concept designs that resulted in the creation of a citizens group that came forward with a Plan B – that called for no development west of a thin red line.
(A few word mention was all that Plan B got from Mr. Faletta.)
 The black line denotes the east side of Brant Street. The red line is what the Plan B people think the western boundary off any development. I just want to finish off on the Waterfront Hotel planning study that council approved and pointed to the three design principle categories that fall into eight preferred design principles that speak to active uses at grade, active and animated edges, iconic landmark buildings view enhancements to the public realm and connectivity to public art and a pedestrian oriented gateway.
The purpose of the required pre-application meeting was to give the public a chance to see what the developer has in mind and for the public to make comment – directly to the developer’s planner – Bousfields.
The developer is required to explain how they responded to the suggestions and ideas that were submitted.
If you have something you want to say – write it out and send it to:
David Faletta
Bousfields
1 Main Street West
Hamilton ON
Faletta.was followed by the architect who did much of the work She gave a closer more detailed look at what the site would look like and how it would work.
Her presentation is set out as a separate article.
Related news story:
Getting the story was not a slam dunk
Part 2: Architect explains how the site will work
By Pepper Parr
September 24th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward once said that fireworks were something she heard about from residents almost as much as parking.
Parking – where do the people driving put their cars when they want to shop, or visit or dine?
Back up a bit and ask – where are all the cars coming from?
Back up a bit more – when a development application is filed with the Planning Department one of the reports that must be included is a traffic study.
Look at any number of those studies and they will all say that the number of cars that might be added to the flow of traffic in the city is “acceptable”, or words along those lines.
The people who write these reports are seen to be professionals who know their craft very well and their evidence is accepted as true.
The traffic reports get an OK from the planners.
And – the OK for that single traffic study might be very valid.
But there is a bigger picture that has to be looked at – and at this point no one is looking or asking the question.
 All the traffic from the underground garage will exist on to Elizabeth, shown on the left. To the left of the development is the site for whatever the Waterfront hotels site ends up looking like for the site The hundreds of cars coming out of the Bridgewater Development will exit the development onto Elizabeth street and then can continue north or go right or left on Lakeshore Road.
The hundreds of cars that are expected to come out of the proposed redevelopment of the Waterfront Hotel site also empty onto Elizabeth Street and then can continue north or go right or left on Lakeshore Road.
While this is, at this point in time, a Ward 2 concern it will become an issue elsewhere when the large developments along Fairview and in the east end of the city come online.
We challenge Councillor Kearns to look for a way to require traffic studies to focus on the impact the single development will have (they are already required to do that) AND to provide a report that sets out the impact their development will have on new developments already approved within a 120 metre radius.
The planners can work out the specifics; the objective is to have information that sheds light on that bigger picture.
It is the bigger picture – everything happening within a specific radius that isn’t being looked at.
The city planners don’t ask – they aren’t required to.
We don’t quite why Heather MacDonald, Chief Planner doesn’t go before council and point out that they are not asked to report on the bigger picture – and ask Council to give them a Staff Direction to do just that.
At some point someone has to get ahead of the problem and ask the bigger question.
If we don’t the phrase in the Official Plan that has Burlington as a “City that Moves” will have to add – moves very very VERY slowly.
To Lisa Kearns and Heather MacDonald – the ball is in your court.
Looking forward to listening to what you put before Council on this one.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Alan Harrington
September 24th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Spencer Smith Park is a wondrous place that offers a little something for everyone.
Beneath the balcony at Spencer’s Restaurant lies the 10,000 sq ft Centennial Pond.
 A model of the Canadian Coat Guard tub Spencer Not just a reflecting pool, but space that over the past 15 summers has been where model boat displays take place.
Once that pond is filled in June, many RF modellers bring their creations down to get wet.
Some boats are hand-made out of wood, while others are kits with specially designed motors, propellers and electronics.
Everything from tiny pleasure craft to a huge Canadian Coast Guard ship.
There are sailboats, tugboats, fishing boats, navy ships – including a 3 foot black submarine.
Even an old wooden Alligator boat once used for logging in Northern Ontario
 Referred to as “Alligator” boats these were used for logging in Northern Ontario These boats can run from $200 to $1000+ depending on what’s in them and how long they took to build.
Batteries last about 30 minutes to an hour and they are controlled remotely with an RF handset.
The modellers are from Burlington and Hamilton and as far away as Mississauga.
The little boats are quite amusing and many people enjoy sitting by the pond to watch their interplay among the waves.
As the pleasant summer fades away and it gets darker earlier, there is one last show where the boats are lit up.
Last night was the night when about 18 model boats got dressed up with all-lights-a blazing to ply the waters.
 The model boat fleet on the Centennial Pond water – drop by – the kids will love it. One was a rowboat complete with a tiny yellow rower in a raincoat pulling on the oars.
 Tug boat with the city flag Spencer Smith Park is the ONLY place around this area with a suitable outdoor pond.
The boaters still come out until the day the pond is drained (ready to become an ice rink) so you may still be able to drop by and watch.
Anyone can bring their own boats down but be cautious of speedboats.
The boaters respect each other’s space and sometimes the boats do get close together.
Drop by this weekend.
By Pepper Parr
September 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We saw the first occasion where a ward councillor met with constituents both virtually and in person last night.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns met with her community on Facebook live while at the same time talking to small audience at the Art Gallery.
There were just 8 people in the room – it was pouring rain which tends to keep people at home. Those in the room had solid questions – the most pressing being traffic.
 Lisa Kearns, Ward 2 Councillor Several referred to the 20 to 30 storey towers in various stages of development – from pre-application to a crane on the site that would be dumping hundreds of cars on the streets in a city that already has serious traffic problem.
Kearns opened her meeting saying that real people in the room was essential if city council is to get the feel of what people think. The body language and the buzz when people are together is essential and we “are not getting that right now” said Kearns.
What was surprising to the eight people in the room was the sense that it was really nice to meet with people you know but haven’t seen for a long time. The Councillors’ administrative assistant responded to someone who said: “ I haven’t seen you for a while – answering “actually it has been years” – which was so true.
More on that in a separate story – city council is struggling with a decision on when to open things up. The Mayor seems quite content with the way things are, telling people that the public gets more work out of her when she can work from home. Councillor Galbraith seems to like the idea of working from home as does Councilor Nisan who is able to do his fathering thing and take part in virtual meetings at the same time.
The number of cars on the streets was not the only traffic related complaint – vehicle mufflers have become such a nuisance that the Regional police have assigned two officers to patrol the streets – they have issued 1400 tickets so far.
 Traffic on Lakeshore reduced to one lane during an event. With the development of several high rise towers traffic will be much worse than this. Kearns told her audience that there are no plans to make Lakeshore Road any wider than it is – it is really quite narrow in several places.
With the Bridgewater development now completed and units filling up – traffic from that building’s garage empties into Elizabeth Street which feeds directly onto Lakeshore Road.
While the Waterfront Hotel redevelopment is just at the pre-application stage traffic from the four levels of parking in that building will also empty onto Elizabeth. The total number of vehicles from the two developments will exceed more than 1000 that have to feed into Lakeshore Road.
THAT is a traffic jam.
When we talk to politicians as they meet with their constituents the inevitable question is – will you be running in the next election which is just over a year away. One can see individual council members setting themselves up to run for re-election.
Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith and Ward 3 councillor Nisan as well as ward 4 Councillor Stolte will be running again.
Councillor Kearns has been coy – not saying yes and not saying no.
There is at least one person preparing to run against her. Given the level of indecisiveness over accepting a request to run for the Liberal seat in the Legislature and then withdrawing the moment another candidate jumped in – one can wonder – is Kearns really committed to the job? More on that at another time.
 This event, the formation of ECoB, was what launched the Kearns campaign. She has advised colleagues (but not the media) that she intends to run again. Asked about the budget this council is going to have to approve in the coming months – before year-end if they stay on course – Kearns was not prepared to say just how high a tax increase she will support.
There is little doubt that there will be a tax increase – how high? Was a 6% increase over last year acceptable to Kearns ? She didn’t have a comment.
What we did learn however was that Lisa Kearns is now a Celebrity – having been on Breakfast TV and noticed by people as she walked the streets of the city. A minor celebrity but a celebrity nevertheless. Kearns did not say that anyone has yet to ask for her autograph.
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