 By Pepper Parr
September 9th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
He is in the process of becoming a media star, the “go to guy” if you want a comment on how municipalities are going to handle the demand for housing.
 Mayor’s 2015 Christmas card picture. The Mayor was on CBC twice this week- once with Anna Maria Tremonti on The Current, where we learned that the Mayor was one of the Regional Council members who voted for a program that would have the Region paying for a large part of the cost of a back flow valve, that prevents water from your home’s sewer line from flowing back into the plumbing when there is heavy rains. On August 4th 2014 there were heavy rains.
The Mayor told Tremonti that he as one of the Regional Council members who put his hand up and voted yes.
Unfortunately for the Mayor he was not one of the people who took advantage of that opportunity and when the city was severely flood on August 4th, 2014 he got five feet of water in his basement while his next door neighbour, who had a back flow valve was reported to have been dry.
 Having told the The Current audience (the program is broadcast nationally) the Mayor was then heard on CBC’s Metro Morning with Matt Galloway where he explained what the city manager meant when he said Burlington was not going to be able to build any more single family dwellings because the city has run out of land.
Land use in Burlington is made up of 50% rural, 34% traditional suburban housing, 11% employment lands and the 5% of the city that is not going to have any high rise structures.
The Mayor told the world that a decision was made in 2006 to protect the escarpment and not allow the creation of sub-divisions north of the Hwy 407 – Dundas roadways.
The full interview is HERE
During his conversation with Galloway the Mayor said there was a range of views on the change that is taking place in the city. He used the phrase “bubble wrapped” to describe those who did not want to see any change in the structure of the city.
Interesting interview – worth listening to. You can arrive at your own conclusions as to whether this Mayor reflects your view of your city.
 In one of his tweets the Mayor appears to be telling his followers that he is going to run for mayor in 2018. Why else would he put quote marks around the word “running” The Mayor is clearly upping his game and doing everything he can to get a bit of a leg up on the race for the Office of Mayor that will be decided in October of 2018. Expect at least two people to run against him.
 Sometime ago he wanted the citizens of the city to know that he was a transit advocate and once rode the bus to work – and posted a selfie so that people would know he was actually on the bus.
The releasing of this picture to the public is something the Mayor might have run by his communications adviser.
 By Staff
September 8, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 Suzanne Mammel Executive Officer Hamilton Halton Home Builders Association Suzzane Mammel is a pretty direct woman; trained as an engineer, she was dealing in planning matters before a city council committee when she made the point that her association Hamilton Halton Home Builders, “can’t be supportive of this OP, because it doesn’t provide the information our members need to do business here.
“We applaud the efforts to have a new Official Plan that meets the needs of all parties, this isn’t it.
This was basically the theme that came through her presentation to city council – it isn’t complete – far from it and the time line in place to get it complete is far too short.
Mammel, the Executive Officer of the Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association, explained that they spent considerable time reviewing the document, meeting with staff, and providing comments, both on big picture and detailed issues.
Mammel was telling city council and staff that “the OP is important to how the City grows in the future, and it’s very important to get it right.”
“We are very supportive of the City’s initiative to create a new official plan that guides how our City continues to grow in the years to come, and addresses the new realities the City is facing: growth via intensification versus the greenfield type of developments that have dominated in recent decades, and new mandated growth targets and densities imposed by the Province to meet the Growth Plan.
 The city has a lot on the go – many are asking if the Planning department has bitten off more than they can chew. “We recognize that this is a bit of a daunting task. The policies need to firstly meet these mandated targets, and those from the Regional OP, while at the same time attempting to balance the needs and desires of the City’s businesses and residents, residents like me. In a letter to this committee in June, I noted that “we believe that the title of the document “Growing Bold”, and its correlation to similar themes under the City’s strategic plan are applaudable but must be unapologetic, and guide future applicants to successfully provide economically feasible, quality developments that are in keeping with big picture City goals, and that marry the City’s vision with the growth targets mandated by higher order government.”
Our membership need a strong and solid document that directs how growth should occur.
There are many moving parts, and it is not as easy as an outsider may think. She added that the mandated time frame staff was given to bring this draft forward resulted in an OP that is incomplete.
 Burlington city manager James Ridge “One of the initial comments and concerns we raised, and the biggest concern with this draft document, was a lack of critical information: information that if absent in the OP, does not provide the level of detail required by any applicant to understand if they are in conformance with an OP. I asked for it formally and in writing of staff. I noted it in a meeting I had with the City Manager and Director of Planning in June, and I noted it in my formal submission to this committee at the end of June.
“ What population growth has been achieved to date (relative to the targets set in the Regional OP and the densities set for urban growth centers and mobility hubs in the original and updated Growth Plan), what remains to achieve these targets and where will that growth occur. We understand this information is being developed but believe the information is absolutely critical before finalizing the mobility hub Area Specific Plans or the Official Plan”
“To date this information has not been provided, nor am I aware that it is available” she said. “There has been an attempt to address it – we’ve been referred to reports done to support specific OMB appeals with respect to downtown, and anecdotally we’ve been told such things like – we’re confident we’ll reach the numbers.
 A critical document – are we getting it right? This just isn’t good enough. It is critical to getting this whole thing right and therefore should be foremost in the approach to the OP and included in it in a clear and obvious way, like it is in the Official Plans of our neighbours like Hamilton and Oakville.
While there is a lot of policy and vision included in the document, what good is it if it fails to achieve the mandated growth? It begs the question: why was it not included?
This is a new and full OP, and should be the document in which this information is contained. It will be the document of reference in the future. It generally indicates that growth is to be directed firstly to the downtown – being the urban growth centre, the three remaining mobility hubs, uptown, and then corridors, and to a lesser extent, modest intensification into existing neighbourhoods. What it fails to answer is those critical questions I noted a couple minutes ago, including what portion of growth should and will be apportioned to each of these areas.
The approach of directing growth to the areas chosen is a good one. We are mandated by the Province to have a minimum level of density in the urban growth centre, and mobility hubs – it is economically appropriate to direct densities to those significant investments. But the big picture numbers to make these areas successful are not available.
How can we move forward with detailed studies, like is happening in the mobility hubs, without knowing if those concepts are achieving the required minimum targets we are expected to achieve?
 Mary Lou Tanner, educated as a geographer and now the Chief of the Planning department has more on her plate that many in the development business feel can be done within the tie frames in place. She explains a point to Councillor John Taylor Which refers me back to the daunting task. Some have and will say, the City has put the cart before the horse. The process taken elects to do things concurrently, which in theory may be fine. I acknowledge that we are in a state of flux, but that is not justification for not including any substantiating detail.
But without these big picture numbers, there is no ability for an applicant to understand if they are in conformity with the OP, if decisions made by a proponent on densities proposed are appropriate, too much, or too little, or what the justification is for a decision made by the City when advising an applicant has got it wrong.
When you combine these with the provincial landscape, changes to the Planning Act that prevent an OP amendment to be submitted within two years of the date of this OP being approved, and the likelihood of changes to the OMB which would limit appeals to those decisions which lack conformity to the OP, it is even more critical that this base information be provided.
 The mobility hub concept was to be the way the Official Plan would be implemented – some developers think the city has put he cart before the horse. Detailed land use permissions are being envisioned through the Mobility Hub study – which is essentially a secondary planning process. This is appropriate. This is a finer level of detail than an OP. The draft document itself says “the Official Plan provides high level direction on land use, built form and density ranges”, which I note are not provided.
 An aerial look at the west side of the city with Hamilton Harbour in the background. However, in many instances, the document strays from this intent and as noted numerous times above, is lacking in critical information, at other times it delves into the minutiae of development issues, that are better left for such documents as a site specific zoning bylaw or a site plan guideline.
Sometimes a little dose of sarcasm is needed to make a point. Mammel pointed out that the level of detail in an OP could render an application out of conformity, and with no recourse to amend or appeal, given the current situation we are in, details such as site lighting, fencing and loading dock locations, are “I hope we can all agree, not Official Plan level issues.
The reality said Mammel is that “we can’t be supportive of this OP, because it doesn’t provide the information our members need to do business here, to understand what will be required of them.
 Andrew Smith the planner tasked with the writing of the Official Plan that is currently in draft form. The time line they have given Smith is seen as far too tight. Staff require more time to put together a fulsome document. But there seems to be a systemic problem here – the approach and timelines currently being applied to all significant changes being undertaken by the Planning Dept. It is frankly too rushed.
We have respectfully asked for details, rationale, and justification through many of these processes, including the Official Plan. But time hasn’t allowed, and the formal documents are rushing forward. The concern is this: whether it be the OP, concepts for Mobility Hubs, or any other document introduced to the public, the public perceives it to already have that substantiation and justification complete and available. And it isn’t.
“We are asked to comment and consult, yet the information we require to do a proper job isn’t available to us. It puts us in a very difficult position. And it is making our members feel that their input and comments are irrelevant – because the end product is made public before that background information can be reviewed and vetted.”
In summary, “while we applaud the efforts to have a new Official Plan that meets the needs of all parties, this isn’t it. We are not able to support a document that has the significant gaps and concerns this one currently does.”
Mammel is pleased that there is going to be a second draft – “today is the first time I heard that – we’d previously been told the next step is intended to be the final document”
The only firm date is that the final version is to be approved is November 28th.
Not only is the HHHBA not prepared to support the OP as it stands – she advised council that, her association would appeal the plan unless considerable amendments are made in advance of it being approved by this committee and council.
That would be a line drawn in the sand.
 By Staff
September 8th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The kids figured out Social Media years ago – our Regional Chair has decided this is a train he can now climb aboard.
Regional Chair Gary Carr wants people to know that he is out there and available and wants to hear from you.
 Connect with me on social media
Learn about Regional initiatives and discover events in your community when you connect with me on social media. Receive timely updates on Council’s work as I provide an inside perspective on how our projects reflect resident priorities.
You can find me on the following channels:
Twitter: @garycarrhalton
Facebook: gary.carr.50
LinkedIn: garycarrhalton
You can also share your thoughts and feedback by emailing gary.carr@halton.ca. I look forward to connecting with you—by working together, we help keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.
By Pepper Parr
September 7th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
B2B Networking works and according to a research study from the Rogers Business School “82% of New Business Leads Come From Networking.”
Many people are uncomfortable with networking simply because they don’t know what to say or how to introduce themselves smoothly into a conversation. Instead they stand around checking their smartphone, sipping their drink and wondering what the heck they’re doing there!
You need a networking wingman.
A what?
 James Birchill with one of his regular networkers. James Burchill is prepared to be your networking wingman He will attend events with you, introduce you, spark the conversation (and when necessary – keep it going) and guide the conversation away from “unprofitable” topics like pets, vacations and so on.
“If you’re a veterinarian then we’ll talk about pets! And if you’re a travel agent then vacations are a go-to topic also.”
He will also “save you” if you get trapped in a conversation with “that guy” or “that girl” who simply won’t stop talking and wasting your precious time.
“I’ll be your walking, talking personal promoter: Your Networking Wingman
Burchill is serious. He will be your wingman – and not in some pushy, cheesy manner, but in a natural, easy-going way that leaves people feeling good about you and your conversation together.
If you’d like more support ask me about the monthly coaching program where I’ll help you tune up your approach, tighten your offer and help you build a lead generating sales funnel that automatically follows up flawlessly while you enjoy your newfound networking mojo!
How Does This Work? Get in touch – If there’s a fit and you want his help, he will do his best to fit you into dates and times you’d like his networking wingman services.
Before the event he will chat on the phone (or Skype) and review your goals and objectives for the event. He will also discuss your business, your lead generation strategy, get briefed on things you want to promote and things you want to avoid.
 James Burchill – wingman “On the day, I’ll arrive at the event at the agreed time. I’ll pay my own entry costs and parking along with any food and drink I consume. We will briefly review our approach and then it’s “go time” and for the remainder of the event I’ll be there at your side (barring bathroom breaks!) guiding you through the entire event, introducing you to people, starting conversations, talking up your achievements and looking for opportunities to gently promote you and get you leads.”
“If you wish, at a suitable point in the event, he will take a photo together and post this later on his social media and include your links and hashtags. This promotional consideration is currently included at NO CHARGE.
“According to Social Blue Book, the average value of one photo Tweet on my profile is USD$175
“If this was a solo wingman service event, then we’ll spend ~15 minutes on the phone reviewing how things went and discussing how you can best leverage the event and any leads you garnered.
 If you want people to be part of your team – make them feel like they are part of your team. James Burchill, on the right, drafted Mayor Goldring, centre and former Performing Arts centre Operations manager Graham Frampton as part of his team. “If you’re part of my coaching program we will debrief more thoroughly and review the contacts made and the effectiveness of your lead generating approach. We will fine tune it and get ready for the next event. We will also discuss any follow up emails you may wish to send.
“The solo (1 event) wingman service is currently being offered at a special introductory price of just $149 +tax.
Monthly coaching programs start at $499 and include 2 bi-weekly (45min) sessions and 2 event wingman supported events (up to 90mins each event.)
Burchill is serious!
You can reach him at James Burchill <jamesburchill@gmail.com>
Burchill describes himself as a best selling author or MEETUPOLOGY and the founder of the Social Fusion Network (SFN). Launched in 2012, SFN quickly became a popular b2b networking event in the Halton/GTA area regularly attracting hundreds of people to the monthly events. James has since written another book about b2b networking, launched another social networking group and is working on another networking project: the “90DayNetwork.”
James is considered a leading authority on b2b networking and regularly speaks about and coaches small business and entrepreneurs how to connect and convert their conversations into cash.
 By Staff
September 7th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
What did we think of this one?
 Not much – we don’t deal with the TD Bank – we didn’t open the pdf either.
Here is what we got:
This Consent to Electronic Delivery of Documents applies to the electronic delivery to you of the statements and other important eDocuments for the accounts listed within your (Web Business Banking) and any extension, renewal, amendment and replacement of any of these accounts.
You must access our Digital Banking Service to review eDocuments. Open the attached eDocument and follow the instructions to access our Web Business Banking Service.
Failure to consent to the electronic delivery of the eDocuments as described in our Digital Banking Service will revoke your access to TD Commercial Banking.
Note: eDocuments are available in Portable Document Format (PDF) and can only be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader Software.
We thank you and appreciate your prompt response.
Relationship Manager; The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Remember and follow the rule – If in doubt, don’t. And ask questions.
The Gazette will be doing a feature length article on the how email like this gets sent to you. Someone bought your email address and sends you email they think will pull you into their web.
 By Pepper Parr
September 7th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Team Casey is coming together to play another game.
They are going to run the 36th Terry Fox Run on Sunday the 17th and later in the day – between 4 and 6 pm they are going to gather at the Burlington Convention Centre and celebrate the life if Vincent Casey Cosgrove.
Wear your Team Cosgrove sweater and bring your stories – he will be with us. He knows who you are.
Bryna Cosgrove said last night that – “Although words just don’t seem to do him justice, we’ve tried our best.
“We will try to do even better by celebrating Casey’s life together with his friends, his family, and those who knew him.”
 Some members of Team Cosgrove made their own sweaters. 
 By Staff
September 6, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police have arrested a 52 year old Burlington man for indecent act.
 The 52 year old man is alleged to have exposed himself while shopping at the Piggymart convenience store located at 2290 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, on August 23, 2017.
The Halton Regional Police would like to thank the public for their assistance in identifying the suspect.
Tips can be forwarded to Crime Stoppers; “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.crimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
No names released – interesting.
Pepper Parr
September 6, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It was one of those Receive and File reports – it was hundreds of pages long and it focused on the new Official Plan that is being created by the Planning department with input from anyone in the city who has a comment.
The Tuesday meeting was time for the building industry to speak along with Burlington’s Sustainability Committee that is made up of citizens who advise city Council.
The time frames that have been put in place are extremely tight; the planners want city council to pass whatever the Official Plan is going to be done by the end of November.
The development industry thinks there is some information that should be in the document – specifically, what the population of the city is going to be and where those people are to be housed.
The population of the city is determined by the province – and they are telling us that Burlington has to grow. The province gives the Regional government a number – the Region decides how that number is going to be divided between Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills.
Region Official Plan allocates 8,086 new units to be achieved in the built-up area of Burlington over the 2017 to 2031 period. The breakdown is 2,758 new units over the 2017 to 2021 period, 2,669 new units over the 2022 to 2026 period and 2,659 units over the 2027 to 2031 period
 This is where growth can take place in the downtown core.. The development community thinks that growth should take place along Brant street. In the Adi Development report “Staff recognized that the Urban Growth Centre needs to accommodate a total of 22,800 people and jobs by 2031 in order to reach the minimum target set out by the Growth Plan.”
The staff report goes on to say that: “When the estimated 15,417 residents in the Urban Growth Centre as of 2013 are added to the 736 anticipated residents and 702 estimated jobs resulting from recently approved and upcoming developments, the estimated number of people and jobs in the Urban Growth Centre within the next several years is 16,855.
This figure is 5,945 short of the minimum density target. (22,800 – 16,885 = 5,945)
The Places to Grow Growth Plan was put in place ten years ago. Planning staff calculates that, with developments in the approval pipeline included, the Urban Growth is approaching 74% of the minimum density target for 2031.
If we divide the approximate 5,945 people and jobs by the 17 years remaining to reach the target of 22,800 we get an average annual target of approximately 350 people and or jobs per year that will have to be created for each of the 17 years remaining between now and 2031.
Some members of city council will tell you that we are at the 75% point of that growth target. Some in the development community say the number is at the 66% level.
With the need to grow very clear the developers are beavering away at what they do – building housing. What kind of housing – not single family detached homes – the city managers claims we aren’t going to see a net increase in single family dwellings – for a number of reasons.
One – we have no more land on which to build and the cost of those homes is getting to be well beyond the ability of young families to be able to afford.
 Upper Middle Road looking east towards Burloak – prime commercial. No takers. Developer wants some of the land converted to residential use. Add to that the – the tussle over land in the city that is zoned employment lands which the developers want to build houses on. That stretch of land along upper middle Road where it curves into Burloak is seen as land that should have residential land.
If not single family detached homes then apartments or condominiums.
Mark Bales, one of the decision makers at Carriage Gate, the company that is currently building the Berkeley at the corner of Maria and John street where there 17 storey condominium, is part of a development that is to include a parking garage and Medical Centre.
Bales told council that Carriage Gate wanted to support the draft Official Plan but couldn’t do so because it wasn’t complete enough.
 Graphic of the downtown core boundaries. City Council recognizes that new growth is to be directed to a series of nodes (especially the Downtown) and along important transportation corridors within the Built-Up area.
The new Draft Official Plan is in many respects a characteristic urban structure plan with growth being focused to a series of nodes that are knit together by connecting corridors. The success of the plan will be contingent upon the ability of the Urban Growth Centre, the other mobility hubs and transportation corridors to accommodate assigned amounts of growth by 2031. “We agree with this focus” said Bales, but the draft of the Official Plan fails to propose effective growth management strategies and the policy framework necessary to bring the Plan to life.
Bales added that the draft was released in March and that Carriage Gate has submitted comments. Staff said we would receive responses yet to-date we have not received a response, said Bales.
During the council meeting the planers did say that answers would be forthcoming.
 Mark Bales Bales wants to see a plan that does more than simply paint a pretty picture of what the City might generally like to achieve. He said: “Municipalities are required to encourage and facilitate residential intensification.”
For Bales and other delegations the draft of the Official Plan fails to assign population and employment distribution targets to each of the Mobility Hubs and the Downtown Urban Growth Centre in particular.
“No one can figure out how much of what is intended to go where. Even if we knew, the guts in the Plan to make it happen are missing” said Bales.
“Without assigned population and employment targets for each of the mobility hubs and the corridors, it is impossible to determine whether or not the underlying principles and policies of the Plan are appropriate or if success can be reasonably achieved.”
Bales went on: “We recognize that redevelopment and intensification projects within existing urban areas can be some of the most challenging that a city will experience. This is precisely the reason that new planning policies must focus on matters of “fit” and not sameness. “The current Draft Official Plan fails in this regard” he said.
“To be successful, the new Official Plan must not only provide clear policy directions for new development but must also foster an environment that will bring it to life.”
Bales brought to the attention of council that city planners said at a recent Ontario Municipal Board hearing that Burlington is 66 percent of the way towards meeting its required minimum target for 2031. Staff also confirmed that the existing planning policies for the Downtown will not enable the City to reach its required minimum population and employment targets by 2031.
Ward 2 Councillor Meed Ward said she believed the city has “blown past” what it needs to have achieved in terms of meeting the 2031 target.
Bales is concerned that the city’s incorrect messaging continues and that the city’s additional growth requirements have yet to be presented to Council and the public.
“You may ask why this is so important” said Bales. “It is important because not only are appropriate planning policies required for the Downtown, but these policies may impact other Official Plan policies and those being developed for other mobility hubs, nodes and corridors – in other words, the policy framework being prepared for the entire Plan may be flawed.”
Flawed or not – the construction of the high rise in the downtown core is well underway. Set out below are the projects underway,before the planners or in front of the OMB.
 The Bridgewater development is under construction – it is a done deal approved in 1995.  The Berkeley is under construction. Another done deal.  421 Brant – in the hands of the planners who will issue a report in the near future.  The Nautique – the OMB hearing has taken place – report might be seen before the end of the year. Council and the planners appear to be prepared to settle for an 11 storey structure – developer wanted 28. Bales made reference to a consulting report Carriage Gate had done that sets out some mind boggling numbers. The Gazette will report in detail on that document. To give you a sense as to what it had to say Bales told council the report concludes that within the Built-Up area, 45 new tall buildings are required between now and 2031 with 23 of those to be located within the Urban Growth Centre/the Downtown.
To put this into perspective, said Bales, the residential housing supply in the Downtown is required to expand by over 40% between now and 2031.
The report adds that “In addition, we are challenged to find any locations in the Urban Growth Centre that are currently designated and zoned to reasonably accommodate this scale of redevelopment.”
23 new tall buildings – you can guess what that is going to do to the look and feel of Burlington.
Looks like an election issue to us.
 By Pepper Parr
September 6th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Ken, an intelligent citizen who comments in the Gazette from time to time, made an interesting comment earlier this week.
Burlington Citizens are in charge of their future, he said. “If the people of Burlington want to build to accommodate more people then let’s see how the voting goes in 2018.”
That election is more than a year away but some of the ducks are already being lined up.
 Cute – why doesn’t the man just come out and say that on May 1, 2018 he expect to file nomination papers. There are three who covet the Mayor’s chain of office: The current occupant who has said in a very coy way that he is in the race.
Mike Wallace has been telling anyone who will give him 15 seconds of their time that he too is in the race.
And we assume the ward 2 council member Marianne Meed Ward is still in the race. She was running for Mayor when she ran in 2010. Meed Ward had run previously in Ward 1 against Councillor Craven.
Mike Wallace was a member of council for a number of years and expected to be the Mayoral candidate but found himself in a federal election where he won and was off to Ottawa.
Greg Woodruff, an Aldershot resident, has run some numbers based on the votes he got when he ran against Regional Chair Gary Carr and figured out that he has a chance of winning. Will he toss his hat in the ring? Who knows?
 Meed Ward loves her job; she revels in pulling people together. During her first term of office she spent her annual postage allotment in a couple of months – she was mailing everything to almost everyone. At the Mayoral level there is an interesting situation. Meed Ward has her tribe’ they will stand by her – the question is – does she have enough people in the other five wards that will be with her?. If she has – and she seems to believe she does – then the question becomes this – is her vote bigger than what Wallace and the Mayor have to split?
The Meed Ward vote is not going to go to either Wallace or the Mayor. Those two will have to share what Meed Ward doesn’t get.
 The Mayor spent the night of the federal election watching he vote come in at Mike Wallace’s headquarters. Mike must feel that he can pull in more of the vote that Meed Ward doesn’t get than the Mayor can.
 Wallace congratulating Gould on her defeating him for the Burlington federal seat – it will be interesting if Wallace becomes Mayor and has to deal regularly with the woman that beat him. Mike has profile, he has been around a long time and he wants the job – close to desperately.
The Mayor chose to go the photo op route – he couldn’t sustain the approach his Chief of Staff Frank McKeough developed for him during his first term.
The Mayor has gone through four Staff Chief’s. He hasn’t delivered on any of his environmental issues – still no private tree bylaw – and he hasn’t been identified with an issue that the public is fully in support of. And he seems to have to cling to the New Street Road diet.
Meed Ward is described as “divisive” – she is focused. She knows where she stands and sticks by her decisions. There isn’t the understanding of the economics of land values that the job needs.
 Often, whenever ward 1 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward appears at events with the Mayor she sounds more “mayoral” than the man who wears the chain of office. Should she win her first two years will be hectic – she will want to do everything at the same time. Meed Ward believes she will be a great Mayor. Whether she is not will become evident in the third and fourth year of her first term.
At the council level – no one is going to beat Craven in Ward 1; Leah Reynolds was being primed for the ward 2 seat by Meed Ward but the fiasco with the texts sent between the two during the school closing debate might put a wrinkle in those plans
There is a credible candidate for ward 3 – the issue there is whether or not John Taylor is ready to retire. He has deep deep support in the community but 30 years is a long time. At some point the harness has to be put away – and if Taylor likes the look of the candidate he might decide to support the person and mentor him during the first term.
The potential candidate was raised in the ward and currently holds a very important job at another level of government.
 Jack Dennison the day he announced the sale of Cedar Spring. his health club operation. Ward 4? Can Dennison be beaten – Of course he can but not by a candidate who comes into the race late in the game and doesn’t have a team or the funding. Dennison has name recognition – some think the recognition is past its best before date.
Ward 5 – Sharman holds sway there and there doesn’t appear to be any one in the trenches prepared to do the work to take him on.
There is hope for a change in ward 6 – there is at least one very credible candidate who would do a superb job of representing the residents. Career options are a family issue there.
Do a head count at the council level: Craven, Dennison and Sharman are close to a given. If the right people are elected in wards 2, 3 and 6 – and Meed Ward is Mayor – Burlington will be a much different city.
We thought we saw it that way in 2014 and we were dead wrong. No predictions at this point – but the possibilities are intriguing.
Salt with Pepper is an opinion column written by the publisher.
By Pepper Parr
September 5th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
“We are done!”, said the city manager.
 City manager James Ridge In addressing the Planning and Development Committee City manager James Ridge said that in his talks with people he points out three facts that Burlington is up against.
The city is not only going to grow – it has to grow- “we are mandated to do that” he said.
We are looking at between 15,000 and 18,000 new people every decade.
There is not going to be any net new supply of single family homes
And there are not going to be any new roads built for the next hundred years.
Ridge then said that this could put an additional 50,000 cars on the existing roads at some point – and if that happen “We are done!”
Ridge seldom gets excited about anything – but there was a sense of foreboding in his voice.
 Even in their wildest imaginations – the Alton family would never have thought those farm fields would look like this – imagine the increase in value. He could see the apocalypse coming and he knew what the impact would be – but he wasn’t sure that the public he has to deal with can see or wants to see what our future as a city is going to look like.
Ridge was speaking at meeting that had more than 250 pages of material to wade through.
Much more to write about.
Question we have is: Is there a difference between “we are done” and “we are toast” and if there is which is the more serious?
Sounded like done to me.
By Staff
September 5th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
For the most part the students who rely on school buses to get them to the class worked smoothly.
 The consortium that runs the school bus service for the two school boards reports that: “The vast majority of delays this morning were caused by high traffic around schools, construction and some mechanical issues with buses which is typical for the first few days in September.
“Minimal delays were a result of school bus drivers not being available.
“Thirteen of the of HSTS’s 860 runs, which include runs for both the Halton District School Board and the Halton Catholic District School Board, that were late this morning (approximately 1.5 %) could be attributed to a shortage of school bus drivers. ”
 By Staff
September 5th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The next major public event that doesn’t call for people to sit at a table and think through a document they don’t agree with at all is the annual Terry Fox Run – Sunday September 17th.
 The 2017 run will start immediately south of the Terry Fox monument. The run will start at the Terry Fox Monument just west and south of Spencer’s restaurant just west of the Compass point. The turnaround point will be near the lift bridge so the route is along waterfront trail NOT on any roads.
 There will be no running on Lakeshore Road – all the traffic will be on the Waterfront Trail with the turnaround point at the lift-bridge canal. No bikes this year. It is 4.5 km just short of our normal 5 km loop. There is some construction about to take place on the Naval Promenade starting at the Waterfront Hotel
MC’s for the vent will be Peter Jaycock and Yvonne Van De Wiele who are the money team on radio 92.9 THE GRAND.
Registration for volunteers is 7:30 to 8am, registration for runners is 8 am(located parallel to the parking lot on the west side of Spencer’s restaurant on the grassy area by the Terry Fox Monument.
Runners will leave at 9 am and walkers/strollers leave at 10 am.
Once again because of the use of waterfront trail sadly NO BIKES.
 The Remembering Board tells a large part of what the Terry Fox Run is all about. As usual we will have a warmup, DJ , free food, free henna tattoo’s, face painting and balloon animals for the families. Dog bowls and treats at the water stations.
The Gazette will publish a detailed map of the route later in the week.
Over past 36 years the Burlington Terry Fox Run has raised over $1.8 million which, when combined with Burlington school runs – amounts to over $3.5M to the Terry Fox Foundation with 84 cents on the dollar going to cancer research.
 By Pepper Parr
September 5th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington, in collaboration with Craft Ontario, are presenting the first Canadian Craft Biennial. It is open now and will run until October 29, 2017. The launch of this inaugural event during Canada’s 150th anniversary will serve as a spotlight to celebrate and educate on the importance of contemporary craft throughout Canada’s diverse history and future. Under the theme Can Craft? Craft Can! the Biennial will explore What and Who is ‘Canadian Craft’?; the Biennial will analyze ideas regarding the agency of craft.
 This piece needs a slow look – see if you can see what the artists wants you to see. The Opening Celebrations are being held on Friday, September 15, 2017; 6:00pm-9:00pm in the Lee-Chin Family Gallery at the AGB
This Biennial is made up of several events:
 A Craft Symposium taking place on Friday, September 15 (Holiday Inn, Burlington) & Saturday, September 16 (OCAD University, Toronto)
Eleven sessions covering a variety of themes and approaches will be presented by forty-four scholars and makers from around the world.
Professional Ceramics Workshop being given by Anton Reijnders.
September 11-14, 2017; 9:00am-5:00pm/day
This event is open to professional ceramists only. Participation is closed at this point. Prospective participants were asked to submit a one-page letter of interest outlining what they intend to gain from their experience.
Exhibitions
 National Craft Exhibition: Can Craft? Craft Can!; August 19-October 29, 2017
Bringing together seventy makers from across Canada, Can Craft? Craft Can! will present works in glass, ceramics, wood, metal and fibre that address three sub-themes exploring ideas of Identity, Sustainability and Materiality.
Craft Ontario Provincial Exhibition: Nothing is Newer than Tradition; August 19-October 29, 2017
Craft Ontario’s Nothing is Newer than Tradition will present the work of emerging Ontario makers that reflect a dedicated engagement with specialized skills and materials. The exhibition will explore how craft materials, tools and processes are creatively reiterated through the hands of a new generation of makers.
 Mason jars put to a different use. AGB Provincial Exhibition – Setting Ontario’s Table: Once Upon a Time; August 19-December 31, 2017
Drawing from the Art Gallery of Burlington’s Permanent Collection of Contemporary Canadian Ceramics, Once Upon a Time will present a special exhibition exploring functional ware from Ontario ceramists. Each artist selected will be represented through both a piece from their early years, juxtaposed against a recent work to explore the progression in their practice.
 Anton Reijnders International Ceramic Exhibition – Anton Reijnders; September 9-October 29, 2017
Dutch ceramist Anton Reijnders will present his new work in a solo exhibition. Anton Reijnders graduated at the Fine Art Academy in Hertogenbosh in 1981. He participated in exhibitions throughout the world and contributed to conferences and symposia and has given lectures in Europe, Asia, Australia and the USA. He has contributed to the creation of what in 1991 was to become the European Ceramic Work Center (EKWC)—Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands.
He has been the visiting professor at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University three times.
By Pepper Parr
September 5th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The debate on the construction of a 26 storey mixed-use development at the corner of John and Brant Street opposite city hall is getting tied up in the debate over the Grow Bold discussions that are ongoing.
There is a meeting Thursday evening at the AGB, that will look at the public reaction to the plans for what gets done with the downtown mobility hub.
The city prepares the 3D renderings as part of its engaging the citizen’s program. The 3D renderings give viewers a sense as to what a community would look like when a development is completed.
The view is close to what you would expect from a drone that was flown over a community. It will take several viewings to see what is being proposed.
Click for a fascinating view of what is being proposed.
By Pepper Parr
September 4th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Later this month Mark Zelinski will launch his book on the Escarpment. It is a large format publication with loads of pictures – Zelinski is a photographer with an eye for the outdoors.
 Mark Zelinski, graduate of both Sheridan College and OCAD and the recipient of several awards for his work. However, it would be a mistake to see the book as a collection of really nice pictures in between hard covers – the kind of thing that sits on a coffee table or in an office reception room where people flip through the pages.
It is one of the first books of this type that I have read that recognizes the place of the Indigenous community in the geography of our community.
Zelinski let the Indigenous people tell their story – his use of the a wonderful piece by Richard Hill about the: The Great Escarpment In Haudenosaunee Oral History is so powerful that we have included it in this review.
“The Haudenosaunee Confederacy consists of the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, Onondaga and Tuscarora First Nations. Our Creation Story is a road map to our underlying values, beliefs and customary practices. It sets in motion our way of life, and the annual cycles of nature that impact on our lives. It also tells of the re-shaping of Mother Earth that was created on the back of a giant turtle.
![Turtle_LOGO_ON_MAP-©markzelinski.com[1]](https://www.burlingtongazette.ca/wp-content/uploads/Turtle_LOGO_ON_MAP-©markzelinski.com1_-862x1024.png) “Oral history tells of giant serpents that lived underground and emerged into the deep Great Lakes, only to surface from time to time to seek out human flesh. One huge cavern behind Niagara Falls soon became the home of the Thunder Beings. These powerful spirits rode the skies behind the dark storm clouds. When they saw one of those giant serpents trying to make its way to this world, the Thunder Beings would fly into action, shooting flint-tipped arrows that turned into lightning bolts, hoping to strike down the serpents and keep the land safe for humans.
“Our oral history also tells of a time when the Sun, Our Elder Brother, also known as the Great Warrior, while making his daily round of overseeing the Great Turtle Island, would notice that humans are fighting and hurting one another. As the story continues, our Elder Brother will pause, directly overhead when he sees such chaos. He will turn up his heat, hoping that the humans will pause and look skyward.
“In doing so, the people can recall the sacred origins of this land, and of humans of the clay from the back of the Great Turtle. His hope is that if we recall our Original Instructions to look after one another, humans just might stop fighting and return to the way of life that was intended for them – peace on Mother Earth. If humans refused to reconsider their actions, the Elder Brother said he would transform himself, becoming the Spirit of the Earthquake and shake the Earth so much that all that was made by humans would be destroyed, including the humans.
“This universal struggle between the serpents below and the Thunder Beings above is a metaphor for our own existence. We live in the middle of these two zones. While walking on the earth, we experience one aspect of life. When we die and are placed in the loving arms of our mother, we may experience another aspect of life. We can be like warriors who sneak up on others to do harm, or we can live in peace so that when our Great Elder Brother looks upon us, he will smile, knowing that we remember our Original Instructions. Life can flourish in this beautiful world we call home. Or, we can lose it all if we do not heed to wisdom of our ancestors and be thankful for all that has been provided.
“To me, The Niagara Escarpment represents the jagged edge of our existence. a place that has had a profound impact on the Indigenous people who live on or near it. It remains a place of power, a reminder of the original battle over this land, and an ongoing threshold between the goodness of our Mother the Earth, and the mysterious forces that are above and that lie below.”
Like many people I took the short boat ride when I last toured the falls at Niagara aboard the Maid Of The Mist. I never asked where the name of the boat came from – I recall more vividly how close we got to the falls and how wet we were when we returned.
Chezney Martin tells the story of the creation of the Niagara Escarpment and Maid of the Mist. It begins with a battle that involved the Seneca Nation of the Haudenosaunee.
“The Thunder Beings are considered the supernatural grandfathers and protectors of the earth. They make appearances in many Haudenosaunee stories and tales. The duties of the Thunder Beings flow from the creation story to the belief that they keep dinosaurs underground with strikes of lightening.
“In this particular story we meet a monstrous snake-like beast conjured by witchcraft that decided to live within the Niagara waterways to kill and eat the Haudenosaunee people.
“Enraged by this, the Thunder Beings sought to dispel the snake with force. This battle raged on for days as thunder rumbled in the sky and lightening struck the serpent until it dissipated into a huge crevice in the earth, the same crevice we call the Niagara Gorge today.
“The Thunder Beings were suspicious as to whether or not the snake had truly been defeated. Rather than leaving the earth they sought shelter behind the waterfall that had been created by the serpent. The Thunder Beings natural rumbles were covered by the sound of falling water, as they awaited any sign that the snake had survived.
![niagara-escarpment-turtle-island-©markzelinski.com-2[1]](https://www.burlingtongazette.ca/wp-content/uploads/niagara-escarpment-turtle-island-©markzelinski.com-21-686x1024.png) “Shortly after this battle, the clouds in the sky cleared to a beautiful day. The sunshine attracted a young woman to lie near the water. She was soon to be wed and wouldn’t have much time to enjoy her alone time once she had children.
“As she closed her eyes, the snake that was shrunken by the strikes of the Thunder Beings slithered out of the water. It is said that the snake entered her body during her rest.
“The young woman was later married and after the first night spent with her new husband, he died. She mourned and decided to try marriage again with the same result. She tried once more to marry, desperately craving a family. Her third husband died.
“Distraught with grief and guilt the young woman decided to end her life. She entered a canoe up stream and allowed the current to carry her to the waterfall.
“Just as her canoe was going to tip over the edge and to the sharp rocks below, the Thunder Beings heard her weeping. They caught her mid-fall, and brought her into their cave behind the water.
“Once inside, the Thunder Beings taught the young woman how to dispel witchcraft as they alleviated her of the snake and destroyed it.
“It is said that the Thunder Beings returned to the clouds. The knowledge passed on to the young woman was brought back to the Haudenosaunee and has been used ever since.
“This is the story of The Maid of the Mist from the Original People.”
The care and preservation of the Escarpment is now in the hands of the public that is represented by the Niagara Escarpment Commission and Conservation Halton.
Robert Edmondson was with Conservation Halton for 38 years, starting his career as a biologist in 1974 and retiring as the director, watershed management services at the end of 2012. He describes and explains the huge stretch of land that he oversaw that extended through the world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin, and emerging from the crystal clear waters of Georgian Bay surrounding Flower Pot Island, follows a 740 kilometre journey from the tip of the Bruce Peninsula to Queenston Heights.
“Visual highlights along the Niagara Escarpment include dramatic views at vistas such as Lion’s Head, Colpoy’s Lookout, Nottawasaga Lookout, Rattlesnake Point, Mount Nemo, Spencer Gorge, and featuring creeks and streams flowing over such outstanding features as Inglis Falls, Eugenia Falls, Hilton Falls, Webster Falls and Balls Falls.
![niagara-escarpment-turtle-island-©markzelinski.com-3[1]](https://www.burlingtongazette.ca/wp-content/uploads/niagara-escarpment-turtle-island-©markzelinski.com-31.png) The Escarpment is our backyard. “All these natural wonders are found on publically owned lands that make up the Niagara Escarpment Parks and Open Space System (NEPOSS). Over 44,300 hectares of land, representing close to 23% of the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area is part of the park system. For the most part, these lands are connected by the Bruce Trail as it winds its way some 855 kilometres from Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula to Queenston on the Niagara River. Manitoulin Island, which is outside of the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area, cherishes its own incredible parks, such as Misery Bay Provincial Park; a 1000 hectare coastal alvar sanctuary, with the largest wetland in the eco-district. The Cup and Saucer trail on the islands east end, possesses one of the most exhilarating views in the province.
“The NEPOSS is administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and governed by a council with representatives from the park owners and the Niagara Escarpment Commission. The main objectives of the park system are to protect the unique ecological and historical areas; maintain and enhance the natural environment of the Niagara Escarpment while providing for outdoor education, recreation, and public access to the Bruce Trail; and promote the principles of the Niagara Escarpment’s UNESCO World Biosphere Designation.
“There are over 147 parks within the system that are maintained by a mix of public bodies and conservation organizations including seven conservation authorities: the Ministry of Natural Re-sources, Ontario Parks, Parks Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust, St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, Niagara Parks Commission, Royal Botanical Gardens, Bruce Trail Conservancy as well as a number of municipalities and organizations such as the Hamilton Naturalists Club, Nature Conservancy and Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy. The Conservation Authorities of Grey Sauble, Nottawasaga, Credit Valley, Toronto, Halton, Hamilton and Niagara maintain more than half of the lands and 60% of the parks in the system.
![1-turtle-island-cover-markzelinski.com[1]](https://www.burlingtongazette.ca/wp-content/uploads/1-turtle-island-cover-markzelinski.com1_-1024x771.png) “All Escarpment parks are classified according to their attributes and ecological significance: such as Nature Reserve, Natural Environment, Recreation, Historical, Escarpment Access and Resource Management Area.
The Parks provide a wide range of experiences: visits to preserved historical sites, walking or cycling to vistas with their breath-taking views; tumbling waterfalls; quiet strolls along hiking trails meandering through mature forests; and observing the active life of the wetlands, or the enjoyment of cross country and down-hill skiing. The fundamental responsibility of the park system is to preserve the legacy of the Escarpment, all the wonders of its ecological diversity and outstanding features.”
These three people set the table on which Zelinski places the several hundred photographs that capture what it is that we see, feel and experience when we spend time in this vast stretch of land. For those of us who have to spend time in sometimes stop and go traffic on six lane highways – an understanding and appreciation of this collection of land that has been preserved becomes close to poignant.
The book – title will be launched at an RBG reception September 20th at the RBG Rock Garden 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
The Heart of Turtle Island retails for $50. It is available for a limited time at a discount at www.MarkZelinski.com
It is also available at: A Different Drummer Books, Royal Botanical Gardens, Amazon.ca, and Indigo Books for the full retail price.
By Staff
September 3rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The late Casey Cosgrove Facebook is alive and has become the place to grieve, commiserate and openly love the man we have lost.
And old friend of Casey’s posted a note – it is not easy reading, especially if you know Casey – but it is worth reading. We still speak of him in the present tense – don’t we?
Hey Cosmo
Well, it’s been a shitty 24 hrs, not going to lie! I’ve cried more than I have since my dad died 40 years ago. I hurt because I won’t get to see you anymore but that’s selfish and I know that’s something you weren’t so I will stop that but it may take a few days ok sorry.
You created quite a stir on FB since you left, and I’m going to tell you that you certainly touched a lot of people and they too are as gutted as I am. You have some friends and family who can articulate very well by the way… without F-Bombs even 🙂
I know you know this but Bryna, Ev, Jack, Kate, Stanley, Rudy and Hefty will all be doted upon for years to come by everyone you touched. Not because you left, but because of the family core values you guys all showed us that caused us all to fall in love with the Cosgrove clan.
 Cory Judson found his way of remembering. Cosgrove was one of the driving forces behind getting the monument in place. It’s been 30 years since you walked up to the dugout of our team and said “Hey guys, I’m Casey, Casey Cosgrove and I’ve been asked to play with you guys”. You had flow (as they call it now) and a smile that just broke down any barriers we may have wanted to implement with the “new guy”. Casey Cosgrove… has there EVER been a better baseball handle in history? Maybe Mickey Mantle but I heard he was an asshole so…
You always had a competitive air about you, sometimes to a fault! Remember that hanging curve you threw that behemoth first baseman in the Nationals in Yarmouth? He hit that friggin meatball so far it should have had a flight crew on it. After the game you said “I can’t believe he got lucky and hit that out” we all laughed and said they had to scramble jet fighters to shoot that bitch down!
Then there’s all the years of ball hockey on Mainway, the moves you had with those silky mitts was ridiculous and you kept reminding me of that with every goal you scored on me. I’d tell you you it was just because you were lucky, you tell me it was just because I was a shitty goalie. We both know who was right, oh, and I still am haha.
My step daughter texted me yesterday morning and said “I am so sorry about Casey Jaker.” I responded with “You know Casey was the first person to call me Jaker 29 years ago” You remember that Cosmo? I got caught stealing second and was walking back past the bench and you said ” nice try Jaker” and I stopped in my tracks and said “did you just call me Joker?” You gave me that sly Cosmo smile and said “no you f***ing idiot I said Jaker”. Whether or not you called me joker or were quick on your feet to back pedal it stuck. Every time someone now calls me Jaker, my thoughts will go to that day and it’ll make me smile… you f***ing idiot 🙂
Well Cos, I gotta fly, Rach needs me to take a load of stuff to Western for her. Thanks for listening. From now on it will just be a silent discussion between you and I but everyone is sad here so I thought I’d share our first chat with them in hopes that some of our stories will bring back a smile or a laugh for them! That is, after all what you did best for all of us! I promise to get back to smiling and laughing, I just need to see Petey in pastels 😉
Love ya bro, so happy your pain free. Say hi to my Dad and Miley for me.
Chat soon…. Jaker
The family held a reception this afternoon and have said they will announce a public celebration for later in the month.
How is this city going to get through the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope on September 17th?
 Casey Cosgrove in the 2015 Terry Fox run. The family held a reception this afternoon and have said they will announce a public celebration for later in the month.
In an obituary that is far more formal than Casey ever was he is named as Vincent Casey Cosgrove. I don’t think very many people knew his full name. We could have been calling him Vinnie!
The obituary is at: https://www.circleoflifecbc.com/obituaries/Vincent-Cosgrove/#!/Obituary
How is this city going to get through the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope on September 17th?
 By Pepper Parr
September 3, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Construction cranes in the downtown core – a welcome sign of growth to some, and intensification that isn’t welcome to others.
The provincial government has said we are going to grow and that the population of Burlington is going to rise – those are facts that we have to live with.
While construction crews put rebar in place and pour concrete the citizens gather in meetings across the city to give their views on the Grow BOLD initiative the city has undertaken to create four mobility hubs in the city around which the growth is to be contained.
There is a public that is concerned about what is going to happen to their community and a Mayor who does his best to soothe the concerns and explain that intensification will only impact 5% of the city.
 In the meantime the Bridgewater project rises out of the ground – a 22 story condominium; an 8 story hotel and a seven storey condominium tucked in behind the hotel – and the Berkeley on John Street become visible as it rises to the 28 storey height that was permitted.
That John Street construction site is to include a public garage and a medical centre – they will follow the construction of the condominium.
 Medica One or the Carriage Gate project – pick the name you like best – will go up at the top of John Street and consist of a medical offices building, an above ground garage and an apartment/condo complex. It will bring significant change to the intersection and drive redevelopment of the plaza to the immediate north, A transit hub a couple of blocks to the south then makes a lot of sense. This rendering is from the Caroline – Elizabeth Street intersection. The city expected all three projects to rise at the same time – and were worried enough about the construction actually taking place that they had the developer commit to coughing up $300,000 if the project doesn’t proceed by March of 2020.
City hall does appear to fully appreciate the market forces the developer has to contend with.
 The utility poles will disappear – all the cable will be underground. Getting that decision in place was no simple matter.  Maria Street, currently closed to the public, will be the entrance to the Berkley condominium. Carriage Gate, the developer, has had their share of grief with both the city and Burlington Hydro over the existence of utility poles on John Street. A hydro line had to be pulled in from Lakeshore Road to the site – an expensive job. There was much discussion over whether or not all the hydro wires would be underground.
The developer was prepared to pay for the cost of burying the cable in front of their project but wasn’t prepared to pay for the cost of burying the cable for every foot of the distance from Lakeshore Road.
And they didn’t like the price for doing the work that Burlington Hydro had put on the table.
It’s getting resolved – with the developer trying hard to keep the lawyers out of the room.
When completed John Street will take on a much different look. Other developers have already begun to acquire and assemble property on the street.
As construction continues the planners are looking for ways to improve the look of the rest of the street and bring more activity to the area.
There are parts of John Street that are really the back alley of some of the properties on Brant Street – the top end of John Street isn’t even a street – it is designated a lane-way that leads to a supermarket.
By Pepper Parr
September 3, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Buddy Gerl, chief ribber at Camp 31, said that Ribfests are driven by weather – that being true Saturday turned out to be an iffy day . When it is too cold – people don’t come out. If it is too hot – they don’t come out.
But when the weather is just right – they come out in droves.
 Chowing down and listening to the music – with the sun shining. The cranes in the background speak of a changing skyline With little luck Gerl and his Camp 31 operation will have a good season and the Rotarians will rack up another solid fund raising event.
The crowds were soft when we toured the site in the middle of Friday afternoon – but they got better. Saturday was a disappointment – the rest of the weekend looks as if the weather Gods are with the Rotarians again.
 VIP tent is open to the public for parts of Sunday and Monday. There are a number of pluses this year. There is a VIP tent that is available to the public on parts of the weekend – Sunday and Monday for the most part.
 Fetching the beer. The beer prices are reasonable and you can use both cash and plastic and there is an ATM on site where you can draw some cash.
The usual set of Ribbers are on site – the lineups seem to dictate where the prize sauces are located.
The Rotarians took a different approach to their fund raising this year when they partnered with the Carpenter Hospice – that organization is getting close to finalizing their plans to a significant addition to the facilities.
 Teen Tour Band – collecting for Carpenter Hospice Members of the Burlington Teen Tour Band were on hand at some of the entry point with collection tins.
We noticed a bit of a tightening in security at the entry points to Spencer Smith Park. A security guard asked to look inside the bag I was carrying – it was a pretty cursory look. It is a changing world.
 South side of Spencer Smith with all the ribbers open for business.  North side of Spencer Smith Park – crowds were sparse – but it was decent for a Friday mid-day. The Ribfest first came to Burlington in 1996 – since that time the Lakeshore Rotarians have raised more than $3 million which they have given back to the community in the form of scholarships and awards.
For the past two years those academic scholarships have amount to $3500 for each person given a scholarship.
By Pepper Parr
September 1st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The material that gets pumped out of the constituency offices of the federal and provincial politician’s is usually about an opportunity to take their picture,
We seldom see a document that has information that is focused and informative.
 Oakville Burlington North Member of Parliament Pam Damoff. Pam Damoff, the federal member for Oakville Burlington North sent out both a comment and a document that many of the professional class who have incorporated their operations for tax purposes and most of the small business who have questions about changes in the tax act will find useful and interesting.
Damoff refers to an announced set of proposals aimed at reforming the tax planning options available for private corporations. Since the changes were released Damoff reports she has heard from a number of incorporated professionals, and small and medium sized business owners in Oakville and Burlington.
The proposed changes will bring reform to rules that have been unaltered since the 1970s and people rightly have a lot of questions about how these changes will affect their businesses. The proposed changes are complex, and Damoff believes there is misinformation that has been circulating.
The document she refers to can be found at;
Damoff believes the document will help to set the record straight.
The first thing Damoff wants people to do is inform themselves and learn how these changes will affect them personally or their business. She claims that once they did this, they discovered that the proposed changes do not have any impact on them at all.
 She was a replacement nominee who had no plans to run for a federal seat – she was content with being a member of Oakville town council. The document compiled by the Department lays out the current tax planning strategies that corporations are currently using, some problematic elements found in these current strategies and the rationale for why new legislative measures are needed.
You can read the document in full by clicking on this link;
Damoff encourages constructive and actionable feedback: The consultation will be open until October 2nd .
Within the newly proposed rules corporations will continue to be able to take advantage of the lower corporate tax rate to expand their offices, hire more staff, and purchase more equipment. Additionally, the government has no intention of going back in time.
The proposals would only be applied going forward. All existing savings will be unaffected. Small and mediums sized business owners can continue to use all available, tax-sheltered savings plans such as pension plans, RRSPs and TFSAs. Less than 3% of wealthy individuals max out their RRSP, TFSAs and pensions.
The proposed adjustments to the tax laws that allow unlimited tax-sheltered accounts within a business over and above the limits that apply to everyone.
 Pam Damoff letting a senior explain to her how a piece of equipment works. Damoff says that: “If you own a business and are saving against a possible downturn or to invest in your business, these changes will not affect you. As I mentioned above, changes will only be applied on a go-forward basis – all existing savings for personal use in a business will be unaffected. Our proposals will only impact a business owner if the savings are used for personal use moving forward.”
Damoff points to a Special Employment Insurance Benefits that since 2010 have been made available to people self-employed on a voluntary basis. Prior to 2010 the self-employed were not eligible for any EI benefits. Now, however, for individuals on maternity leave (including small business owners), EI provides a 55% replacement rate on employment income, up to a maximum salary of $51,300.
Damoff encourages those who have questions to reach out to her office at pam.damoff@parl.gc.ca or at 905-847-4043.
 By Pepper Parr
August 31st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
We lost one of the really good ones.
 A really special team – Casey Cosgrove and his supporters. Casey Cosgrove passed away at Carpenter Hospice where he was taken into their care on Monday.
Those of us who communicated with Casey on his Caring Bridge page knew the end was near when Bryna sent out the most recent message.
She said at that time: “For those of you who follow this blog regularly, you may remember that we were told many years ago that the average life span of someone with his diagnosis was 18-24 months…and that was 6 years ago. We are truly thankful for not only all that extra time that we had to laugh with him, but that he was remarkably healthy and active for almost all of it.
 The boys won the bet – the daughter got a kiss and a pink mustache of her own. “We will take these days ahead to spend time together as a family and reflect and enjoy the moments we have with each other with as much positivity as we can.”
Much love…Bryna
This is the time to grieve the loss – tomorrow we can celebrate one of the really good ones.
|
|
