 By Staff
May 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
This is an unfortunate situation that could have and should have been looked into some time ago.
City Council and senior staff are working diligently to solve the problem – some comments and background at a later date.
 LaSalle Park – these boats might be stuck on the site for some time. The boat launch which was to take place on the 15th is now delayed – a new date has yet to be determined.
The delay is due to insurance renewal issues. The City is aware of the LaSalle Park Marina Association’s (LPMA) expired liability insurance and difficulties finding a replacement insurer. The City is working closely with the LPMA to find a short-term and a long-term solution to open the marina.
At the May 5 Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee meeting, City Council gave a staff direction which includes doing due diligence to identify and fully address the financial, legal, human resource and operating risk exposures to the City in order to operate the LaSalle Park Community Marina on an interim basis for the 2022 season based on a target date for opening of no later than June 15.
A key component is the interim Marina operation must be at no cost to the taxpayers of Burlington inclusive of City reserve funds. Early in this term of Council they approved taking $4 million out of the hydro reserve fund to pay for the wave break that was desperately needed.
City staff will report back to City Council on May 17, 2022 and at the June 9, 2022 Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee.
The community marina is a key feature that the City values and wants to keep open, as is evident by the $4 million investment in the floating wave break that was installed in 2020. Proper insurance is required for operation and options are being explored. The closure of the marina also means the Burlington Sailing and Boating Club and the Able Sail program cannot operate from the marina and the boat launch will remain closed.
About the LaSalle Park Community Marina
Through an agreement with the City, the marina has been has operated by the LPMA for 41 years. The City owns the wave break and the marina.
 The wave break is in place – now insurance issues will keep the boats out of the water. The Marina is in a decent location. Parking is an issue and the site could use a decent restaurant. Marina has 219 docking spaces and is protected by a new floating wave break that was installed in 2020.
The Burlington Sailing and Boating Club and the 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.
Without a solution the marina will not be able to open. As it is many of the boaters will want to look for a new location – and there aren’t many of them in the immediate area.
This could end up being a black day for a lot of people.
 Chris Glenn: Director of Parks and Recreation and Culture. Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture said during the Standing Committee earlier this week that: “The City of Burlington is committed to working with the LPMA to find a short-term and a long-term solution to keep the marina open for residents and tourists. We know the marina is a key feature for many people. We are exploring multiple options to get it open for the 2022 boating season and beyond. Until a solution is found, the marina and boat launch will remain closed and further update will be shared with the public as available.”
 By Staff
May 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Service Burlington counter that was on the main floor of city hall was moved to the second floor due to main level construction has now been closed ass of noon today.
Too much noise from the construction work.
  The city does have a heart – Service Burlington appointments booked today for marriage licenses will take place. If you have any questions, please call 905-335-7777.
A reminder that many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices.
 More information about the temporary closure to walk-in customers will be provided early next week.
City Hall Modernization Project
The construction at City Hall is happening as part of the City Hall modernization project. The project is one of 22 recommendations from the Red Tape Red Carpet Task Force report and will create a more open, customer-facing area on the first floor of City Hall.
 By Staff
May 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is about to receive a very generous donation in the way of funding for us recreation and park infrastructure amenities that will be managed by the Parks and Recreation department.
The gift to the city is from the Patrick J McNally Foundation,.
 The McNally Foundation contributed to the development of this parkette. The City of Burlington and the Patrick J McNally Foundation have worked together in recent years and have partnered on the design and construction of various recreational facilities throughout the City.
In 2018, the Foundation funded a water service and splash pad for Bolus Park as part of the KABOOM! community project. They also financed a new water service for the Francis Road community garden.
Most recently the Foundation financed the reconstruction of Valley Inn pedestrian bridge and 100 sheets of artificial ice. Both contributions support year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. The artificial ice provided a much-needed outdoor activity during the pandemic.
The Foundation has now committed to donating $1.125 million over 2022 and 2023 for the design and construction of new park amenities.
2022 Projects
Central Park
$150,000 Accessible multi-user swing This multi-user swing will accommodate mobility devices and up to four people at once. No wheelchair transfer will be required. This will be the first in Ontario.
Sweetgrass Park
$60,000 Medicine Wheel/Healing Garden To coincide with the renaming of the park, work will include a park identification sign and interpretive signage. Details and scope of this project will be determined in consultation with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
 Leighland Park
$450,000 Ball hockey/basketball combination court
Fitness equipment loop
Shade structure w/picnic tables
The park amenities included here will be added to the larger park renewal project that is currently underway.
All these additions are requests from the public but could not be accommodated within the park capital program.
2023 Projects
Lansdown Park
$400,000 Splash pad
New water service This splash pad will be a new feature to the park and designed/constructed as part of the larger park renewal.
 Port Nelson Park Port Nelson Park
$65,000 New water service
Drinking fountain with bottle filler This feature will support this lake-side park and users of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, supporting active transportation.
The Foundation’s wanted to have the work done within the next 6 to 15 months. Current staff workload and the risk of building new park amenities without associated operating budget, the approach for the current funding is to enhance already active park revitalization projects. The new park amenities will have a positive community impact and associated operating budget can be captured in the 2023 budget process.
Staff considered other parks and needs in the community but given timing and existing workloads, it was decided to focus efforts on park projects currently underway to have most opportunity for success.
Staff also considered the option to not accept the donation. However, with a willing donor and strong community interest in parks and park amenities, staff felt it was important to pursue this opportunity.
Total donation to the City is:
• $660,000 in 2022
• $465,000 in 2023
Except for the proposed work at Sweetgrass Park, all of the proposed donations will be included in the larger capital revitalization projects currently underway.
Human Resources
Additional staffing is required to operate and maintain these amenities; particularly, the expansion of assets at Leighland Park. This work will require two seasonal staff, one temp and one student, which amounts to $46,500.
Utilities
The $30,000 listed for utilities is specifically related to the splash pad at Lansdown Park to cover this service.
Labour/Materials/Purchased Services
With new assets being installed, additional costs to maintain these items through the year are required. This includes work such as required inspections, litter/debris pickup, infrastructure repairs, keeping surfaces clean/safe, grass cutting/trimming and regular annual seasonal-specific maintenance.
Source of Funding
These estimated operating impacts will be phased in over the 2023 and 2024 budgets as the associated assets are slated to be completed. The City’s multi-year budget simulation will be updated to reflect these estimated impacts.
So who was Patrick McNally and where did the money come from? That is a separate and remarkable story that you can read HERE
By Staff
May 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
With life getting back to normal you will want to know what is open and what the hours are.
The Freeman Station on Fairview has become a go to place, especially for parents with children who want to take them to places that are fun.
The display in the basement of the building, called a diorama, tells the story and the roll rail played in the city’s growth.
Parents will learn even more than the kids.
Related articles:
The model set up in the basement of Freeman Station
 By Staff
May 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The provincial election that began officially yesterday is about climate change.
Your life and the quality of the life you live in the next three to five years is going to be decided on who you elect on June 2nd.
Stop the Sprawl a group working across the province is doing there best to set out the issues and give you a chance to take part in this vital exercise. Send them your thoughts: Stop Sprawl Halton – stopsprawlhalton@gmail.com
On April 14th 2022, Bill 109, the More Homes for Everyone Act hurriedly received royal assent a scant two weeks after it was introduced. Bill 109 formalized a provision that would allow the Minister to refer Official Plan Amendments to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) if the Minister is not satisfied with the submission.
 Beausoleil, the structure on the left in this rendering was approved at the Ontario Land Tribunal level – city council was not in love with this one. This is an unacceptable shift from the long-standing process whereby provincial and municipal planning staff work collaboratively to achieve consensus on Official Plan submissions. Simply pitching submissions to an arbitrator that allows a single individual the authority to accept or deny Official Plans converts municipal planning to an adversarial process that will unnecessarily cost municipal taxpayers millions of dollars.
Official Plans and local autonomy threatened
In November 2021, Hamilton City Council voted to accommodate all expected future growth within its current urban boundaries, rather than sprawling outward onto precious farmland, woods and wetlands because the mandated market-driven housing mix CAN be accommodated.
It is unacceptable, therefore, that Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark stated in the legislature that Hamilton’s refusal to expand its urban boundaries was unacceptable to the Ford government, and that he was considering referral of the matter to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) for a decision. Hamilton’s approved plan was in compliance with all provincial policies.
In February 2022, Halton Regional Council also directed their staff to prepare an Official Plan with no urban expansion for the next 20 years, recognizing they have enough vacant land within the current urban boundary to accommodate all mandated growth to 2041. Halton also elected to delay approving its plan for accommodating growth to 2051 until the province reveals its response to the Affordable Housing Task Force Report. Halton fully intends to be compliant with Provincial legislation once the new rules are known.
Many other municipal councils are still completing their Official Plans. Will their deliberations be subject to the Minister’s whims too?
Referral to the OLT: double jeopardy for Councils and taxpayers
 The problem in the Region of Halton is the same problem Hamilton is fighting. The threat of referral to the OLT, with its significant price tag, will surely influence decision- making as councils struggle with the cost of a potential OLT court case. Councils understand that there is always the threat of going to the OLT to defend their decisions from challenges from land speculators. But they should not have the province also threatening the same challenge. What, in effect has happened is that the challenges expected from speculators will now be paid for by the people of Ontario via the Province’s intervention.
It is an affront to democracy to reject the planning decisions made by elected councils, when they have followed provincial legislation and made their decisions following due process, consistent with local priorities.
Ontario’s Stop Sprawl Coalition calls on the Province of Ontario to repeal sections of Bill 109 that deal with referrals to the OLT.
We have a climate emergency: plan for it!
 The climate has changed – the sudden floods in 2014 caused this flooding in Burlington Ontario’s Stop Sprawl Coalition supports:
• Ending exclusionary zoning to allow for gentle density in existing neighbourhoods
• Growth through sustainable, more efficient use of land
• Ending sprawl as a means of accommodating new population
• Designing complete, walkable, transit-supportive mixed-use communities
• Saving farming, not just farmland
• Rethinking employment areas for efficiency of land use
• Protection of natural assets, including watersheds, water sources, sensitive lands and biodiversity
• Broad community consultation including Indigenous voices
The Places to Grow Act (PGA) was introduced in the Province of Ontario in 2005. This provincial legislation provided new guidance for how municipalities accommodate growth. It was introduced specifically to address the alarming loss of prime agricultural farmland in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) and the negative consequences of sprawl such as increased commute times, traffic congestion on provincial highways, loss of productivity, increased greenhouse gas emissions and the unsustainable increasing costs to the taxpayers for servicing sprawling growth.
The PGA for the first time forced all municipalities in the GGH to reduce their reliance on converting farmland to subdivisions and introduced mandatory intensification targets within built- up areas of the communities.
The Ford government updated the legislation in 2019 by walking back the intensification targets and by introducing a goal that would effectively require municipalities to approve more sprawl to accommodate growth. The key new requirement was to accommodate the future market for single family dwellings.
Since late last year, Stop Sprawl organizations have sprung up across the GGH in response to these changes which move the province in a backward direction. Municipalities have other priorities that will be thwarted if they simply comply by approving sprawl.
How we must grow during climate breakdown
 The Green space we have left. In Burlington the Escarpment is protected – will a second term PC government keep that protection in place. Ontario’s remaining green spaces are precious. They mitigate climate change and provide future food security. We applaud municipal councils that have chosen to accommodate growth within their existing urban areas and are diligently working on policies that will increase the supply of single-family dwellings without an urban expansion. They have chosen to grow by focusing intensification along higher order transit corridors and in commercial nodes. They have chosen to provide more opportunities for affordable housing to be built near services. They have chosen to plan for growing vibrant walkable, less car-dependent neighbourhoods. They have chosen to grow in a more financially viable way in contrast to accepting the escalating cost of growth through continuing expansion of their urban boundaries.
Stop Sprawl Ontario supports sustainable growth that integrates responsible land management , more efficient use of land, and focuses on creating walkable, livable, healthy communities for all residents in harmony with nature.
By Staff
May 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
This is not a good news story.
After using more than $4 million of Hydro reserve funds to complete the installation of the floating wave break.
The Marina operation has learned that they cannot get the insurance they need to open their operations.
The options are not all that good.
The option the LaSalle Park Marina Association hopes is chosen through the Environmental Assessment due March 2013. Community Marina.
Both LaSalle Park Marina Association (LPMA) and Burlington Sailing and Boating Club (BS&BC) have advised their members that LPMA is unable to get insurance for the upcoming boating season and that the opening of the Marina will be delayed as they look for options.
 These boats may not be able to use the marina as there base this season. Since the boat storage area takes up the parking spaces reserved for boat trailers, the public boat launch will remain closed for trailered boats until this situation is resolved.
Canoes, kayaks, and other smaller portable items can still be launched.
Strategy/process
Staff are assessing a short-term option to open the Marina this summer which will allow staff and other stakeholders time to develop a long-term sustainable operating model for the Marina in the future.
Short-term options are high level and general in nature as staff are in the process of refining them. Staff will provide members of Council with a verbal update at the Committee meeting on May 5, 2022.
Options Considered
1. LPMA Operates the Marina:
If LPMA’s broker can secure insurance, the Marina will operate as usual. To date, the broker has not been able to secure coverage for the operation of the Marina.
2. BS&BC Operates the Marina:
Staff approached BS&BC about this option. BS&BC’s current insurance provider did not offer extended coverage for the operation of the Marina.
3. Other Marina Operators:
Staff reached out to the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority and Town of Oakville to see if they would consider taking over the operation of the Marina as part of their current marina operation. Staff have not heard back at this time.
 Boats may not be hoisted into the water and be able to operate out of the Burlington marina. They will have to look for another place to dock their boats, 4. City Operated:
Staff had initial discussions about taking over the operation of the Marina for this year and spoke to both LPMA and BS&BC to get an understanding of the operation. The City’s insurer has confirmed that insurance for the Marina can be included in our coverage.
5. Marina Closed for Season:
If LPMA is unable to secure insurance or another viable option cannot be found, the Marina will not open this season.
Related news story:
That hydro money used to complete the marina upgrade
Construction of wave brake to start
By Pepper Parr
May 4th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
While it may be that the battle for saving the land that the Waterfront Hotel sits on the area that is known as the “football” is still very much at risk.
Nick Carnicelli put together plans for a structure that is nice enough from an architectural point of view – some just thought it was inappropriate for that space.
The site is at the eastern end of the football and would become the entrance to the downtown core – not something this council is prepared to do at this point.
 The city doesn’t feel design is appropriate for the location and they have not had a chance to prepare a staff report. Good arguments but will they be heard at the OLT The Carnicelli development went to the Ontario Land Tribunal for lack of a decision from the city. At the time the Urban Growth centre was put under an Interim Control bylaw which put a halt to all development in the UGC.
Council went into a Closed Session this afternoon to discuss this and then came out and delivered not only the address of the property they were talking about but what some of the issues were.
After that some of the council members chose to clap themselves on the back for making the change in the way they report out on Closed sessions.
The big big issue on how this development is treated at the OLT is the impact it will have on the football.
 Ignore the subject site notation. The development in question is at the right hand side of that football shape – where Old Lakeshore Road and Lakeshore Road meet. That land has not had the benefit of any really progressive thinking – the developers spotted the opportunity six years ago – bought up the land and came back with incredible developments. That use of the word incredible was not meant as a positive statement.
 This is a model of what the CORE Development Group wanted to build. There development is to the immediate west of the Carnicelli site – which is not shown in this model. Meed Ward based her first campaign on saving the waterfront. She hasn’t done all that well with Spencer Smith Park and the Waterfront Hotel site – perhaps she will pivot to the football and set out to save that.
By Pepper Parr
May 4th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Things are definitely getting back to normal.
Bingo is coming back.
The games will be played at the Polish Hall.
 Polish Hall – new home for regular bingo games It took city council hours of listening to deletions from two bingo game operators, who both wanted the Burlington market, which was described as prime by one of the bingo game operators.
When there is more time to write we will explain the complexities of bingo game operations – which are charity based.
A bingo operator must have sponsors from the charitable sector.
How much do they charities get – they get 45% of the proceeds.
 By Staff
May 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Community members needed to join the Mountainside Pool Revitalization Public Art Steering Committee
The city’s public art program is looking for community members to join the Steering Committee for the Mountainside Pool Revitalization Project public art mural.
 Rendering of what the pool and the shade area would look like The Steering Committee will provide input into project goals and themes, create a shortlist from the applicants and the winning artist.
The public art program is commissioning a professional artist to paint a mural as part of this project. This revitalization will create a new attractive, fun and welcoming multi-use outdoor swimming pool. The goal is to revitalize the Mountainside Pool so it is inviting and encourages participation through swimming and water play while fostering an active and healthy lifestyle.
Three artists will be shortlisted to create preliminary design concepts for the public review and comment. The community Steering Committee will evaluate the public feedback plus the technical proposal to select the winning artist.
 The pool is heavily used. Steering Committee Roles & Responsibilities
• Attend a project start-up meeting (online) to brainstorm project goals and themes
• Review and score artist proposals to select a shortlist of three artists
• Review design proposals and public feedback of three short-listed artists to select winning artist
• All scoring can be done remotely using an online submission system. Jury meetings will be held via videoconference
Honorarium
Steering Committee members will be given an honorarium of $200 as a token of appreciation for their time commitment and participation in the project.
Time Commitment
• Three meetings via videoconference
o Project Start-up: one hour
o Select Shortlist: two hours
o Select Winning Proposal: two hours
• Review and score artist submissions: this task can be done remotely using an online review system (approximately five hours)
Project Timeline
Deadline Activity
May/June 2022 Meeting #1: project start-up meeting (videoconference)
September 2022 Review and score artist proposals (online)
October 2022 Meeting #2: Select shortlist (videoconference)
January 2023 Public consultation
February 2023 Review and score shortlisted design proposals and public feedback (online)
March 2023 Meeting #3: Select winning artist (videoconference)
May/June 2023 Artwork installation and unveiling
 Some art work would certainly help this entrance How to Apply
Interested applicants should send:
1. Their name
2. Contact Information
1. address
2. phone
3. email
3. And a brief statement outlining why they are interested in joining the Steering Committee (250 words maximum)
Applications should be submitted to Kim Selman at kim@cobaltconnects.ca or at burlingtonpublicart.com/get-involved/jury-roster/ before Friday, May 6.
For more information, please visit www.burlington.ca/publicart.
 Councillor Sharman speaking to Angela Paparazzo Angela Paparizo, Manager of Arts and Culture explains what this initiative is all about.
“Not only is this a great opportunity for an artist to design and create a beautiful mural for the revitalized Mountainside Pool, it is also an exciting opportunity for residents to join the steering committee to help us select the right artist for this project. I welcome anyone who is thinking about applying to contact us with any questions.
Residents are encouraged to submit their applications before May 6. It is my hope that Burlington residents will get involved in this opportunity to choose an artist and evaluate the mural submissions for Mountainside.”
 By Denis Gibbons
May 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Folks in the Bay Area remember Bob Chambers as a superb photographer with The Hamilton Spectator, who covered world events like the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981.
Few, though, know of another of his many talents – creating miniature displays, sometimes known as dioramas.
 A steam locomotive pulls up in front of the miniature Burlington Junction station. Photo by DENIS GIBBONS A huge replica of the hamlet of Freeman in the 1920s, and specifically the old Burlington Junction railway station, now occupies the basement of the historical Freeman Station on Fairview Street.
Freeman was located at about the intersection of Brant Street and Old Plains Road.
 Retired Teachers of Ontario members presented the Friends of Freeman Station with a grant of $4000. Left to Right: Ron Danielsen, FOFS President; Ruth Miller, RTO Project Sponsor; Penny Hambly, RTO Awards Committee; Carolyn Hilton, RTO Awards Committee; and Claudia Stewart, RTO-District 15 President. Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO) provided $4000 to fund a computer control system for its historic model railway educational exhibit. The money was used to purchase the central “brains” of the museum-quality model railway diorama depicting life in the village of Freeman.
Chambers constructed the model in the basement of his home. Gates Bisson contributed other items like a replica of the old fruit-processing plant and Supertest gas station and historian Bob Miller created a cattle pen.
Gary Thompson also donated a circus train, which will be used when children start arriving on field trips. The train often passed through Burlington many years ago on its way to set up in Hamilton.
Miller and KenTaylor, members of the Friends of Freeman Station, operate the model railway setup, which covers 660 square feet.
Miller recalls that before the layout was set up in the basement, the group set up a smaller model railway display at the library and included a Thomas the Train engine, from the popular TV show for children.
“Thomas’ headlights showed up as little eyes,” Miller said. “The kids just loved that.”
 Two miniature locomotives approach the junction carefully. Photo by DENIS GIBBONS The focus is the illuminated Burlington Junction station, which until 1988 stood on the railway line just to the southwest of the intersection of Brant Street and Old Plains Road.
Near the station is the actual junction of two lines – one which ran all the way from Montreal through Toronto and Burlington, then split at Hamilton allowing passengers to travel as far as either Chicago or New York.
 Visitors took lots of photos of the miniature layout. Photo by DENIS GIBBONS The other line, which started at the village of Allandale near Barrie, ran south to Burlington, then down the Beach Strip to service cooling units for frozen fruit grown in the area.
Because it eventually re-connected with the main line at Stoney Creek, it also was a quick bypass of the clogged lines in Hamilton.
The display includes a video describing how a steam locomotive works.
Burlington was once known as the fruit basket of Canada.
Dried fruit, particularly melons grown in farms along Plains Road, were shipped from the station around the world. Later canneries opened in this area.
 A child in period costume was part of the crown on the re-opening of Freeman Station. Photo by Denis Gibbons
Queen Elizabeth and Canadian Prime Ministers from Sr. John A. MacDonald to Lester B. Pearson travelled along the main line, as did NHL teams moving from Montreal and Toronto to Detroit, Chicago and New York.
More than 1.000 service men left the station to defend their country in times of war and peace. Marching bands and hundreds of their fellow citizens walked with them to the station to bid them farewell.
After the Second World War, many emigrants from Europe arrived at this station to make a new life in Burlington.
 By Staff
May 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
One Burlington, the group that celebrates faith, culture and embraces diversity. is hosting a fund raising concert for Ukraine
The event will take place at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church on Saturday, May 14, 2022 – 2:00 pm
The funds raised will go to the Canada Ukraine Foundation.
 Members of the Ukrainian community filled Civic Square awhile ago – things in their country have not gotten any better. Continued support is badly needed. A suggested donation of $20 per person would be appreciated. For those who might want to donate in advance the CU Foundation website A tax-receipt will be issued.
Several professional artists are donating their talents for this important cause.
 Charles Cozens has more than 150 CD’s in circulation. Jeff Madden, tenor, will be performing uplifting material from the American musical theatre songbook. Mr. Madden starred as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys and Kevin in the ensemble cast of Come From Away.
Charles Cozens and Colin Maier are the duo, JoyRide.
Cozens is a renown accordionist, Maier plays numerous instruments in this dynamic duo.
Andrea Battista is a violinist with the Burlington Symphony Orchestra and Chair of the Burlington Arts and Culture Council of Burlington. She will accompany Jeff Madden and entertain us with a solo performance on the piano.
There are several performances by local groups as well
GuZheng Group presents young people on the Chinese Zither, a harpsichord-like instrument. Dressed in traditional costumes, this ensemble is amazing to watch.
Several Ukrainian churches have pulled together a choir to perform. .
A Bandura duo will perform on this traditional Ukrainian lute-like instrument. The closing act will be a presentation by the young company of the Tyrsa Ukrainian Dancers.
 Tyrsa Ukrainian Dancers. Fabulously dressed in embroidered shirts, bright red skirts and pants and ribboned caps, these young people will raise spirits and smiles as well as funds!
One Burlington is organizing this event in co-operation with the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Protection of the Mother of God.
One Burlington has been presenting events since 2017. It is dedicated to bringing people together to learn more about each other to create understanding and acceptance. Their website is at oneburlington.net
There is a desperate situation in Ukraine – they need our help now – be as generous as you can.
Was it the weather?
Was it because May 1 is traditionally a day for the working people – a time when the men and woman who do the hard work that leaves muscles sore and backs aching.
May 1st turned out to be the first Sunday in May; a time when Canada celebrate and remember those lost in the Battle of the Atlantic
Canadians commemorated the 77th anniversary of the end of action in the Battle of the Atlantic and the sacrifices of the thousands of Canadians who fought valiantly from 1939-1945 during the longest campaign of the Second World War.
The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest Second World War campaign. Vice-Admiral Craig Baines, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, put it all too well when he described it as “cold, wet, dangerous. Fought with courage, dedication and honour. Our world today – who they were then, and who we are now is forever connected by their sacrifice.”
 These were the ships that fought the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest naval battle in history. Shown here is HMCS Haida, currently tied up in Hamilton. The Battle of the Atlantic began on September 3, 1939, with the sinking of the SS Athenia by German submarine U-30. Allied forces fought for control of the North Atlantic Ocean to supply the war effort from 1939 to 1945, making this the longest campaign of the Second World War
The RCN grew from a mere 6 destroyers and 3,500 personnel in 1939, to 373 fighting ships and more than 100,000 sailors by War’s end – one of the largest navies in the world.
Our sailors and airmen sank or shared in the destruction of some 50 U-boats while they escorted some 25 thousand merchant ships during the war to deliver more than 165 million tonnes of life & war-sustaining cargo to Europe in a merchant navy that became the world’s fourth largest.
 Rick Wilson isn’t certain as to exactly where the battle for control of Lake Ontario took place but believes it was just offshore from the Naval monument. These accomplishments were fueled by an impressive shipbuilding effort that saw more than 400 merchant ships built in Canadian shipyards that also churned-out 281 destroyers/corvettes & frigates, 206 minesweepers, over 250 tugs and over 3,000 landing craft.
In 1943, Rear-Admiral Leonard Murray was put in charge of the Allied Air and Naval forces in the Northwest Atlantic; the only Canadian to command an Allied theatre of conflict in either World War.
Throughout the Battle of the Atlantic, 24 Canadian of the 175 Allied warships were lost. 2,600 merchant ships including 62 Canadian vessels also met the same fate.
The human cost: more than 2,700 RCN/RCAF and 1,600 Canadian Merchant Navy personnel died.
Just weeks before the end of hostilities, HMCS Esquimalt was sunk and 44 died in the Halifax approaches, in April 1945.
Fought largely by reservists in small ships built in Canada and operating from Canadian bases, the defence of North Atlantic trade against the submarine menace defined a naval role for Canada within a much larger alliance. After 1945, the RCN became one of the best anti-submarine warfare navies in the world.
lmost 7,000 women served their country in a wide variety of crucial roles during the War.
 By DENIS GIBBONS
May 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Freeman Station, Burlington’s historical gem, was celebrated Saturday at a Grand Reopening following a lengthy restoration by volunteers with the help of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, resulting in a sparkling new edifice.
New panels were installed, as well as new flooring, painting was done, the ceiling restored and the original windows, including the distinctive Jane Irwin oval window at the end of the room, reconstructed.
 Ed Keenleyside, president of the Friends of Freeman Station, Ed Keenleyside, president of the Friends of Freeman Station, said the Grand Trunk Railway Station is 100 per cent operated by volunteers. He outlined a three-way, five-year legal agreement which has made the project possible.
“Solenis Chemicals (an adjacent plant) has been very good to allow us to use this land,” he said. “The building is owned by the City and all artifacts by the Friends of Freeman Station.”
The wooden station, named after Freeman village founder Joshua Freeman, was originally located on the CN rail line near the corner of Brant Street and Plains Road. In 2005, it was moved, in order to save it from demolition, when a third track was installed.
 Lifted off the blocks it had perched on for a couple of years the station got hoisted by a crane and lowered into it new home that had a full basement. It’s the only building in the city whose historical and architectural significance has been recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Culture and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
This station was built in 1906 to replace a previous one destroyed by fire.
 While it looked like a taxi – it was a full time inspection vehicle that could use railway tracks to inspect the condition of the rail bed, Motorists driving by might have noticed a bright yellow old-time car in the front of the station. It’s a Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo rail inspection car. Currently, it’s in a shed but will be brought out again as soon as necessary adjustments are made.
Roger Ryan, whose wife is the niece of Stan Roskovich, the last person to work as station agent before it closed in 1988, showed up with a bag of memorabilia.
VIA Rail and GO Transit trains still were using the station up until then.
 R. Paul Johnson, 88, plays the role of station agent. Photo by DENIS GIBBONS Eighty-eight-year-old R. Paul Johnson, whose grandfather Alfred Johnson once operated the swing bridge for the railway over the Burlington Canal, posed as station agent for the day.
There are 12 tour stops at the Freeman Station. Among them are the station master’s office, baggage room, waiting room, a giant caboose and boxcar and a memorial to Burlington’s fallen military heroes who left from the station to defend their country in war. Some never returned and are buried in European cemeteries.
The waiting room will be available as meeting space for use by small groups.
 Sitting on some “cribbing” with a sign badly in need of several coats of paint, the Freeman Station gets ready for its big move. Before the location beside Burlington Fire Department headquarters on Fairview Street, between Brant and Maple Avenue, was settled on, Burlingtonians listed Beachway Park directly across from the Joseph Brant Museum as their first choice.
It has a significant historical context because the Hamilton Radial Railway and Hamilton & Northern Railway used to run right past it parallel to Burlington Beach.
Passengers from Toronto used to disembark at a nearby station for dinner and dancing at the old Brant Inn.
 The Freeman station got moved around a number of times while the city figured out what it wanted to do with the thing. When city council failed to come up with a solution citizens did. Central Park and Maple Park also were considered and Aldershot resident Bill Fasullo recommended Hidden Valley Park where it could be rented by the local model railroad club and second to move it close to the Aldershot GO train station, which is on the same rail line it used to service.
The Burlington Sports Hall of Fame had earlier indicated an interest in using the building. The City of Toronto also had asked about using the old station as a gift shop at its Toronto Rail Heritage Centre.
Future open house dates include May 21, June 11, July 1 (Canada Day), August 8, September 10 and October 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
By Jason Octavo
April 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A lot of people haven’t put their attention yet on the provincial election
 I looked people who were out shopping and asked them about the provincial election. Public interest has yet to grow. It is going to be a short election My assignment was to interview at least twenty people and ask if they knew about the provincial election that is expected to start next Wednesday with the ballots being counted on June 2nd.
Eleven out of the 20 people that I interviewed on the street said they did not know there was going to be a provincial election starting on Wednesday of next week.
Half said they are going to vote.
Only three out of 20 indicated who they were going to vote for.
One person said he knew there was going to be a provincial election, but didn’t know it was starting this coming Wednesday.
Five out of 20 said they are ineligible to vote (Four said they haven’t been in Canada long enough, one said she is underage). Seven out of 20 haven’t decided yet who they are going to vote for.
By Staff
April 29th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a really neat program.
Donated formal wear is available for students to choose from on May 9 and 17
Dresses, suits, shirts, ties available for students to browse at drop-in sessions
 The Halton District School Board will host open houses in May for students to select, at no cost, donated formal wear for upcoming prom or graduation events.
Called Fashion Forward, students will have the opportunity to view and try on formal wear in a friendly and welcoming environment. Students may select from a variety of new and gently-used attire that has been donated for proms, graduations and other special events.
There are many different styles, colours and sizes of formal dresses available as well as suits, shirts, ties and shoes.
The dates to browse for formal wear are Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 17. Each open house runs from 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Elsie MacGill Secondary School (1410 Bronte St S, Milton).
It would have been nice if the selection opportunities were held in each municipality – maybe next year.
Students are required to bring student identification to the open house they attend.
By Pepper Parr
April 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board trustees came to the realization that the classroom level experience during the past two years was something that had to be looked at – in a positive manner.
Five of the 24 trustees formed a planning group and wrote the Minister of Education in February of 2021 – they didn’t get an answer and decided rather than wait on the Minister to respond to their idea they broke out on their own.
The Planning Group consists of:
- Tracey Ehl Harrison (Chair & Site Admin)
- Andrea Grebenc (Site Admin)
- Joanna Oliver
- Leah Reynolds
- Margo Shuttleworth
The result is an imaginative and bold for trustees initiative that could produce some interesting ideas – it is now up to the community to respond. Everyone has an opinion on education – let us see if those with opinions have any original ideas or social imagination.
Through a new initiative called Reimagine Forward, Trustees of the Halton District School Board are asking the Halton community and beyond to reimagine education by sharing ideas and stories to develop big-picture, innovative opportunities about how the publicly-funded school system in Ontario can evolve. Parents/guardians, students, staff, community and education partners are invited to provide their ideas and stories at engagehdsb.ca starting today until May 28.
Here’s the question:
“What are the big moves needed to reimagine public education?”
This is the singular focus of Reimagine. Think big. Think positive. Be innovative. The secret sauce is here among us.
 HDSB Chair Margo Shuttleworth Reimagine is a grassroots project initiated and led by the HDSB Trustees. Submitted ideas will be reviewed by Trustees to influence local policy making and will be shared with participants, the Minister of Education and other Ontario school boards and education organizations in June.
We promise to:
read all of your ideas and stories and let them influence local policy making.
package up all of the ideas and stories in early June and share them with you, the Minister of Education, Boards from across the province and education organizations. You can share the findings too. We’ll share them here and at the Board table.
Please spread the word by inviting your friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues to this site and by tagging @HaltonDSB
Register and participate anytime until May 28TH.
Positive change starts with thinking about and reimagining public education. Let’s work together to share stories and ideas. Please add yours. And, stay for a while to check out all of the contributions.
You are Invited! Let’s Reimagine -Together.
 By Staff
April 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has completed a sexual assault investigation in Burlington with an arrest and charges.
On Thursday April 28, 2022, investigators with the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit arrested 19 year-old Owen Zinkewich of Burlington. He has been charged with Sexual Assault and Forcible Confinement.
Zinkewich was released from custody pending a court appearance.
The victim met the accused on an online dating application and investigators are concerned that there could be additional victims.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.
 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.
Sexual assault is any touching of another person without their consent where the touching is of a sexual nature, or where the sexual integrity of the victim is violated. A sexual assault can range from unwanted touching to sexual assault involving penetration.
There is no statute of limitation when it comes to reporting a sexual assault. This means that no matter how long ago the sexual assault happened, you can still report it to police for investigation.
Victims of violence and/or sexual assault can contact the Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit at 905-825-4777 for support.
Additional information can be found in our Sexual Assault Information Guide.
 By Connor Fraser,
April 28th ,2022
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Everyone is keenly aware of how unaffordable housing has become in our community and across other regions of the province. Many young people are now facing the reality of never being able to own in the region where they grew up. They are making tough decisions to live farther and farther away from work, and endure gruelling commutes that will impact their mental health and the environment. Darrell Bricker of Ipsos Public Affairs observed in a recent interview for the Ontario 360 Initiative that the outlook of Ontarians (and in particular young Ontarians) for their futures, has darkened, driven in large part by declining housing affordability.
While on the surface it may seem like just another issue, unaffordability has been created by diverse and complicated factors. Its costs are moreover sinister and threaten the future quality of life for all Ontarians.
 There are very few locations where new single detached homes are being built – it is all high rise for Burlington going forward. Since the 1960’s municipal zoning bylaws have set us on a collision course with this problem. Vast tracts of land are “locked up” with low-density, single-detached designations. Any attempt to introduce higher density (even modest 3 or 4 storey multi-units) are met with arguments of “neighbourhood character preservation” and ferocious opposition from existing homeowners. While “NIMBYs” perpetuate the problem and are convenient scapegoats, they are not responsible for decades-old zoning bylaws.
I am genuinely concerned that we have not learned any lessons in Ontario. Low-density urban sprawl continues at breakneck speeds. New development must be encouraged, but with an eye for much higher density and transit-oriented communities.
This connects with the second and perhaps most sinister and intractable cause of unaffordable housing: Significant numbers of Ontarian’s want low-density housing. The Anglo-American mindset romanticizes fierce independence and individualism. Unless you’ve got a driveway and your own tiny patch of grass, you’re not successful. Ironically, many of my friends who complain about skyrocketing prices are adamant in their desire to own a single-detached house. It’s understandable that many keenly aspire to a goal that was attainable for older generations – but I think it’s more important to realize that those goals may have been unsustainable. Regretfully, convincing so many that fulfilling lives may still exist within higher density settings (take Quebec as a good example) is a politically suicidal task.
 The costs of unaffordable housing are immense. The future economic growth (and in turn quality of life and government services) of Ontario and Burlington relies upon attracting top employees and firms. Many investments have been made to transform Toronto and the GTA into a technology hub and take advantage of the intangible economy. Expensive housing and long commutes threaten that transformation. They are major obstacles to those considering whether to make Ontario their home. If you’re someone opposed to urban intensification in Burlington or elsewhere, consider that in 30 – 40 years you’ll likely need and want timely and effective healthcare services. Who’s going to pay for it if those who would’ve lived here and created value with their talent, have been driven from the province by unaffordability, thereby crippling the tax base?
 Pierre Poilievre: targeting his message to people who are angry. Rising home prices also open the door for populist leaders on the fringes of the political spectrum to gain power by capitalizing on anger. Under normal circumstances, such individuals would never be considered for public office. The federal Conservative leadership race has already seen examples of candidates trying to exploit anger over house prices and inflation for political gain.
I don’t see this problem being resolved in the near future. The composition of infrastructure changes very slowly, many aspire to live in low-density settings, and there are limited options for English-speaking young people in Canada: This is a slight simplification, but all the best jobs are in Toronto or Vancouver.
At the very least, the province must intervene by overriding municipal zoning bylaws to promote “missing middle” 3-4 storey multi-unit housing. Furthermore, the province could become more aggressive with mandating that all new development be higher density and transit oriented.
 Could Perth, ON close to Ottawa with a lovely idyllic setting be made a larger community? The locals wouldn’t buy it  Other options that should be explored include actively building out secondary urban centres within Canada, and making these locations attractive to live. Even within Ontario, there are many regions that might be targeted for significant growth, such as Windsor and Thunder Bay. With a limited number of serious economic hubs compared to the United States, we risk over-concentrating demand for housing to an extent that local actors cannot solve.
The ultimate solution to this problem is compromise. On one hand, those in existing neighbourhoods should reflect that low-density housing was always an unsustainable, exclusive and very costly goal. Moreover, young people and those hoping to start families should reflect that remaining attached to an unsustainable ideal is going to make their lives unnecessarily difficult and unhappy. For the simple reason that many are unwilling to compromise, unaffordable housing is here to stay.
 Connor Fraser is a post graduate student at the University of Toronto enrolled in the dual Master of Global Affairs and Master of Business Administration program.
 By Kate Brown
April 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Everyone experiences negative emotions from time to time. You may have been taught as a child to suppress them, but it’s natural to be angry. The main thing is not to let your feelings become the reason for quarrels with other people. You can learn to control anger by understanding what causes it and expressing it in healthier ways.
 Imagine the situation: you boil when the boss asks you to do extra work. Perhaps it’s not the first time it’s happened because another employee has again failed to complete his duties on time. You’re fed up and feel like you’re about to explode. Then you gather your coworkers and tell them what you think of them. Gradually your anger fades and you feel better, but you realize from the surprised looks on the faces of those around you that this was not the best way to deal with your emotions.
Usually the cause of anger is an underlying problem. It’s possible that you’re tired of doing everything for everyone at work and it’s high time you built personal boundaries. You no longer want to take on the responsibilities of colleagues who are not up to the task. Anger and quarrels will not help change the situation, it’s much more productive to learn to express emotions in other ways.
How to Control Anger
There are several ways to control anger. By following the simple instructions on this list, you can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which means you can calm down and relax. You’ll cope with anxiety and stress, your mood will improve, and your blood pressure will return to normal. Here’s what will help you not snap when you’re experiencing strong negative emotions.
Take a Break
Take time out and go for a short walk. This will allow you to reflect for a while before reacting to events emotionally. Go outside, feel the warmth of the sun, listen to the leaves rustling in the wind. Focus your attention on the world around you. Forget about the most pleasurable things, like gambling at a Canadian casino online or your favorite movie you’ve watched recently. This will activate your frontal cortex, and strong negative emotions will subside.
Awareness or Short Meditation
Close your eyes, slow your breathing, and allow yourself to calm down, relaxing your whole body. Take your mind to a place where you once felt happy. It could be the seashore, the mountains, or the arms of a loved one.
 Writing a journal is an opportunity to put your feelings down on paper – you’ll be surprised how you feel when you go back and read them later. Write a Diary
When you are angry, write an uncensored letter to the person who triggered your negative emotion. You can do this on paper or in your smartphone notes. Afterwards, reread the letter and try to figure out what experiences caused you to defend yourself through anger. Perhaps you feel humiliated or you are frightened by uncertainty. There is no need to send the letter to the addressee; it’s better to tear up the sheet or erase what you have written. This kind of practice helps you to structure your thoughts, find the true causes of your emotions, and cope with stress.
Deep Breathing
This method of anger management seems too simple, but it really works. The key is to start using it. If you are boiling over, but you cannot leave the room and need to continue talking to the person who provoked the negative emotion in you, turn away to breathe and count to ten. During this time, you will be able to determine the cause of your anger and outline a plan of action.
Exercise
If you are overcome by anger, do some simple exercises or swim in the pool. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel better. It’s impossible to leave a workout with the same level of stress that you came to class with. Your anxiety level will decrease, making it easier for you to make informed decisions.
Anti-stress Accessories
The easiest and most affordable of these is a wrist expander. Squeeze and unclench the exercises in the palms of your hands. Monotonous actions will help to cope with stress and relax. Bonus – strong hands and excellent grip, the main thing – do not forget to change hands periodically. “I-affirmations.”
If you feel yourself boiling over, directly (but calmly) tell the person you’re talking to what you think about what’s going on. Use “I-affirmations” and don’t get personal. For example, you might say to your boss, “I’m puzzled by what you said.” My part of the project was done yesterday.” Such communication will provide new information and allow your boss to see the situation from a new perspective.
 Speaking calmly and directly – takes the heat out of a conversation Regardless of which way you choose to deal with your emotions, it’s important to identify the cause of your anger and recognize the difference between healthy and chronic stress. Understanding what makes you angry will help you deal with future outbursts of anger. If your anger is related to the other person’s actions, let them know how and why their actions affect you. The conversation should begin in a calm atmosphere – after you can pull yourself together. Together with the person, you are talking to, come up with a plan for how to communicate in the future.
Take time to get to know yourself better and develop emotional intelligence. If you learn to manage your emotions and stop snapping at others, you can strengthen communication and make your relationship healthier.
By Pepper Parr
April 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
If Milton can do it – Burlington certainly can.
The Milton Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Bell as a Community and are putting together what they will bring to an and this once-in-a-lifetime experience we have all been working through.
So many of us have been working remotely and not able to network and gather like we once did.
Milton is setting out to change that – Burlington has the capacity to do that.
 Rotary managed to rescue and event despite COVID19 – how can Burlington create an event to rescue its citizensÉ Rotary found a way to take over the Burlington Centre parking lot for their modified Rib Fest – perhaps the Chamber can do something similar.
The Milton Chamber is calling their event the ‘Welcome Back from Hibernation BBQ’ to network, see new and familiar faces, enjoy local food and drink, all while enjoying some music.
Watching and waiting to see what might come out of the woods in Burlington.
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