The reader who has asked, for good reasons, to be left as an anonymous writer explains why the City Manager is fronting the Public Information meeting this evening.
There is still very little information from the city Communications department other than that the event is taking place and here is how you can take part.
A big site with loads of potential has become a big problem
The reason why Tim Commisso, city Manager, will host the upcoming Community Updates tomorrow is due to the need to follow the City’s governance processes.
In the case of the Bateman situation, the City under the direction of the City Manager must present what recommendations may be considered for the elected City Council for approval.
What will the City manager put on the table this evening?
That would require a written report that citizens could read and form opinions. There is no written report.
In other words, the City negotiates to derive their recommendations but can’t approve their recommendations. City Council must ensure public input is received prior to making any approval decision associated with the recommendation from City staff. The known exception relates to legal matters associated which typically have already been made but are now appealed to a higher authority or which were not made in a timely fashion as dictated by published guidelines issued by the higher authority.
In our case, City Council has yet to receive a recommendation from City staff. As such City staff may present what has been received and to seek public feedback on the same. Any decision sought from City Council is unlikely to be made prior the end of session in mid-July and instead be postponed until after the Municipal election in October by the newly elected City Council.
The same goes for HDSB matters. The Director of Education presents recommendations for the elected Board of Trustees approval. In other words, the HDSB staff under the Director negotiates to derive their recommendations, but can’t approve their recommendations.
To do otherwise opens the doors to a conflict of interest. The elected members guard the purse and ensure that the rules of governance are followed.
It is up to each member of the public to be vigilant to ensure that changes to any rules of governance do not negatively compromise the public as a result of proposed recommendations made by the HDSB, the City or the Province.
The Municipal electorate has to be satisfied as to the steps already been taken by City staff on a matter which enhances the City delivery of services to the community in a cost effective manner. Likewise, the HDSB electorate has to be satisfied as to the steps already taken which enhances the delivery of education services in a cost effective manner.
This meeting is taking place because there has been so much blow back from citizens; something had to be done – so the City Manager is going to explain what has and what he expect will take place.
At the risk of being rude – the people of Burlington can read – provide a detailed report on what the options are, what the expenses are and what the long term contribution to the city will be.
Then let Council get input from staff and then make a decision.
The problem with this, a traditional and accepted practice in the municipal world, is that this project has become something several members of Council want and they are going to do everything possible in order to show what they are capable of.
What they are capable of is the mess the public is looking at.
The event this evening is being recorded and we are told will be available for view “soon” after the meeting.
The public has listened to what the politicians have had to say since May 3rd.
It is now time for the voters to decide what they want in the way of political leadership.
The Gazette has watched the candidates for some time; years in the case of Andrew Drummond, about a year and a half for Miriam Manaa and about three months for Natalie Pierre.
It is our view that Ontario needs a Premier over whom there is some ongoing control and we advocate for a minority government. It is clear that the Progressive Conservatism have a strong lead provincially and will form the next government.
The Gazette believes that either Liberal Miriam Manaa or New Democrat Andrew Drummond would serve the public well.
Liberal candidate Miriam Manaa
Manaa has some experience working with elected members – those who belittle her work experience do not understand just what elected officials do. Manaa was not at a desk licking envelopes; she was doing case work and working closely with a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons.
Drummond is a stronger policy person than Manaa and he has a significant amount of experience in a very competitive industry.
If elected Manaa would bring some of the Burlington diversity to the legislature.
Andrew Drummond candidate for the New Democratic Party
If elected Drummond would bring strong policy chops to the job.
Both would serve the people in the Burlington constituency well once they settle in.
As impressed as we were with Natalie Pierre, the Progressive Conservatives have not earned the right to have their candidate sent to Queen’s Park.
We see it as unfortunate that a political party would flout the traditional practice of putting their candidates before the public and listening to what they have to say,
The public never had the chance to learn more about the woman. They appear to have taken the position that the PCs have it in the bag and the public de damned.
It is still a tight race but the Liberals appear to be widening the gap.
Some readers have misunderstood what the Gazette has been doing.
The survey we have carried out is for the residents who are in the Burlington constituency.
Our survey has been one on one short interviews with more than 750 at this point. We will be surveying for an additional day.
We asked people four questions.
Question 1: Do you know there’s going to be an election in June?
Question 2: Do you know anything about the issues?
Question 3: Are you going to vote?
Question 4: Would you like to say who you will vote for?
Of interest is that the province wide polling being done by the Toronto Star has the Burlington seat leaning PC.
Burlington has been a rock bed of conservative people and Conservative voters; for the Star to suggest it is leaning PC would have the Star agreeing with the Gazette.
Of course it all comes down to what the voters think. We will never know what they think – but we can urge you to think and then vote.
Burlington is inviting artists, artist-led teams and community groups to submit their ideas to create art in Burlington public spaces celebrating Burlington’s diverse communities.
A total of $29,000 is available for up to eight projects, depending on the proposals submitted.
Public art attached to the bridge on Regal Road.
Proposals may include, but are not limited to murals, sound / light installations, artist designed seating, children/youth projects, temporary art projects, or artist designed crosswalks. Interactive projects are encouraged.
The public art program will support successful applicants by providing resources and staff support through the planning, installation and execution of the project. This can include connections to artists and fabricators, assistance with permits and permissions as well as general project support where applicable.
Information Session
Applicants are invited to an optional information session to learn more about this public art opportunity and the application process.
Publicly funded art on an electric utility box at Port Nelson Park – a location that was once a major port for what was then the Township of Nelson
Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Online – Please RSVP to kim@cobaltconnects.ca before June 15, 2022 for virtual meeting details.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to individual artists, artist teams, artist collectives, ad hoc groups, or arts and culture organizations, as well as partnerships and collaborations between arts and non-arts applicants. Applicants from equity-seeking groups are especially encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 15, 2022.
For deadlines and more information on how to get application help and/or apply, please visit www.burlington.ca/publicart.
Timeline: Deadline Activity
June 16 Voluntary online information session
July 15 Application deadline
By July 31 Successful artists selected; enter into a contract with the City of Burlington.
August Project development: Artists work with Public Art staff to develop and approve Detailed Project Proposal
September – December Project execution (TBD – based on individual project requirements)
Councillor Sharman speaking to Angela Paparizo.
By diverse backgrounds the city includes: seniors, youth, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), LGBTQ2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, TwoSpirit) and those with disabilities.
Angela Paparizo, Manager of Arts and Culture tells the arts community: “We want your creative ideas to activate a community space and will provide project support to make it happen!
Please join us for more information on June 16 and be sure to submit your ideas by July 15. We look forward to hearing from interested artists, whether you are an emerging or established artist.”
It was set up as an event to celebrate what the Brant Inn was, especially in its heyday and to let the public see the SkyClub that rests atop the actual museum and beside the Joseph Brant residence.
The Joseph Brant Museum on a Saturday evening
The evening was also a fund raiser and one of those opportunities to get out and be with friends.
There was a band – the Smooth Blend Quartet – that did encourage some people to get up and dance.
Most of the dancing was done by Robert and Beverley of danceScape fame. The moves they made on the dance floor are things most of the attendees wouldn’t dare try.
Later in the evening Robert and Beverly taught a large group the Mambo. Everyone was having fun.
The Pier from the SkyClub atop the Joseph Brant Museum. The Brant Inn would have been in that space in the lower left hand corner of the photograph
The surprise, a real surprise for everyone was the SkyClub. The view on the east side took in the location where the Brant Inn used to stand.
Dan Lawrie, who didn’t chance any of the dancing, told his friends the place was one of the best kept secrets in the city.
The food was also a surprise – prepared by the chef’s at The Williamsburg kitchen it was better than many expected at this kind of event.
I will let my partner describe the food once she has had a chance to talk to the people at The Williamsburg.
The following was passed along to us by a reader who was given the information by the city’s Communications department.
Director of Communications Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director, Corporate Communications & Engagement said:
“As with any public meeting the City holds, including virtual meetings, those in attendance will have an opportunity to ask questions. We are finalizing the details of how the questions will be asked, we will let those in attendance know at the beginning of the meeting how they can ask their questions.
“City Manager Tim Commisso will be leading the discussion along with other City staff (to be confirmed) that can speak to the project.”
Want to see just how good those facilitating chops are.
Finalizing the details the day before the event is cutting it kind of close – but better late than never.
The City Manager will lead the event – our recollection is that this will be the first time Tim Commisso will chair an event. His practice is to make a comment during a meeting.
It will be interesting to see just how good his facilitating chops are.
Bike Month, is being celebrated in Burlington through to the end of June.
The city sees this as an opportunity for people to try riding a bike for the first time, learn new skills, or simply have fun and connect with new people.
Special lanes for bicycles and the speed at which vehicles travel along city roads are an ongoing concern .
Riding a bike is one of the best ways to get around and explore your community. Fifty per cent of trips in Burlington can be done in a less-than 20-minute bike ride.
Burlington is once again holding a draw to give away bike racks for businesses and organizations to encourage cycling to their locations and offering a series of cycling webinars to celebrate Bike Month in Burlington.
Bike Rack Giveaway
The City, in cooperation with the Burlington Cycling Committee and the Integrated Transportation Advisory Committee, has 25 bike racks to give away this year. Each rack holds about 10 bicycles and is valued at $700. Interested parties are asked to email Dan.Ozimkovic@burlington.ca with contact information by June 15, 2022.
Bike rack that will be given to 25 locations
Selected organizations will be required to pick up and transport their bike rack to their private property and install the bike rack on a concrete pad for public use.
The City has been providing various organizations in the community, such as places of worship, small businesses and schools, with free bike racks for the past eight years.
Free Cycling Webinars
Residents are invited to learn about cycling with kids, bike maintenance, road rules and other cycling topics with the City’s free webinars.
With the pandemic receding from our day to day lives – that doesn’t mean it is over – the lock downs and restrictions are not as harsh.
We didn’t have a chance to update our readers on event at the Art Gallery of Burlington.
Joiri Minaya, Container #3, 2017. Archival pigment print, 40” x 60“ . Courtesy of the artist.
Here Comes the Sun is running until August 13th, 2022 in the Perry Gallery.
Four artists are featured – Irene de Andrés, Katherine Kennedy, Joiri Minaya and Ada M. Patterson
The exhibition was curated by Noor Alé
Here Comes the Suntraces the origins of extractive tourism industries through the works of contemporary artists whose practices examine the interconnections between colonial legacies of crop plantations and service economies in the Caribbean.
Gesturing towards the Caribbean’s complicated relationship with the tourism industry, Irene de Andrés and Katherine Kennedy deliver criticisms of international stakeholders and land developers who stand to benefit from the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the region. Countering the intrusive colonial gaze, Joiri Minaya exposes fictitious representations of the landscape and the exoticization of Caribbean women. Ada M. Patterson subverts images of crops to offer a lamentation on the place of sugar and tourism in the Barbadian cultural imaginary.
The works problematize the paradise trope ascribed to the Caribbean by the West and pose questions about its construction: What are the historical foundations of this trope? Why, and for whom, was it built? Together, these works resist the Western gaze, address the shared complicity between tourists, diasporic communities, and land developers, and critique reductive conceptions of the Caribbean as a site of escapism.
The exhibition title is borrowed from Jamaican-born writer Nicole Dennis-Benn’s titular fictional novel. In Here Comes the Sun (2016), Dennis-Benn narrates the lives of three Jamaican women against a backdrop of power dynamics, economics, and gender inequities to advance conversations in the Global North about the complexity of tourism industries.
Here Comes the Sunhas been generously sponsored by DJB Chartered Professional and the Ontario Arts Council.
The AGB is supported by the Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the Canada Council for the Arts.
We are fortunate to have a young person writing a column for us.
Connor Fraser, a graduate student at the University of Toronto writes once a month (weèd like more)
He has been tasked with writing on subject and doing his best to reflect the views of his demographic and his peers.
In the past he has written about his chances of actually being able to buy a house when he reaches that stage in his life.
His next column is due after the provincial election.
In going over what he has planned he made the following comments about the provincial election and the way Burlington has handled it.
“Regarding the race in Burlington, I think the PC will likely win but I’m disappointed by the character of the campaigns, especially the candidate selection process held by each party.
“Not much transparency or opportunity for debate within the Liberal nomination race, and zero within PC. No chance for the Liberal nominees to debate each other beyond a pre-written, 5 min speech.
“There should have been more debates, too. Only one chamber of commerce debate – which was more of a Q&A session from what I heard. What about a good old fashioned debate, I think the people of Burlington deserve a few different events/venues to observe the major issues being dissected.
“Overall, a very sad, tired looking affair.”
A little more about this young man.
Connor Fraser
Connor was born in Hamilton in 1997, is a long-time resident of Aldershot. He attended Waterdown Montessori School, Glenview Public School, Burlington Christian Academy and Aldershot High School, graduating in 2015. Passionate about the issues facing Burlington, Connor has volunteered for several local organizations and advocated to municipal leaders on building transit oriented, walkable communities. His career goal is to help Burlington – and Canada – navigate the challenges of transitioning towards a just and inclusive low-energy economy.
In 2020, Connor completed undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, with a B.A.Sc. in Engineering Science and a major in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Between 2018 and 2019, he worked as a member of the technology development team at Microchip Corporation (North San Jose, California) where he contributed to the design of computer memory for FPGA chips. While pursuing engineering studies, Connor volunteered for the U of T Human Powered Vehicles Design Team as a machinist and led the design of a rollover detection system for high-speed tricycles. During the summer of 2013, 2015 and 2017, Connor lived in Quebec thanks to support from the YMCA Student Work Summer Exchange, and the Explore Program and is decently proficient in spoken French.
Connor has returned to U of T to enrol in the dual Master of Global Affairs and Master of Business Administration program.
The public meeting about the city’s purchase of the Robert Bateman High school property from the Halton District School Board is going to take place – and that at this point is all we can tell you.
We don’t know who is going to facilitate the event; we don’t know which staff members will be taking part, we don’t know if the public will be able to ask questions.
It is a large piece of property – huge potential.
Will members of Council be on hand – they were the ones that made the decision to, in principle, buy the property.
A lot of just don’t know around this story.
We have asked the city of the event will be recorded.
We expect that this will be a turning point for this initiative.
The public wants answers.
We now get to see just how engaging the city is and how transparent they will be Tuesday evening.
Protests, email efforts, using social media to the max – they are all part of bringing about a change in what a government wants to do.
The Reform Gravel Mining Coalition took things a couple of steps further – the set themselves up as Third Party Advertisers.
A third party is any person or entity that is not a political party, candidate or constituency association, and that engages in political advertising.
Thousands were mailed out to the residents of Halton
They were able to raise funds and paid for the printing of thousands of brochures that were put in the mail to everyone they felt was impacted by the plans for the Campbellville Quarry which Premier Doug Ford is on record saying it would not be permitted to grow.
That speech by the Premier is on their web site.
We asked for a copy of the pamphlet and were told that they had spent all their advertising money.
We explained that ours was a news story about a group of people putting their shoulders to the wheel to prevent a quarry development from taking place.
Third party advertisers are not a new addition to the game of politics. They just haven’t been used all that much.
The work done by the Reform Gravel Mining Coalition is a welcome example of what should be done more often – the words coming from the candidates need to be balanced by more public points of view.
Third Party Advertisers are bound tightly by all kinds of rules which is unfortunate – the public needs every opportunity possible to get their views out into the public domain.
The political parties flood the airways – television and radio – telling THEIR story which is often short a lot of facts.
Graham Flint, co-chair of the group, said the coalition formed after decades of “chronic” quarry development in the province.
“After years and years of having individual communities deal with aggregate issues, a group of us felt that it was time to form a broader coalition and elevate the issues that these individual communities were facing to to a higher level to awareness across the province overall,” Flint said.
“Gravel mining is not a benign activity,” Flint said. “It destroys the natural environment and damages communities. Its product is the feed source for highways and sprawl, the various things that are accelerating the climate crisis that we need to get under control.”
This is an act of trust – the power that is in your hands is being given to someone else with the understanding that they will govern fairly and responsibly,
You have in your hands the power that is the engine of every democracy.
It belongs to you.
On Thursday you will give that power to others and expect them to govern responsibly and to ensure that everyone is treated fairly.
That the pressing interests and concerns are given the attention and the resources needed.
Climate change – the Premier needs some help from the public on that one.
The building of new highways. This one has a direct link to climate change and the real needs of the province. Highway 413 is something you want to pay attention to.
Putting together a long term care program that is not in place to just line the pockets of the private sector.
Housing – and more importantly affordable housing.
Education – our students have been short clanged during the pandemic – we need to right that change.
The power to bring about what is needed is in your hands today – on Thursday you will give that power to someone else.
Will we remember them?
Don’t make your decision on who to give it to based on how your grandfather voted.
Do what you know is right – and you do know what is right – when you cast your ballot. Most important cast that ballot. You have a few days to think about who you want in place to run this province.
The race in Burlington is very tight – every vote will matter.
The men and women who have served this country trough several wars put their lives at risk to defend the democracy we have deserve your attention on Thursday.
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.
Our reporter is hearing about the fringe parties more often as he interviewed at the Farmer’s Market, Spencer Smith Park and outside the Burlington Centre.
Next week he will be in the northern parts of the city.
The undecided is still quite high.
The not going to vote seems to be lowering.
We decided to dig a little deeper and ask the why behind the answers we were getting.
Cub reporter Jason Octavo interviewing voters at the Farmer’s Market
Is there a political party you’re favoring? There isn’t a party they’re favoring: 9 Favoring PC: 3 Not voting for PC: 6 Favoring Liberal: 1 Favoring NDP: 4 Favoring Green Party: 1 Either NDP or Green Party: 1 Not voting for New Blue: 1 Not voting for Green Party: 1 Wouldn’t disclose any information on the question: 1
Newspapers get all kinds of story opportunities. Help me find my lost dog or promote the opening of my donut shop. Some are truly amazing.
Joan Baker – starts a carpentry course in August and needs a place to stay – thinks she might be able to help as senior who can help her.
When Joan Baker wrote to tell us that she was going to start a six month course on carpentry at the Centre for Skills Program on North Service Road in Burlington she added that her long term goal is to build seniors dwelling that are wholistic.
She explained that by wholistic she meant dwellings that are comfortable, immersed in a natural environment that is close to nature where you can potentially garden and nourish body, mind and soul.
That sounded like a good long term goal
Joan had a second goal – she needs to find a place to live while she is a student – and in a tight housing market finding short term accommodation at a reasonable price is easier said than done.
Joan thinks, and hopes, that can do an exchange with a senior – she wants to exchange a place to stay where she will assist with meal preparation, household chores, cleaning, running errands and companion care.
You have to admire the creative thinking. There are hundreds of situations in Burlington where there is a senior, alone in their house and prepared to welcome someone they can talk to every day – having them cook meals, do the dishes and run errands are just bonuses.
The chemistry has to be right; the references have to be sterling but in today’s world anything is possible.
If you think this is something that you might want to follow up on – give Joan a call – she can be reached electronically at jbbaker@sympatico.ca or by telephone at: 647.613.1858
The negotiations taking place for the purchase of the Robert Bateman High School property is raising a lot of questions. The public want answers.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward is doing what a good Mayor should do; take questions and give brief, to the point and informative answers
One of the questions the Mayor handled was as follows:
Q: I’ve seen reports in some media outlets that have said this acquisition will cost $50 million — is that true?
The Mayor replies:
This does not reflect the actual dollar figure.
Mayor Meed Ward
She them segways into a report from the Integrity Commissioner, who did find that information made during a public Council meeting was made public by ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte for which she was docked five days pay.
What the sanctioning has to do with the question asked is hard to figure out.
The Mayor continues:
The following sections from the Integrity Commissioner report are relevant:
• [43] We find that the Councillor’s statement, although not actually disclosing real dollar amounts discussed in closed session, is fairly perceived as revealing confidential information, risks misleading the public, and compromises the ability of any other member of Council to contradict or correct the information.
• [44] The fact that the information does not reflect the specific actual dollar figure is not an answer which justifies the apparent breach. If such were the case, confidentiality of closed discussion could be breached with impunity simply by mis- stating facts and information subject to closed session deliberations.
• [45] Accordingly we find that the Councillor’s reference to an actual dollar figure, where by implication the only source of that information is closed session, constitutes a contravention of the confidentiality provisions of the Code.
The public wanted an answer on the cost of the purchase but the Mayor chose to deflect and blame the Council member for the public confusion.
It is this kind of behaviour that has resulted in a fractured council.
Ontario’s election is more about us, the voters, than the political leadership candidates or their parties. The pandemic, which is not over yet; the vicious war raging in Ukraine; home affordability and rising gasoline prices at the pumps; another mass shooting and the impending illegality of a woman’s choice to family planning south of the border are uncertainties weighing on the electors before they even enter the voting booth.
Doug Ford: Rivers thinks he is going to get it done
And when we are overloaded with anxiety we most often choose the devil we know to lead us again, as the expression goes. So it should be no surprise that the polls have Doug Ford’s PCs winning a majority of the seats to form the government for the next four years. One would think that Mr. Ford’s significant lead in popular support is a testament to his governance since the last election.
But after objectively reviewing his record, as I have in previous columns, that would be a hard case to make. Perhaps it is Ford’s competition for the job of premier that helps him stand out by contrast. Liberal leader Steven Del Duca is still an unknown quantity, even after those years as a cabinet minister, and has failed to distinguish himself in this race. The Liberal’s second place standing in the polls likely has more to do with them than their leader. They are, after all, the natural alternative governing party to the PCs, and the one voters will likely turn to when disaffection sets in with the current crowd ruling the roost at Queen’s Park.
Stephen Del Duca: a bit of a policy wonk who has yet to really connect with the public
And at least on one issue Del Duca and his NDP counterpart are at the other end of the spectrum from Ford. That is when it comes to climate change. If one discounts the unlikely scenario of Mr. Putin starting a nuclear war, global warming is the most critical existential crisis we will see in our lifetimes. And that is not a scare tactic. We are already experiencing the horrible consequences of global warming and we know it’ll only get worse.
We have seen Mr. Ford kill clean renewable energy projects by the hundreds simply because he doesn’t like wind and solar generation. Ironically that has led to a potential shortfall in electricity generating capacity and is threatening the prized $2.5 B investment LG had been planning for a battery production facility in Windsor. So much for Ontario being open for business.
Better the devil you know
Then there was the fight against the carbon tax and the lowering of Ontario’s climate goals, which, regardless, are unlikely to be met. But most telling was the recent court case over this government’s climate policies by some young plaintiffs. Future generations will be most affected after all. Unbelievably, Ford’s witnesses tried to argue that climate change is just a hoax, and the case should be dismissed on those grounds. That is very telling of Mr. Ford and where he can be expected to lead this province once he is re-elected.
After a crisis, as we’ve experienced with the pandemic, electors sometimes look for a fresh face. But sometimes they prefer to stick with what they know, a kind of don’t rock the boat phenomenon. That is what Ontario voters will be doing on election day this week, barring a miracle. Mr. Ford represents the safe choice in their minds, the conservative voice of stability and steady as she goes.
Andrea Horwath – a safer conservative choice?
And yet of all the parties, the NDP and Andrea Horwath might more appropriately be seen as the safe choice – the conservative option. She and her party have crafted their platform over a number of years, and while they have included some bold ideas, such as eliminating for-profit long term care, most policies are seasoned and reasoned. Currently polling in third place, the NDP is still expected to form the official opposition thanks to voting splits.
Mr. Ford knows he’s going to win so he’s playing it safe. He’s presumably instructed PC candidates to skip the all-candidate debates, where they might actually stumble and tell voters what they really think about abortion, gun control, private education, vaccination and masking – it’s all about ‘hear no evil, believe no evil’. But what is amazing is how tolerant voters are in accepting that situation.
Are the most conservative among us comfortable voting for a candidate who has been velcro-lipped, and a party which has shared so little of where it is going over the next four years? If Justin Trudeau tried to do this, there would be howls from the media, and everyone would be labelling him ‘arrogant’.
Mariam Manaa, Liberal candidate for Burlington in the June 2nd provincial election
The Gazette interviewed Manaa when she was seeking the Liberal nomination – it was a contested nomination and she came out on top.
Other than the Chamber of Commerce event there was never a chance for the public to hear all the candidates – that was the result of the Progressive Conservative Party deciding that their candidates would not take part and instead rely on Premier Doug Ford’s coat tails to get elected.
Candidate Manaa listening
Our interview with Mariam Manaa yesterday gave us a look at some of the experience she has in the world of politics and public service.
As a young woman she was invited to be part of the Youth Council that Oakville North Burlington Liberal Pam Damoff created. Young people had the opportunity to gain some self-confidence and learn just how a Member of Parliament works.
She was seen as a smart cookie by Damoff who hired her to work in Ottawa as part of her team.
Manaa picked up a lot of really solid background on the processes that are involved in getting legislation passed. She also picked up a lot of the lingo used by the political set. “I worked on the hill for a period of time” said Manaa.
When that opportunity came to an end she was then asked by Burlington Member of Parliament Karina Gould to do some case work for her in Burlington. Work with a member of Cabinet is a big deal for up and coming politicians.
She spent two years with Gould.
This is as good as it gets when getting ready to seek public office.
In our conversation with Manaa she didn’t say all that much about the Liberal policy for the province – what she talked about was the campaigning – that essential door to door work – meeting people and listening to their concerns.
Every politicians will tell you they love going door to door – some are much better than others at it.
Candidates meet on the door step: NDP Andrew Drummond, Liberal Marian Manaa
Early in the campaign Manaa and the team with her knocked on a door that was opened by the NDP candidate Andrew Drummond.
He was as surprised as she was
During the last long weekend Manaa said she knocked on 4000 doors during the three days.
I asked her a question that a gentleman should not ask a woman – how much weight have you lost during the campaign. She came back with “I don’t know if I lost any weight but I can tell you I have muscled up quite a bit.”
Manaa is direct, focused, empathetic, fully aware of what is ahead of her if she wins. She is not a policy wonk – she is there to serve.
How will you serve the people of Burlington if you are elected. “I will do what I have learned to do – listen to what they have to say.
“When people get to an MPP’s office they are usually at the end of their rope. They have tired everything else and often as a last resort they visit the politician and see if they can help.
“That’s the job” said Manaa
She stresses that if she is elected she will see herself as being elected to serve all the people of the city.
And with that, a quick handshake, and she was off to knock on new doors
This is an election where two of the candidates are new to the election game.
Progressive Conservative Natalie Pierre and Liberal Mariam Manaa have never served as elected officials and this is their first election.
There are three fringe candidates. New Blue candidate Allison McKenzie, Green Party candidate Kyle Hutton and an Ontario Party candidate we have not heard from
Andrew Drummond has never served; this is his third attempt to get elected as a New Democrat.
Given the array of gaming options available in the modern world, more and more people are discovering the benefits of gaming. Be it through an Amazon Fire Stick, a mobile gaming product, or a hugely powerful PlayStation 5 console machine, gaming is the preferred entertainment option for many of us.
Of course, like most recreational activities, gaming should be enjoyed in moderation and striking a balance is key, but once you get there, there are some proven ways in which enjoying an array of games can actually be good for you. Whether you’re playing first-person shooter classics like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare or simple puzzle games, there is a variety of proven benefits.
Gaming is a broad church these days. Some people like toplay live casino games,whereas others go for big-budget console and PC games. Gaming could be playing something like Wordle in the New York Times every day. But whatever it is you do, it is the activity that counts. Not all of it is beneficial, of course. As they say – everything in moderation.
For instance, certain games are said to improve a range of cognitive skills, as well as helping with social skills. Throw in the fun and entertainment that can be had through a variety of gaming products, and it’s easy to see why the world’s population is filled with so many gamers.
In the past, we have tended to hear that gaming can be potentially harmful, perhaps leading to violence or even growth in certain street crimes, but this appears not to be true in general. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, there is strong evidence to suggest that gaming can actually be good for you. For instance, the research shows that gaming can benefit an individual both socially and health-wise while also providing learning along the way. Alongside this, there are some other additional reasons why gaming can be beneficial to a person. Let’s take a look at some more of them below.
Gamers can make friends around the world
Given gaming’s global appeal and the modern-day communication tools gamers can access while enjoying a gaming session, more and more people are connecting through a variety of titles. In the past, these types of opportunities were not available to gamers, but with the emergence of online gaming and an array of additional accessories, gaming is more sociable than it ever has been.
Gamers face a truly challenging set of obstacles to overcome, which, in turn, can improve coordination and strategic thinking. .
From Britain to Burlington, gamers are enjoying an array of products and teaming up with fellow players. As a result of shared Fortnite sessions and Pokemon Go trading marathons, gamers are making friends with other gamers around the world.
Gaming can improve your strategic skills
For people who perhaps aren’t too clued up on gaming and what exactly specific titles entail, playing games can seem like plenty of running around for no real reason. In truth, it’s the total opposite, especially when assessing some specific products that require a great deal of strategic thinking. Fact is, many games require skill, coordination and strategic play to succeed. It could even be argued that some levels on certain titles are essentially real-time board games in more detail, therefore giving gamers a truly challenging set of obstacles to overcome, which, in turn, can improve a variety of things, such as coordination and strategic planning.
Gaming can help people blow off some stream
Most importantly of all, gaming is fun and entertaining. A benefit of such pleasure and entertainment is an improved all-around mood and a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day at work. As stated already, specific titles require planning and can be tricky, but overall, gaming is a fantastic option for people who want to socialise with friends, have some fun, switch off from life’s trials and tribulations, and generally just blow off some steam.
Other entertainment options can offer a similar experience too, but gaming is the favoured choice for many people these days.
The new normal – we are seeing more and more of it in the community.
The hospitality sector took a terrible beating – some just disappeared others will struggle for years to recover what they lost during the 20 months of very very dire times.
The arts didn’t fare that much better. The smaller groups did what little they could; the Art Gallery and the Performing Arts Centre survived because they were publicly funded.
Two groups have reappeared. Drury Lane Theatre has a production (I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE) on the go June 3rd to the 26th; and and KooGle has a production that hits the stage this evening and runs to the 29th.
Matthew Pichocki as the baker with his wife
KooGle is in the finals stages of opening the curtains.
We spent some time when KooGle was doing a bit of a dress rehearsal and a run through of Into the Woods Jr.
Matthew Pichocki explained the Jr to me. “The full length play gets a little dark during the second half, we are doing the shorter version – thus the Jr.
The story is about a husband and wife who want children; there is a wicked witch and four things the couple has to do to have the witch remove the curse that was on the house of the couple that wanted children They were bakers.
In order to have the baby they wanted the baker and his wife had to go into the woods and find four things.
That cow is certainly white
A cow as white as a milk
A cape as red as blood
Hair as yellow as corn
Slippers that gleamed of gold
The baker and his wife meet these demands – there was a time limit and that is the mystery of the story that those in the theatre will take home with them.
KooGle has been had an active youth program since 2017. They didn’t have a home for a number of years – just before the pandemic took over the lives of all of us they found as location that was perfect and once they felt the worst of the pandemic was behind them they signed the lease.
Putnam County Spelling Bee was very well received.
In the past KooGle has put on some exceptionally fine work – their version of the Putnam County Spelling Bee was very well received.
During the pandemic KooGle actually pulled off doing Cinderella virtually. Perfect, certainly not but as Matthew explained it was an experience and was more like a movie – a lot of the acting ended up on the cutting room floor.
Leslie and Christopher Gray
In January KooGle put out a call for people who wanted to take part in a theatrical production. There were then classes in dance, voice and singing.
These were classes followed by a workshop out of which came the selecting of the cast and crew for Into the Woods.
A dress rehearsal means finding something that fits.
Leslie Gray and her husband Christopher were professional performers who thought Burlington needed a place where young people could train and take part in theatrical productions.
The young people that become part of a production quickly become a team where they support each other – watching them as the wait for their turn in a rehearsal you see how they work together – they learn, they are in a safe environment and they have fun.
In the worlds of theatre you eat when you can.
The students range from 8 to 18; some have been with KooGle since 2017. KooGle was formed in 2008. Several are looking at careers in theatre others want to teach drama at high school.
The next opportunity for new students to get a taste for theatre is a workshop in June.
By Pepper Parr
By Pepper Parr
By Staff
By Staff
By Pepper Parr
The hospitality sector took a terrible beating – some just disappeared others will struggle for years to recover what they lost during the 20 months of very very dire times.
