 By Staff
July 31st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Friends of Freeman Station manage to pull rabbits out of a hat more often than Mandrake the Magician.
They report that a “ very generous donor has step forward with a great addition to the station grounds and he is bringing in his own crew to transform the site. They should be on the site in early August.”
 One of the many artistic depictions of the Freeman Station that was once the original Burlington mobility hub – they called them train stations in those day. “Before they can start we need your help getting ready for a major outdoor transformation to the site. We need to move our outdoor storage area and relocate one of the shipping containers. We could really use your help getting ready for a major outdoor transformation to the site. Unfortunately the container must be emptied before we can move it.
“We will be working on this project from 8:30 am to 12 noon on the following days;
 Wednesday August 1st
Friday August 3rd
Saturday August 4
Wednesday August 8th if required
Friday August10th if required
Saturday August 1th, 18th, and 25 will be regular volunteer days.
If you are able to help even for just a few hours please come and help and see what is happening.
 By Staff
July 30, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Service Disruption Notice.
Parks and Recreation Online Registration service is unavailable Monday, July 30, 2018
Online program registration, membership purchases and facility availability on burlington.ca/recexpress is currently unavailable. We are working to restore service as soon as possible.
For assistance, please visit us in-person (locations and hours are listed at burlington.ca/servicehours), email us at registrations@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7720, ext. 0. For facility availability, email rentals@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7738, ext. 2.
 By Staff
July 30th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
At a special Board meeting on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, trustees of the Halton District School Board appointed Reza Ali Chaudhry as Trustee designate for Milton Wards 1, 6, 7, 8. Chaudhry will be sworn into office at the first regular Board meeting on Wednesday, September 5, 2018.
He will serve as one of the Milton trustees until November 30th at which time the newly elected trustees take their seats. Chaudry will attend 6 meetings plus 6 Committee of the Whole meetings.
On June 20, 2018, the Halton District School Board resolved to fill by appointment the vacancy created by the out-of-region move of Kim Graves, Trustee for Milton Wards 1, 6, 7, 8, and adopted the appointment process the Board has used for past appointments. In following this process, applications were accepted until Thursday, July 12 at 4:30 p.m. Seven applications were received by this deadline, with one candidate withdrawing their application.
Qualifications of applicants, in accordance with the Municipal Act and the Education Act, were confirmed and interviews with applicants took place on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. Six applicants were interviewed by the interview committee, comprised of available trustees. Interviews were held in public, as was the deliberation following the interviews.
“The interview committee was impressed by the qualifications and passion expressed by all applicants and appreciates the interest from the community to fill the role of Milton Trustee,” says Andréa Grebenc, Chair of the Board.
 Reza Ali Chaudhry Reza Ali Chaudhry brings extensive experience in education and leadership to the role, having spent more than two-decades of his career with the Canadian Forces as a senior officer. He has worked alongside Canadian academic institutions and the United Nations internationally to empower local leaders and enhance public education. Currently a professor, he holds a Master of Business Administration, Master of Peace and Conflict Studies and various executive certificates. Chaudhry’s involvement with the Halton District School Board includes holding positions on school council and taking an active role in the Milton School Boundary Review, attending Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meetings, Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants engagement events in school communities.
“I am excited about working with our community and our school board on providing our students an innovative and inclusive educational experience,” says Chaudhry.
The upcoming meeting schedule for the Halton District School Board is posted on the Board’s website at www.hdsb.ca.
 By Staff
July 30th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
This is just too good not to share.
It is an opinion piece from the Washington Post on our beloved Premier Doug Ford.
His brother, the late Rob Ford had to get really silly before the Americans recognized him.
Big brother Doug got recognized before he had served a full month as Premier.
Read on – the opinion was written by David Moscrop, s a Canadian political commentator.
To look at him, you would not think that Ontario Premier Doug Ford was a warrior. He always seems to have a smile on this face. Or at least a grin. He seems to be pointing all the time — as though he sees you. On first glance, he disarms you. He comes off more Augustus Gloop than Caesar Augustus.
But then he speaks. A casual “folks … ” heralds the arrival of the culture warrior, with his weapons of plain-spokenness, ad hoc social conservatism and “common sense” prepared and drawn for battle. The moralizer with a morally questionable past is there to fight for what is right and just and decent and true.
 Premier Doug Ford at Queen’s Park For Ontarians who are used to a mellower, traditional right-wing touch, Ford appears as a 40-cents-on-the-dollar version of Donald Trump. And ahead of his election win in June, rough and ready comparisons of the leader of the Progressive Conservatives to the U.S. president were in oversupply, as were ripostes lambasting the characterization as an overreaction. But what each side missed then, and what was more clearly revealed in the first weeks of the new government, is that what Ford’s brand of governance shares with Trump is a right-wing model of decades-old vintage.
In America in the 1960s and ’70s, as those who were on the outside started to make their way inside. The Rules, which had held a subtle social authoritarianism and sense of order — backed by religious, class, gender and racial oppression — began to be torn up. For a brief time, the liberal political consensus coexisted with an emerging social and cultural space dedicated to inclusion and liberation. But as progressivism grew in America, so did a counter-movement, something you could awkwardly but accurately label a counter-counter-movement. Force and reaction. And overreaction.
The Republican Richard M. Nixon would be the last right-wing liberal president. After him, conservative culture warriors began their work in earnest. William F. Buckley, founder of National Review and conservative stalwart, who had shaped American conservatism for years, found his influence waning as a new brand of populist, sometimes folksy cultural politics replaced his elitist libertarianism. It was as though he was being poisoned by his own children.
Along came the reincarnated New Right and Ronald Reagan, Terry Dolan, Phyllis Schlafly, Pat Buchanan, Robert Novak, William Bennett and eventually a mutant pastiche generation of George W. Bush, Ann Coulter, Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck and their acolytes. From the 1970s through to Trump, right-left polarization in America grew, the religious right rose, politics turned to city vs. country, and policy was a clash of values designed to leverage anger and frustration for political ends. Where you stood on race, drugs, abortion, school prayer, textbooks, guns, gay rights, immigration and political correctness would reveal not only who you were on the political spectrum but also whether you were good or evil.
Wittingly or otherwise, Ford has declared a culture war in Ontario. During the campaign, he launched predictable volleys. He opposed supervised injection sites for heroin addicts. He railed against elites. He praised police services and vowed to restore law and order.
After his victory, he spent his first days covering considerable symbolic and substantive terrain by moving fast and breaking things. At his swearing-in ceremony, he offered only a Christian prayer and skipped the emerging (but already widespread) norm of making an Indigenous land acknowledgement. He made a point of playing the now-unofficial version of the national anthem, “O Canada,” singing “In all thy sons command” instead of the new and inclusive “In all of us command.”
On the legislative and policy front, he moved immediately to remove environmental protections, proposing to scrap green programs and the province’s cap-and-trade scheme designed to tackle carbon emissions. Immediately after this, his minister for children, community and social services stood in front of a lectern adorned by the seal of the province and announced that Ontario was done cooperating with the federal government on resettling asylum seekers, just as the number of claimants crossing between ports of entry into Canada has risen in light of Trump’s election and fears about how they would be treated in the United States.
Next was sex education. The Ford government looked back to the good ol’ days of 1998, restoring a curriculum designed before same-sex marriage was legal in Canada and consent was not considered an issue worth discussing. Later, after a recent spike in violence in Toronto linked to concerns about mental health, the premier signaled his intent to send some of the province’s mental-health funds to the police.
Marinated in plain-spoken, folksy “common sense,” and drawing on an American playbook, Ford has brought a dangerous populist politics of cultural resentment and revenge to Ontario. We can expect outrage and self-righteousness. Regression and oppression. A slip back to an imagined never-time of cultural rigidity and economic retrenchment. And this at the moment when inclusiveness, environmental responsibility and a commitment to decent deliberative politics are needed to advance a just and pluralist democracy.
 By Pepper Parr
July 30th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
We erred – there are four people running for Mayor. This story has been corrected. The number is still 63
Nominations closed at city hall Friday afternoon.
There are 63 candidates running for city council seats, Board of Education seats, both Catholic and Public.
There is also a race for the Regional Chair.
There is one acclamation.
Ward 1 has 11 nominations, ward 2 has 6 and ward 3 has 5.
The only straight one on one battle is in ward 4 where Shawna Stolte is taking on 25 year + incumbent Jack Dennison who has a battle on his hands this time.
Four people are running for Mayor.
Two of the seven Burlington Council members have resigned: Rick Craven in ward 1 and John Taylor in ward 3.
There are 13 people running for seats on the Halton District Catholic School Board where there are some fundamental questions to be worked through.
The Halton District School Board has challengers for three of the four Burlington seats on the 11 member board. Amy Collard has been acclaimed in ward 5 once again. The residents in ward 5 know when they have a good thing going for them.
Expect to see the school board issues made part of the municipal election; the parents at Bateman appear to be getting ready to blame the closing of Bateman high school on ward 2 city Councillor Marianne Meed Ward when it was the school board trustees who made that decision.
The October election looks as if it is going to be messy with development being the biggest issue. A project in the east end of the city that wants to put 11 buildings in the old Lakeshore Plaza site, now named Lakeshore Village Plaza, will bring out those that want Burlington to remain what it has been for some time. Those who don’t want to kind of development that is being brought forward by the developers use the phrase “responsible development”.
It will be up to the new city council to determine just what is responsible development is.
With four candidates running for Mayor the choices are not going to be easy. Meed Ward at some time has to put forward a really clear position on just what she thinks the city should have in the way of a development plan going forward; the Mayor, Rik Goldring has to stop saying that the tax increases are in line with inflation – they are not. He is fudging the numbers to his advantage.
Mike Wallace has to begin to say more about what he would look for as Mayor. So far we know that he now realizes the city needs a larger city council. – the reason we have just the six members of council is because of a motion Wallace brought years ago that reduced the 17 then to the six now.
Wallace has talked about a “Liberty Village” for Burlington. Interpreted that is about land development – which developer are we talking about here – there isn’t all that much land available.
We aren’t hearing anything from Wallace on the downtown development.
Greg Woodruff has to do more than have a Facebook page.
When 63 people run for public office you know that there are a lot of people very unhappy with the way things have been done the past eight years.
By Staff
July 29th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police in Burlington are currently investigating a death in Burlington where a firearm was used.
 At 11:10 PM, yesterday, police received a call of a male with a gun in a backyard on Churchill Rd near Brant Street in Burlington.
Officers arrived and located the male deceased with a long gun present.
Police are currently on scene and are attempting to notify next-of-kin and no further details regarding the deceased is being released at this time.
There is no threat to public safety and police are not looking for any suspects.
Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2316 or Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip 201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Ray Rivers
July 29th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
“I stand with Mayor Tory… that is a direct affront on democracy… That is tin pot dictator stuff.” (Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi – Friday July 27, 2018))
Is anyone really surprised? Doug Ford is showing his real colours – the vengeful little ‘man of all the people’ with a healthy disrespect for democracy, the political process, and the people within it. Friday was the last day for municipal nominations and without any public discussion or forewarning, King Ford decided to cut the size of Toronto’s city council by almost 50%. Of course this caught everyone by surprise, and especially those candidates who had already submitted their nomination papers for wards which now no longer exist.
 Ontario Premier Doug Ford Ford apparently has the power to do pretty much what he wants. But everyone is asking why this wasn’t part of the PC election campaign. Its’ common knowledge that he and his late brother, the former mayor, had long harboured an ambition to punish City Council, and/or its mayor. After all Mayor Tory beat Ford in the last election.
Still if that was in the cards, why didn’t Ford nation mention the intention to downsize City Hall during the campaign. Our new Mr. ‘Create-a-Crisis’ is also cancelling elections for regional chair in Peel, in an attempt to contain former PC leader Patrick Brown, who was in the running. After all, once Brown wins his defamation law suit against CTV, he’ll be coming after Ford.
So Mr. ‘Wreck-it-Ralph’ is on the move. At least everyone understood from what existed of his piecemeal campaign that Ford was going to kill the province’s market-based climate change plan, scrap sex-education in schools and shut down Ontario’s renewable energy programs. It was an incredibly wrong-headed, in fact bone-headed, set of promises, if for no other reason than Ford and his team had yet to invent plausible alternatives to these purposeful policies.
Now Ontario taxpayers will be subjected to a long, divisive and costly legal battle with the federal government, which will implement it’s own carbon tax here this year. And that will be more costly than the one Ford has just cancelled. And nobody with half a brain expects the courts to side with Ford, particularly as how the feds will be returning all of the money collected back to Ontario’s households.
Schools will go back to teaching a 1998 version of sex-education, which predates the emergence of the real dangers of sexual predation on the internet, gender issues and the topic of consent, as an eleventh-hour stop gap promise to Wreck-it Ralph’s party’s religious-right wing. In the end, of course, the government will likely just repackage the current sex-ed curriculum and re-implement it. After all, education is neither liberal nor conservative – it is just education. And this poly-boo-hoo over sex-ed was just about winning the election.
 A smog day in Toronto – most people thought these were a thing of the past – are there smog days ahead of us? And ending the expansion of our renewable energy systems will condemn us to even greater reliance on climate-changing natural gas, and/or a return to imports of US coal fired electricity to meet Ontario’s emerging need for electricity. Importing US power in US dollars will be costly, though the biggest price will be deteriorating air quality, as we possibly move back to the era of smog days. Note that there were no smog days in the last year (2015) of phasing out coal burning compared to 53 a decade earlier.
Ford’s claim that he’ll be saving Ontario families $260 or so by killing cap and trade is as laughable as his assertion that it’ll only cost $5 million to do so. Has anyone seen buck-a-bottle beer yet or noticed that the pump prices have fallen by anything like the dime he promised? I’m looking forward to my 20% income tax rebate and another 12% off my hydro bill.
 Toronto Mayor John Tory on the left in conversation with Ontario Premier Doug Ford. He says he’s gutting TO’s city hall, making Toronto the most under represented city in Ontario, in order to save the city $25 million dollars. But the city will need to hire more staff to deal with the additional demand of now twice as many residents per Councillor. And that means that the costs will likely increase. And while we understand Ford’s disregard for Toronto’s politicians, does he really want to replace them with more bureaucrats? Doesn’t this remind everyone of how Mike Harris forced amalgamation on Toronto to supposedly save taxpayers money?
It’s easier to tear down than to build up again. And while Ford told us a bit about what he would be doing, he kept secret all the other plans he must have had, like reducing democracy in Toronto. Perhaps he hadn’t been warned by his entourage about how the public might react to such a draconian measure? Or perhaps downsizing was just a spontaneous thought that hit him when he read that municipal office nominations were closing on Friday?
 The sign says it all. Ford came to his position as party leader in a hurry and Ontario voters, at least 40% of them, were also in an almost inexplicable hurry to get rid of the Liberals. So Ontario voters might have been a little hasty. And there is little comfort for those who ignore those time-worn adages like haste makes waste, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater, and you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. The truth is that when you put garbage in a refrigerator it won’t take long until the fridge begins to smell like a garbage can.
And speaking of garbage, that was one of Ontario’s new premier’s claims to fame. As one-time Councillor he and his bro, Mayor Rob, dragged the rest of Toronto’s Council, fighting and screaming, into privatizing garbage collection. Oh, and there’s another adage which applies to the last provincial election: ‘garbage in… garbage out’.
 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. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Ford on Carbon Tax – Carbon Taxes – Climate Change –
Ford’s Toronto – More Toronto – Smog Days – Ford’s Powers –
By Pepper Parr
July 28th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
For those who sincerely believe that the public is better served with smaller government the decision Premier Doug Ford made about the size of Toronto’s city council will come as good news.
Ford has told Toronto that it has to align the ward boundaries with the boundaries in place for the federal and provincial constituencies; the two are identical.
Toronto has 25 federal/provincial constituencies and so they will have 25 wards.
Burlington has three federal/provincial constituencies – Milton, Burlington and Oakville North Burlington.
 Boundaries for the riding of Burlington  Boundary for the riding of Milton.  Boundary for the riding of Oakville North Burlington. Some of the people in the Northern part of Burlington are represented by the MP Lisa Raitt and the MPP Parm Gil from Milton.
Some of the people in the eastern part of the city are represented by MP Pam Damoff and MPP Effie Triantafilipoulos in the Oakville North Burlington constituency.
The rest of the citizens are represented by Karina Gould, a member of the Justin Trudeau cabinet and MPP Jane McKenna.
Using the Ford formula – Burlington would have three council members and a Mayor.
That would be nice and cozy wouldn’t it?
By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette was able to get some background information on the organizational mess within Sound of Music Festival.
There is that wonderful Paul Newman line in “Cool Hand Luke” that goes: What we have here is a failure to communicate and that is basically what has happened.
At some point the president will come out of his tent, make a statement and things should settle down.
Our conversation was with someone who understands the board and the complexities of the festival business.
They are going to need a few days to let the dust they raised settle down.
Then they can get on with planning the 2019 program – it will be their 40th and they intend to make it the best they have ever done.
We hear too that the several chairs that resigned are re-thinking their position.
Peace love and light goes a long way.
Brian Ellis said in response to a comment from another Gazette reader that: “As a Past President of the S of M Board of Directors during the early years as a ‘not for profit’ organization, I would argue that the board has an obligation to its stakeholders to be as open and transparent as possible.
The volunteers, committee chairs, corporate donors and the citizens of Burlington in this case replace the shareholders of a normal ‘for profit’ company. It appears that the initial decision of the board (along with their subsequent failure to explain their actions) has the volunteers voting with their feet.
 These are the real shareholders – these are the people the Board should be responsible to – if the current board doesn’t understand that – look for a new board. It is the seeming unwillingness of the board to “deal with this internally” that has turned this into a full blown crisis. Pulling the rug over the mess as you seem to be suggesting will do nothing to resolve the situation.
Let’s leave it at that for the time being and give them some time to get their act together.
Salt with Pepper is an opinion column reflecting the thoughts, opinions, observations and musing of the Gazette publisher.
By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It was an occasion for some celebration.
TechPlace had been in operation for more than a year and the plans were rolling out the way Frank McKeown and his team had expected.
Like anything in the high tech field there are surprises – some awkward that call for a course correction and other pleasant that bring out the best in people.
 Halton’s “Godfather”, Frank McKeown, taking care of Claire Green’s new baby. TechPlace manager Claire Green gave birth to a child and McKeown seems to have become the Godfather – fitting title for the man.
 Catching up and trading notes. The evening was to be the Haltech Annual Summer social that took place at TechPlace – the technical type do social a little differently; the participants spend all their time pitching their development and talking about the changes.
The high tech world hierarchy can be confusing:
Haltech is at the nexus of Halton Region’s innovation ecosystem, working with technology companies to accelerate innovation for business growth. Their mission is straightforward: they help technology entrepreneurs and companies to develop and transform their good ideas and product innovations into well positioned, growing ventures.
Haltech first began operating in 2011. The organization went through some bumps getting off the ground and becoming relevant. They have supported more than 500 start-ups and entrepreneurs in Halton region, several of whom have grown into successful commercial businesses.
 Haltech focuses on companies who innovate in the following technology sectors that are important in our region: Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Media & ICT, Clean Technology, and Life Sciences & Healthcare.
 Explaining what the application is all about. They have worked with companies in other diverse sectors such as Educational Technology, Agricultural & Food Science, Mining, Consumer Goods, and Social Innovation.
Haltech is funded by the provincial Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science – the current funding is in place for the next two years. A small portion of their funding comes from sponsors.
 Anita Cassidy, Interim Executive Director Burlington Economic Development Corporation. TechPlace is led by the Burlington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), it is dedicated to connecting, developing, and advancing entrepreneurs at all stages. This means providing access to space, programming, mentorship, networking and resources that are fundamental to growing a business in today’s technology-driven marketplace.
TechPlace rents space to Haltech for there presence in Burlington.
TechPlace is funded by the Burlington Economic Development Corporation that was, until very recently, run by Frank McKeown who retired late in June. Anita Cassidy is serving as the interim TechPlace Executive Director; she is a candidate in the competition for the job.
 By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It started out with an email sent on July 18, 2018, at 4:29 PM, from Peter Martin, president of the Sound of Music Festival who said:
Greetings Everyone.
Let me start off by apologizing profusely for the short notice of the cancellation of tonight’s meeting. This decision was made by the board.
Dave Miller is no longer with the festival.. We as a Board wish Dave the best of luck with his future endeavours.
We will provide further information at a later date.
The email stunned many.
Since then the Gazette has heard from many Sound of Music Festival volunteers; copies of emails have been sent to us.
 The volunteers – the heart and soul of the Sound of Music Festival. Here two check to see that the right vendor is going to set up in the right space. There appear to be two camps: a Board of Directors who are failing to comply with their own bylaws and a large number (estimated to be more than 500) of volunteers who are dedicated to the now fired Executive Director.
Those who have provided email messages have asked us to not identify them at this point in time.
The confusion for the people who actually make the Festival happen is evident in this response to the Peter Martin notice of a meeting cancellation:
This is very unprofessional…
There needs to be a wrap up meeting as per our bylaws when will this be happening?
Can we have a meeting to discuss what will happen in transition towards a new executive director?
Where will the job listing be posted?
We have scheduled meetings coming up with all of our suppliers who will be attending them with me?
Shall I cancel until further notice?
The inventory organization and storage move happening next Wednesday.
Have the vehicles been organized and what time will they be picked up?
I have my committee showing up at 6pm to start organizing who will be there to talk to the sponsors and arrange for the locations to be unlocked?
I would also like to inform you that xxx – redacted, will no longer be continuing with the festival, several members of logistics have heard that Dave has left and have made the choice to leave due to uncertainty of how this change will negatively impact the festival they feel that having a new executive director and operations manager will be too stressful and add a lot of work to their plate.
I am holding a xxxxx meeting this Friday to try and talk to people – is there more information I can pass on about the current situation?
Awaiting your response feedback / comments.
Another volunteer joined the email thread and asked:
 Festival set up crews setting up tents. The funny thing here I have ask myself, who is the BOARD? Is it strange that you are part of an organisation and you don’t even know who the BOARD is – the BOARD!
This feels like a stranger have just walked into your home and separated your family.
I agree we deserve answers. Also where can we read the constitution by which the BOARD operates, is there a constitution; who puts the BOARD in place?
What structure is this organisation following and how is the processes of the BOARD vetted? At the end of the day WHAT IS THE GOAL.
Burlington just might be witnessing the melt down of an organization that has put the city on the map and drawn thousands of visitors to the downtown core.
Volunteers have explained to the Gazette that there are reports that have to be made to granting organizations and sponsors in order to ensure that the Festival can take place in 2019.
 They stream into Spencer Smith Park in the thousands to take in a free concert. At this point the President, Peter Martin and another Board member have installed themselves as the co-executive directors until a new Executive Director can be put in place.
The Gazette has reached out to the President and the Festival Corporate Secretary for comment and answers to a number of questions. We have not heard from either person.
Many of the volunteers fear that the Board is going to choose someone with little or no experience with the Burlington Sound of Music.
It is not too late to save this incredible organization – but they are running out of time.
Dave Miller is taking a much needed break from this mess – he is reported to be taking a vacation that will see him unavailable until about the middle of August.
By Staff
July 26th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Fire Department recognized 12 young people, aged 12 to 14, who successfully completed Camp Ignite, a firefighter boot camp, at a graduation ceremony at Burlington Fire Station 1.
 Camp Ignite graduates – 2018 Burlington Fire Chief Dave Lazenby and fire department staff, along with Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, volunteers and families congratulated the campers and celebrated their accomplishments at the department’s first-ever Camp Ignite.
 Rappelling down the wall of a building was part of the week long camp experience. Camp Ignite is a week-long boot camp, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton, that gives youth the opportunity to participate in emergency response training while providing them with valuable life skills. Campers experienced a scaled-down firefighter recruit training program, including:
 Handling the fire hoses is not easy. The experience was very real for these young people. • Vehicle rescue training
• High-angle rope rescue training
• Car and dumpster fires training
• Search and rescue training
• Water rescue training
• CPR awareness and first-aid training
This camp was funded by donations provided by Burlington Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 1552 and the City of Burlington’s Parks and Recreation Department.
 By Staff
July 26th,2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The 3 District Street Crime Unit (SCU), began an investigation earlier in July.
At the conclusion of the investigation a Burlington Resident was arrested and charged with multiple drug and criminal offences. On July 25, 2018, A Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant was executed at the residence of the accused. Discovered inside the residence were quantities of Xanax, Marihuana and cocaine. The street value of the drugs is not known at press time.
Jahmael SMITH 21 yrs, has been charged with the following offences.
Trafficking a controlled Substance
Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Xanax)
Possession for the purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
Possession of Marihuana
and Four counts of Fail to comply with Probation.
The accused will be in Milton Court for a bail hearing on July 26.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact
Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
 By Pepper Parr
July 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A follow up on that Sound of Music situation.
The Board and the committee chairs are meeting this evening.
What isn’t clear is – which chairs will be in the room?
Some have resigned and the vice chair has not been invited.
There are several chairs who have expressed their disdain, anger, disappointment – they are just royally pissed off – and they haven’t been invited.
There is someone who has been invited – an as yet unnamed mediator who is there to ensure that the meeting doesn’t turn into a punch up.
So far – not a word from anyone on the Board.
Stay tuned.
 With crowds like this – how can you screw things up. Easy end up with Directors who forget what their job is.
By Pepper Parr
July 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a lot of buzz, a lot of questions and very few answers on what appears to be a major mess at the Sound of Music Board of Directors level.
The Board recently dismissed Dave Miller as the Executive Director. These things happen,
However, in this situation there hasn’t been a word from the Board and there are a lot of questions from the 500+ volunteers – the people who serve on the 21 committees that make the Festival happen every year.
The Gazette has learned that the board in place now is not elected by the member of the Sound of Music.
More surprising – the Sound of Music doesn’t actually have a membership other than the directors who elect themselves.
 When Walk Off the Earth is on the stage Spencer Smith park is packed. It does have a $2 million dollar budget and consistently wins awards for the quality of the annual event.
In most not for profit corporations the Executive Director attends all the Board meetings – and Miller did attend the Board meetings – but he wasn’t permitted to stay for all of the meeting. He would deliver his report and then be asked to leave.
The Gazette has learned that the music selection, that is the bands that play at the event are not chosen by the Executive Director.
Many have complained about the quality of the bands in the recent past.
We are advised that the Board has hired a company to do the band selection for them in the future and that the company they have hired is owned or operated by a former Board member.
Anywhere else that would be called a conflict of interest.
The city of Burlington gives the Festival a significant grant every year, the province of Ontario also gives a substantial grant. The sponsors come up with an additional $400,000 + each year.
 It is the 500 volunteers that make the Sound of Music actually take place – and right now they are not happy campers. The Gazette has reached out to Peter Martin President of the Sound of Music as well as the Corporate Secretary. No response so far.
The Board appears to have taken the route that less sophisticated corporate officers take; duck, say nothing and hope that it will go away.
When there is a real story it eventually comes out.
The Gazette reached out to the Mayor – no response there either.
We have heard from a number of volunteers who are not happy campers.
We asked several of the candidates for public office and got the following responses:
 Ward 2 candidate Roland Tanner Ward 2 candidate Roland Tanner said: “The Burlington Sound of Music is an independent not-for-profit corporation. As such, its internal staff appointments are not a matter for the City of Burlington and it would be unhelpful for me as a candidate to pass comment on recent changes at this time. I look forward to hearing the Sound of Music’s plans for continued success as they approach their 40th anniversary.”
 Ward 4 candidate Shawna Stolte Ward 5 candidate Shawna Stolte: “As a Ward 4 Candidate I am disturbed about the secrecy and lack of information coming forward from an organization that has received millions of dollars of funding from the taxpayers of Burlington over the past 40 years.
I understand that there is likely legal reasons for not fully disclosing the details of the strife between the Sound of Music Board of Directors and the Executive but I do believe that some explanation is warranted and appropriate.
What disturbs me even more is the apparent lack of transparency and respect given to the hundreds of volunteers that make the Sound of Music Festival the success that it is.
The SOM is the keystone of Burlington’s summer festival season and these volunteers donate thousands of hours of their precious time from their work, family and leisure lives because they believe in the spirit of music and community that the Sound of Music Festival brings to the city. They deserve a better explanation as to what is going on.
The SOM is in crisis and at a crossroads. All organizations go through periods of distress, particularly when senior management are not on the same page, but I’m not convinced that the future of this event that is so critical to the cultural and economic prosperity of our city should be left in the hands of a clearly struggling organization.
 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward is a candidate for Mayor.  Candidate for Mayor Mike Wallace with his recent Order of the Rising Sun medals. Mike Wallace a former member of city council as well as a MP for Burlington said today that: “The Sound of Music festival is an important community event not only for Burlington residents but vital to attracting visitors and building the Burlington brand across Ontario. It is an important part of our culture and our economy.
“As a former board member of the organization, I appreciate the challenges of organizing and managing this fantastic festival with a complex mix of paid and volunteer staff. I welcome the opportunity to help the organization resolve any of the challenges it is facing, in any way I can.”
Ward 2 Councillor and candidate for the office of Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said: “The news was a shock. This must be difficult for everyone involved.
Legitimate questions have been raised around board governance which deserve a response. I encourage the board to be open and transparent with the community, while protecting personal privacy and confidentiality.
I thank Dave Miller and all the volunteers, past and present, who have given generously of their time to make this a great event for our community. We all want the event to be successful.
 Ward 1 city council candidate Vince Fiorito Ward 1 candidate Vince Fiorito said: “Since the SOM festival generates about $10M in local economic activity, attracts tourists, contributes significantly to Burlington’s strategic direction of an “Engaging City” and the City of Burlington (CoB) is a significant source of SOM funding, The City of Burlington is an important SOM stakeholder with an interest in its continued success.
To ensure the SOM festival’s continued success in the future, I recommend:
1) City Council request a seat on the SOM’s governing board (we voluntarily gave it up in 2015)… after the October 22nd municipal election.
2) City Council make an inquiry into the current state of the SOM governance and the festival’s viability going forward. Given the distraction of a looming municipal election, the ideal city councillors to lead this inquiry would be either retiring City Councillors Rick Craven, John Taylor or both.
3) City Councillors leading the inquiry meet individually with former Executive Director David Miller, President Peter Martin and Corporate Secretary Rich Anderson, for their suggestions on how the SOM festival can be improved going forward.
4) City Council send an email or letter to all SOM 2016-2018 volunteers, inviting their feedback and commentary for the purposes of improving the SOM festival going forward.
5) City Council meet “in camera” to discuss their findings and generate a report recommending actions to be taken to ensure the SOM festivals continued success going forward.
6) The city should approach other major SOM sponsors
a) to gauge interest in sharing the cost of an independent review of the SOM’s finances for the purposes of finding efficiencies and savings, going forward.
b) for their support of the CoB’s request to retake a seat on the SOM’s governing board
 Ward 2 city council candidate Lisa Kerns. Lisa Kerns, a candidate for the ward 2 council seat said: “From my perspective, more information concerning the change in leadership at Sound of Music appears to still be coming forward. My interest in this hinges solely on whether City funds were used appropriately or positions of power were abused. I hope the outcome of this change in direction is founded in transparency and respect, more so that the change contributes to enhancing the event.
The Sound of Music festival is a tremendous event for the City of Burlington and Ward 2 alike bringing vibrancy to our great City through culture and entertainment for residents and visitors.”
This is a story that isn’t going to go away.
 Craig Gardner on the left being recognized by Mayor Goldring Several of the volunteers the Gazette has talked to have either resigned from the committees they sit on or will resign in the near future.
Craig Gardner, a two year volunteer pointed out that the Committee chairs have to produce reports – and that those reports have to be submitted and accepted if future funding is to come through.
Gardner added that without the volunteers in place the Festival just couldn’t take place.
By Pepper Parr
July 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Part two of a two part article on a proposed development in the east end of Burlington,
When the plans for the re-development of the Lakeside Village Plaza were shown to the public last week it wasn’t what many people thought they were going to see.
The presentation had large posters showing what would go where.
Two of the three candidates running for the ward 5 city council seat were in the room; Councillor Sharman worked one end of the room while retired school principal Mary Alice St. James worked the other end.
 Councillor Paul Sharman explaining the development. Councillor Sharman has been working to get some development of the site since his first year as a city Councillor – few thought that this was what Sharman had planned for the community.
St. James has made it clear that she doesn’t like the height and she isn’t pleased with the length of time it will take to complete the project. This could be as much as a decade – great for sidewalk superintendents but not what those who want a “peaceable Kingdom”.
If approved by city council the site will consist of nine buildings and underground parking with some of the structures reaching 19 storeys into the sky.
 Nine buildings will be on the site – they range froma single story to 19 storeys. The Plan has five phases that will take years to be completed.
The information before the public at this point comes from a Justification report prepared by professional planners who were hired by the developer, Glanelm Property Management.
The city’s role up to this point is to ensure that all the required reports are received and the required fees are paid. Glenelm has paid the city $235,052.50 and the Region $9,184.72.
 Dana Anderson – planning consultant for the developer. At this point data and information is coming from the developers planner. Residents haven’t had a chance to hear what the city has to say. The ward Councillor is in love with this project – it is something he had been pushing almost from the first day he was elected.
Ward 5 candidate Mary Alice St. James said: “The Lakeside Plaza is an example of why I put my name forward as a candidate as Ward 5 Councillor. Throughout Ward 5 there are intensification proposals for Lakeside Plaza, Appleby Village, on vacant land ripe for development and in the south end of Ward 5 where older homes are being swooped up to be over-intensified, over-massed.
 Mary Alice St. James – pulling in the votes. 1- Lakeside Plaza is a tired plaza that requires a much needed, as soon as possible update.
2- This first draft is too high, too dense with too many buildings with too big a span, all of which is too close to the abutting streets and current residents.
3- The City of Burlington needs to oppose this first draft.
The developers Justification report talks in terms of “taking into account efficient sequencing of site servicing, ensuring adequate access and parking is provided for uses that operate during the redevelopment process and facilitating the relocation of existing tenants to new portions of the site with minimal disruption to business operations.”
Phase 1 includes the demolition of the north-west corner of the existing plaza structure and the construction of a 6 storey residential structure with 3 levels of underground parking (Block B) facing Kenwood Avenue. Access Lane A will also be constructed at this time which will provide shared access to the Subject Lands and Skyway Arena. A second access will be introduced on Kenwood Avenue along with the associated Access Lane B which, through future phases, will connect to corresponding driveway access on Hampton Heath Road.
 Where the buildings are to be located with parking and green space at the ground level Phase 2 will see the demolition of the remainder to the west wing of the plaza and the construction of a 1 storey commercial podium facing Lakeshore Road with two residential tower elements on top with 13 (Block E) and 13 (Block F) storey heights. A 5 storey residential structure will link the two towers, the top of which will correspond with a further building step back on both tower elements. A 1 storey restaurant building (Block A) will be attached to the podium building facing Kenwood Avenue. Access Lane B will be extended to the middle of the Subject Lands.
Existing Access Lane D which provides access to Lakeshore Road will be improved with sidewalks and landscaping. The parking area north of Block E and F will be reconfigured and improved with landscaping and sidewalks.
Phase 3 will see the demolition of the eastern portion of the commercial plaza. The 1 storey grocery store will be redeveloped with an attached 4 storey retail and office building. A landscaped public amenity area will be created in front of Block I. The surface parking area in front of Block I and the grocery store will be reconfigured, providing landscaping and sidewalks. The service lane at the rear of the property will also be improved at this time.
That grocery store redevelopment – where will people shop while that is being done?
 The view of the development from Hampton Heath looking west. Phase 4 will see the removal of the remaining central portion of the commercial plaza and the construction of a 1 storey commercial podium with two residential tower elements (Blocks C and D), both 10 storeys in height. The two tower elements will be linked by a 3 storey residential structure, the top of which will correspond with a further building step back on both tower elements. The parking area in front of the blocks will also be reconfigured, landscaped and improved with sidewalks. A public amenity area will be constructed in front of Block D and a pedestrian only mews created between Blocks D and I. Access Lane A will also be extended up to the mews.
Phase 5 will replace an existing surface parking area with a 1 storey commercial podium facing Lakeshore Road with two residential tower elements on top with 17 (Block G) and 9 (Block H) storey heights. A 5 storey residential structure will link the two towers, the top of which will correspond with a further building step back on both tower elements. A landscaped pedestrian path into the Subject Lands will be provided between Block H and the abutting Scotiabank property.
 This is what the development will look like when completed. All the buildings front onto Lakeshore Road. The proposed redevelopment will see the phased implementation of a 3 storey underground parking garage for all portions of the Subject Lands where new buildings are proposed. The garage will be constructed as the corresponding above grade portion of each phase is constructed.
The proposed redevelopment has carefully considered these guiding principles in its design. The redevelopment is an efficient use of land through intensification at an appropriate location in the City and advances the Province’s growth objectives while balancing other objectives of the OP. The redevelopment will also be appropriately phased to ensure these principles are continued to be addressed in the implementation of the development.
The proposed redevelopment conforms to the City’s policy direction for land use by providing for a redevelopment on an under-utilized site in an existing neighbourhood. The redevelopment provides for a mix of housing and also maintains the planned function for the existing commercial centre.
 The view of the development from Kenwood looking east. The Official Plan seeks to achieve a number of goals for new development with respect to urban design including compatibility with existing neighbourhoods while promoting higher densities and compact built form. The buildings are proposed to be located on the site in such a way as to provide a gradation in height and density. The highest buildings (at 18 storeys) are located along Lakeshore Road, a Minor Arterial road, opposite apartment buildings ranging in height from 5 to 19 storeys.
The building heights in the proposed development decrease moving away from Lakeshore Road. A 14 storey building is proposed along Kenwood Avenue opposite the existing Husky Gas station and commercial plaza.
A 6 storey building is proposed further north along Kenwood Avenue, opposite which are two storey townhouses. Two 11 storey buildings are proposed abutting the northerly lot line which abuts the park. These buildings will face the existing Skyway Arena and Park. The existing one storey grocery store will remain at its current location with a 4 storey addition along its westerly fa ade to provide for additional retail and office units. The distribution of heights and densities allows the proposed development to fit into the existing urban fabric and provides appropriate transition to minimize impacts on the surrounding residential land uses.
The Subject Lands are just under 4 ha and represent a significantly large redevelopment area which allows for a distribution of heights throughout the site. Given that the one storey height is being maintained for the grocery store and restaurant in Block A, it is appropriate to transfer what could have been 11 storeys in height on that Block to additional storeys on the buildings along Lakeshore Road (where taller buildings are more context-appropriate given the arterial road frontage and existing taller buildings to the south).
Cute!
There are a number of hoops that every development application has to go through. The developers planners spend a lot of time making sure that they comply as much as possible –and where their compliance is a little on the short side – the find a justification for a change in the zoning.
The proposal is consistent with Provincial Policy Statement 2014 (but not with 2017)
The proposal conforms to the Growth Plan, 2017
The proposal conforms to the Halton Regional Official Plan, 2015 and the inforce city of Burlington Official Plan, except those sections proposed to be amended.
The proposal is in conformity with the general direction of the proposed intensification framework set out in the draft city of Burlington Official Plan dates April 2018.
They don’t say they are in conformity – they say they are in conformity with the “general direction”.
 Not convinced yet. The proposal can be adequately serviced and does not create any adverse impacts to the existing site and surrounding areas.
The proposal is well served by existing community infrastructure including public transit, bike lanes, parks, schools, places of worship and an arena
The proposal enhances the pedestrian environment within the site and along the exterior street frontages and along the exterior street frontages.
The proposal is in keeping with the character of the neighbourhood, provides an opportunity for intensification within the Built Up Area, preserves and upholds the overall urban structure as set out in the in-force OP and would implement the proposed urban structure set out in the Officasl Plan Review.
Careful here – the Justification report appears to want it both way – the development upholds what is required by the existing OP and would implement what was in the draft OP that has yet to be approved and will not apply to this development.
In the notes taken when the public met in a visioning session in 2015, the vast majority of the comment talked in terms of three, four and maybe six storey buildings. There was one mention of high density towers (25 storeys),
This development is for the most part legal – they can do what they want to do.
Related new stories:
The early concept.
By Pepper Parr
July 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
At the start of almost every delegation made to city council the words: “Thank you to Council and Staff for hearing my delegation.”
It is my view that the council and staff should be thanking the delegator for taking the time to prepare their remarks and speak publicly to those elected to office. Many members of Council do say – Thank you for coming – and then stop listening. Rarely do the members of council say – That’s a good idea – I will ask staff to make it happen.
 Gary Scobie- a frequent delegator  Jim Young, one of the best delegators city council gets to hear. Language determines the direction a conversation takes. If a delegator appears as a supplicant members of Council will treat them as supplicants.
Burlington’s city council has treated the public as supplicants during the period of time Cam Jackson was Mayor and for the two terms Rick Goldring has been Mayor.
The public lets them do this and the civic leadership in the past has been content to let it continue.
It is going to take a Mayor that fully understands and commits to the belief that the voters are supreme on the day they cast their ballots and that they matter every day of a term of office.
The Gazette has listened to well over 100 delegations – some are exceptionally well prepared – others could have used more work but every delegation was an important part of the democratic process that has to be respected by the elected to office.
The current Procedural bylaw needs a revision; it limits how a delegator can address council and basically prevents a delegator from addressing staff in a formal setting unless the chair lets that kind of interaction take place.
Burlington has a city manager who believes his role is to protect his staff. He has been recorded as saying that he is passionate about protecting his staff.
On far too many occasions the Chair of a council meeting, the Mayor is the worst offender, insist that there be no clapping or applause when a delegator has finished their presentation. The Mayor however has no problem letting the public applaud when he is handing out certificates of merit.
The public process is a large part of the heart of a community. It needs to be allowed to swell and be proud and to express sadness and disappointment.
 Candidate for Mayor – Mike Wallace  Seeking re-election to a third term Rick Goldring Citizens of Burlington will decide between three candidates in October. The number of new people running for office makes it evident that people want to see changes. Nominations close on Friday.
Use the summer to think about what you want and then determine who best meets your wishes.
 Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward running for Mayor  Greg Woodruff wants to be Mayor Municipal government in Canada is not political party based. Hopefully both the Liberals and the Progressive Conservatives will not hop on the wagon being pulled by a candidate for Mayor.
The New Democrats and the Greens have their followings as well.
Candidates have to be judged on their merits and being a Liberal or a Progressive Conservative is not necessarily meritorious.
Salt with Pepper is an opinion column reflecting the thoughts, opinions, observations and musing of the Gazette publisher.
By Staff
July 24th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Fire Department has lifted the open-air burning ban, issued on July 13, 2018.
Residents that live in designated burning areas, with open-air burning permits, can resume open-air burning for controlled brush burning and recreational fires.
 Controlled out door fires are not permitted – with a permit. The Burlington Fire Department will continue to monitor and assess the fire danger rating, and the local weather forecast, and provide updates on city burning restrictions.
For more information about open-air burning and fire safety tips, contact the Burlington Fire Department at 905-637-8253 or visit www.burlington.ca/openairburning.
Joe Wintar, Chief Fire Prevention Officer explains that “The recent rainfall and current weather conditions have led to the decision to lift the open-air burning ban in Burlington. Though the fire ban has been lifted, residents should still use extra caution when burning outdoors. Open-air burning is only allowed in approved rural areas of Burlington and requires an open-air burning permit.”
 By Staff
July 24th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The number of candidates running in wards 1 and 2 is impressive.
Both are wards where the incumbent has either announced retirement or has plans to go on to bigger and better things.
 As a Standing Committee chair, Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven is as good as it gets. Handling delegations and accepting the ideas of other people – not as good. But he won elections. Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven has opted for retirement and, as of today, there are ten people wanting his job. Jason Boelhouwer, Vince Fiorito, Kelvin Galbraith, Arlene Iantomasi, Kevin Lee, Garry Milne, Tayler Morin, René Papin, Marty Staz and Judy Worsley
 Marianne Meed Ward is looking for an upgrade from Councillor to Mayor. In Ward 2, incumbent Marianne Med Ward has declared herself a candidate for the Office of Mayor. Seven people are taking a run at the seat: Kimberly Calderbank, David Cherry, Michael Jones, Lisa Kearns, Gerard Shkuda, Roland Tanner and Walter Wiebe
There are several candidates that will get votes from family and close friends and that will be about it.
A number of people have suggested that with a high number of candidates it is anyone’s race to win – which is why we have elections.
Candidates have to get out and convince people that they are the best choice and can best represent the citizens.
Burlingtonians are much more primed for change this election. One can expect higher voter turnout.
Engaged Citizens of Burlington (ECoB) has taken on the task of holding debates in all six wards as well as a debate for the Mayoral candidates. The Canadian Federation of University Women are collaborating with ECoB on that event.
Dates and times are being worked out, several of the events will take place in local schools.
For those who have looked at the list of candidates and wonder if they have even a hope – the time to drop out is this Friday, July 27 at 2 pm.
Some might remain in the race just to see their name on a ballot.
The Gazette expect to interview all the candidates.
By Staff
July 24th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
At approximately 12:50 p.m. on the 24th of July, 2018, a lone male suspect entered the TD Canada Trust at 1505 Guelph Line in the City of Burlington. The suspect approached a teller and demanded money at which time he was provided a quantity of cash before leaving the bank.
No weapon was seen in the commission of this robbery and there were no injuries.
The suspect walked from the area, last seen heading south west toward Guelph Line.
 Police asking for help in identifying this bank robbery suspect. As observed in the attached photographs the suspect is described as; male, white, 40-50 years of age, with a thin build, short brown/greying hair, an unshaven face, wearing a black Nike Toronto Blue Jays baseball hat, dark sunglasses, a black jacket with white stripes on the sleeve, matching black pants and grey casual shoes.
 Side view of suspected bank robber Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 extension 2316.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 or throught the internet at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
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