 By Pepper Parr
December 13th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A number of months ago the Halton Regional Police made the decision to invest in an advanced broadband communications network. It was not a cheap decision and the Region went in alone on the investment hoping at the time that other members of the public safety cohort would come aboard.
Yesterday the Peel Regional Police decided to join Halton Regional Police Service Public Safety Broadband Network
In support of ongoing innovative efforts to enhance both officer and public safety across the Regions of Halton and Peel, Peel Regional Police is joining the Halton Regional Police Service’s Public Safety Broadband Network. Halton and Peel Regions are home to some of the fastest growing communities in Canada. This growth demands an investment in new reliable data infrastructure to enhance emergency response. This is crucial in the minutes and seconds that help save lives during emergencies.
 Deputy Chief Nishan Duraiappah, and IT Manager Bill Payne viewing an officer’s mobile workstation. “Growing Canada’s first public safety wireless communications network, a network for first responders only, will benefit Canadians for generations to come. We are thrilled to have Peel Regional Police sign on to the Halton Public Safety Broadband Network core.
“With the advent of newly mandated Next-Gen 911 services in Canada, data is becoming more important than ever in 911 emergency response. Halton’s new Public Safety Broadband Network helps emergency services teams to more efficiently and effectively respond to crisis situations with access to key data in order to cut minutes and seconds off response times, which directly translates to more saved lives.
“Expanding this network through collaboration with neighbouring agencies across Ontario is about doing the right thing for public safety — providing stable, critical infrastructure not only in times of crisis but for day-to-day use,” said Deputy Chief Nishan Duraiappah. “We are proud to join forces with Peel Regional Police and Motorola Solutions in taking the initial critical steps to making the Ontario PSBN a reality. We invite all interested agencies and municipalities to join the conversation.”
The Peel Regional Police said they are ” proud to collaborate with our counterparts in Halton Region. This initiative will allow us to build the infrastructure to better enable us to meet the growing demand for seamless emergency response,” said Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief David Jarvis. “Cutting edge broadband data applications along with our reliable Public Safety Broadband Network will truly revolutionize the way we collaborate during public safety incidents resulting in safer outcomes for all.”
“The Halton Regional Police Service and Peel Regional Police Services are committed to using advanced technologies to enhance community well-being,” said George Krausz, Motorola Solutions Canada president. “By joining Halton’s dedicated public safety LTE network, Peel Regional Police will have uninterrupted access to mission-critical data applications including GPS, maps, pictures, videos and real-time analytics to help keep residents and visitors safe.”
Just what is a Public Safety Broadband Network?
It is a dedicated, secure, high-speed wireless data communications network for emergency responders and public safety personnel to communicate with each other during both emergency situations and day-to-day operations.
How is the Ontario approach to a Public Safety Broadband Network a leap forward in terms of community safety?
For years, first responders have used voice (radio) to transmit messages to police officers and other public safety partners including neighboring police agencies to coordinate assistance to the public. Officers currently relay data through commercial networks which are designed for public use. The Ontario approach to a Public Safety Broadband Network will guarantee resilient and secure access on these networks during crises or day-to-day operations.
“We know from experience that during critical incidents, “time is of the essence”. Seamless, secure and reliable communications can have a direct impact on community safety by helping shave minutes and seconds off of emergency response times. Mission-critical voice communications must be supplemented with the ability to seamlessly and securely share data vital for heightened situational awareness, preserving the radio system for crucial voice communications.
“The state-of-the-art Halton Public Safety Broadband Network core provides a platform across which voice, data and information can be efficiently and seamlessly accessed and shared by Police, Fire and Paramedic Services during all stages of any major event, in any geographic location across Ontario. It will be used by first responders to quickly access data on their computers or mobile devices such as dispatch information, records information, GPS data, maps, photos, videos and real-time analytics for day-to-day operations and during emergencies.
Ultimately, this Ontario-based Public Safety Broadband Network model will provide first responders with the appropriate resources, interoperability, robust and reliable capacity, and with the ability to dynamically scale to changes in any critical situation.
Technical Background
Motorola has been providing communications solutions to police forces throughout North America for decades. The service includes two-way radios, broadband technology, video surveillance and analytics solutions, services and software to keep them connected, from extreme to everyday moments.
 Shown left to right: Halton Regional Police Service Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie, Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief David Jarvis, Halton Regional Police Service Deputy Chief Nishan Duraiappah with some of the equipment that will be used by public safety people. Related news story:
Halton commits to broadband – hoping others will join to manage the cost.
By Staff
December 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Earlier this year, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-46, the most comprehensive reform to the Criminal Code transportation regime in more than 40 years. The new law is a modern, simplified, and more coherent system of reforms to better deter and detect drug and alcohol-impaired driving.
 The elements of Bill C-46 related to drug-impaired driving came into force on June 21, 2018. The legislation authorizes police to use additional tools, such as roadside oral fluid drug screeners, enacts new driving offences of being over a prohibited blood drug concentration, and allows for blood samples to be collected without first requiring a driver to undergo a drug recognition evaluation.
The part of the legislation related to alcohol-impaired driving will come into force on December 18, 2018.
These amendments include, but are not limited to, the introduction of mandatory alcohol screening and the introduction of some new and higher mandatory minimum fines and some higher maximum penalties for impaired driving.
Mandatory Alcohol Screening
There have been many questions regarding mandatory alcohol screening. Currently, police officers must have reasonable suspicion that a driver has alcohol in their body before conducting a roadside test. As of December 18, 2018, police officers with an Approved Screening Device (ASD) on hand can require any lawfully-stopped driver to provide a breath sample, even without reasonable suspicion that the driver has alcohol in their body. This would be completed after the person has been lawfully stopped pursuant to authority (common law or provincial Highway Traffic Act).
 The rules on driving impaired are about to change – tougher as well. Research suggests that up to 50 per cent of drivers with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit are not detected at roadside check stops. Mandatory alcohol screening provides a mechanism for better detection of those who choose to drink and get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Note: A driver who refuses to provide a sample would be subject to a criminal offence (and a mandatory minimum $2,000 fine).
Penalties for Impaired Driving as of December 18, 2018
The proposed legislation would enact some new and higher mandatory minimum fines, and some higher maximum penalties.
 Refer to the attached chart for a summary of the new penalties (source).
Shared Responsibility: Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada.
Community safety is a shared responsibility, and we encourage residents and visitors to continue to work with us to reduce impaired driving. Impaired driving is considered a crime in progress. If you witness suspected impaired driving, please call 9-1-1 to report it.
By Pepper Parr
December 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
With an awkward quickie Special Meeting of Council where the city manager was dispatched and a Labour Agreement approved behind them, the new city council got down to the business of the city when the Standing Committee – Committee of the Whole (COW) met for the first time.
The meeting started with determining who was going to head up which committee and who the vice chairs were going to be. This is a sort of “pin the tail on the donkey” game for adults. One council member nominates another and the nominee graciously accepts.
Theoretically, a rogue Councillor could nominate themselves and begin the process of taking over the committee structure but that wasn’t going to happen with this Council.
Lisa Kearns was made Chair of the Committee of the Whole Workshops and the Committee of the Whole Budget.
Big job for a newbie and she handled it quite well first time around. There was one precious line when Kearns turned to Lisa Palermo, the Committee Clerk who was guiding Kearns through the process and asked: “Do I stop talking now?”
 The number of units, 233, in the site gives a whole new meaning to intensification. It was a mild agenda for the most part – until they got to the National Homes development for 2100 Brant.
Ed Door gave a delegation that set out the long disappointing process the Havendale community went through to get the development reduced from a 233 town homes to something in the 150 homes range. The best the developer was able to do was reduce the number of units to 212 town homes which Door pointed out would have a six foot deep backyard, not enough space for Councillor Sharman to stretch out in.
This development landed on the desks of the Planning department at an awkward time.
The then Director of Planning, Mary Lou Tanner had been promoted to Deputy City Manager and an interim Director, Bill Janssen, was brought in from Hamilton to provide some leadership.
 Heather MacDonald, Burlington Director of Planning A new Director of Planning was hired. Heather MacDonald had to be brought up to speed. Meanwhile the 180 days the city planners had to come forward with a staff recommendation were melting away.
During this time period, National Homes, according to the time line Door read out, did everything they could to delay and obfuscate the normal procedures.
Then – the 180 day time frame the Planners had to give city council a report was up and National Homes filed an appeal to the Land Appeal Planning Tribunal, the organization that took over form the Ontario Municipal Board.
The standard procedure is for the LAPT to hold a Pre-conference hearing. They scheduled one for December 18th. Lawyers for National Homes sent the people involved a letter saying they wanted the Pre-hearing meeting to be turned into a settlement meeting to accept the changes that apparently were agreed upon with the planning department.
Doors delegation is a litany of disgraceful manipulations of the development application process in which he maintained the city was complicit.
Ed Doors explained that “The Havendale Advisory Committee was initially established by the former Councillor for Ward 1 (Rick Craven) in response to concerns expressed by residents regarding the application for development of the property at 2100 Brant Street by National Homes.
 The site that is to be developed. “The first official meeting of the group in September 2017 was chaired by the ward Councillor and included over 20 residents; a week later, the second meeting included representatives from National Homes and the City of Burlington Planning Department.
“It became apparent at the meeting, that the residents’ overarching concerns, including non- compliance with the Provincial Policy Statement, the Burlington Official Plan and existing zoning standards, were not on the table for discussion, and the focus was to be only on specific details of the application.
“We were repeatedly assured by the former Ward 1 Councillor over the next several months that there was plenty of time for further discussion, and that the 180-day deadline would not be an issue.
“The City organized a Public Open House for October 12, 2017 to discuss the development proposal. Our Committee circulated 500 flyers in the local community, in both Wards 1 and 3. The meeting was packed; residents were upset.
“The Havendale Committee developed an Initial Position Paper that was presented to the City on October 27, 2017. In our letter of transmittal, we stated:
“The Havendale Advisory Committee… recognizes the critical responsibility and privilege of representing the concerns of the area residents, which includes residents of both Ward 1 and Ward 3. Our initial response to the National Homes Proposal includes research, analysis, and recommendations, and has been approached through significant consultation and discussion.
“In this Initial Position Paper, the Advisory Committee has prepared an outline of what might constitute an Alternative Proposal, to draw attention to the enormous opportunity for innovation on one of the last available tracts of vacant land in Burlington. Full consideration should be given to the incorporation of green building and sustainable community innovations that would further the goals of the Burlington community as a truly livable city of the future.
 The blue area denotes the Havendale community with 236 homes. The orange area is the proposed National Homes development where 233 homes would be built. “We suggest that both the site and the size of the land in question challenges all involved to seek a solution through a spirit of collaboration. We are committed to a dialogue that will lead to a solution that meets Burlington’s housing needs and creates a unique and sustainable community.”
“We received no official response to this submission.
“On January 26, 2018 members of our Committee met with the former Ward 1 Councillor and the new Planner on File to review the key issues and concerns raised in the Position Paper, and to discuss our concern about the possibility of the 180-day deadline not being met. Both Councillor Craven and Lola Emberson assured us that this would not lead to an appeal by National Homes.
“Around the same time, our Committee commissioned a brief video about the Tyandaga neighbourhood and the impact of the proposed development on the community for future use at the Statutory Public Meeting. The video was funded through member donations.
“Members of our Committee met over the next several months with other Council members and the Mayor, with National Homes, with the initial and the subsequent Planners on file, and with other advocacy groups in the community, including the Age- Friendly Housing Association.
“Immediately prior to the Statutory Public Meeting, National Homes filed an appeal with LPAT because of the non-decision by Council within 180 days.
“When the Statutory Public Meeting was finally held on April 3, 2018 at the Committee of the Whole, our Committee members delegated effectively, and in fact were complimented by Council members for the quality of our input. At this meeting, our Committee tabled a proposal to establish a Task Force consisting of National Homes, City Planning, and a few residents to review the National Homes proposal and work towards a compromise that would satisfy all parties. All parties responded affirmatively to this suggestion.
 In the initial proposal there were no provisions for a park. National Homes revised the proposal and added a park less than an acre in size. “Committee members lobbied over the next two months for the establishment of this Task Force, however it failed to materialize, due to lack of support from the former Ward 1 Councillor, the Planning Department, and National Homes.
“Our Committee was asked by the former Councillor to attend a meeting with National Homes and the Planning Department on May 29th, 2018 for a presentation on adjustments that were being proposed by National Homes. We were asked for feedback on these modifications within 2-3 weeks.
“We began our discussions and review as documents were being provided to us, and as we were drafting our response, we were notified by the City on June 25, 2018 that National Homes had in fact made a Re- submission with Updated Planning Justification on June 19, 2018.
“On June 28, 2018, we sent a letter to all Council, the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Director of City Building, and the Planner on File, expressing our concerns with the process and the lack of meaningful consultation. No official response.
“An Open House was organized by the City on July 17, 2018, to give National Homes the opportunity to present their revised proposal to the community. Our Committee was given 10 days after the Open House to submit a written response to the City. We prepared a detailed Addendum to our Initial Position Paper, and submitted it to the City by the deadline.
“There has been no acknowledgement of, or response to, this submission, despite the inclusion of detailed questions requiring response by the City.
“In the Open House Notice, the City clearly set up the expectation for the process moving forward saying:
“No decisions about this proposal have been made yet. We are asking for your feedback on the revision before we make a recommendation to the Planning and Development Committee of Council to either approve or refuse the application.”
“Former Councillor Craven stated in his July 2018 Ward 1 newsletter: “The proposal is still subject to a review by City staff and a recommendation expected in the early fall.”
“In turning down our Committee’s request to make a brief delegation to the Committee of the Whole meeting on September 10, 2018, the Committee Clerk stated: “The confidential report on today’s Committee of the Whole agenda is to provide committee members with an update on National Homes appeal to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) regarding 2100 Brant Street.
“The subject of the report deals with the legal matter and not with the development itself. Therefore, no delegates are permitted to speak because the report is subject to solicitor/client privilege. … When the development matter comes back to committee that would be the time for residents to delegate.
“No report on comments from the public or the technical comments from the various departments and agencies was made available. No recommendation report was created for public comment, no comments on the re-submission from the public were posted, and this re-submission by National Homes never made it to a Planning and Development Committee meeting, during which delegations could have been heard.
“In fact, the entire participation and consultation process has been curtailed for our Committee.
“As you know, the former Council made last-minute decisions in camera, and in favour of the development application. National Homes has requested that the LPAT Pre-Hearing Conference scheduled for December 18, 2018 be converted to a Settlement Hearing.
“This raises serious concerns for us.
“It is the position of the Havendale Advisory Committee that by rushing to agree to a confidential settlement prior to the swearing-in of the newly elected Council, the outgoing Burlington Council and National Homes have in effect conspired to subvert the planning approval process, and exclude consideration of the legitimate concerns of residents and of the newly elected representatives.
 Steve Armstrong giving a detailed analysis of the development from a citizen’s perspective. “Our Committee believes that it would be appropriate for any Reports or briefings with respect to this settlement that were made to the outgoing Council by, or on behalf of, the Planning Department immediately be made publicly available in order allow proper and transparent consideration of all the facts.
“Proceeding with the settlement at this stage would set a precedent in Burlington. It would send a signal that contentious development applications need not be dealt with through the proper planning process in a municipality. Rather, if the municipality simply ensures that a decision on the application is not made within 180 days, the planning decision can be left to LPAT.
“We are of the opinion that the settlement outlined by National Homes legal counsel is not compliant with Burlington’s Official Plan, Burlington’s zoning regulations, nor the Provincial Policy Statement, and as such should not be endorsed by this Council.
“While we do not believe the current settlement is appropriate, we do believe that a negotiated settlement that addresses the concerns of all parties, including the public, is achievable. We would like to be part of that process.”
There is a lot or murkiness here. Council has been in a number of Closed Meetings with the City Solicitor. The public knows next to nothing about what this “deal” was with National Homes.
The Gazette has learned that Mayor Meed Ward met with member of the Havendale community last week and did some idea sharing.
When the Standing Committee meeting went into Closed Session on Monday to discuss the 2100 Brant development – all the Planners were asked to leave the room.
What many people cannot understand is: How did a situation like this come about?
 By Pepper Parr
December 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The chatter amongst those who are worth a second look by Burlington’s city council as they search for a new city manager is revealing.
Several, who would not agree to talk if we named them, wonder if the civic administration can be revived. Total bedlam was the word one possible candidate who assured his colleagues that he would not be applying.
 James Ridge with former Hamilton city manager Chris Murray. Both men moved on; one of his own accord, the other was asked to leave. Both Hamilton and Burlington are looking for new city managers. Few, if any, possible candidates will apply for both.
What does Burlington need and does what the city needs exist was the question we put to the seven people we talked to.
It doesn’t need someone who has an agenda and knows exactly what the city needs said one.
It does need someone who has already made their mark as a city manager and is ready to take on a task that requires s basically a complete re-build.
Ideally you want someone who can spot talent within the organization and grow it said another who added that it has to be “Someone who can listen and then nurture the talent or know where to look for the talent that will be needed to replace some of the key people that need to move on.”
The answer a candidate should be able to give to the question: What do you want to achieve while you are with us is: Find my replacement.
 These seven people will decide who the next city manager should be. If they get it right a lot of the current city hall screw ups can be brought to an end. Burlington has a new council and they are going to need help in refining the political aspirations each of them brought to the public office they now hold.
They need administrative leadership that can begin the healing of the wounds mid-level staff are working through. Parts of the organization is almost like a zoo totally out of control.
A command and control style will not work.
The new city manager has to have the confidence of the elected members – and if that confidence doesn’t exist – they should walk.
There are some organizational changes that should at least be considered. Move the Economic Development Corporation into the Planning department. Economic development is currently in the hands of a group of Hamilton lawyers.
 Traditionally Strategic Plans have been for a period of four years.  The Strategic Plan grew to a 25 year plan. There wasn’t much in the way of a vigorous public debate on whether or not this was a good idea. Does the Strategic Plan that was foisted on the city by the consulting firm the city hired and the aspirations former city manager James Ridge had still make sense? Traditionally a Strategic Plan is the agenda for a specific council and were four year documents. Ridge grew that four years to 25 and then attached the Grow Bold concept to it.
Does this council now send the document to the recycle file ? This council is going to be far too busy to get wrapped up in the long process of re-writing a Strategic Plan. There are much bigger fish to fry.
The new city manager should have more than just some depth of understanding of how Queen’s Park works – he (or she) needs to be able to counsel and advise the Mayor on how to get the province to work for the city and not be at the mercy of a Premier that tends to act abruptly and really doesn’t know what a conflict of interest is and where he can legitimately exert his authority. The man just cannot be trusted.
 Opening a Pandora’s Box is a process that generates many complicated problems as the result of unwise interference in something. These are perilous times for the municipal world. It is clear to many who watch the sector that there is going to be more in the way of consolidation. Former Mayor Rick Goldring certainly opened a Pandora ’s Box when he suggested Burlington should annex parts of Waterdown.
In one of his statements former city manager James Ridge spoke of Burlington’s “enviable” reputation as a great city. One can only gulp when reading that statement and looking at the serious problems surrounding the 2100 Brant development that is fraught with serious issues that smack of a total disregard for the public engagement process.
The Mayor has yet to say who will serve as the interim city manager. One would have thought that the Deputy City Manager would almost automatically assume that role. Any suggestions as to why that hasn’t happened?
Mayor Meed Ward was wise to ask her council to think about they think the city should be looking for and what they, individually, want to see put in place to carry out the mandate they have.
Salt with Pepper are the opinions, reflections, observations and musings of the Gazette publisher.
By Pepper Parr
December 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
We spent millions building the Performing Arts Centre. It came in “on time” and “on budget”.
Official ground breaking took place in March of 2009; The Burlington Performing Arts Centre opened its doors in the autumn of 2011.
It has been through a number of Executive Directors and gets about three quarters of a million in funding from the city. That works out to a subsidy of about $6.80 for each of the 110,000 us attended an event at The Centre. Nothing wrong with that number.
The Centre has done some research and report that 110,000+ people visited The Burlington Performing Arts Centre over the past year.
The organization is looking at how they impact the arts community in Burlington.
 The Performing Arts report card – they wrote it themselves. Here is what they report:
BPAC’s VISION: to take a leadership role in community cultural development
BPAC offered 5 free cultural sensitivity training workshops to members of the community at large, on topics ranging from Indigenous Relations to Muslim Heritage and Black History. 61 free educational and performing arts workshops were offered to local citizens and youth. 28 educational performances were presented to a total of 13,360 local students and teachers. BPAC becomes the first performing arts centre in Canada to designate a Legacy Space, in our ongoing commitment to Truth & Reconciliation.
BPAC’s MISSION: to be Burlington’s social and cultural ‘hub’
14 free performances were presented to the community. 178 citizens volunteered their time at BPAC. BPAC’s first-ever Cultural Diversity Festival results in a 2018 Culture Days award for ‘Best Hub’.
 The Centre has a strong core group that lines up for ticket purchases when a new season is announced. BPAC’s GOAL: to nurture and support local cultural partners
57 local artists and arts organizations were presented by BPAC in our curated programming offerings, and $27,275 in performance fees were paid to these artists and organizations. BPAC donated almost $50K in rental space and technical services to 22 local artists and community organizations. 142 complimentary tickets, with a combined value of $6,182 were donated to local community organizations to further their own fundraising efforts. BPAC’s first annual Festival of Trees raised over $3K, which was used to support three presentations by local artists and arts organizations.
From an economic impact perspective, we know that The Burlington Performing Arts Centre contributes to the economic vitality of Downtown Burlington and the City. 75% of BPAC patrons spent money supporting local restaurants in combination with a visit to BPAC, and an average of $2.1 million in the Burlington community before or after a performance.
Calculating the spin off benefits, people having dinner before an event or dropping into a local spot for a drink after the play is far from a science; the numbers seem to get a little fatter each time they are handed out. However, there is no denying that there is a significant spin off.
The problem area, and it is being worked on, is getting the smaller theatre groups in the city to use the space. Those smaller groups find they cannot afford the rental fee structure the Centre has which is the result of high Centre overhead.
There is always going to be a place for the church basement groups and those small but dedicated drama groups that create a place for local talent to perform and grow.
 Ilene Elkaim, on the right, talking to a patron during the announcement of a new season. There are some concerns over the governance model that is being used. There is a need for some fresh blood; currently the Chairmanship of the Board, which is an arms length corporation that runs the program out of a building the city owns, gets passed back and forth between the Chair and the Vice Chair – not healthy.
The Gazette is aware of people who are eminently qualified to serve on the board who were not taken up,
 Performing Arts Centre Executive Director, Tammy Fox The current Executive Director, Tammy Fox is working diligently to include the Sound of Music Festival in more of what takes place at The Centre. The SoM will eventually submit to the charms of the Executive Director who has experience on both sides of the entertainment business. She ran an arts agency that booked well known groups into various venues across the country and has run venues – she understands the issues that each side has.
Related news story:
Tammy Fox – Executive Director at the Performing Arts Centre.
 By Ray Rivers
December 11th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s not a Shakespearean plot. Though old William would have found it worthy. The story of an ambitious young man climbing up the political ladder to the top of his organization, only to be stabbed in the back by his compatriots. Oh wait a minute, that sounds familiar!
 Patrick Brown was not going to slink away – he wrote a book about what happened – and then went off to get elected as Mayor of Brampton. Patrick Brown paid a heavy price for advancing his political philosophy with the Ontario PCs, while those about him were into the darker side of social and environmental politics. He labels himself a progressive or red Tory. His heroes and mentors are Bill Davis, Jean Charest and Brian Mulroney, probably in that order. He had been born into a political family and politics was his life’s aspiration.
He seized the opportunity to get elected into Stephen Harper’s first minority government but was uncomfortable voting the party line on issues like opposing same-sex marriage and reopening the abortion debate, though he did anyway. But his reticence was obviously noticed and so he never made it to the front line of the Harper team, but was relegated to the back benches.
I know this because it is in his book titled ‘Takedown’. Tired of taking abuse from his own party which was moving even further to the right, Brown sought the leadership of the Ontario PCs.
Christine Elliot was the heir apparent, the favourite establishment candidate. But even after the three other establishment candidates had dropped out, she couldn’t muster enough voting members to defeat Brown’s well organized campaign.
 Brown included the south east Asian community in a way they had not been included in the past by the provincial Tories. It paid off for him As an MP Brown had used his position to cultivate friendships with the Tamil, Indian, and Muslim ethnic communities. His reward was their support when he ran for leader of the provincial party, and afterwards when, as leader, he grew the provincial party’s membership from 10,000 to well over 100,000. As leader Brown also eliminated the party’s seven million dollar debt and stashed another four million aside for the 2018 election war chest.
But it was inevitable. He was the newbie with no history or buddies in the provincial party and he had stolen the leadership from the chosen one. And what may have seemed like a gentle breeze of resistance from the party stalwarts on his way up the pecking order would eventually turn into a powerful headwind pushing him rapidly back down.
He really should have read Julius Caesar. What probably sealed his fate was the party’s policy conference where all of Brown’s platform ideas got molded into his People’s Guarantee. It was a very comprehensive platform and he earned the wrath of the religious right by confirming that the sex-ed program brought in by the Liberals would stay in place.
 Brown cultivates the LGBT community Then he added insult to injury by promising to replace the provincial cap and trade program with a revenue neutral carbon tax which would be used to finance income tax cuts. That this also met the criteria for Mr.Trudeau’s mandated carbon pricing infuriated the party elders who also like to keep at least one eye on federal politics.
By early January this year it was becoming apparent that the Wynne Liberals were heading for a major defeat and that a PC majority was almost a given. That would mean that this red Tory, Brown, would be in power for at least the next four years and possibly eight. And since Brown had consented to continue much of Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal program there had be consternation among the old guard about where this grand old party was heading.
Except for his promises of ending the Green Energy Act and making tax cuts Brown might have been just another Liberal dressed in blue clothing. This was not the path that conservative oriented parties everywhere were going. So a revolt was no doubt in the works. And it had to happen before he ran and won the upcoming provincial election in June of this year. We’ll discuss how it all seemed to go wrong for Brown in the next part of this series.
To be continued…….
 Ray Rivers writes regularly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Brown – Brown’s Book –
By Pepper Parr
December 10th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington received notice from the Region of Halton on December 4th regarding the city’s Official Plan.
Noting that the notice did not arrive until the 4th, that means the surprise Mayor Meed Ward told the inauguration audience she had for them was not about the Official Plan – it was about the firing of the City Manager which took place the following day.
The notice from the Region advised that the city’s adopted Official Plan did not conform with the Regional Official Plan in a number of respects related to policies and mapping, and among others, in the areas of:
 Regional Chair Gary Carr tasting honey while on an agricultural tour. There is some serious farming being done in the rural lands – not as much as the Planning department thinks. • proposed employment land conversions and permitted uses within the employment areas and lands;
• the identification of and permitted uses within agricultural lands;
• the identification of and permitted uses within the Natural Heritage System; and
• transportation matters, including road classifications.
A media release from city hall said:
Ongoing work will continue between the city and Region which will result in a draft notice of decision containing modifications to the city’s Official Plan. These modifications will be shared with the city and brought forward to City Council for consideration.
The process for final approval of the city’s Official Plan will include:
• The ability for the city to make additional modifications before the Official Plan is approved by Halton Region where there is appropriate planning justification and public consultation
• Once city staff is of the opinion that the issues of non-conformity have been addressed, the proposed changes would be brought back to Council for a vote before final approval by the Region
• An indefinite “pause” of the 210 days the Region has to approve the Official Plan
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will work with her Burlington Council colleagues to ensure the city and Region are able take the appropriate time necessary to continue work on any potential modifications of the Official Plan.
This will also allow time for any additional matters the new Council would like to address before final approval.
Burlington city staff will bring forward a memo through the Council Information Package on Dec. 14 about next steps on this matter.
This process is going to be complex and there are just two members of the new seven member city council who have a solid grasp of what this is all about.
 A great moment – and the beginning of a four year term of office. The really steep learning curve for the new council begins this afternoon when they meet as a Standing Committee and get down to business – unless one counts the quicky Special Meeting of city council that took place last Tuesday.
By Staff
December 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Earlier in the week, the Gazette learned the provincial government introduced what they call an economic development tool, an open for business planning bylaw (regulation) which would exempt major economic development projects, major employment uses from planning and environmental laws.
MMAH/Planning Act changes in Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act allows municipalities, with ministerial approval, to pass “Open For Business” bylaws that allow municipalities to bypass various planning statutes, including the Greenbelt Act, which Ford had promised to leave intact.
Those who follow this kind of stuff believe it is the beginning of opening up the Escarpment to development.
 There are certainly farms in the Escarpment but a lot of the land is held by developers and rented to people who farm the property. The Ontario Greenbelt Alliance in a media release they said: “The “Open for Business” zoning bylaw would be enacted by a municipality. Provisions in the legislation exempt municipalities to conform to aspects of the Planning Act, Great Lakes Protection Act, Clean Water Act, Greenbelt Act, Oak Ridges Moraine Act, Lake Simcoe Protection Act, the Places to Grow Act among others. Perhaps most disturbing is the provision that allows a project to proceed without a public meeting. Once the municipality has the Minister’s approval they can move ahead.
 Without the Escarpment Burlington would be just another suburb “Breaking the promise not to open up the Greenbelt shows a disrespect to voters. It also puts the health of farmers and rural landowners at risk. Just this week the Neptis Foundation released a report calling for a regional vision for the GGH. The health of our region depends on valuing our farms, forests, clean water sources and nature.
The Gazette asked Mayor Meed Ward for some comment. The city issued the following this afternoon.
“The Provincial Government tabled legislation referred to as, Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018, which, if passed would allow municipalities to, with the Minister’s consent, pass “Open for Business’” zoning by-laws.
“These bylaws would not be bound by existing legislation, such as the Clean Water Act, 2006 or the Greenbelt Act, 2005.
 What kind of farming is being done and who owns the land are major questions to be asked. “This change suggests that the Province is opening the Greenbelt for development, among other changes.
Mayor Meed Ward added: “We stand firm in our commitment to protecting our greenbelt from development and protecting our farm families and rural agricultural economy. We will also ensure our residents benefit from the protections in all the other pieces of legislation referred to in Bill 66.
“We will not be comprising their safety or quality of life for speed. I do not see Burlington using this legislation, if it is passed. At the same time, we’ll do everything we can to ensure Burlington is open for business.”
Mary Lou Tanner, Deputy City Manager said: “Burlington has a long history of a firm urban boundary, supporting both the Niagara Escarpment Plan and the Greenbelt Plan. We strongly support protecting our rural area from development. Farming is part of our community identity and a key driver in the economy. At the same time, our administration is committed to reducing red tape.”
It is a real stretch to say that “farming is … a key driver in the economy” but the sentiment is there.
 Will Burlington see one of these on the north side of Hwy 407 leading into the Escarpment? The Ford government has been consistent in its desire to open up everything they can see to some kind of business development.
With just over six months in office it looks like there is going to be a consistent battle to keep the Escarpment we have.
We will ask our MPP Jane McKenna for comment.
TV Ontario published an excellent piece on just what we could be up against. Well worth reading. CLICK here
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 By Staff
December 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The following revised Santa 5k race route and road closures.
 Santa 5k Road Closures, 6 to 11 a.m.
Brant Street, from Ontario Street to Elgin Street
James Street, from John Street to Brant Street
Road Closures, 8:30 to 11 a.m.
Lakeshore Road, from Elizabeth Street to Maple Avenue
Burlington Avenue, from Lakeshore Road to Elgin Street
Elgin Street, from Nelson Avenue to Burlington Avenue
Nelson Avenue, from Elgin Street to Lakeshore Road
Brant Street, from Ontario Street to Lakeshore Road
Route Supervision
• Halton Regional Police Service will direct traffic at major intersections and event marshals will help runners and motorists at multi-residential driveways and on side streets
• Event notices were delivered to all residences, religious centres and businesses affected by the event
Questions
If you have any questions about the road closures or traffic control, please contact the City of Burlington event liaison at 905-335-7600, ext. 7201.
By Pepper Parr
December 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It has been a tumultuous week for the city – and for the staff at city hall.
 If there is a morale meter at city hall it isn’t giving a very high rating these days. The City manager left the building on Tuesday, no word yet on who the interim city manager is going to be.
There is a Deputy city manager in place so things won’t spin out of control.
There are people in the city delighted with the dismissal of the city manager; they have hopes that there will be a few more dismissals in the not too distant future.
While all this takes place there’s serious damage being done to the mid-level people who do all the grunt work.
Burlington has a number of superb staffers, I could name more than 100 people, that I have worked with, talked to that are sincere, professional and very good at their jobs. They are career civil servants who work hard to manage hard issues.
One has to wonder how many are polishing their resumes and looking around for a better place to work. There are a lot of benefits to working in the municipal sector; the money is good, the benefits terrific and the pension grand.
And those things matter but that isn’t why the really good people get up every morning, go out the door and take on the tasks they have to deal with.
Burlington has some real issues that are complex and won’t yield to a simple answer.
The really good men and woman are well aware of the problems and they are more than capable of finding solutions. With a few exceptions they have not been well led. They do deserve better.
They will sign out at city hall this afternoon, head home to their families and wonder just where things at city hall are going to be six months from now.
There is the possibility that some of the really good ones will be gone; some into the private sector others with a different municipality. It will be our loss.
 Salt with Pepper is an opinion column reflecting the observations and musings of the publisher of the Gazette, an on-line newspaper that is in its 8th year as a news source in Burlington and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Staff
December 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 RIDE program now in force in HAlton Region On December 4, 2018, just before 9:30 pm, Halton Police officers were conducting a RIDE initiative in the area of North Service Road and the Highway 407 overpass in Burlington. As a result of an investigation, Ian Overend (42) of Burlington was charged with driving over 80mgs.
On December 5, 2018, just before 9:30 pm, Halton Police officers initiated a traffic stop in area of Mountain Grove Avenue and Upper Middle Road in Burlington. As a result of an investigation, Christopher Maguire (43) of Burlington was charged with driving while ability impaired and driving over 80mgs.
The Halton Regional Police Service remains committed to road safety through prevention, education and enforcement initiatives.
Members of the public are reminded that driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is a crime in progress and to call 9-1-1 immediately to report a suspected impaired driver.
Police services across Ontario are now issuing media releases naming those charged with driving offences.
By Pepper Parr
December 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
We are not yet into winter – but the Sound of Music folks want you to plan for the summer and take a look at the headliner they have signed up for the 40th anniversary.
They have announced that the first co-headliner for the 2019 Kick-Off Concert will be BUSH who are celebrating 25 years since the debut of their multi-platinum album ’16 Stone’.
 BUSH to be part of the headline events for the start of the Sound of Music 2019 Kick Off event. Free concerts part of the SoM begin on June 13th. In an enthusiastic set of statements the SoM Executive Director, Myles D. Rusak said: “This truly is an exciting time for the Festival. Our goal is to see not only the Festival itself grow; but the entire entity that is the Sound of Music.
“Our kick-off generates critical resources that will allow us to realize this vision and in turn better support the Arts Community at large. You are going to see some amazing announcements and new initiatives to celebrate our 40th anniversary which in turn will pave the way for the next chapter that is the Sound of Music.”
The one day kick-off concert takes place five days before we open the proverbial doors to Canada’s Largest Free Music Festival -June 13-16, 2019.
Tickets are on sale now. Grab your tickets before Tier 1 quantities sell out. Prices will go up when Tier 2 pricing kicks in.
• ADULT $60
• YOUTH $25
• VIP $95
• FrontRow $95
The Kick off events, usually all ticketed events takes place five days earlier.
The Festival is currently recruiting for volunteers.
Visit soundofmusic.ca/volunteers if you are interested in applying.
 By Staff
December 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Pay Pal is a service that many people use, especially when they want to transfer funds to people or places out of the country.
While it is a little on the pricey side – it is convenient and it works. There are a lot of small companies that rely on it.
The Gazette uses the service. Seeing an email advising us that a payment has been received is not an unusual thing.
So when this message advised that a payment had arrived it would have been natural to click on the message.
That would have been an expensive click for us. The message was phony. What were the clues. Look at the message:
Looks legit – but look again at the message line that is at the top of every eamil – telling you who it came from:
 By Ray Rivers
December 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Our American neighbours tend to see Canada as that socialist state on their northern border. We do have single-payer health care in each province and there is a national broadcaster partially funded by the federal government. But we are a lot less socialist than we used to be back when our federal government used to run a national railway, our biggest airline and our very own oil company, Petro-Canada.
 Today Canadian governments of all political persuasion agree that oil production is best left to the private sector. Except, we don’t leave it alone. Federal and provincial governments annually subsidize the oil sector by almost three and a half billion dollars – just under a hundred dollars for every man woman and child in the country. And that doesn’t include Mr. Trudeau’s recent purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline.
Of course the governments spend tax dollars on a lot of things, like defence, education and health care, but mostly for services which are not for-profit. But business is supposed to be business, and no commodity is more market oriented than oil – just watch the daily fluctuation at the gas pumps. And note that, with annual profits into the billions, PetroCan and its partner Suncor are one of the biggest items on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
But the markets are telling us that the cost of producing oil in Alberta exceeds the value of that resource in the marketplace. Of course there is a glut of the stuff globally today and it’s now a buyers’ market. But while the best quality crude has dropped to as much as a third of its peak value of only a couple of years ago, oil sands bitumen is bottoming out at $10 a barrel.
 Leasing rail cars – a lot of them are made in Hamilton. And even though a new pipeline or another 7000 rail cars would help move that oil to Asian markets where the price might be better, it’s still low quality oil and some of the most expensive to produce. So neither another pipeline nor more rail cars make economic sense as an investment. If they did wouldn’t industry have already taken care of that? In fact wasn’t lack of profitability behind Kinder Morgan blackmailing the federal government into buying its old pipeline.
Mr. Trudeau had no choice, politically, you might say but to buy that last pipe dream politicians east of the Rockies sleep on. He had to be seen helping an Alberta whose premier had embraced a carbon tax, among other things. Rachel Notley is acquiring some 7000 new rail cars for the same political reason. It’s something we call corporate welfare.
There is panic in the oil patch. So Notley, acting on a proposal from the non-socialist opposition parties, is also intervening in the market by winding down oil production, hoping for a better match with market demand and improved oil prices. It is probably a political set-up, staged by her opponents, hoping she’ll pay a price at the polls come next year’s provincial election. Then the odds are against her anyway.
 Only zero emitting cars will be sold in B.C. after 2040. But the odds are also against the oil sands enduring. General Motors just closed its largest assembly plant in Canada, in Oshawa, claiming it’s crossed over to building electric vehicles. And that is a common theme by auto execs everywhere as they enter the growing movement to end the reign of guzzler. Only zero emitting cars will be sold in B.C. after 2040.
Long the target of the greenies everywhere, Barclays Bank shareholders have now demanded it pull its investments out of the ‘tar sands’. The plastics industry, the other main user of petroleum, is also under attack, particularly for single uses and packaging . There is this island of waste plastic the size of France in the middle of the Pacific ocean. And even in our once pristine Great Lakes plastic residue can be found in just about every fish species.
Of course prices will go up again before they go down again, and so on. Then, there are still millions of gasoline powered cars, gas heating appliances and so on. So the petroleum industry will not disappear over night, nor forever, as has Quebec’s deadly asbestos industry. But only a fool should want to put more money into expansion of the oil sands.
And guess what? The carbon tax is not to blame for the current crisis. Though Alberta has one, which is even more progressive that the one the feds will be implementing in most of the rest of Canada early next year. But then Rachel Notley gets it – unlike her fellow premiers immediately to the east of her. Besides she’s seen how Canada’s first carbon tax has worked out for her neighbour just across the Rockies.
BC has had its carbon tax for a decade now. But it hasn’t stifling the economy as Ontario’s Mr. Ford would mislead all the people of his own province. Quite the contrary, because or in spite of its carbon tax B.C.’s economy has been growing at a rate of 3.5% for the last four years. And the federal carbon tax is modeled on the one that pioneered in Lotus Land. Imagine what it might do for Ontario’s economy Mr. Ford!
Ray Rivers writes regularly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Alberta Oil Crisis – Canada’s Fossil Fuel Subsidies – Buying Rail Cars –
Oil Cuts – Plastic Bags – Pipelines? –
Barclays – BC Zero Emissions –
By Pepper Parr
December 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Marianne Meed Ward today announced who will staff the Office of the Mayor.
She has done away with the title – Chief of Staff, which was a little pretentious when her predecessor created the title.
 Victoria Hughes-Al Samadi will work as Chief Communications and Strategic Advisor Victoria Hughes-Al Samadi will work as Chief Communications and Strategic Advisor and will start January 7. Hughes-Al Samadi is a South-East Burlington resident with what is described as a wealth of experience in communications and strategy. She has toiled with senior executives at Manulife and Sun Life on their internal and external communications. She is said to have helped create innovative new corporate policies in the highly regulated financial industry.
She joins the Mayor from her most recent role as AVP at MD Financial Management where she oversaw content, social media and digital marketing.
Hughes-Al Samadi is the co-author of a book on inheritance planning, and spent time over the years partnering with many local Burlington business owners through the Burlington Downtown Business Association as well as Burlington Tourism to create digital content and strategy.
In the media release Meed Ward said: “A key role for the mayor is building relationships toward shared goals and Victoria has the background and experience to make it happen.”
Meed Ward has followed a path Rick Goldring walked when he poached the city hall reporter from the Burlington Post. Tina Depko Denver spent two years at City Hall and moved on to McMaster University.
John Bkila is taking the role of Media Specialist and Community Liaison starting December 17th.
 John Bkila is taking the role of Media Specialist and Community Liaison for the Mayor. Bkila is an award winning journalist with nine years’ experience. He gained some additional experience working communications during a brief volunteer stint with Engineers Without Borders.
He has an Honours degree in Political Science and a deep interest in all levels of politics, particularly municipal. John’s previous work kept him connected to the pulse of the community and made him eager to assist the public with their issues and concerns.
Annemarie Cumber has taken the role of Constituent Assistant. Raised in the downtown core of Burlington, Annemarie brings strong dedicated city experience having worked in various departments within the city. Prior to coming to the City of Burlington, Annemarie worked for senior executives at Ontario Hydro and Electrical Safety Authority providing executive assistance support.
Annemarie also has experience working in the community’s fitness industry helping others keep healthy. In the few weeks we have worked together since the election, Annemarie has been compassionate and dedicated in serving residents and getting results, often going above and beyond the call of duty.
Until the Mayor’s Office will be fully staffed, in the interim please direct all inquiries for scheduling, proclamations and media requests to Annemarie.
By Staff
December 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
During the election mention was made regularly that there were 30 development applications being processed by the Planning department.
Several of the either retired or defeated members of the 2014-2018 city council didn’t confirm that number.
 TVO debate – Then Mayor Goldring was less than impressed. When Mayor Meed Ward was debating on TV Ontario with the other three candidates she pulled out a map she had showing just where those developments were located.
One of the prime election issues was what Meed Ward called over-development. The other was the very poor public engagement on the part of senior people at city hall.
The firing of the city manager underlined just how unhappy people were with the way they were being treated.
Days after being elected the city manager went on holiday, hours after being sworn in City Council met and the man was fired.
 Approved – but a building permit has yet to be issued. City council might un-delegate site plan approval and manage that process itself  The OMB didn’t buy the city’s argument against the ADI development – it has a green light.  This development on the south eat corner of Brant and James is before the Land Planning Appeal Tribunal. With close to two years left on what is believed to be a five year contract the city is facing a whopping settlement – thought to be close to half a million dollars. The price of progress.
City Council is going to take the balance of the month to think about what they want in the way of a city manager – early in January the search for a replacement will begin.
There is a lot of thinking for those five people who are completely new to municipal politics. We are going to see what they are made of very quickly. No pressure.
In the meantime – what about those development project? Where they and what are they?
The map set out below tells you where they are. Now to learn just what they are.
 Development projects set out by ward. They aren’t in just the downtown core.
By Staff
December 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The city is making some upgrades to Civic Square, the space to the south of city hall.
The budget for this project is $600,000.
Many of the improvements planned for the space are required to improve things like accessibility, safety and convenience.
 How much longer will this view last. The city held an on-line survey that was poorly promoted and the results of that survey have yet to be made public.
With the plans either approved or being appealed to the Land Planning Appeal Tribunal there could be two 24 storey towers across the street from city hall five years from now.
Expect to see a more extensive and vigorous public debate on what happens to Civic Square.
 By Staff
December 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Just where can a cannabis store be located?
 What started out as a way for smokers to cut down on their nicotine intake has turned into another carcinogenic drug that younger people have taken up. The province has published very detailed rules and regulations that determine what can be placed where – those regulations may not serve the interests and values of the city.
Council will debate and determine if they want to permit the opening of cannabis retail outlets in the city. The city has a survey taking place on line now. CLICK here to access that survey.
The online survey is open to Burlington residents until Thursday, December 13.
The Ontario Cannabis Store website is the only legal option for purchasing recreational cannabis. It follows strict rules set by the federal government.
The government is also moving forward with a tightly regulated private retail model for cannabis that will launch by April 1, 2019. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is the provincial regulator authorized to grant store licences. The Ontario Cannabis Store will be the exclusive wholesaler to these stores. Private stores will be introduced with strict controls to safeguard children and youth and combat the illegal market.
 School exclusion zones for ward 1,2,4 and 5  School exclusion zones for wards 3 and 6
Where you cannot smoke or vape cannabis
Indoors
You cannot smoke or vape cannabis in:
indoor common areas in condos, apartment buildings and university/college residences
enclosed public places and enclosed work places
non-designated guest rooms in hotels, motels and inns
Schools and places where children gather
You cannot smoke or vape cannabis:
at school, on school grounds, and all public areas within 20m of these grounds
on children’s playgrounds and public areas within 20m of playgrounds
in child care centres, or where an early years program is provided
in places where home child care is provided — even if children aren’t present
Hospitals, hospices, care homes and other facilities
You cannot smoke or vape cannabis:
within 9m from the entrance or exit of hospitals (public/private), psychiatric facilities, long-term care homes, independent health facilities
on outdoor grounds of hospitals (public/private) and psychiatric facilities
in non-controlled areas in long-term care homes, certain retirement homes, provincially-funded supportive housing, designated psychiatric or veterans’ facilities, and residential hospices
Publicly owned spaces
You cannot smoke or vape cannabis in publicly-owned sport fields (not including golf courses), nearby spectator areas and public areas within 20m of these areas.
Vehicles and boats
You cannot consume cannabis (smoking, vaping, eating) in a vehicle or boat that is being driven or is at risk of being put into motion.
Other outdoor areas
You cannot smoke or vape cannabis:
in restaurants and on bar patios and public areas within 9m of a patio
on outdoor grounds of specified Ontario government office buildings
in reserved seating areas at outdoor sports and entertainment locations
on grounds of community recreational facilities, and public areas within 20m of those grounds
in sheltered outdoor areas with a roof and more than two walls which the public or employees frequent, or are invited to (e.g. a bus shelter)
 Police now have serious penalties they can impose – on the spot. Have taxi money with you. serious penalties
Cannabis – driving icon Driving
Driving impaired by cannabis is illegal and dangerous. Cannabis, like many other drugs, slows your reaction time and increases your chances of being in a collision.
If a police officer finds that you are impaired by any drug, including cannabis, you will face serious penalties, including:
an immediate licence suspension
financial penalties
possible vehicle impoundment
possible criminal record
possible jail time
Police officers have tests to determine if you are impaired and are now also authorized to use oral fluid screening devices at roadside to help enforce the law.
 By Pepper Parr
December 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
City hall is leaking like a sieve.
 City hall is leaking like a sieve. Numerous trusted sources have touched base with the Gazette with tips on what is taking place in a building undergoing a radical change.
All three sources, who have passed along basically the same information, have demanded that we not publish and certainly not name them. We’ve been told that the tap will get turned off if we say too much.
Fear abounds – talk too much and your career may come to an end.
Reference is made to some of the positions in the Mayor’s office that are to be filled. Mayor Meed Ward did say earlier in the week that staffing announcements would be made soon.
Sources use the phrase “her comfort zone”.
Getting the right staff people in place is critical to a Mayor. The work is demanding and what is really vital is getting people who will, to use a phrase Meed Ward used often, put truth to power. Meed Ward needs people who will tell her what she may not want to hear.
A former staff assistant to Meed Ward when she was a member of council was thought to be a great fit – but something went wrong. That staffer left Meed Ward’s office and worked within the Clerk’s office and is now back as an assistant to a new Council member.
 Pete Ward, the Mayor’s best mentor photographing Marianne Meed Ward when she was filing her 2014 nomination papers. The Mayor told us during the inauguration, that her husband was her greatest mentor; he does have exceptional strategic skills.
What politicians have to work hard to insure is that they are not living inside a bubble where they hear what they want to hear and listen to people who may not have the strength to challenge them.
Meed Ward said all the right things the evening she was sworn in; the public loved it. The Gazette was impressed.
What we are hearing from people who seem to be part of the transition to a new regime is that there is some concern with the people being considered for staff rolls.
Former Council member John Taylor used to say: Stay tuned.
 Stand By says the city motto – for how long one might ask? The Gazette might begin to use the city motto – Stand By.
Several of our sources are aghast at some of the Standing Committee chairmanships that have been made.
All seven members of Council got sworn in at the Regional level on Wednesday. Half their income is from the Region.
By Pepper Parr
December 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Here is how it was done.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward called a Special meeting of Council for 3:00 pm on Tuesday December 4th.
She had the right to do that.
She would have had to get every member of this new council to agree to a waiving of the rules regarding Notice of Meeting.
The Gazette was not made aware of any notice of meeting nor was any other media that we checked in with.
The agenda for the meeting is set out below.
The way this was done raises a number of questions.
There was no report to Council. There was “verbal discussion”
There was no video. Given that the Mayor knew she was going to take Council into a closed session perhaps there was no need for video. But that is not the point. Process matters.
In the media release the city did not say that there was a Special Meeting of Council and the Mayor did not say a word.
The “banana republics” in parts of South America and Africa work like this. We don’t do this in Canada.
There were many good reason to end the City Manager’s contract – at what price is a good question to ask.
Five people who didn’t have even 24 hours of experience as city Councillors take part in the firing of the chief administrative officer that they had all met during the campaign.
Tacky is perhaps the best that can be said about the way this is done.
The minutes of the meeting have yet to be published on the city web site.
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