Community Development Halton (CDH) is a non-profit organization committed to building a society in which diversity, equity, and social and economic justice are central to all aspects of our lives. CDH is made up of two pillar services: Social Planning and Research and Volunteer Halton.
Volunteer Halton is a flagship program of CDH with a focus on increasing public access to meaningful volunteer opportunities for all residents across Halton Region. Volunteer Halton is seeking a dynamic and creative post-secondary student with a passion for community development, digital promotion, and member engagement for the position of Volunteer & Community Engagement Officer for an 8-week term in Summer 2024.
The Volunteer & Community Engagement Officer will focus on launching the Volunteer Ambassador program, collecting data on outreach engagement and member organizations, and helping to promote volunteerism in Halton.
Specific Responsibilities
The Volunteer & Community Engagement Officer will be responsible for the following activities:
Volunteer Ambassador Program
Assist with recruiting, screening, and onboarding volunteers to
Participate in volunteer training
Secure locations to host volunteer information sessions and volunteer fairs across Halton Region.
Member Engagement
Connect with current nonprofit members via telephone or video call to confirm contact information and understand key challenges, documenting same.
Connect with current nonprofit members to understand key challenges, documenting
Assist with volunteer database management to confirm contacts, up-date files, mailing lists, etc.
Support volunteer-seekers in exploring opportunities using Volunteer Connector
Communications and Digital Promotion
Promoting recruitment needs of member organizations, connecting with volunteer- seekers, and promoting membership with CDH/Volunteer Halton via social media.
Assist volunteer-engaging organizations post and promote opportunities on Volunteer
Contribute content for monthly VIEWPOINT
Requirements
Enrolled in post-secondary education currently or for the Fall 2024 semester; focus on volunteer engagement or community development preferred.
An ability to provide quality customer
Effective problem-solving with the ability to
Database/data entry experience an
Good verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to foster strong and long- lasting relationships with member organizations, volunteer-seekers, and the public.
Ability to work in a hybrid model; combination of in-person and remote
Access to a car or reliable transportation
Able to work independently and as part of a
A passion for collaborating with
A professional, enthusiastic, flexible, and energetic demeanour. Benefits
Career-related training in nonprofit and volunteer management
Access to learning materials
Support for skills development in volunteer engagement and Terms
Fixed-term contact, 8
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, the occasional Saturday may be
$16.55 per hour plus 4% vacation
Start date: May 21, 2024
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to the attention of Heather Johnson, Director, Volunteer Halton at volunteer@cdhalton.ca. Applications will be accepted until 2:00pm on Wednesday May 8, 2024.
Since this is a funded position by Canada Summer Job grants, all applicants must be a youth
(Citizen, Permanent resident, or Conventional Refugee) between 15 -30 years of age to qualify.
RE/MAX Canada’s 2024 Cottage Trends Report examines market activity in 22 recreational markets nationwide and finds an anticipated 6.8 per rise in recreational property prices for 2024, paired with an increase in sales in 61.9 per cent of markets.
Re/MAX reports that rather than selling-off recreational properties in droves to overcome affordability challenges, Canadians in most recreational markets appear to be holding on to their properties – a trend that’s likely influenced by the desirable quality of life along with the prospect of future returns provided by recreational property ownership.
Their report analyzes the potential impact the recent change in the capital gains tax could have on recreational owners across the country before the June 25 deadline.
Key insights from the report include:
64 per cent of Canadian cottage owners have decided not to sell this year.
In 61.9 per cent of regions analyzed the number of sales is expected to rise between three per cent and upwards of 50 per cent this year.
55 per cent of Gen Zs and 57 per cent of Millennials spend more time at their secondary properties than they did before the pandemic due to the added quality of life found in recreational markets, according to a Leger survey commissioned as part of the report,
Christopher Alexander, President, RE/MAX Canada
Christopher Alexander, President, RE/MAX Canada said: “Years of research* have shown that Canadians consistently see value in real estate ownership – both as a necessity and an investment. Those who have already gained a foothold in the recreational property market are determined to hold on to this asset, despite mounting affordability concerns across the country.”
“Even the change to the capital gains tax, that will take effect on June 25, won’t spark a wide-spread flood of new listings and sales by cottage owners trying to get in under the wire given the narrow window,” adds Alexander. “That said, RE/MAX brokers and agents in some regions have reported a recent uptick in listings that may be tied to the new change, it could also prompt some Canadians to have estate planning discussions earlier, so work with an experienced, local real estate agent, who can advise you of current conditions in your given market.”
Recreational property prices expected to rise by 6.8 per cent in 2024
64 per cent of Canadian cottage owners have decided not to sell this year.
When it comes to a recreational property purchase, half of Canadians prioritize affordability (46 per cent, up from 43 per cent in 2023), followed by proximity to water (35 per cent), and necessary amenities (27 per cent).
There is a new constituency in place for Burlington
Burlington North—Milton West means the city will have:
Oakville North Burlington where Pam Damoff is the MP
Burlington where Karina Gould is the MP
Burlington North – Milton West has yet to be organized
The constituencies are in place for the federal elections. They do not apply to the provincial by-law election taking place May 2nd.both federal and provincial elections.
Burlington North – Milton West Consists of:
that part of the City of Burlington lying northwesterly of a line described as follows: commencing at the intersection of the southwesterly limit of said city (Kerns Road) and Dundas Street; thence northeasterly along said street to Highway 407; thence southerly along said highway to Guelph Line; thence southeasterly along said line to Upper Middle Road; thence northeasterly along said road to Walkers Line; thence southeasterly along said line to Queen Elizabeth Way (Highway 403); thence northeasterly along Queen Elizabeth Way to the northeasterly limit of said city (Burloak Drive); and
that part of the Town of Milton lying southwesterly of a line described as follows: commencing at the intersection of the southeasterly limit of said town (Lower Base Line West) and Regional Road 25; thence northwesterly along said road, Ontario Street South and Ontario Street North to Steeles Avenue East; thence southwesterly along said avenue to Martin Street; thence northwesterly along said street and Regional Road 25 to the northerly limit of said town (5 Side Road).
Burlington matters have kept the Ontario Land Tribunal busy.
The Millcroft golf course hearing came to an end; they now wait for a decision. Each of the two community associations that were parties to the hearing have reported on the experience.
The Millcroft hearing had two members hearing the arguments. The people who serve as the deciders; will produce a report that will outline the issues and what they decided. They are referred to as “members”. We will follow up with that later this week.
The Waterfront Hotel site redevelopment hearing is underway. It is scheduled to run through to the middle of May.
Waterfront Hotel today.
Proposed development for the hotel site
An interesting difference with this hearing. There is just the one member hearing the case and she is not a lawyer. She is a former planner and has been with the OLT for just over a year; appointed August 9th, 2023.
Sharon L. Dionne is a planning and land development professional with over 30 years of experience, having worked in both planning consulting and in senior roles for Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Builder/Developers. Prior to joining the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), Ms. Dionne held the position of Vice President, Land Development for a GTA Builder/Developer.
Sharon L. Dionne: Member, Ontario Land Tribunal.
Dionne has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Urban and Regional Planning (Honours) from the University of Waterloo a
She is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP), and long standing member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).
Her employment background:
Ballymore Homes for eight years;
Runnymede Development Corporation, 4 years 6 months
TRIBUTE COMMUNITIES, almost two years
Past Chair, Durham Chapter of Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD)
Past Chair, Town of Ajax Committee of Adjustment.
Assuming the development gets approved by the Tribunal, set out below are what the city skyline will look like from different Brant Street locations. It is far too early to tell how this hearing might decide – the lawyers representing the city did very well on the first day.
Plan B, the citizens organizations that follows the plans to re-develop the Waterfront hotel see the planning background and not a legal background as a plus.
The Ontario Land Tribunal has started the 2020 Lakeshore Road development appeal to a city decision to to approve the redevelopment of the Waterfront Hotel.
Many thought the city had put that development proposal behind them when the then Minister of Municipal Affairs agreed that the Urban Growth boundary be moved north which took the re-development of the hotel off the table because it was no longer within the Urban Growth boundary.
Darko Vranich – making a big bet before the Ontario Land Tribunal
Darko Vranich, head of the corporation that owns the property has decided he will put his case to the Tribunal nevertheless.
Chris Barnett representing the city at OLT appeal hearing
Chris Barnett, a lawyer representing the city summed up what the hearing is about when he spoke at length about the Urban Growth Centre – what the boundaries are now and why they were changed.
“There was an indication that it was a major transit station area. And that meant that the greatest height and the greatest density was directed by policy to the downtown area as being an urban growth center and the city
“Over the course of a number of years the city undertook detailed studies for the downtown area to examine where and how the greatest height and density ought to be directed. And the conclusion of that work was that the urban growth center and the major transit station area identification should not be in the downtown, but rather should be further north around the Burlington GO Station. And that’s ultimately the decision that the city made about where its greatest height and density should be focused.
“But of course, that wasn’t the city’s final decision to make. The city doesn’t have the ability to make those determinations.
“Both the Region of Halton as the upper tier municipality, which at the time and for some weeks to come will continue to have the ability to make decisions on amendments to the city of Burlington official plan as well as the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, which was the approval authority for the Official Plan Amendment, which moved the urban growth center and approved amendments to the regional Official Plan in what’s known as ROPA 48. The Urban Growth Centre boundaries are now in the Burlington GO station in and around that area and no longer in downtown Burlington.
“The application that is appealing a decision which proposed the tallest towers in the city today is on a property that is no longer in an urban growth center or a major transit station area.
“All of the existing towers in the downtown area were approved in the context of a policy that had the urban growth center located in the downtown and that is no longer the case.
“From an urban structure perspective, the policy context for this site at the regional level in that this area is now no longer part of an urban growth center, but it’s called a secondary regional node. The minimum density targets that were associated with being in an urban growth center and a major transit stationary do not apply to secondary regional nodes, which in the overall hierarchy of growth structure in the region is second from the bottom in terms of the hierarchy of growth.
“You’ll hear about that policy context, in the opinion evidence of Adrian Smith, who is a land use planner retained by the city to examine the application after the appeals were filed and to provide his independent analysis and opinion which he will share with the tribunal.
“His conclusion is that the Appeals and the proposal have excessive scale, height and intensity. And it will have inappropriate impacts, including quite crucially, a lack of integration with the surrounding lakefront and park; he’ll give you the full context and reasons for his opinion when he testifies.
“You’ll also hear from Katherine Jay, who is also an independent urban designer who was retained to evaluate the applications and provide her opinion after the appeals were filed on both the urban design and landscape architecture aspects of the proposal. And she will provide her conclusions and opinion that the proposed built form is of a scale and mass that has unacceptable impacts on the park and on the lakefront, as well as other urban design and landscape architecture impacts.
“At the end of the day, this the city is not opposed to and in fact supports intensification on this site, but not at the height, the intensity and the scale that’s proposed in the applications that are before you.
There have been some changes to the design. The bridge at the 5th storey level between th two proposed towers is gone and the structure on the east side has been moved closer to the lake. But the height is still there.
“That changed policy context for downtown Burlington has to have meaning. The studies that were undertaken and the approvals by the region and by the Minister, which shifted location of the focus of growth in Burlington has to have meaning. And what that meaning is will be our submission – that downtown Burlington is no longer the location for the highest degree of intensification. And what’s being proposed with these proposed tallest towers in the city is and will result in unacceptable impacts on Spencer Smith Park and on the downtown area.
“The city will respectfully request that the appeals for the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment be dismissed by the tribunal.”
That’s what the 15 day plus hearing is about. Chris Barnett nailed it in his remarks this first day of the hearing. Once he had finished everyone else did their best to get as far away from what Barnet put in the table.
The 2020 Lakeshore Road Corporation lost this case back in 2022 when they failed to get necessary documents to city hall in time.
Why Darko Vranich is spending a tonne of money trying to fight what we think is a losing battle is hard to understand.
The LaSalle Park Community Marina and public boat launch opened on May 1.
Boats will be going into the water on the 2nd.
The Marina is also home to the Burlington Sailing and Boating Club and the Burlington Able Sail program.
Through an agreement with the City, the Marina has been operated by the LaSalle Park Marina Association (LPMA) for 43 years.
The City owns the wave break and the Marina.
Another boat hoisted out of the yard in 2012 and into the water as the LaSalle Park Marina opens for another season.
That came about when Mayor Meed Ward proposed that the city pay for the construction of a wave break without which the marina could not operate.
Mayor Meed Ward at the time was the city representative on Burlington Hydro. That organization is understood to have paid the fees for the training Meed Ward received at the DeGroote campus of McMaster University, that resulted in her having the Chartered Director designation (CDir) behind her name.
The City used $4 million taken from the Hydro Reserve fund to pay for a wave break at the LaSalle Marina. The decision was so egregious that City Manager Tim Commisso said aloud at the time that he would begin looking for ways to group the Reserve funds so that it wasn’t so evident just how much money was kept for extreme situations.
The LaSalle Park Community Association got caught up in the mess pays for the use of the Marina owned by the city.
The Marina is a beautiful location for residents and tourists to launch their boats and enjoy the crisp, cold waters of Lake Ontario and Burlington’s lakefront views. The Marina has 219 serviced docking spaces and is protected by a new floating wave break that was installed in 2020.
The LaSalle Park Marina
The Burlington Sailing and Boating Club and the Burlington Able Sail program offer sailing programs at the Marina. In addition, the City has a public boat launch at the Marina that is protected by the floating wave break.
Lorn Newton, President of LaSalle Park Marina Association said the marina has accommodations for power and sail craft as well as smaller day-use boats on un-serviced docks.
Conservation Halton has curated native species kits for local residents to plant at home. With three kit types to choose from (full sun, shade & rain), growing a native plant garden is low cost, beneficial for pollinators, and enhances your curb appeal. By purchasing a Garden-in-a-Box this spring you can feel good knowing you are helping protect local habitats in our watershed.
Why Garden with Native Plants?
Native plants are adapted to thrive in our local environment and climate. They also:
Have beautiful colourful flowers
Require little to no watering once established
Lower maintenance compared to annual and perennial gardens
Provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and other insects
Help reduce the risk of flooding and erosion
Three types of non-invasive plant to choose from – curated by Conservation Halton
Garden-in-a-Box Kits
Each carefully curated kit is intended to be planted in an area roughly the size of a sheet of plywood (4 feet x 8 feet). The plants will fill out nicely in their second and third year of growth. If you prefer a very full garden, you may consider doubling the number of plants in your space.
How Garden-in-a-Box Works
Purchase your kit
Click on the “Order Your Kit” button below to be directed to our sales page
Select your kit(s) of choice and the number of kits you wish to purchase
Once you’re done shopping, select “Proceed to Checkout”
Present your email confirmation on pickup day
Pick up your kit — Saturday, May 25 between 10:00AM and 2:00PM
Bring your proof of purchase to Conservation Halton’s Administration Office at 2596 Britannia Road, Burlington, ON L7P 0G3
Your kit(s) will be ready for you when you arrive.
The Region of Halton has added a third deputy police chief.
Deputy Chief of Police. Kevin Maher
Superintendent Kevin Maher was promoted to the role of Deputy Chief of Police. He has served in a number of front-line positions: specialized investigative unit, and senior executive leadership positions – most recently as the Superintendent in charge of Regional Investigations.
As one of the Service’s six Critical Incident Commanders, Deputy Chief Maher is responsible for overseeing high-risk incidents in the Region.
The Board approved the new Deputy Chief position last month in response to the growing needs of the Service and community, and considered candidates solely from the HRPS.
Deputy Chief Maher will work with the Police Board, Chief Tanner, Deputy Chief Wilkie, Deputy Chief Hill, and the dedicated members of the Service to ensure the safety and well-being of the Region of Halton.”
Maher began his policing career in 1987 as a Cadet with the Toronto Police Service before joining the Halton Regional Police Service in 1990.
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is asking students, families, staff and the community to share their thoughts and identify potential priorities for the Board’s 2024-2028 Multi-Year Plan.
Opportunities to share feedback include upcoming Town Halls and an online questionnaire that will be available in the coming weeks.
The Multi-Year Plan (MYP) is the roadmap that guides the Board in creating the conditions for students and staff to thrive. It informs the Board’s decisions and allocation of resources while guiding staff’s collective actions for ongoing improvement over the next four years. View the current 2020-2024 MYP.
Parents, guardians, staff, students and community members are invited to share their thoughts and identify areas of focus for the HDSB’s 2024-2028 MYP by registering to attend one of the upcoming Town Halls through the registration links below.
Town Halls will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the following areas:
Burlington – Monday, May 6 at Nelson High School (4181 New St, Burlington)
Oakville – Tuesday, May 7 at White Oaks Secondary School (1330 Montclair Dr., Oakville)
Milton – Thursday, May 9 at Craig Kielburger Secondary School (1151 Ferguson Dr, Milton)
Halton Hills – Tuesday, May 14 at Georgetown District High School (70 Guelph St, Georgetown)
Virtual – Tuesday, May 28 at hdsb.ca
Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board.
“As we move through this process, we are guided by our curiosity and drive to build connections,” says Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board. “Your voice is critical to getting this plan right and setting the direction for the next four years. Collectively, we have the opportunity to give students the best opportunities for success as they embark on their future.”
Curtis Ennis, Director of Education
“We are committed to providing students the best opportunities for success in their future,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “These sessions provide an opportunity to come together, and consider the potential for our collective future in the HDSB, and build an even stronger HDSB community as we focus on planning for the future together.”
All parents, guardians, students, staff and community members will also have the opportunity to provide input through an online questionnaire that will be shared in the coming weeks.
There is a very direct link between the matter of wearing a Palestinian kaffiyeh in the legislature and the by-election taking place in Milton May 2nd.
Premier Ford really wants to hold that seat and fears that if the Speaker of the Legislature insists on enforcing the rule that the black-and-white scarves flout long-standing rules against political symbols in the legislative chamber the Tory candidate could take a political hit.
Speaker Arnott speaking to Sarah Jama about removing the k she is wearing. because it is not permitted in the Legislature.
There are four candidate running for the seat: Galen Naidoo Harris and Progressive Conservative candidate Zee Hamid who served as a Town Councillor for 12 years.
Galen Naidoo Harris wearing the now fashionable Palestinian kaffiyeh
It is going to be a very tight race. The standing in a Liason poll taken April 23-25 was:
Milton Decided & Leaning:
41% – Galen Naidoo Harris (Ontario Liberal) (+2)
39% – Zee Hamid (PC) (no change)
9% – Katherine Cirlincione* (Ontario NDP) (-1)
5% – Kyle Hutton (Ontario Greens) (no change)
Naidoo Harris is a local resident who has been involved in local issues; his mother Indira Naidoo Harris was once a CBC broadcaster and served as the MPP for Milton and in a Liberal Cabinet.
– Zee Hamid, a former town Councillor for 12 years ran unsuccessfully for the Liberal nomination ahead of the 2015 federal election.
When Parm Gill, the sitting Progressive Conservative MPP for Milton, jumped to the federal Progressive Conservatives Hamid got back into politics hoping he could win a provincial seat.
Local politics is now reacting to the what is taking place in the provincial legislature.
Galen Naidoo Harris knew what to do – he is seen now wearing a kaffiyeh whenever he can.
The sentiment across the country has millions supporting the Muslin community that is being eviscerated by the Israeli Defence Forces who have occupied the enclave since October 7th when Hamas militants crossed the border into Israel, massacred 1200 people and took more than 100 hostages.
Milton has a large Muslim population.
Speaker Ted Arnott gave the order for Sarah Jama, the MPP for Hamilton Centre to leave during Thursday morning’s question period, after an earlier complaint and ruling that the black-and-white scarves flout long-standing rules against political symbols in the legislative chamber.
The sergeant-at-arms spoke to Jama in the legislature and asked her to remove the kaffiyeh, but she refused.
Jama argues that the “ban was arbitrarily put in place,” and that “every party leader has spoken up about how this ban shouldn’t exist.”
She said the kaffiyeh is cultural, but “my job is to be political, and so I will continue to wear this garment.”
later told reporters, adding “every party leader has spoken up about how this ban shouldn’t exist.”
She said the kaffiyeh is cultural, but “my job is to be political, and so I will continue to wear this garment.”
Arnott told reporters that while Jama would not be allowed back in the chamber or to participate in any committees, “there was no way for me to have her removed, short of physical force. I wasn’t prepared to do that.”
Jama uses a mobility scooter.
Jama has said she plans to continue wearing it, warning it would be an “undue escalation” if she were to be forced out.
NDP Leader Marit Stiles called Jama’s removal order “outrageous,” and then approached her in the legislature to offer support.
Stiles said “the government has upheld that ban and they need to do the right thing” and allow the kaffiyeh.
The northern part of Milton is within the Milton constituency boundary.
A Gazette reader posted the following comment in the vibrant Comments section of the Gazette.
“Taking good advice from Eric Stern, I simply did the math on my own. Everyone will get the same number: take your 2022 Final Tax Bill, note the amount you paid from Line 1 – that is simply the Burlington municipal tax portion. Then do the same with the 2023 Final Tax Bill. You will find what we all do: Burlington’s portion of your taxes increased 15.59%.
“15.59 is not 4.99. When the Mayor suggests in her convoluted way that the “impact” or whatever other words she uses is a 4.99% increase, when in fact our literal Burlington increase without looking at school board or fire or region, is 15.59% – that’s what I’d call MISINFORMATION.”
Stern provided the following data in his article:
There is a link to the article at the bottom of this news report.
Eric Stern, retired successful business man and long time Burlington resident spoke to Finance department staff to be certain he had the correct information
“And Eric has also pointed out – most recently in a NextDoor group post, that since 2022, Burlington council has raised taxes by 27.4 %.
“Then there’s the extremely non-transparent way, in my opinion deliberately so, in which the budget documents are presented. Front page article in today’s Hamilton Spectator notes Hamilton gets an F grade on a CD Howe Institute Report on Fiscal Transparency by Ontario municipalities. Looking at CD Howe’s report, Burlington isn’t included in their data, but when reading it, they outline what cities with good grades do and what is a failure of presenting clear data. It’s fair to say Burlington would fail spectacularly imo.” http://www.cdhowe.org/public-policy-research/municipal-money-mystery-fiscal-accountability-canadas-cities-2023
Burlington Public Library announces the champions of this year’s Grand Battle of the Books 2024 competition.
Heartfelt congratulations go to both the Junior and Senior Grand Battle victors—both hailing from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Elementary School!
The Library was captivated by the outstanding enthusiasm, depth of book knowledge, and exemplary team spirit showcased not only by our winning teams but also by their formidable opponents from St. Raphael (Junior) and Holy Rosary (Senior).
Resounding applause is due for all the teams that lit up this year’s Burlington Battle of the Books with their spirited participation.
Senior Teams from Holy Rosary (left) and Sacred Heart of Jesus (right) competing at Burlington Battle of the Books 2024
Here’s a shoutout to the Junior Teams from Ascension, Charles R. Beaudoin, Florence Meares, Holy Rosary, John W. Boich, John T. Tuck, Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Anne, St. Gabriel, St. Paul, and St. Raphael.
The Senior Teams gave it their all, representing Ascension, Burlington Christian Academy, Charles R. Beaudoin, Florence Meares, Holy Rosary, John W. Boich, John T. Tuck, Sacred Heart of Jesus, and St. Raphael.
This annual event, a tradition since 1986, triumphantly returned after a brief break due to COVID-19. This year, twenty dynamic teams from 12 Burlington schools engaged in a thrilling round-robin literary showdown, showcasing the power of reading and teamwork.
I am not sure that I would use the word “celebrate” to announce the screening of a film on mental health – recognizing might be a more appropriate word.
Having said that, the Canadian Mental Health Association Halton and United Way Halton & Hamilton found that the response to an insightful documentary screening titled “The Human Race-Around the Bay” was so big that they had to change the date of the event.
It will now take place on Monday, May 6, at the Art Gallery of Burlington.
Ted Michaels, a Hamilton broadcaster, avid runner, and advocate for health and wellness.
To be hosted by Ted Michaels, a renowned Hamilton broadcaster, avid runner, and advocate for health and wellness, the documentary explores the profound impact of exercise, particularly running, on mental health issues. With a keen focus on showcasing the therapeutic benefits of physical activity, the screening promises to shed light on an increasingly recognized aspect of mental health management.
“The Human Race will show that everyone has to take care of their mental, in addition to physical, health,” says Michaels. “I’d suggest that most of us are dealing with something in our lives. What you see on the surface is not what’s happening inside. This documentary will shine a light on what people are going through, and just as importantly, how to get the help they need.”
Ted Michaels brings his wealth of experience and passion for both broadcasting and running to this project, aiming to inspire and inform audiences about the positive correlation between exercise and mental well-being. Through captivating storytelling and compelling visuals, “The Human Race-Around the Bay” aims to initiate meaningful conversations surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to explore the potential of incorporating exercise into their daily routines as a form of self-care.
Monday, May 6, 2024 – Doors open: 6:30 pm, Premiere: 7:00 pm, Q&A: 8:00 pm Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore, Burlington, ON
Following the event, additional airing of the documentary will take place on the following stations:
Cable 14, Tuesday, May 14 at 8:00 pm
Your TV Halton, Thursday, May 16 at 7:00 pm
Rogers Grand River, Saturday, May 18 – 9:00am, Sunday, May 19 – 9:00pm, Monday, May 20 – 3:00pm
It was a hectic day for Burlington member of Parliament.
She had to first be in Alliston with the Prime Minister and Ontario Premier Doug Ford for the announcement of a $ 15 billion in the form of investment tax credit benefit that started at 10 am – after which she had to get back to Burlington and be at the Art Gallery where Volunteer Appreciation Awards were presented to 56 recipient.
Each year, MP Gould puts out a call to local organizations to nominate exceptional volunteers for their selfless service in the community. From food security to culture, environmental work to health supports, MP Gould was thrilled to spotlight 56 dedicated volunteers that make Burlington the wonderful community it is. These volunteers were recognized for their unique talents and skills and the important impact they make through their service. Please join Minister Gould in recognizing and congratulating these individuals and the incredible gifts they share with all of us in Burlington.
The Names of the Recognized Volunteers:
Abbey Salami, African Caribbean Council of Halton
Abbey Salami, African Caribbean Council of Halton
Carol Adamson, Museums of Burlington
Catherine Brady, Burlington Foundation
Chelsea Bristow, Halton Food for Thought
Christina Wilson, Burlington Tennis Club
Christopher Pearson, St. John Ambulance Halton Hamilton Region
Cindy Pedlar, 100 Women Who Care Burlington
Cindy Perras, Home Suite Hope
Cynda Booth, The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Dan Kaloutsky, Distress Centre Halton
Dave Tourchin, BurlingtonGreen Environmental Association
Dennis Mooney, Burlington Humane Society
Farahnaz Sadri, Centre for Skills Development
Glen Norton, Goodwill Amity
Ivy Mills, The Salvation Army Burlington Community & Family Services
James McGuirk, Food for Life Canada
Jean Crowe, Royal Botanical Gardens
Jeff Nugent, Feed Halton
Kim Lindsay, The Gift of Giving Back
Jenn Gallupe, GHDSA Vipers Wheelchair Basketball
John Stephen, St. Christophers Anglican Church
Kathy Ramsay-Ninos, Community Food Program at Wellington Square United Church
Kim Lindsay, The Gift of Giving Back
Lindsay Gray, The angel project
Luba Moskal, Holy Protection of the BVM Catholic Church
Margie Balfour, Special Olympics Burlington
Michael Desjardins, Burlington Helping Burlington
Sean Campbell, Burlington Helping Burlington
Julie Neal, Burlington Helping Burlington
Vicki Trottier, Burlington Helping Burlington
Michelle Klysen, Shifra Homes
Jiaming Deng, Redleaf Cultural Integration (RCI)
Nancy Demerling, Burlington Terry Fox Run
Paul Beaudette, Carpenter Hospice
Peggy Armstrong, Burlington Historical Society
Ralph Edwards, Burl-Oak Naval Veterans
Rick Crook, Burlington Sailing & Boating Club
Romy Riley, Burlington Centaurs Rugby Club
Sandy O’Reilly, Halton Black History Awareness Society
Shardie Stevenson, Dare To Be Youth Charity
Margie Balfour, Special Olympics Burlington, Michael Desjardins, Burlington Helping Burlington, Sean Campbell, Burlington Helping Burlington, Julie Neal, Burlington Helping Burlington, Vicki Trottier, Burlington Helping Burlington
Tara Murphy, Burlington Jr Raiders
Tawny Sinasac, Burlington Food Bank
Ruta Lemon, Habitat for Humanity
Susan Goetz, Karina Gould’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
Mike Biro, Karina Gould’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
Lana Biro, Karina Gould’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
Leslie Flom, Karina Gould’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
Norma Gibson-MacDonald, Karina Gould’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
Barbara Heins, Karina Gould’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
Robyn Heins, Karina Gould’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
Ann Linton, Karina Gould’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
Carol Scanlon , Karina Gould’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
Ruth Weaver , Karina Gould’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
Susan Metcalf, Karina Gould’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
“Volunteers are what make our community the wonderful place we call home. Their selfless dedication and passion bring people together, make the impossible possible and turn dreams into reality. On behalf of the Burlington community, we would like to thank you for your commitment to giving. Congratulations on this recognition.”
The Hon. Karina Gould, is the Government House Leader and Member of Parliament for Burlington
The following is a recent opinion column by Joan Little.
When I read Mayor Marianne Meed Ward’s lengthy letter to colleagues, I grinned, instantly thinking of a late jovial council colleague, Ward 1 Coun. Jack Cowman.
He regularly urged us to follow the K.I.S.S. principle: “Keep it simple, stupid!”
The mayor’s long letter was sermon-like — a lecture, two councillors said. She has lost support from councillors and the public. Worse, city followers will carefully check the dynamics between her and our new city manager, who doesn’t need this rain cloud.
From what I know of Hassaan Basit, who was to arrive Monday, he’s his own man, with a stellar reputation for improving organizations, but he arrived to an unhappy council.
We wish outgoing city manager Tim Commisso a fulfilling retirement. He was the right man at the right time, and led council forward through the rough COVID-19 years. With the city from 1988 until 2008, he had ever-expanding managerial roles, and returned as city manager in 2019. His foresight and long corporate memory will be missed.
The April 16 council meeting was not the mayor’s finest hour. Three delegations asked her to return eligible strong-mayor powers (SMP) and a petition was presented by Lynn Crosby, signed by 633 people.
Software engineer Michael Bator was clear and impressive. The issue, he said, is that you don’t put all your eggs in one basket — there’s too much risk because a person can make a mistake.
The motion last week asked the mayor to delegate eligible powers back to council. She’s open and transparent, she said. She delegated the city’s organizational structure, and hiring and firing of key staff to the city manager and kept the power to hire and fire him (or her). Preparing a budget is done by a mayor under SMP. She agreed to allow council to establish committees.
A link to the Mayor’s performance that Joan Little refers to is HERE
Joan Little has been covering Burlington for the Hamilton Spectator for years. She was a former Burlington city councillor
Burlington City Council approved the 2024 Tax Levy Bylaw at their last meeting. Council approval of this bylaw is an annual requirement to set tax rates for each year.
Keeping a city clean with the services citizens expect requires the collection of taxes.
The bylaw allows the City to bill 2024 property taxes and set payment due dates for final tax bills on June 19 and Sept. 19, 2024. Final tax bills will be mailed out in late May for the 2024 billing cycle.
The City of Burlington collects taxes for the City, Halton Region, and the Halton District School Boards. As shown in the chart attached, for each residential dollar collected, 50.5 per cent stays in the City, 32.8 per cent goes to Halton Region and 16.7 per cent goes to the Halton district school boards.
There is more about the amount the city taxes you that was not in the media release put out by the city.
On April 17th, 2024, during a “Special Meeting of Council”, a by-law was passed that is a “legislative requirement in order to set the tax rates” for 2024.
Back in September 2023 Mayor Meed-Ward posted on social media saying:
“Burlington Mayor’s Budget Proposes 4.99% City Tax Impact”.
Also, back in September Eric Stern delegated before council stating that he did not understand the mayor’s social media posts. City staff confirmed that the Burlington only portion of the tax bill is increasing by 10.21%.
The only number that should concern a Burlington tax payer is the 10.21%. The Total number shown is misleading – it is the average of the column of numbers. Chart courtesy Eric Stern
Property tax payments can be made:
At financial institutions,
Through online banking,
By setting up pre-authorized payment plans by month or due date to help spread out the payments throughout the year. This also helps ensure on-time payment. For more information on these payment plans or an application, please visit burlington.ca/propertytax, or email pap@burlington.ca to register.
In-person by cheque or debit at the Service Burlington counter inside City Hall, 426 Brant St.
by placing a cheque and remittance stub in an envelope marked “Attention: Property Tax Department” in the depository box located at the Locust St entrance to City Hall or in the blue drop box outside 390 Brant Street located at the Elgin St entrance.
Property Tax Programs
The City provides several property tax programs for:
Charities,
Heritage property owners,
Older Adults – Tax Deferral Program,
Low-Income seniors and persons with disabilities who own homes.
For more information and eligibility details, go to burlington.ca/propertytax.
Are these two police officers standing behind Donald Trump in place to put him in handcuffs if the Judge hearing his criminal offence case decides the former President is in contempt of court?
They are standing behind the former President because they were told to stand there.
A Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin said yesterday that “it was time for the Judge hearing the criminal case to find Donald Trump in contempt of court.
“At that point, Merchan (the Judge hearing the case) may decide to incarcerate him for a brief time, perhaps when the court is not in session so as not to unduly prejudice the jury. That said, there may come a time when Trump gets reprimanded in the presence of the jury — or is even removed for an extended incarceration. (His absence no doubt would be shocking to the jury.)
She adds: “Refusal to follow the court’s orders, bullying of witnesses and jurors, and contempt for the judiciary as a whole would almost certainly weigh against him.
“Trump might avoid incarceration for now, but his open and persistent defiance of the court may land him briefly behind bars before the trial is out — or, worse, for an extended time after conviction.”
A criminal court case proceeds in a small, high ceiling court room where a tough Judge presides.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns led the comments made during a Council meeting during which it became glaringly clear that the city’s seven member council was seriously split.
The rupture was not about the widening of a road or a change to a parks and recreation program; it had to do with the way city council would be run.
The Strong Mayor powers that were brought into being last July gave Mayors the power to hire and fire a City Manager and city staff as well. It required the Mayor to present a budget to Council.
Mayor Meed Ward chatting with the Premier during a tour of the Joseph Brant Hospital before Strong Mayor powers were issued. Sometime after the photograph was taken the Premier had a less jovial conversation with the Mayor over the poor progress the city had with the construction of new housing.
A Mayor can delegate the decisions back to Council, which Mayor Marianne Meed Ward did. What she did not do was delegate the hiring and firing of the City Manager back to Council. She kept that power in her own hands.
There is considerable debate in just how these powers should be used. One of the more important powers is the setting of a budget; that is a power that is in the hands of the Mayor. The budget has always been produced by the City Finance department and presented to Council where it can be revised.
Most people don’t pay much attention to the creation and passing of a budget. It is a complex and a tireless process – but a necessary one. That budget determines what the tax rate will be. Property taxes come right out of your pocket.
Taxes have been increasing recently. More concerning is understanding just what the tax increase is. The current council, in the minds of many, is less than transparent when it comes to explaining just what the taxes amount to. The word “impact has crept into the language used to explain a tax increase by which they mean the impact the tax rate is going to have – rather than setting out exactly what the tax rate is going to be.
That complexity will be covered in a report that is currently being researched.
Our objective today is to let readers hear what Council members had to say about the decision the Mayor made about how she was going to exercise the power she now has.
A City council sets policy that determines what staff has to implement.
City staff are directed by the City Manager.
The concern of a majority of Burlington’s City Council is – who controls the City Manager. The rupture is related to the lack of trust between the Mayor and a majority of the seven member council.
The video that follows is long. Each member of Council sets out their concern and the Mayor response. It is not pretty and it doesn’t look as if it is going to get any better.
Burlington now has a new City Manager. Hassaan Basit, was the CAO of Conservation where he did a very good job. In a recently published book he set out how he thinks a City Manager, new to the job, should work with Staff in the first 100 days.
It is going to be an interesting 100 days. Summer in the city is not going to be cool.
The 28 minute video begins with a comment from the City Clerk on what is appropriate, in her opinion, on what can be said.
We want to point out to readers that the content of this article was lifted from Joey Coleman’s x item. Coleman appears to be upset, saying we “ripped” the content from his x article. Coleman took the words from Hassaan Basit’s book which wasn’t something Coleman wrote. Coleman gets credit for covering Hamilton like a blanket. Does an ego have to get in the way of his solid work?
Hassaan Basit, Burlington’s newly minted City Manager wrote a chapter in The Role of Canadian City Managers, edited by Michael Fenn, a former Burlington City Manager.
City Manager Hassaan Basit one 20 authors writing about serving as a City Manager.
Basit and co-author Patrick Moyle, who was an interim Burlington City Manager, write that the first 100 days are when a new city manager reveals their plans, personality, and management style, all of which will answer questions about how they will lead as the city’s top public employee.
“It will be a time when first impressions take on considerable importance as council and staff assess what they really have in their new leader.”
The new city manager must “present the most positive impression possible based on a thoughtful plan” during this time.
Don’t Make Sudden Moves During the First 100 Days – Wait a Few Months
Basit and Moyle write new city managers should not implement significant reorganizations of municipal administration.
“The biggest mistake and the most sudden move that some new [city managers] make is to implement the dreaded reorganization without taking the time to understand relationships and dependencies within and across departments.”
City Manager Hassaan Basit starting his networking attends an event with City Councillors and Minister of Municipal Affairs. Basit is second from the right.
“To be clear, changes to structure and the people within that structure might need to occur, but you must do this correctly and prudently. The first three to six months is simply not sufficient time to understand the culture,”
They cite other books that show the “gunslinger” approach to change management does not work in municipal government.
Successful city managers know “how to manage change successfully by understanding and respecting the local culture and by thinking rationally and deliberately. They were not prone to making sudden moves.”
Build Networks and Relationships
“The first 100 days should involve the building of three networks, two external and one internal to the organization.”
They state new city managers should seek out more experienced city managers in other municipalities for advice, they should create relationships with “community leaders, such as successful business people in the community, academics, and leaders from the not-for-profit sector, including organized community groups.”
New managers should be in the community, meet with major employers, and avoid becoming trapped inside a City Hall bubble.
They need to meet front-line municipal staff.
“It is imperative that, during the first 100 days, you, as the new CAO, get out of your corner office and meet the employees who deliver the services. The interface between the taxpayer and the municipality is not the CAO, but the civic employee who collects the taxes at the counter, issues the building permit, works in the local arena, ploughs and maintains the roads, drives the transit bus, and so on.”
Be Visible
There is much mystery, uncertainty, and drama during the first 100 days, said Basit. Don’t expect to see him in his office.
“There is much mystery, uncertainty, and drama during the first 100 days, so be visible. If you remain bunkered down in your office or get pulled into the vortex of meetings and processes, the potential for angst and uncertainty increases proportionally to the time spent in your well appointed office. If you are invisible, your persona and personal brand might be developed and defined by others.”
They suggest new managers visit outside facilities “especially those that have been identified in the capital budget forecast” to learn about municipal operations and hear from front-line staff. This will improve decision making.
Find Quick Wins
“There will be an expectation that the new leader will bring positive change and strive to improve the organization. Early wins, therefore, will help solidify your reputation, confirm that council made the right choice, and demonstrate to staff how you go about making decisions.”
Evaluate Existing Senior Leadership
In keeping with their opening advice to not make significant changes during the first six months as city manager, Basit and Moyle describe the first 100 days as “an opportunity to assess the senior leaders” both formally and informally.
New city managers need to determine the state of municipal leadership – is it functioning well or dysfunctional?
By the end of the first 100 days, a city manager “should be able to form a picture of the strengths and weaknesses” of senior leadership.
Relationships
Basit and Moyle close their chapter with this paragraph:
“The first several months will set the stage for the balance of time you work for the community. A successful first impression can lead to a lasting and positive effect if you have an entry plan, together with the energy and commitment to lead your staff and be of service to council and the community.”
It will be interesting to see how closely Basit follows his own script.
By Staff
Community Development Halton (CDH) is a non-profit organization committed to building a society in which diversity, equity, and social and economic justice are central to all aspects of our lives. CDH is made up of two pillar services: Social Planning and Research and Volunteer Halton.
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