 By Staff
April 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
One of the things that makes the Art Gallery difference and distinct are the Guilds.
They are the foundation on which the Gallery as it exists today was built
Friday the Guilds come together and show the public what they have been doing while the pandemic took away the opportunity to visit the Gallery and enjoy what it has to offer.
A day or so ago we were shown a photograph taken by Frank Meyers that has been accepted for the Exhibition that opens on Friday.
 A Frank Meyer photograph that has been accepted for the All Guilds Exhibition that opens on Friday
Attend and see what else they have to share.
The annual exhibition celebrates the guilds who make, learn, share, and teach at the Art Gallery of Burlington.
 Burlington Fine Arts Association,
Burlington Handweavers and Spinners Guild,
Latow Photographers Guild,
Burlington Potters Guild,
Burlington Hooking Craft Guild,
Burlington Sculptors and Carvers,
Digital Arts Guild of Burlington.
Exhibition runs through to August 13th
AGB Hours
Tuesday – Friday 12 PM – 5 PM
Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday & Monday CLOSED
 By Pepper Parr
April 24th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Why does the Rainbow Crosswalk in Hamilton, on a street that has more than 300 transit buses driving over it every day and thousands of cars as well look as good as they day it was painted?
 Damaged Rainbow Crosswalk in Burlington. While in Burlington two Rainbow Cross walks are peeling and are a bit of an eyesore.
 Hamilton Crosswalk next to city hall is in splendid condition despite heavy traffic. What a bit galling is the big expensive fuss the Mayor made of the installation of the Rainbows – which are attractive and make a much needed statement?
It’s like a gift that is broken – and no effort is made to make a public statement about what is being done to fix the damaged Crosswalks and when results can be expected.
It’s a bit of an affront to the people who really supported the decision to have Rainbow Crosswalks in the city.
 By Pepper Parr
April 24th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
On Saturday we published a news story and an opinion piece that had a serious error.
We reported that the Closed Meeting Investigator, who had done a review of the meetings that were the subject of an Integrity Commissioners report, were going to be heard in a Closed Session of Council
We were wrong. A trusted adviser called me at just after 7:00 pm on Friday to advise me that the agenda for the May 4th CSSAR FIX Standing Committee had been published and the reference to the report was that it was to be heard in a Closed Session of Council
That was incorrect – we got it wrong. Our source misread the listing which said “…Closed Session report.
The two content pieces will be revised and we ask the readers and the Clerk’s Office to accept our apology.
In the world of new reporting, mistakes are made.
 In 1948, when Harry Truman was running for re-election as President of the United States, the Chicago Daily Tribune called the election result just a little too early. Truman had won – the early polls misled the editors of the newspaper. Truman won 303 Electoral College votes – his opponent got 189.
Set out below is a copy of the New York Tines Corrections section. They list the corrections needed for errors in previous editions.
It happens in the best of families.
 The New York Times runs a Correction Section in every edition of their paper.
By Pepper Parr
April 24th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Call it ore-election campaigning or maybe a chance to get out for some fresh air and sunshine.
Our reporter bumped into Ward 2 councillor Lisa Kearns who was leading a walking tour of the downtown area on Saturday to review and discuss current, significant planning projects in various stages. A total of 10 high-rise projects were discussed. One has been rejected by city council. Two are under construction, one has been approved by the Ontario Land Tribunal, two approved by the OLT subject to conditions, one subject to site plan approval and three under appeal by the City
 Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns took some of her constituents on a tour – her fifth tour so far this year, showing her the location of the ten projects that are in various stages of development. In this picture Kearns is steps away from the Waterfront Hotel that is the object of a development application asking for Official Plan changes and zoning bylaw changes to build two structures that will top off at 40 stories.
Kearns said she could live with the 20 and a bit buildings the city planners are talking about.
The developer will undoubtedly take an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal where they are reported to be represented by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP,, a highly regarded law firm that just might get something a bit better than a defeat.
With the sun shining and people getting out for some exercise the Alienated Grandparents Anonymous had a crowd on a walk through the downtown area protesting in front of the office of MPP Jane McKenna, Ontario’s associate minister of children and women’s issues, during their march through the downtown on Saturday.
 Parental alienation needs to go. That’s the message marchers delivered on Saturday. Photo by DENIS GIBBONS Members of the Alienated Parents and Grandparents Peer Support Group, Our Alienated Grandchildren Matter, and Alienated Grandparents Anonymous stopped in front of the office of Burlington MPP Jane McKenna, Ontario’s associate minister of children and women’s issues, during their march through the downtown on Saturday.
 By Staff
April 22nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Earlier this year, Council approved the temporary patio program for the 2022 patio season to continue to support local businesses.
Sidewalk detours and patio set-up will begin next week in the downtown and will run until Oct. 31, 2022.
Sidewalk Detours
 Maybe the patios will bring warmer weather? Some patios will be installed on City sidewalks. These sections of the sidewalk will be detoured onto the road with traffic barriers. These barriers will help with pedestrian safety.
City of Burlington staff will be installing the sidewalk detours during the week of April 25, 2022.
The sidewalk detours for patios are being installed in downtown Burlington on:
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- The north side of Pine Street between Elizabeth Street and Pearl Street
- The north side of Lakeshore Road between Brant Street and John Street
- The north side of Lakeshore Road between Locust Street and Brant Street
- The west side of Brant Street between Elgin Street and Lakeshore Road
- The east side of Brant Street between Maria Street and James Street
- The north side of Elgin Street between Locust Street and Brant Street
 By Staff
April 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Developer wants to work well into the night to construct a tower that no one wanted in the first place. Residents in the immediate area of the ADI Group development – Nautique; a 26 storey development that was controversial when it was just an idea.
ADI is asking for a noise exemption to allow construction until 11PM – Monday to Friday from May-September.
Resident have said this is totally unacceptable. In this area there are three senior complexes. Martha’s Landing, Pearl & Pine and also Martha’s Terrace.
The City of Burlington was unable to stop the height and intensification of this development but surely the city can prevent this noise extension from taking place. Those of us living in this area have a right not to have to listen to constant construction noises until 11PM.
 By Staff
April 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
What a thrill this is going to be. And what an experience as well
And if the Raptors can hang in and give the 76ers a good run for their money and pull off a miracle as well – the kids who listen to the virtual broadcast will never forget the day.
The Halton District School Board has Toronto Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia talking to students in a HDSB-partnered learning resources launch nationally.
 Nav Bhatia has attended almost every Raptors home game since the teams first season in 1995. Nav Bhatia will join classrooms virtually on Wednesday, April 27
The Halton District School Board is welcoming Toronto Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia to classrooms as part of a virtual learning engagement next week.
Bhatia will join Kindergarten to Grade 12 classes virtually on Wednesday, April 27 to empower and uplift students through his messages of “strength in diversity” and “uniting the world through basketball”. This visit comes after HDSB students have been engaging in learning about Bhatia’s journey through educational resources and activities developed by HDSB staff.
The Superfan Nav Bhatia Foundation plans to make this “Superfan Workshop” available to schools across Canada.
Bhatia will speak to:
- Kindergarten – Grade 6 classes from 9 – 9:30 a.m.
- Grade 7 – 12 classes from 9:40 – 10:20 a.m.
Nav Bhatia is the legendary Toronto Raptors fan who has attended almost every home game since the team’s first season in 1995. His journey as a beloved fan, successful business owner and inspirational community builder is told through the recently released CBC documentary Superfan: The Nav Bhatia Story.
“After watching the documentary, the HDSB’s Human Rights & Equity Team knew this was a story meant to live in classrooms and with youth,” says Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education with responsibility for Equity, Inclusion and Indigenous education. “Aligned with core principles of Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy, such as affirming identity, representation and critical consciousness, Nav’s story provides rich entry points for student learning and connects with the Equity & Inclusion area of focus in the HDSB’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Strategic Plan”.
With multiple connections to curriculum areas such as Language, History, Health, Civics and Careers, Equity Studies and more, the HDSB developed Superfan learning resources and activities for staff to engage students. In partnership with the Superfan team, these learning resources will now inspire youth across the country as the Superfan Workshop launches nationally.
At Chris Hadfield Public School in Milton, teacher-librarian Lisa Turbitt arranged for several classes to watch the Superfan documentary and collaborate on responses to questions such as, “How has Nav helped to create a sense of community?” and “What messages can you take from Nav into your own life?” The school shared their thoughts on social media with the hashtag #HDSBeSuperFan. Turbitt says this expression of student voice captured Bhatia’s attention and now HDSB students and Superfan Nav Bhatia will have a chance to meet.
“We hope this is just the beginning of a long and ‘super’ relationship,” says Eatough.
By Pepper Parr
April 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce held its Breakfast before 9 event – at the QB Sports Bar – the place was packed.
 Terry Caddo , President and CEO, chatting up a Chamber of Commerce member Was that because it was the first opportunity for people to get out and mix and get back to the networking that is such a big part of the Chamber world – or was it because Ron Foxcroft was the speaker?
Foxcroft never fails to deliver. Much of his story has been told man, many times – but it is always entertaining and each time you come away knowing more than you knew when you walked into the room.
 He was promoting his recent book: The 40 Ways of the Fox – all the proceeds go to City Kids.
Terry Caddo, the newish President of the Chamber was meeting the membership and telling them what was planned – he will release the revised Strategic Plan at the end of the month.
Paul Sharman was on hand – his networking amounted to his giving people his nomination papers to sign. While I didn’t actually see the document I was told that they were nomination papers for the ward 5 council seat which he currently holds.
Wait Parr, you might ask. Haven’t you been saying that Sharman is going to run for the Office of Mayor? Indeed I have – and I still believe that Sharman will eventually file new nomination papers.
He did something similar in 2010. He had filed papers to run as Mayor against Cam Jackson. When Rick Goldring also filed nomination papers running for Mayor, Sharman pulled his Mayor nomination and filed for the ward 5 seat which Goldring was giving up.
 Cheryl Goldring signing the Sharman nomination papers. We all know how that worked out. Sharman won in ward 5, Goldring was made Mayor. Four years later, Sharman wins again in ward 5 – Rick Goldring losses to Marianne Meed Ward.
And the person signing the Sharman nomination papers? Cheryl Goldring – Rick’s wife.
Only in Burlington.
By Pepper Parr
April 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 A number of years ago insurance executive Dan Lawrie donated a healthy sum to the Art Gallery of Burlington to commission a Walt Rickli sculpture that would sit in the Outdoor Garden that was eventually named after the Lawrie Family.
I was personally impressed with the work – to me it was an incredible work of art. The AGB curator at the time saw it as very good craft work; he didn’t see the interpretation that Rickli felt the work expressed.
The sculpture, which was very heavy, was put in storage and remained there for a number of years.
I had occasion to be in the Art Gallery recently and asked whatever happened to the work – and was told that it is now in the Garden.
I skipped around to the Conservatory and there it was.
Photographed it so you can see what Rickli did – when you are in the Art Gallery next see for yourself and decide if this is art or craft.
 It was certainly a large work and weighed a tonne. It was paid for by a respected citizen with the work done by a respected and award winning artist.
There is an obligation to at least support and recognize our own.
By Corinne Galvan
April 20th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
How often do you enjoy a relaxing online game after a long day at work? Not only are there clever bundles seemingly ubiquitous throughout our daily lives, but the associated technology truly boggles the mind. This industry is expanding at an incredible pace and such momentum is showing no signs of slowing down.
So, what are a handful of the latest trends and how will these serve to offer even more amazing levels of entertainment? Let’s take a quick look at some insightful observations to better appreciate where we may be headed.
The Rise of 5G Connectivity
 5G connectivity and the speed that comes with it changes almost everything about playing online. Some of us may already own phones which are capable of handling 5G streaming speeds. This is arguably one of the most important advancements in terms of the Internet as a whole. 5G offers incredibly fast connectivity and as a result, the games themselves have already become more streamlined. Issues such as buffering and slow loading times could therefore soon become things of the past.
While this is convenient for players, we need to remember that the ability to send and receive more data will enable the games to become complex and in many cases, highly realistic. Developers are already scrambling to create new software packages that will able to take full advantage of 5G wireless. While it may be some time before all regions are provided access, the trend itself is here to stay.
Such opportunities are likewise appreciated by major online casinos such as LeoVegas Not only will the games be more exciting, but other recent trends such as the ability to personalize the overall player experience should attract even more fans in the near future. Indeed, it now seems a long time has passed since consumers had no other choice but then to employ dial-up Internet connections.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence and Similar Technologies
 What role will AI and AR play in the online sports industry. Players can expect a much richer experience. Another facet of the online gaming sector is more concerned with what takes place “behind the scenes”. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a perfect example of what is hovering just over the digital horizon. There are several benefits which can be directly attributed to the world of online games. These include:
Characters and elements can be customized based on personal preferences.
Other features such as backgrounds and audio soundtracks will become richer and more immersive.
The games themselves are likely to become more challenging as a result of machine learning.
We also need to mention the notion of augmented reality (AR). The basic definition of this concept involves the ability for players to interact with a digital environment. This opens up a world of possibilities. From creating entirely new digital “worlds” to speaking with avatars of other players who may be located thousands of miles away, AR is set to further advance this sector.
Of course, it will still require a bit of time to transform these observations into an accessible reality. The good news is that we are generally talking about a handful of years as opposed to a decade or longer. The only other potential hurdle involves the fact that some devices are simply not equipped to handle 5G speeds due to memory limitations and issues with processing power. Thus, avid gamers may very well be required to upgrade their currently devices in order to accommodate the demands of 5G technology.
Still, there is no doubt that we are now living on the cusp of a brave new world. Considering how far the Internet has advanced in the past 20 years, it is nearly impossible to fully appreciate what the future has in store for gamers.
By Staff
April 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Roland regrets:
“I posted a comment on Friday on my personal Facebook account about the current controversy between Burlington councillors.
“Nobody can claim that ‘private’ Facebook accounts are really private any more, and I can’t complain, given the circumstances in which I made the post, about anybody breaking the ‘confidentiality’ of a personal account.
“Within about two hours I thought better of the comment and deleted it. However, while it was online the comment was copied and sent to the Burlington Gazette, which posted it in an article today.
I’m not reposting the comment here, because it doesn’t need any further publicity, but it is linked to above.
“I have long been guilty of sudden rushes of blood to the head, and it frequently gets me in trouble. “Good Roland” tries to be fairly even-keeled and temperate. “Bad Roland” can’t keep his mouth shut.
“While I stand by the essence of the points made in the second paragraph (and made them in a more articulate way here), I have no evidence for the guess made in the first paragraph, and therefore should not have made it. I also crossed the line into an ‘ad hominem‘ attack in the words I chose to use on Facebook. I sincerely regret those words and apologise to the mayor and the two councillors concerned.
“We started the 905er Podcast because we wanted to contribute to a more balanced level of debate, based on a sound understanding of events and a willingness to see both sides of an argument. While we are not going to shy away from being critical when we believe it is warranted, it should always be within a context of fairness, balance and a basis on established facts. Even when critical, our writing and the comments we make on our podcast should never cross the line into personal attacks. I fell short of the standard we have set ourselves, and the standard expected of any responsible entity that claims to cover current affairs with journalistic standards.”
There are some very strong views being voiced by well-informed people on the release of the Integrity Commissioner’s report released last week.
Roland Tanner, who produces the 905er, a podcast aimed at the 905 market.
Set out below is what can only be called a rant.
Good on him. There are many others holding the same views
- By June Rouse
May 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Are you a big basketball fan?
Burlington, Ontario, has a strong basketball pedigree – read more about some of the best players from the region in Canada.
Burlington Basketball is a non-profit venture that was originally started in 1973. Offering the community a program for youngsters to get involved with, Burlington Basketball has produced some top players over the years.
The Ontario city as a strong track record of producing outstanding sportsmen and women across various sports, but basketball really stands out.
Here’s a look at some Burlingtonians and their achievements on the basketball court.
Mfiondu Kabengele
 Mfiondu Kabengele first Burlington resident to be drafted, by the Brooklyn Nets then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Attending Corpus Christi High School, Mfiondu Kabengele played for Burlington Basketball from 2011 to 2015 under the expert eye of Zelemir Stevanovic. For his collegiate basketball career, Kabengele was recruited to the Florida State Seminoles.
In 2019, Mfiondu Kabengele became the first Burlington resident to be drafted, being picked 27th overall. He was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets but traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Between 2019 and 2021, he played 25 games for the Clippers before moving to Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021 and playing 16 games for them between April and October.
The basketball court was very familiar to Mfiondu from a young age as his uncle is Dikembe Mutombo, a pro player who was inducted into the Hall of Fame after an 18-year career.
 Ron Foxcroft eyeing the basket in a small court installed at the Fox40 whistle warehouse. Ron Foxcroft
Not everyone who’s from Burlington and famous in basketball is a player, as Ron Foxcroft perfectly demonstrates.
Foxcroft became well-known for his prowess as a basketball referee and for inventing a new type of pea-less whistle, the Fox 40. The whistle is now sold in 140 countries and is not used in just the sports community, but also in search and rescue. With armfuls of accolades, Foxcroft was named as one of the top Canadian entrepreneurs of the decade and, in 2015, travelled to Buckingham Palace for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II.
On the court, he refereed at both National and International levels, including the Olympics. He spent 14 seasons evaluating the performances of NBA referees, and in 2016 he was awarded the coveted NASO Gold Whistle Award. This is considered to be the highest award that can be bestowed on a referee anywhere in the world.
Throughout his whole career, Ron Foxcroft has remained a permanent resident of Burlington.
Kevin Kangu
 Kevin Kangu: a name to watch. If you’re looking for a preview of the NBA season Kevin Kangu is a name to watch. Hailing from Burlington, he’s eligible for the draft in 2022.
In 2017-2018 Kangu was in his freshman year and played in 28 games, with 27 starts at Midland College in Texas. At Vincennes in his sophomore year, Kangu built on his previous performance, starting 19 games and appearing in 36 games in total. His performance in the Vincennes National Championship was so memorable that he was named in the all-tournament team.
At Oakland University, Kangu played for both the juniors and the seniors, appearing in the maximum 33 and 30 games, respectively. His performance across both years was impressive, with a number of achievements including the most total assists and the most assists per game.
Now in college, Kangu is playing guard for Lenoir Rhyne Bears.
By Pepper Parr
April 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It is a sticky situation.
The cost of a house has sky rocketed.
The inventory of houses for sale is low.
Two groups are currently looking into the housing problem.
And a Housing Working group that was brought into being due to the persistent efforts of ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte.
And she is about to get a public spanking on Tuesday for telling the public about some of the things being said in Closed sessions of Council about property that is being redeveloped by public agencies to benefit the public.
Go figure.
Having said that, the city planners are doing some solid work; gathering the information on which to base the strategy that is needed to find a way to provide housing for the thousands of people who are going to move to Burlington in the next two decades.
 Expect the work that City Council has approved on the housing file to become a major election issue. Will it get the Mayor re-elected? The people who will benefit have yet to move to the city. There is the common ground established that housing is a basic human right, and there is a collective civic responsibility to ensure that the supply of housing available within a community can accommodate the varying needs of residents throughout their lifetime, including financial needs.
 Working Group on Housing, made up of both volunteers and people steeped in the business of housing has met virtually for a number of months. Burlington has initiated a project to develop an Innovative Housing Strategy that sets out policies, tools, identifies partnerships, and actions to address residents’ current and future housing needs. The consulting team of Dillon Consulting Limited (Dillon) and SHS Consulting (SHS) were retained by the City to carry out this work, in partnership with the City’s Housing Strategy Project team, Housing Strategy Working Group, and Housing Strategy Steering Committee.
Housing: what can Burlington do and how do they go about doing it.
While there has been a lot of effort and emphasis on improving housing opportunities in the City, this Housing Strategy project provides an opportunity for a focused approach. The principal objective is to develop an innovative Housing Strategy for the City of Burlington that sets out policies, tools, and actions to address residents’ housing needs, identifies opportunities for partnerships, and redefines Burlington’s role in meeting local housing needs, now and in the future.
What is the biggest issue? Affordability or inventory?
There are many different ways of defining affordable housing. Definitions that exist in provincial laws, may differ from definitions used in federal housing programs. For many people, there is also a very personal definition of affordability based on their own income.
Affordable Housing
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) defines affordable housing as housing with a price for purchase or rent where households spend no more than 30 percent of their gross household income on housing.
In the case of ownership housing, the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) defines affordable housing as, the least expensive of:
- Housing for which the purchase price results in annual accommodation costs which do not exceed 30 percent of gross annual housing income for low and moderate income households; or
- Housing for which the purchase price is at least 10 percent below the average purchase price of a resale unit in the regional market area;
In the case of rental housing, the PPS defines affordable housing as, the least expensive of:
- A unit for which the rent does not exceed 30 percent of grow annual housing income for low and moderate income households; or
- A unit for which the rent is at or below the average market rent of a unit in the regional market area.
In Halton Region’s Official Plan, affordable housing is defined as:
“housing with a market price (or rent that is affordable to households of low and moderate income, spending no more than 30 percent of their gross income.
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- a) Affordable rental housing should meet the demand of households at the low end, as described in Halton’s annual State of Housing Report, pursuant to Section 86(7). Such households would be able to afford at least three out of ten rental units on the market.
- b) Affordable ownership housing should meet the demand of households at the high end, as identified in Halton’s annual State of Housing Report. Such households would have sufficient income left, after housing expenses, to sustain the basic standard of living.”
Attainable Housing
While there is no universal definition of attainable housing, it is often used to refer to rental or ownership housing without any subsidies which is affordable to workforce households or households with moderate incomes. In the US, it is defined as non-subsidized, for-sale housing that is affordable to households with incomes between 80 and 120 percent of the area median income.
Using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), to bring the 2016 incomes to 2021 values, the estimated average household income in Burlington for 2021 is $159,083 and the estimated median household income is $124,154.
Based on research conducted as part of this report, findings indicate the following 2021 average ownership prices in Burlington:
 This development at 2100 Brant sold out before the sales office was opened. Single-detached: $1,398,357
Semi-detached: $901,963
Townhouse: $894,997
Condominium townhouse: $575,299
Condominium apartments: $575,299
This means that, within the context of Burlington, ownership options are only affordable to households earning $164,016 or more on an annual basis, unless they had a down payment greater than 5% or spent more than 30% of their income on housing costs.
With respect to rental tenure, the research conducted as part of this report indicates the following average monthly rents in the primary rental market in Burlington9:
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 Some of these units at the Burlington GO station will be rentals. Bachelor: $1,229
- One bedroom: $1,577
- Two bedroom: $1,641
- Three+ bedroom: $1,658
This means that, within the context of Burlington, rental options within the primary rental market are only affordable to households earning $60,072 or more on an annual basis. This is further complicated by the low vacancy rates for rental housing in the City, which has remained below 3% since 2010.
Within the Burlington Context, where the cost of all tenures of housing is high, there are very few “affordable” housing options for households within low and moderate income deciles when applying the Federal and Provincial government’s definition of “affordable”.
Given the City’s stated objective for the Housing Strategy to provide a toolkit with options to address housing needs across the entire housing continuum, the strategy will need to provide tools to address both housing “affordability” and “attainability” throughout Burlington to best position itself as an inclusive and complete community that provides housing options for all.
When “affordable housing” is used within the context of this report it is meant to encapsulate the definition of affordable as set out in the Halton Region Official Plan and does not mean government- assisted housing or subsidized housing.
 These two developments; one at the Burlington GO station and the other in the east end are part of the inventory that will come on line at some point. The GO station development has most of the approvals it needs. What isn’t know – how much will the rents be?  Burlington’s role in housing.
Through the work completed to date, it was determined that the biggest impact the City of Burlington can make, as a lower-tier municipality, is to provide innovative solutions to address housing affordability and attainability for middle-income earners. Increasingly, middle-income households are struggling to find housing that is appropriate for their needs and income level in Burlington with the high cost of housing posing significant challenges for middle-income working households.
Providing support to these households insures that they can remain housed in Burlington.
It is in addressing the middle income needs where the City can make the biggest moves.
By Pepper Parr
April 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A reader corrected us on the matter of the Closed Meeting Investigator hired to review and report on the practices used in Burlington.
We watched the archived February 15th meeting of Council which you can look at yourself using the link below.
 Mayor Meed Ward during the February 15 session of Council  What is especially interesting is the Mayor’s body language; the Stolte comment on how an
amendment had come forward and the explanation from the city manager on what was to happen.
 The amendment that was put forward came from Councillor Nisan, there apparently wasn’t any notice given that there was going to be an amendment. In commenting on his own amendment Nisan is clearly reading from prepared notes.
Aird & Berlis the law firm retained to serve as the Closed Meeting Investigator, is certainly a solid, if conservative group. They are not known for innovative solutions to issues – but they are sound. If there is even a hint that there are flaws in the practices in Burlington – it could be seen as time for the current City Solicitor to move on.
The Gazette has been criticized for the stand it takes on some senior members of the current administration.
Take the eight minutes and decide for yourself what is actually happening.
Put the lines below into your browser.
https://calendar.burlington.ca/?StartDate=02/15/2022&EndDate=02/15/2022&Calendar=City%20Meetings&Category=Council%20Meetings
That will get you to the calendar and the meeting of the 15th of February.
Scroll to the bottom of the calendar to the line that reads: Revised Agenda.
That will bring up the Agenda – scroll down to item 12g which is set out below.
Click on that and watch for the next 8 minutes. You can quit when Councillors Kearns begins to ask about how the service provider (Aird & Berlis) was chosen.
Realize that at this point, February 15th, Nisan and Galbraith had already filed their complaint with the Integrity Commissioner – so the blood was in the water at this point.
The item on the agenda for Tuesday April 18th is set out below. It will not be discussed in a Closed session. Unfortunately, the time frames are such that there may not be any delegations.
If you are interested and have some comment that can add to what is taking place – do delegate.
Harry Voortman, a pillar in the community and a supporter of City Kids died at the age of 89.
He came to Canada around 1948 when the Russians were blockading Berlin.
He worked hard and he prospered.
The Gazette will be publishing an Appreciation later in the week.
CEO Andy Callahan said: “Harry was a true one-of-a-kind, and I know will be missed by many of our Voortman team members who knew him well over the years. Harry’s passion and presence, even though he had retired from managing the business day to day, was ever present in the stories of the Burlington team from the moment I first visited in October of 2019. Consistent was his passion for baking the highest quality products, delighting consumers with delicious, sweet treats, supporting the community and, above all, investing in and knowing the lives of the people who made the Voortman Baking Company so great.”
By Pepper Parr
April 14th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington’s Chamber of Commerce has gone through what might best be called leadership turmoil.
Keith Hooey retired after more than 20 years of excellent service.
He was replaced by Carla Nell who wasn’t able to replicate what Hooey had done. She retired.
 Terry Caddo: An ability to spot a problem, recognize it for what it is and make the necessary course correction. Terry Caddo was brought in to rebuild and redirect what has always been an organization with a strong vibrant membership.
Caddo is surprisingly self-effacing with a rich background in a number of sectors.
Raised in Thunder Bay he cleared high school went to the Lakehead University. Worked on the student newspaper. After graduation he scrimped and saved to buy a franchise that was going to be located in Cambridge Ontario.
 Failing is one of the early lessons every business person has to experience. Terry Caddo had his early in his career. With a wry smile Terry explained that Robin’s Donuts was a strong franchise with strength west of Winnipeg.
“When I got to Cambridge I saw Tim Hortons shops on almost every corner.” It was a tough lesson for Caddo.
Before buying a franchise Terry wrote for the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal – quickly realized he was not really a writer.
Caddo has this ability to spot a problem, recognize it for what it is and make the necessary course correction.
He returned to the classroom to study sports marketing and worked at the Toronto Star on their sports events and sports marketing division.
He got involved in syndication work.
He worked at Ontario Place at re-branding with the focus on the park as a place to go to..
He worked with Rogers and eventually found himself at the Royal Botanical Gardens where he put winter programs in place and instituted the model trains exhibitions.
 Setting a course for a post pandemic commercial environment is the top challenge. He worked on the Canada Blooms event and tied it in with the Home Show – something that had not been done before.
It looked like an event that was loaded with potential – then the pandemic hit the world.
There is a pluckiness to Terry Caddo. He is what you see – not a front for an ego that is out of control.
He did what you have to do when you are asked to run an organization that needs one of those course corrections. He began meeting with the stakeholders, rebuilding the staff, letting the membership know that the ship is being righted.
With the tight focus on getting staff to work as a team Caddo also has to figure out what will a post pandemic Chamber of Commerce will look like.
Like most people who get a chance to look at the public space at the Bridgewater – he was amazed and was thinking about the potential for the location.
He supports the intensification and loves the number of opportunities for his kids to play soccer.
He is particularly proud of the way in which the Chamber responded to the need for testing supplies. His Chamber worked quickly to get it hands on a supply of Rapid Response testing kits and has made them available to more than 1100 companies that did more than 200,000 tests. There was a point where they just couldn’t keep up.
 No raging ego with this man. Tends to look for solutions. He worked with the other organizations that make up what is referred to as Team Burlington: Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Downtown Business Association and the Economic Development Corporation and created a web site that meets the needs of all of them to more than .
The Chamber has a Before 9 event on the 21st where Ron Foxcroft will talk about Winning in Business: people will get the full Foxcroft Monte.
The Chamber will release its Strategic Plan on the 27th.
 By Pepper Parr
April 13th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Very early Wednesday morning the Gazette will publish a recommendation from the Integrity Commissioner in which they set out a case for sanctioning a member of City Council.
 Stand By says the city motto – for how long one might ask? The recommendation comes after a three month investigation when two other members of Council filed a complaint with the Integrity Commissioner.
The Councillor named in the report is believed to be preparing a Statement.
The recommendation from the Integrity Commissioner is to go to the City Council meeting on April 19th.
It is not know at this time if the report will be read in a Closes Session of Council.
The Integrity Commissioner is reported to have said that it was “their preference” to have the report not made public until it was actually before Council.
The City Clerk is reported to hold the same view.
The issue is related to how and when Council chooses to go into a closed session and what gets reported from the Closed Session.
The report is lengthy and sets out issues that deserve open and public debate.
Mayor Meed Ward has been involved in discussions with the City Manager on this issue.
 By Staff
April 12th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The City, Burlington Hydro, BurlingtonGreen and Plug’n Drive are hosting Earth Day activities in the parking lot at Central Arena on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Register for Tree Giveaway
The City of Burlington is giving away 200 trees. To receive a free four-to-five-foot tree, you must register in advance and have a vehicle able to safely transport the tree.
Registration opens April 13.
To register for a tree, go to Get Involved Burlington. Quantities and tree species are limited.
 Meet Electric Vehicle Experts
The City and Burlington Hydro are sponsoring Plug’n Drive’s Mobile EV Education Trailer for four weeks at the arena starting April 23 until May 20, 2022.
Talk with experts and owners about driving an electric vehicle (EV).
Book an EV test drive in advance at plugndrive.ca/meet-burlington/. Test drive appointments are available Thursdays to Sundays starting April 23 until May 20, 2022.
Check Out BurlingtonGreen’s 12th Annual Clean Up Green Up
Learn about spring eco-opportunities. Giveaways at BurlingtonGreen’s tent will include free clean-up kits and free pollinator seed packets for the first 100 visitors.
More information about the Clean Up Green Up event can be found at burlingtongreen.org
 By Staff
April 12th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Tables waiting for customers City services and facilities will be closed for Good Friday, on Friday, April 15, and Easter Monday, on Monday, April 18.
A list of which City services and facilities are available on the Easter holiday weekend is set out below.
If you are out and about and in places where there are a lot of people – wear your mask.
The weather reports look good – a chance to get out and enjoy the city – restaurants are looking forward to welcoming their customers.
By Staff
April 10th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Shortage of school-bus drivers amid pandemic continues to temporarily disrupt services
Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) is reminding families of the continued bus route disruptions due to the ongoing decrease of available drivers resulting from COVID-19 isolation requirements.
 Lots of busses – not enough drivers. “Every effort will be made to communicate cancellations as quickly as possible, but in many cases, we will have minimal notice as drivers continue to follow public health guidelines and minimize risk to students,” says David Colley, General Manager of Halton Student Transportation Services.
To stay informed about bus route cancellations, families can:
• Visit the Halton Student Transportation Service Alerts page for up-to-date route cancellations and delays
• Register for Delay/Cancellation email notifications via the HSTS Parent Portal
• For instant delay notifications, download the Delays App to your smartphone: BusPlanner Delay App
We understand the impact that this has on families and we thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
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