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Police Investigating Body Found in Lake Ontario in Burlington

Crime 100 By Staff

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.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the 3 District Staff Sergeant at 905-825-4777 ext 2310.

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.

Council getting a look at a lot of bad financial news - they have to depend on what the federal government is going to come through with

By Pepper Parr

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.

Metrolinx updates public on what they are dong to keep the GO trains safe from a health perspective

By Pepper Parr

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.

Region releases data on where Covid infections are highest - Orchard wins that prize for Burlington

By Staff

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.
Acton (Ac) 5.7
Aldershot (Al) 7.6
Central Burlington (CB) 5.9
Central East Burlington (CEB) 6.5
Central West Burlington (CWB) 3.6
East Milton (EM) 15.6
Escarpment (E) 12
Glen Abbey (GA) 11.4
Lower East Milton (LEM) 17.2
North Bronte Oakville (NBO) 11.2
North Burlington (NB) 4.8
North Central Oakville (NCO) 24.0
North East Oakville (NEO) 9.7
North Georgetown (NG) 14.1
River Oaks (RO) 8.2
Rural North Halton (RNH) 11.6
South Central Burlington (SCB) 6.3
South Central Milton (SCM) 15.0
South Central Oakville (SCO) 12.7
South East Burlington (SEB) 8.4
South East Oakville (SEO) 8.9
South Georgetown (SG) 11.3
South West Oakville (SWO) 10.3
The Orchard (TO) 9.8
Upper East Milton (UEM) 11.2
Upper Glen Abbey (UGA) 17.8
West Milton (WM) 25.7

Planners wanted $1 million +; developer thought he could slide by for $9,000 - a majority went for the developer.

News 100 blue By Pepper Parr

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.

Biggest high rise development in city history: seven towers up to 37 stories - no public input

By Pepper Parr

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 interestng; does she meet with just developers and are there any detailed minutes?

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.

Acess may be a little slower while we upgrade the web site

By Pepper Parr

June 9th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

Service and maintenance work along with upgrades and the installation of a stronger firewall are being installed on the Gazette website.

We are currently working from a back up site.

Access may be limited for short periods of time.

Comments are currently not permitted.

Halton Mayors write the Premier: Make us a stage two Region

By Staff

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.

For those laid off - money for food isn't what it used to be. Help if you can

By Staff

June 9th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

The poster says it all.

If you can – please do.

The poster says it all

A wag said to me last week - 'would you like to hear what I think about City Council ?' This was a reliable source. Listen in

By Pepper Parr

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.
One of them gave us their view at what we were getting from our politicians. These are the views of people other than Gazette staff.

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.

Public art to get some funding - at a time when money might get a little tight

By Pepper Parr

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

Resiliency and mental health - subject of an online workshop June 18th

By Staff

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.

Drug trafficking investigation results in five arrests - all released on bail

By Staff

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)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking- Methamphetamine
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking- MDMA
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking- Oxycodone
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking- Psilocybin
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking- Fentanyl
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Darcy TAYLOR (30 years old from Burlington)

• Possession of a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl
• Breach Form of Release

Shad ATKIN (32 years old from Hamilton)

• Possession of a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Breach Release Order

Anita MARTINEZ (48 years old from Burlington)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine

Marc VINCENT (45 years old from Burlington)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine
• Possession of a Controlled Substance- Oxycodone
• Possession of a Controlled Substance- Psilocybin

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:

• 69 grams of methamphetamine
• 70 oxycodone pills
• 7 grams of MDMA
• 21 grams Psilocybin
• 180 Milliliters GHB
• 16.3 grams Fentanyl
• Five cellular phones
• Four digital scales
• $580 Canadian currency
• Replica Uzi Machine Gun
• Stolen TREK Mountain bike
$9,350 worth of drugs was seized as a result of the search warrants.

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.

Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Solidarity marchers turn out in the thousands supporting the Black Community

By Pepper Parr

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?

Testing is getting better - the charities are going to bleed for some time.

News 100 blue By Staff

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.

Solidarity March to take place this afternoon along New Street.

By Staff

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

Rivers drops the hammer on Alberta Premier Jason Kenney

By Ray Rivers

June 4th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

It’s not the first time that America has come to this point over race relations. Meanwhile Canadians are embroiled in a debate about whether there is systemic racism in this country, and asking why we still haven’t done anything about the legacy of missing and murdered indigenous women. Still the sudden prominence of racial issues almost provides a relief from COVID 19 crisis, allowing the the news media to change the channel.

The lessons to be learned from SARS was lost

It has been about six months since we first heard about this novel coronavirus. We understand it most likely originated from an exotic animal in one of those disgusting wet markets in the heart of the Chinese city of Wuhan. Apparently we don’t learn from history so are having to relive the SARS epidemic of only a few years ago. Except that COVID 19 is far deadlier and more contagious, so perhaps we’ll get the message this time.

Six months in, and beyond the sickness and death and the economic collapse, we are witnessing changes in the mental health of our society.

The extent of protests over the George Floyd killing is perhaps a manifestation of people living on the edge, angry about all the sickness and death, out of work, tired of the isolation, and asking why.

Ray Rivers in his latest mask: He jabbered and jabbered until his message began to be heard.

Even mild mannered columnists, like me, are finding it harder to stay positive in light of all the bungling and betrayal by our federal and provincial governments.

The US is a basket case, but many other nations have safeguarded their population from the disease much better than Canada has. Some didn’t even have to lock down their economies and others are almost back to normal now.

One columnist recently complained that Mr. Ford has mismanaged the lockdown, squandering the effort without significantly lowering the infection rate. Others have contrasted how B.C., after an early long term care (LTC) home outbreak, mobilized to effectively protect its seniors, while Ontario dragged its feet while all those seniors died. And, of course, eliminating annual inspections of Ontario LTC homes didn’t help.

But it is the feds who got us here in the first place. Primarily concerned about the political optics of restricting travellers from China, they refused to close the borders until we had established our own homegrown contagion. And then the chief medical officer of health instructed Canadians not to wear protective face masks – something which might have saved thousands of lives.

Wash your hands at least eight times a day.

Research shows that physical distancing and being outdoors are the safest ways to interact with others. Research has also cast doubt on whether the virus is actually spread from contacting surfaces, and thus the high priority given to hand washing. Though hand washing is always a good idea – epidemic or not.

But since the virus is spread primarily from our mouths and noses, being in close quarters without face protection is a front seat to the virus. Seniors’ homes, hospitals, prisons, meat processing and other industrial facilities, grocery stores and schools head the list of dangerous places.

Face masks are now mandatory in over 50 countries globally. Had nursing homes insisted that guests and staff wear masks, much of the carnage could likely have been avoided. As it is, the elderly in these close-contact places have accounted for the bulk of this country’s fatalities – victims through no fault of their own.

And so it is upsetting to hear, Jason Kenney, the noisy premier from Alberta rant about why he thinks his province’s economy should be fully opened up. According to his numbers the average age of death for all people in his province is 82 and of those dying from COVID is 83. So bring it on!

There were casualties among younger folks at the Cargill meat plant and from those working the oil patch as well. But I guess those lives don’t count anymore than those parents and grandparents who might otherwise live into their nineties? Somehow it is strange to hear Mr. Kenny bang on about the immorality of a woman’s right to choose, but promote letting old folks die prematurely from COVID.

Jason Kenny: It was a grossly irresponsible comment and demonstrates a willful misuse of statistics.

It was a grossly irresponsible comment and demonstrates a willful misuse of statistics. But that’s Mr. Kenny, and that perhaps reflects why his personal polling is near the bottom compared to the other premiers.

Renewed emphasis on racism in North America has moved the needle away from sexism and the Me Too movement, at least for now. But there is another ‘ism’ that also needs public attention. You may not see swaths of senior citizens brandishing their placards on the streets and setting police cars on fire – something they might have done in their youth. But they are still the victims of ageism, at least in Alberta.

It is said that the true measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members – in this case our elderly. At least we know where Mr Kenny stands. He has shown his hand… and it isn’t pretty.

Ray Rivers writes regularly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers

Background links

Six Months – Squandered Time – Canada Bungles –

Early Action – Mandatory Face Masks – Doctors on Masks –

More Masks – Not Just Alberta Seniors – Kenny – Mental Health –

40% of Food Bank hampers go to families with children.

By Staff

June 3rd, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

Who gets the food handed out Monday to Friday by the Burlington Food Bank?

The demographics look like this: 40% of the clients they serve are families with kids. The food they supply to families; about two weeks supply includes snacks with juice for school aged kids

Robin Executive Director of the Burlington Food Bank doing one of his regular, and short You Tube broadcasts.

Robin Bailey, who does a podcast a couple of times a week, points out that “students need to eat economically, people have just been so impacted by this pandemic. It’s really important for people to be able to meet their basic necessities and one of the ways they can do that is by accessing community support through us. We are continuing on with our safe home delivery distribution model. Don’t go into debt for your food. Let us help.”

The Food Bank is a not for profit organization that gets food from a wide assortment of organizations that are both local and provincial. Milk producers supply dozens of cartons of milk that is kept fresh.

A number of organizations hold food drives.

Different groups donate funds.

Just some of the volunteers who make the Food Bank work.

The day to day work is done by volunteers who sort food as it comes in and then pack it into hampers for delivery.

Food hampers include cloth masks that are made by volunteers who cut the cloth, sew the pieces together and distribute them to different groups, including the Food Bank.

The model created by the Food Bank is a direct delivery. They take orders by phone. When Food is being delivered the drivers calls the household when they are outside the door the drivers call and someone from the household comes out to pick it up.

Covid19 safety procedures are paramount; everyone is masked.

If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at the door. If you live in Burlington, we are here to help.

Inconvenience while eastern part of New Street is resurfaced - possible internet disruption.

By Pepper Parr

June 3rd,2020

BURLINGTON, ON

More grief in store of those who depend on or live near New Street.

The final phase of the renewal of the street – from Walkers Line to Burloak where resurfacing is to be completed.

The City of Burlington is making improvements to New Street as well as Shane Court, Patrick Place and Bower Court.
The work to be done is extensive. All the details are set out below.

New Street west of Walkers Line was done more than a year ago.

The biggest concern for many might be the disruption to home internet or telephone service which may occur. The city is aware of the heightened concern with respect to families who are working from home and has raised this concern with utility companies and their need to react quickly to disabled services. Our goal is to have affected internet connections repaired by the utility companies within 24hrs of an issue occurring. The contractor typically contacts the utility company, however if you lose service, please feel free to contact us.

The City of Burlington and Halton Region are working with the contractors to make sure this work is done in a safe and timely way.

This construction site is managed by Associated Paving Ltd (APL). It is APL’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures that will govern the job site. City of Burlington staff, Halton Region staff and all other consultants that go to the project site will follow APL’s policies for onsite health and safety.

Project Contacts
Inquiry/Concern Contact Contact/Road construction inquiries
Jason Forde
Construction Inspector
905-220-6682
jason.forde@burlington.ca

All other inquiries

Marc Daffre
Contract Administrator
289-208-2606
marc.daffre@burlington.ca

June 2020 Project Scope
New Street – Walkers Line to Burloak Drive

• Resurfacing
• Base repairs as required
• Curb and sidewalk repairs as required
• Bus stop landing pad improvements
• Minor drainage improvements
• Pavement markings
New Street at Walkers Line (in addition to the above noted works)
• Pedestrian accessibility improvements
• Remove traffic island north east corner
• Renew traffic signal
New Street at Longmoor (in addition to the above noted works)
• Widen Longmoor Drive to accommodate right turn lane
• Pedestrian accessibility improvements
• Minor traffic signal improvements
New Street at Belvenia Road (in addition to the above noted works)
• Pedestrian accessibility improvements
• Minor traffic signal improvements
New Street at Shoreacres Road (in addition to the above noted works)
• Pedestrian accessibility improvements
• Minor traffic signal improvements
New Street at Appleby Line (in addition to the above noted works)
• Full depth asphalt replacement
• Pedestrian accessibility improvements
• Minor traffic signal improvements
New Street at Timber Lane (in addition to the above noted works)
• Pedestrian accessibility improvements
• Minor traffic signal improvements
New Street at Adams Street (in addition to the above noted works)
• Pedestrian accessibility improvements
• Minor traffic signal improvements
New Street west of Wedgewood Drive (in addition to the above noted works)
• New Street widening to extend centre turn lane
New Street at Hampton Heath Boulevard (in addition to the above noted works)
• New Street widening to create centre turn lane
• Pedestrian accessibility improvements
• Minor traffic signal improvements
New Street at Amanda Crescent (in addition to the above noted works)
• New Street widening to create centre turn lane
New Street at Burloak Drive (in addition to the above noted works)
• Pedestrian accessibility improvements
Shane Court
• Full depth asphalt replacement
• Curb repairs as required
• Minor drainage improvements
Patrick Place and Bower Court
• Asphalt resurfacing
• Curb repairs as required
• Minor drainage improvements

Project Schedule and Temporary Lane Restrictions
Construction Start: May 2020
Construction Completion: November 2020
New Street works including the road widenings, curb and sidewalk repairs as well traffic signal improvements will be completed weekdays during daytime hours. The removal and replacement of the asphalt surface on New Street will be completed at night.

Work on Shane Court, Patrick Place and Bower Court will be completed weekdays during daytime hours.

The roadworks will progress from east to west over the project duration.

Traffic signal work will be completed in advance of the roadworks.

Single lane restrictions will be in place in the area of the active work.

Sidewalks will be closed where work is being undertaken.

Access to Businesses
Vehicle access to and from businesses will be maintained. Where a business has two driveways, one may be closed temporarily when work is being carried out in the immediate area.

Access to Your Residence
Vehicle access to and from your residence may be affected during normal construction hours, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Driveways will be temporarily closed when work is being carried out in the immediate area.

Burlington Transit
This project will include upgrading most of the bus stops between Walkers Line and Burloak Drive.
During the construction, Routes 4, 10 and 25 will be impacted with possible delays and stops may be temporarily inaccessible or moved. Signage will be installed at all affected bus stops.

Lawn Irrigation System
If you have a lawn irrigation system where a curb and sidewalk are to be replaced, please disconnect and remove any sprinkler heads within the City’s road allowance. Please flag all other irrigation heads.

Vibration
You may experience some minor vibration in your home during construction. We recommend you remove small, light objects from shelving in your house.

Waste Collection
Please continue to put your garbage and recycling out on the usual day. It is the contractor’s responsibility to move your bags and containers to a location that can be reached by the waste collection vehicles and return your containers. To help the contractor, please mark your house numbers on your garbage cans and recycling bins.

For more information, please contact:
Bob Jurk, C.E.T.
Senior Project Manager, Design and Construction
Capital Works Department
905-335-7600, ext. 7682
bob.jurk@burlington.ca

Local artists given an opportunity to show their work nationally,

By Staff

June 2nd, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

Date moved to June 20th

There is an organization that wants to register 10,000 Canadian artists for an event that will supports 10 different verticals within the arts community – film, fashion, music, visual art, performing art, beauty, accessories, photography, craft and technology. There is no charge for artists to participate.

The National Arts Drive, a three-hour community experience on Saturday, June 20, 2020, 4 – 7pm, spanning throughout Canada, United States and Mexico. Local artists will showcase their work while respecting social distancing – from windows, balconies, driveways, front lawns, workspaces, or appropriate commercial spaces.
Community neighbours and supporters are invited to visit participating local artists, performers, musicians and designers living in their community from a safe distance.

Described as an engaging and exciting opportunity for artists and art lovers its being sponsored by RAW Artists Canada who have teamed up with Artfest Ontario to bring the National Arts Drive to Ontario Communities.

Highlights:
• Free to participate
• Easy to sign up
• Open to all art disciplines and arts supporters
• A driving tour taking place in communities across Canada
• Saturday June 6 from 4-7pm

Collingwood resident Michelle Bylow is leading the charge in bringing the drive to Canada.

“We are using all the resources available to continue our mandate of supporting and empowering artists,” said Bylow, executive director of RAW Artists Canada. “The drive will give artists visibility and financial support from their communities. 100 per cent of the proceeds go to the artists”.

Thousands of artists and art lovers are signing up.

The driving tour will be paired with a mobile website designed and built by RAW Artists. Art showcases will be identified on a map within the app, enabling drivers to plan their routes.

Using the site, visitors can support artists by liking, following and/or sharing artists’ work via social media, tipping artists through a touch free pay app (i.e. Venmo, PayPal), and/or making future purchases from the artists online. All donations go directly to the artists.

For more information on CLICK HERE

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