By Staff
June 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
We are pretty certain that Don Smith was not really offering curb side pick up – the sign could perhaps have been revised.
Sign outside the Smith Funeral Home on Brant Street
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June 13th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
The Black Lives didn’t seem to matter all that much on a nice sunny Saturday afternoon when they had announced that they were going to protest what they saw as unacceptable social behavior to the Black community.  Civic Square was barren – not a protester in sight. This battle between Kelly’s Bake Shop and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement had been boiling for a bit – taking up all kinds of oxygen on social media sites. A protest demonstration had been promoted for Saturday afternoon at 4:00 pm Kelly’s public relations people said they understood the protest event was not going to take place – saying that information came from the police.  Police cruiser parked across the street from city hall.  Police cruiser with camera mounted to allow for 360 crowd capture. The police didn’t give out any information but they did plan to have a presence at whatever event took place. Two cruisers were parked adjacent to city hall and another was driving around the area. Turns out no one showed up – and no one said that no one would be showing up.  Sign on the Kelly’s Bake Shop front door: No cup cakes – not even take out for the BLM crowd Kelly Childs wasn’t at all sure there wasn’t going to be a crowd – she closed up shop at 2:00 pm. Much ado about nothing – but there is an issue here that does need to be fully addressed. Related news stories: Black Lives Matter hold march – 5000 take part BLM announce a protest event at Civic Square Kelly’s Bake Shop PR firms says it wont take place
June 13th, 2020 – 1:34 pm BURLINGTON, ON
We received the following about half an hour ago: This is Emily Ward on behalf of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe. The team has read your article and would have liked the opportunity to contribute to the conversation.
As a journalist, I would implore you to seek both sides of the story in an unbiased manner as spreading misconceptions doesn’t help the movement or positive change, which Kelly’s Bake Shoppe is committed to. Please let me know if you would like to schedule a follow up interview to provide your readers with more information about the recent events. We took a pass on the opportunity to talk to the public relations representative. In the past we have experienced either significant spin around a story we were following up on or were given much less than the truth. We did check in with the Burlington division of the Halton Regional Police where Sgt Bishop advised us that they were aware of the event, which they expect to be peaceful – but they will have police officers in the area. I asked if the police had cancelled the event. Sgt Bishop say “that is not within our purview”. Related news story:
June 11th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
This was just not Kelly Childs week and it doesn’t look as if it is going to get any better. A couple of days of serious critical comment on how the Kelly’s Bake Shop reacted to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement that exists in Burlington and the demonstration they held recently has resulted in a demonstration in Civic Square on Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm
Pretty ugly
Try as she might, it doesn’t appear that Ms Childs has been able to come up with a response that will satisfy the BLM people
June 12th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police service is investigating the discovery of a body in Lake Ontario, in the area of Burloak Waterfront Park (Burlington). Police presence in the area can be expected as the investigation is ongoing. There is no risk to public safety.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
June 11th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
It has been a tough week for members of Council. They have been dealing with normal day to day business; looking at some fascinating tools related to win and shadow studies and trying to get a handle on just what the lock down is doing to the local economy. Burlington Hydro reported on how much of a financial hit they have taken. Their numbers are not that bad – and they have only cut off service to one location for non-payment. The Tourism people talked about the vacancy rates.  The data was obtained from a screen shot of material that was shown to members of council who were meeting in a virtual session. And the finance people are looking at where we are likely to be financially when this is all over – and at the same time casting an eye on what the 2021 budget might look like.  This graph sets out the revenue lost from the shut down of programs and fees tat were not paid  This graph shows what the city has done to offset as much of the revenue loss as possible. Director of Finance Joan Ford produced two graphs that set out what the financial picture looks like. The biggest financial draw has been for transit where there is no revenue and a lot of expense.
Neither mall has paid their taxes – the city is expecting them to be caught up by the end of June.
June 11th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
At some point people will begin going back to work. Will they drive? That will plug the roads and highways. Will they take transit? Would you? The risk is certainly there. Metrolinx has published a video on what they are doing to make the GO train service safe and clean enough to ride.
June 11th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Region released data on where Covid19 infections are located by neighbourhood. Number of infections per 100,000 population. Data is based on the 2016 census.
June 10th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
It was an arm-wrestling contest worth watching – except you couldn’t see the contestants. With city council meetings now viral – we don’t get to see the players – we can hear them though. Yesterday, Dana Anderson, of MHBS, a planning consulting firm, was before council delegating for an extension to the development application the Emshie interests had before the city.  The original plan of sub-division for what has been named Garden Trails looked something like this. Conservation Halton had some issues. The problem with the application is that it came out of an Ontario Municipal Board hearing in 1958 when Tony Millington and Associates was representing the Emshie people. It had languished for years – with as much as five years passing with nothing being done. The city planners had issued a number of extensions – they felt the one had reached the end of the line. They asked council to force Emshih to file a new application, partly because all the technical reports would have to be updated. In the Staff Report planners concluded that: Staff must confirm that the draft approved lot configuration is able to achieve compliance with the current policies. Given this uncertainty, it is not appropriate to grant an extension request for the draft approved plans. Staff are of the opinion that the current proposal should be reviewed against current policies, regulations and standards as part of a new application. The policy framework has changed substantially since draft plan approval in 2001, and given the ecological significance of the lands, it is important that current standards and regulations are considered and maintained. It is not appropriate to assess the proposal using outdated policy framework given that the applicant has not actively been working toward clearing conditions. In the opinion of staff, these requirements are not minor and should not be considered as part of an extension request; but rather, be more appropriately comprehensively reviewed as part of a new plan of subdivision application.  Dana Anderson – MBHS The problem was that – creating a new development application file carried fees that approach 1 million dollars – whereas staying with the current application the fees would come in at around $12,000. You can see what the issue was – Council spent more than half an hour debating that one with the Mayor saying that if the planners have to do the same amount of work on the extension as they would have to do on a new file – then she wanted them to be paid for the work they were going to have to do. Councillors Stolte and Nisan agreed with the Mayor but the other four felt that Emshie should be give some time to do what they could to get the issues resolved. Councillors Galbraith, Kearns, Sharman and Bentivegna voted for an extension to not later than December 31st. The planners left the meeting feeling they were being taken – the city manager wasn’t happy. When this gets to a Council meeting one of the four who voted for the extension might flip. While discussing the fees involved we learned that the city take a bundle, the Conservation Authority takes a bundle and the Region takes a bundle – then they all take an additional fee per house built.
June 10th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
There is a massive development planned for Fairview Street – just east of the Burlington GO station. It is the biggest development ward 2 has seen – the only development bigger is the Georgian Courts in Aldershot. In that situation it is the complete redevelopment of an existing community.  Seven buildings – not that much in park space and a layout that reflects what developers put up in the 50’s
The former Holland Nursery lands are now known as the Holland Park development, a tribute to the garden supplier that was on the site for years. It is on the North side of Fairview. The lands are owned by a joint venture announced in June 2019. Brookfield Property Group joined a partnership with InterRent REIT and CLV Group to develop a multi-family-anchored, mixed-use project. Because the development meets the current Official Plan and the zoning for the area it doesn’t have to go before City Council. It does have to undergo a Site Plan Review – that process is managed by the Planning department and they aren’t required to hold public meetings. In an interview in March with ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns we commented on the heights that will be permitted and the density. We asked at the time why the development wasn’t on the list of properties being developed. Kearns told us that it met wit the Official Plan and the Zoning – all the city had to do was review the Site Plan and that was not a public process. There is no maximum height for buildings on the site – the sky is the limit. Kearns said that her “own platform position was to work towards a collaborative relationship.” In her discussions with one of the partners, the CLV Group; known apartment operators in the city Kearns said there was mention of a possible curling rink. We asked Kearns if she had any concerns about the 47 storey height the developer had asked for. Kearns replied “Over my dead body”. Due to the size of the development and the impact it will have on that part of the city the public will want to have the opportunity to make some comment. At this point public input has come from the ward Councillor and people she has chosen to involve. Kearns has not identified those people. The review of the site plan is in the hands of the Planning department where a senior planner manages the file However, there is a process where Council can undelegated the authority the Planning department has to proceed with the Site Plan Review. They just pass a motion undelegating the Site Plan review – which means that Review is overseen by Council. Kearns hasn’t made any mention of getting this site Plan Approval put in the hands of Council where citizens can look at what is being proposed and delegate to comment on the plans The Gazette asked the Planning Director Heather MacDonald how this might be done. Jamie Tellier, Manager of Planning Applications, responded through Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director, Corporate Communications & Government Relations who wrote: “The approval authority for site plan applications is delegated to the Director of Community Planning. Notwithstanding this, Council can “undelegate” the approval authority for a specific site plan application from the Director of Community Planning back to Council.” The Gazette was not permitted to talk to Tellier directly. In a recent Newsletter ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns said: “Many residents are taking a keen interest in the lands for development near the Burlington GO – casually known as ‘Holland Park’. ”  The site is a very short walk to the Burlington GO station and the location many felt high rise should be located in. Did anyone expect this many buildings on a site this size? “The owners have been working with City staff to develop the plan over the past 2 years. Meetings included Planning pre-consultation, Burlington Urban Design Review Panel, public site walking tour and several other informal meetings with various City of Burlington departments. “My Councillor Office has met with the applicants in 2019 and 2020, as captured in the Ward 2 Business Meeting Registry.  The Councillors meetings are interesting; does she meet with just developers and are there any detailed minutes? “There is a proposed phased mixed-use development consisting of 7 towers with heights ranging from 29-37 storeys. Towers will include a combination of residential and commercial uses. Parking will be accommodated both underground and at the rear of the property in a parking structure utilizing the required 30 metre setback from the rail.  Kearns listening “The site is an 8.5-acre parcel located east from the Brant and Fairview main intersection – within 250 and 500 metres of the Burlington GO Station (3-5-minute walk), which is recognized under provincial policy as a Priority Transit Corridor and a Gateway Mobility Hub. “The proposal features a public realm experience that includes a linear park located on top of the parking structure, Public Park, focal intersection at the heart of the site and POPS (privately owned public space). “This site is zoned MXT in the City’s existing zoning bylaw, which is a Mixed Use Corridor zone in proximity to the Burlington GO Station. The MXT zone does not have an established maximum height in the existing zoning bylaw. This application will be reviewed in accordance with the City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendment 2020.418 that resulted from the findings of the 2019 Interim Control Bylaw Land Use Study and which was approved by Council on Jan. 30, 2020. “Zoning By-law Amendment 2020.418 requires a maximum building height of six storeys within the first 10 metres of Fairview Street and Drury Lane to ensure that future development will achieve an appropriate transition to adjacent areas through a mid-rise, pedestrian-scale built form along these streets.  Councillor Kearns at one of her ward meetings. “However, this Zoning Bylaw amendment is currently under appeal and therefore the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) is still in effect. As a result, no approvals will be granted until the appeals have been resolved and the ICBL is no longer in effect. Kearns adds: “ This is one of the rare sites in the City of Burlington where the applicant intends to comply with the Zoning By-law, the site is zoned MXT. This means that a development application proceeds straight to Site Plan – which it now has – and does not follow the process many are familiar with. In contrast, when a Zoning By-law Amendment is requested, the proponent will go through community meetings, a statutory public meeting, and receive a planning recommendation report for Council to vote on. None of these steps are required for applications that are in compliance with the regulations of the Zoning By-law – as is the case for the lands known as “Holland Park”. “For the property including 2243, 2269 Fairview Street & 864 Drury Lane, a subject Site Plan Application was deemed complete and materials have been circulated internal and external review. “Currently in the review phase, this file has not come to the Councillors office for comments as of yet, nor is there an established timeline to announce, including what the impacts of the ICBL on the site’s zoning. “Residents have inquired why this development is not available for public review on the City of Burlington website Current Developments – Ward 2. This is because, unlike a Zoning By-law Amendment and/or Official Plan Amendment, Site Plan Applications are not a public process under the Planning Act.” But the Site Plan Review can be made public – if the Councillor asks her colleagues to approve a motion to undelegated that work and put it in the hands of Council where the public can be included. “As Councillor, I know how important it is to keep the community informed and engaged on such a significant development” said Kearns. “I intend to continue a collaborative approach on this development and bring options to create a complete community with useful the facts amenities on an established transit line. In all likelihood, this will be a size and scale unseen in Burlington, potentially bringing with it anxiety and unrest; without doubt there will be lessons learned to apply to future applications.  Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns at a council meeting “I continue to work with City Staff on new ways to provide the public with technical information and timely progress updates. It is important to be clear that the applicant is working within the existing zoning (set by previous Council) and that decisions on height and density will not come before this Council to grant planning permissions. That said, I remain optimistic and diligent that this development can be done right.” It could be done very right if the Councillor includes all the public and not just her chosen few.
June 9th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
We are currently working from a back up site. Access may be limited for short periods of time. Comments are currently not permitted.
June 9th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Today, Halton’s Regional Chair along with the Mayors of Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville sent a letter to the Ontario Premier outlining how the Halton community has, in fact, met the criteria set by the province to move Stage 2. Halton region does not have the same issues as other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area and Greater Golden Horseshoe, and given this should be allowed to move to Stage 2. In the letter, the Halton Municipalities detailed how the community has met the Provincial criteria. As of June 8: • Halton has 745 confirmed cases and 91 active cases of COVID-19; • no known institutional outbreaks; • Halton’s COVID-19 case numbers make up a small fraction of the total provincial cases; • local hospitals are sustaining adequate capacity; • 90 per cent of new COVID-19 contacts are being reached by Halton Region Public Health within one day; and • strong adherence to physical distancing and public health measures within our community. “Halton Region is appreciative of the Provincial Government’s leadership in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 and partnerships with all levels of government continue to be important” said the letter, adding that “As the focus turns to recovery both locally and across Ontario, the Halton Municipalities will continue to protect residents from COVID-19 and support our local economy.  Burlington wants a Stage 2 designation. “The Halton Municipalities strongly urge the province to reconsider allowing Halton Region to transition to Stage 2 of the reopening.” All Mayor Meed Ward had to do was add that Burlington is the best city in the country to live in and that should get us something. Other than that all the phrase does is take up space on media releases and perhaps business cards.
June 9th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
The poster says it all. If you can – please do.  The poster says it all
June 8th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
We have a city Council that is approaching the half way mark of the term. It has been a roller coaster of a ride so far. From firing the city manager on basically their first day on the job to having to deal with a totally different form of doing their jobs – locked down in the homes and doing everything via Zoom while the City Manager runs the city with in a way he didn’t think he would be doing when he signed on.  City Council meeting – before COVID Five of the seven had absolutely no civic government experience; they were flying close to blind with nothing but their aspirations to guide them. Every one of the five have learned that this was not a simple gig. All have never worked harder in their lives. Some may decide this isn’t the business for them – and for some this isn’t the business for them. There are people who live and breathe what goes on at city hall. We refer to then as “local wags” people who have their ear to the ground. And no – we are not going to identify the wag. This person has been a very useful source of information. Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith – wants Aldershot to secede from the city so he can become Mayor of Aldershot. Could be – you never know. Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns – wants to be Mayor at some future date. Don’t put any real money on that every happening. Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan – wants to serve as the Mayors Lieutenant. Isn’t he already doing just that? Ward 4 Shawna Stolte – not bad for a former social worker. Tough on the spending side. Ward 5 Paul Sharman – the moment he thinks the Mayor is about to slip on a banana peel he will be at city hall filing nomination papers for the Office of Mayor. Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna – he is better than the person he replaced but not by that much. Has serious difficulty fully understanding the issue in reports. Mayor Meed Ward – she leads a council but that council doesn’t work as a team under this Mayor. And this is a Council that wants to be led in a collegial fashion.
June 8th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Despite some tough financial days ahead the public art program is continuing its annual Local Artist Program this year. The program commissions local artists to create a variety of small to medium scale artworks throughout the community. The City is inviting local artists to submit their design ideas that will be installed on traffic control signal boxes throughout the city later this year. Councillor Sharma n talking to Angela Paparazzo at an arts event.  Councillor Sharma n speaking to Angela Paparazzo Artists are encouraged to submit artwork that focuses on inspiring and uplifting the community during these challenging times. This artwork will form an urban art gallery that can be experienced by residents while still practicing appropriate social distancing. Artists wishing to apply to this project can get help to prepare their application and learn how to transfer their artwork/designs into a digital format. These educational opportunities will be offered via videoconference and email to make sure appropriate social distancing is practiced. For deadlines and more information on how to get application help and/or apply, please visit www.burlington.ca/publicart.  Timeline
June 6th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Resiliency and mental health can determine how well individuals overcome the stresses and uncertainty of any situation.  Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe They are two very important aspects connected to a pandemic and how we cope with the social isolation and major disruption to the way we live our lives. Burlington residents are invited to attend an educational online talk from Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe There is no cost but participation is limited to the first 500 participants. To register, please email getinvolved@burlington.ca by Tuesday, June 16 at 4 p.m. Participants will be emailed the Zoom Meeting link on June 17. The events in these first few months of 2020 have been an incredible test of our resilience. Our existence has been stripped down to the essentials. We are in a global fight to protect and manage our health. This global crisis will change the world forever, and each of us will inevitably be transformed by the experience. This pandemic will be taught in future history classes! As with all seasons and events of challenge, how we respond is crucial. In this remote learning event, Dr. Hanley-Dafoe will present her work on resiliency that includes the five core competencies from a global perspective. Dr. Hanley-Dafoe will discuss how to best navigate personal and professional resiliency in times of uncertainty through stress performance, targeted focusing and value alignment. She will also introduce the Resiliency Trajectory Model to serve as a tool for seeing resiliency in action. The information is researched informed, readily available, and is grounded in wise practices. Her aim is to facilitate knowledge mobilization that is relatable, accessible, sustainable and realistic. The information presented here may not be radical, but it is ultimately practical for the everyday resiliency we all need right now. Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe is a psychology and education instructor who specializes in resiliency, navigating stress and change, leadership, and personal wellness in the workplace. Described as transformational, engaging, and thought-provoking, Robyne’s keynotes provide practical strategies grounded in global research and case studies that help foster resiliency within others and ourselves.
June 5th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
A Burlington drug trafficking investigation that began in May, resulted in five being arrested on multiple charges. The Burlington Street Crime Unit arrested and charged the following individuals; Marcie JORDAN (39 years old from Burlington) • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking- GHB (2 counts) Darcy TAYLOR (30 years old from Burlington) • Possession of a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl Shad ATKIN (32 years old from Hamilton) • Possession of a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine Anita MARTINEZ (48 years old from Burlington) Marc VINCENT (45 years old from Burlington) On June 5th 2020, Investigators with the assistance of the Tactical Rescue Unit and K9 executed search warrants at two residences and two storage units in the City of Burlington. The following items were seized:
All parties have been released from custody pending a court appearance in Milton. Anyone with information in regards to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the 3 District Street Crime Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 2342. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca. Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
June 6th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
A reported 5000 people marched from Walkers Line to City hall last night in support of protests against the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis . He was murdered by a police officer who had pressed his knee again Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes at which point Floyd died. The last words heard from the man were ”I can’t breathe”. There were certainly issues of social distancing but the march was a typically Canadian peaceful event. The crowd in civic square was quiet and not filled with people pressed together. Half an hour after the event Civic Square was empty with not piece of garbage littering the space. Would that Spencer Smith Park and the Beachway looked as tidy at the end of a weekend.  Civic Square was basically spotless half an hour after the Solidarity March took place Thursday evening. It was more than a respectable crowd which struggled with the social distancing rule, especially those on the right hand side who were clustered far too tightly. Will we see an uptick in infections in a couple of weeks?
June 4th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
 Parking spot for those getting tested. Some of the negative and positive fall on the COVID19 front. Testing at Joseph Brant has gone up 70% since the Premier encouraged more people to get tested Test results are taking 24-48 hours to come back, on average A big question being asked, being led to a large degree by Collen Mulholland, is how charities will have to do things a lot differently in the years ahead.  This is what the Salvation Army would like to see – it may not be what will happen. The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign won’t be able to proceed as usual without retail locations they can be in front of and the handling of cash will be different – that’s a $400K campaign for them annually.  A very successful event that raised thousands for Rotary and was heavily attended. Can the event recover if they close for a year. Cancellation of Ribfest is a huge loss for Rotary fundraising. There is a need to look at innovation and flexibility in how charities fund raise – something to give thought to in future meetings. Domestic/family violence/mental health continues to be an issue – upcoming June public meeting to hear messaging around support. There are a lot of questions that have to be addressed.
June 4th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
A Solidarity March to raise awareness of anti-black racism in the community and across North America, is being held tonight, Thursday, June 4, between 5-7 p.m. in Burlington. The peaceful march will begin at Walkers Line and New Street and will end at Burlington city hall, 426 Brant St. The March in Kitchener drew thousands.  The march in Kitchener earlier this week was massive – thousands
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To begin with, to our knowledge, the protest has been removed as per the local police force. In addition, when Kelly’s Bake Shoppe heard about the protest, they reached out to the parties to set up a peaceful Q&A where voices could be heard and answers provided. This offer was not followed up on by the group to date.
The lead up to this can be understood in the back and forth on Instagram and Facebook.
Seen as a superb marketer Keely Childs may have come against an issue she cannot skate around.
Social media reaction to her reported views on the Black Lives Matter movement have been vicious.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the 3 District Staff Sergeant at 905-825-4777 ext 2310.
Service and maintenance work along with upgrades and the installation of a stronger firewall are being installed on the Gazette website.
