It was a very satisfying win for the Herd - they just need more of them to get out of the bottom half of the league standings.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

June 25, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Five different Burlington players went deep as the Herd beat the Hamilton Cardinals 15-9 Saturday afternoon at Nelson Park.

Justin Gideon, John Whaley, Andrew Mercier, Carlos Villoria and Cooper Lamb all homered in the win. Gideon added a single and drove in three, Whaley went 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs, Mercier’s home run was a pinch-hit solo blast, Lamb added a single and scored twice to go with his solo homer, and Villoria hit a two-run shot.

Cooper Lamb 23

Lamb lambasted the ball – again.

Canice Ejoh had two hits and a run, Matt Schmidt singled once and scored twice, Nolan Pettipiece singled twice, doubled, drove in two and scored twice, Grant Okawa had two hits and two runs, and Marquis Kidd had a hit, RBI and run.

Burlington pounded out 17 hits in total.

Christian Hauck (2-0) picked up the win, giving up a run on three hits in five innings of relief. He walked two and struck out two. Starter Jesse Anderson went four innings and allowed eight runs (seven earned) on seven hits with four walks and three strikeouts.

TJ Baker hit a pair of home runs for the Cardinals, swatting a two-run blast in the first inning before adding a three-run shot in the fourth. He also had a sacrifice fly in the second inning for a five RBI afternoon.

Jake Foden singled four times and scored twice, while Chris Beer added a pair of hits and three runs. Connor Bowie and Mike Hart drove in the other runs.

Dan Weagle (0-4) gave up nine runs (eight earned) on eight hits over four innings. He struck out one without issuing a walk.

Future games:
Sunday, June 25
Burlington at Kitchener, 2 p.m. (DH)

Standings
Barrie Baycats 15-0
London Majors 14-0
Kitchener Panthers 11-4
Toronto Maple Leafs 10-9
Burlington Herd 6-11
Brantford Red Sox 4-11
Hamilton Cardinals 3-10
Guelph Royals 1-19

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Movies under the Stars returns this summer on Thursday, July 6.

eventsorange 100x100By Staff

June 23rd, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

Movies under the Stars returns on Thursday, July 6, featuring free outdoor movie screenings at 9 p.m. every Thursday until Aug. 17.

The films in the family movie series were chosen by residents through a weekly online poll earlier this spring.

The selected movies and their locations are:

Date                 Location                            Movie
Thursday, July 6   Nelson Park                    Stuart Little
Thursday, July 13  LaSalle Park                   Finding Dory
Thursday, July 20  Central Park Bandshell     La La Land
Thursday, July 27  Emerson Park                  The Good Dinosaur
Thursday, Aug. 3   Lowville Park                   Shrek
Thursday, Aug. 10  Ireland Park                    Mighty Ducks
Thursday, Aug. 17  Spencer Smith Park        Lilo and Stitch

movies in the park

Good clean family fun.

Each movie will begin at 9 p.m. and will be shown on a large, inflatable screen.

Healthy Kids Community Challenge will be at each event with fun activities and information on healthy snack choices for kids.

Viewers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.

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Bateman parents want an investigation into the coaching they believe city Councillor Meed Ward gave trustee Leah Reynolds during a crucial high school closing vote.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

June 23rd, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The fat is in the fire.

And it is going to severely burn a number of elected officials.

Bateman high school parents have been fighting doggedly to keep their high school. They have presented evidence that a member of the PARC and a city Councillor has been coaching a school board trustee on what to say during the critical June 7th meeting at which the trustees decided to close Bateman and Pearson.

The parent group has had the information since June 7th – and have held it while they strategize and determine how best to have the biggest possible impact.

They went for a TV interview with CHCH – they dropped the bomb in a Thursday evening broadcast that could derail the plans Meed Ward has had for running for the office of Mayor in Burlington.

Reynolds with Roberts rules

Trustee Leah Reynolds working from a well marked copy of Roberts Rules of order during the crucial June 7 vote on high school closings.

Leah Reynolds, the school board trustee who was being coached had plans to run or the ward 2 city council seat.

Meed Ward said she was not coaching anyone – but rather making comments on procedural issues.

Kelly Amos, the chair of the Board of trustees said no rules were broken and the Code of Conduct was observed.

When the Director of Education, Stuart Miller, advised the Board trustees last October that there were something in the order of 1800 empty high school seats in Burlington and that as Director he wanted to Board to do a Program Accommodation Review of the Burlington high schools.

The Board agreed and created a PARC (Program Accommodation Review Committee.

Those committees have two representatives from each high school in the city who look at all the information available and if they can make a recommendation to the Director who in turn makes his final recommendation to the trustees.

Councillor Meed Ward goes after free city hall parking. Wants the tax rules to be applied.

Burlington city Councillor Marianne Meed Ward.

Marianne Meed Ward, the city Councillor for ward 2 in Burlington has a son at Central high school; she was asked by the Parent Council if she would represent them on the PARC. She said she would which raised both eyebrows and hackles amongst many.

The first recommendation from the Director of Education that the PARC had to deal with was to close both Central high school and Lester B. Pearson high school.

Sometime later the Director revised his recommendation and removed Central high school form the recommendation and added Bateman high school.

The Bateman parents were stunned and they weren’t ready for the fight of their lives – which they eventually lost.

Parents at the three high schools have lived through a horrendous nine months. There was a lot of bitterness at Bateman and Pearson.

MMW typing

Meed Ward at her iPad during a school board meeting.

What few knew was that the Bateman parents had captured Meed Ward communicating with trustee Reynolds during the June 7th meeting. Those parents had a member of their committee who could get them in front of the CHCH news people – they knew a hot story when they saw one.

The Bateman parents have filed complaints against trustee Reynolds and city Councillor Meed Ward accusing them of acting unethically during a meeting to decide the fate of two Burlington schools.

MMW message to Reynolds

Is this a smoking gun? Going to be tough to explain this one.

The Save Bateman Committee say the words of school trustee Leah Reynolds weren’t her own; they claim they could see Burlington city Councillor Marianne Meed Ward typing instructions to Reynolds on her iPad and they have visual evidence to back up their claim.

Lisa Bull shocked

Lisa Bull speaking for the Bateman parents – She is “shocked’!

Lisa Bull, a Bateman parent took a picture where one message said: “don’t vote in favour”. She says she was talking about a motion put forward by another trustee, Amy Collard, to explore a partnership between Robert Bateman and Nelson high school, to save the school and some of its unique programs in skilled trades and special needs.

The chair of the Halton District School Board says receiving emails and texts during a meeting isn’t against the rules but parents say Meed Ward was instructing her on how to block the motion and that Reynolds campaigned on a platform of “no school closures”.

The Save Bateman Committee is also accusing Meed Ward of influencing the decision to pull Central school off the closure list.

CHCH asked Meed Ward for an interview; the normally always available for time on television Meed Ward said she wasn’t available. She sent the TV station a statement saying, “the texts related to procedural matters only and had nothing to do with the content of motions regarding school closures and alternatives…”

Leah Reynolds didn’t respond to the CHCH interview request.

MMW + Leah Reynolds

City Councillor Marianne Meed Ward with Leah Reynolds; Best friends forever.

The Save Bateman Committee wants the Board of Education to put a pause on the final 10-1 vote to close the school and they are asking that trustee Reynolds be suspended.

It will take some time for everyone to figure out just what merit there is in the parent demand to put a hold on the school closing.

What is evident this morning is that this smells.

Asking Meed Ward to produce a copy of every text message or email she sent trustee Reynolds might clear the air a bit.

Some of the copy in this report is from the CHCH newscast.

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Herd goes up against the league leader - it was a respectable loss.

sportsred 100x100By Staff

June 23rd, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It’s tough to eke out a win when you are up against the team that has yet to lose a baseball game this season.

Herd T-shirtOn Thursday in Burlington, the Barrie Baycats’ won yet another game: 11-4

The win left the Baycats at 14-0 and vying for a fourth straight title.

For the Herd, Canice Ejoh doubled and had two RBI.

Resse O’Farrell singled three times and had an RBI and scored a run.

Nolan Pettipiece had the other RBI.

Ben Braun (0-1) took the loss, giving up seven runs on nine hits in four innings with three walks and four strikeouts.

Future games:
Saturday, June 24
Hamilton at Burlington, 1:05 p.m.

Sunday, June 25
Burlington at Kitchener, 2 p.m. (DH)

Standings
Barrie Baycats 14-0
London Majors 13-0
Kitchener Panthers 11-3
Toronto Maple Leafs 8-9
Burlington Herd 5-11
Hamilton Cardinals 3-9
Brantford Red Sox 3-11
Guelph Royals 1-15

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Police Investigate Early Morning Armed Robbery at Burlington Shoppers Drug Mart

Crime 100By Staff

June 22, 2017

BURLINGTON,ON

 

It was after 3 in the morning – two male suspects, one armed with a handgun the other armed with an expandable baton, entered the Shoppers Drug Mart located at 3023 New Street in Burlington.

The suspects rounded up employees before heading for the pharmacy department where they demanded narcotics.

After an undisclosed quantity of oxycodone was provided, the suspects fled the store, running west along the front of the plaza and then north along Guelph Line.

A search of the area by canine and Tactical Rescue Unit (TRU) members was conducted however the suspect were not located.

The suspect armed with the handgun is described as male, hispanic, 5’8″ to 5’10” tall, heavy build, 200 to 250 lbs, wearing a black hoodie with a black & white bandana, dark pants, black gloves and white shoes.

The suspect armed with the expandable baton is described as male, white, 6′ tall, thin build, 150 lbs wearing a dark toque with a beige bandana covering his face and black golves.

Anyone with information about this robbery are asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Robbery Team at 905-825 4747 ext. 2343, Crime Stoppers “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimesoppers.ca or by texting “Tip 201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

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The identity thieves are always out there - like the weather - they never go away,

Crime 100By Staff

June 22nd, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They are sort of like the weather – you can’t avoid them if you use the internet.

Somewhere along the way someone sold an Identity Thief one of our addresses and like clockwork – in comes an email warning about a danger lurking out there for us.

This one was related to an BMO account.

We know what we do with our various bank accounts – but some people think their bank might be trying to tell them something important.

Your bank will never send you this kind of notice – they value you as a customer – they will call you if there is a problem. Because when there is a serious problem the banks end of having to pay out at least some of the loss.

BMO scam

We removed the name of the recipient. This did not come from BMO. That verify your account now link could wipe you out financially. It is the first step to getting their hooks into you.

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Some big ideas were trotted out at a mobility hub meeting last night.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

June 22, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A little over 70 people took in an overview of what the Planning department wanted to put before the public as it works its way towards what will be created in the way of a design concept for the Downtown Mobility hub, which is the buzz word being used by the planners put a name on the Grow Bold directive that has been agreed upon by city council.

Panels with concepts June 21-7

It wasn’t a very large audience – but it was one of the most significant meetings held by the Planning department this year.

As significant as what gets done with the downtown core is – it wasn’t enough to draw full council attendance. Councillors Sharman and Lancaster didn’t make an appearance.

The evening was part presentation and part workshop.

The presentation part was what the planners had come up with based on the input from the public at an April meeting. That public input got worked on by the consultants the city has hired and what the planners took away from the public comments.

All that was boiled down to two concepts – both considerable different.

Tanner and Taylor at June 21-17 workshop

Director of Planning Mary Lou Tanner explains a point to ward 3 Councillor John Taylor.

Director of Planning Mary Lou Tanner said the concepts were not a recommendations – they were concepts – something that people would discuss at length – or at least that was the hope.

One attendee wondered why there were just two concepts – and why were they both linked to the height of a building approved more than 20 years ago.
It is going to take several articles to cover just how much is involved.

One attendee said the concepts that were put before the audience would amount to “blowing up the downtown as we know it and starting all over again”.

A critical part of the thinking was the way allowable height was going to be determined. Everything would be place on a scale and made relative to the height of the Bridgewater project that is currently under construction on Lakeshore Road.

Height line for both concepts

Concept 1 at the top with concept 2 beneath. The cross street are Lakeshore Road, Caroline, Ghent and Prospect.

That project, referred to as the city’s Legacy development when it was approved in 1995 – the assembly of the property began in 1985 – reflected what city council wanted to do at that time. Times have changed and the intensification the province has imposed on the city are a lot different today than they were in 1995.

Pauline, who was at the meeting had this to say: “Last night the City and its consultant team presented and obtained feedback from the public on two options for “the ultimate build out” of the Downtown. At a glance, it is difficult to see why so many of the unique an special attributes are shown as being replaced or eliminated – Village Square especially comes to mind, our only grocery store is to disappear and ALL of the parking lots are to disappear.

“The suggestion that John Street could be recreated into a new central spine sure has me scratching my head. In addition, to accomplish either of the options presented, the Downtown would be blown up and redone with low rise buildings.

“I don’t know how many sites were noted on the options but it has to be at least 50. Is this realistic? How much growth is proposed to be included in the Downtown? No one told us that! Wouldn’t it be better to limit the disruption and have fewer strategically located tall buildings?

“At least this way, the key elements that make Burlington special will be kept. I sure hope that there is more public consultation on this. It sure is complicated and Planning Department staff have a lot of questions to answer.

Another attendee was more detailed and specific.

“Two concepts were presented at a public meeting for the development around the Downtown Mobility Hub.

“Why two? Why not five? It reminds me of the old sales closing technique…..….”alternate choice close”. Ask the customer if they want the bungalow or the two storey and by forcing them to choose you make the sale or at least it’s a move closer to the sale! But you can make it even more sinister. Make one choice so unattractive, by default, the customer gravitates to the least worst alternative.”

What could the city look like when what was put in front of the audience look like? The following two videos are a visualization of each concept.

CLICK for Concept 1:

CLICK for Concept 2:

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An interesting bank scam - sounds professional - phony as a $3 bill.

Crime 100By Staff

June 22, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This scam sounded very professional – almost as if they knew what they were talking about.

Your authentication device synchronization is the process of establishing consistency among data from a slave source to a master data source and vice versa and the continuous harmonization of the data over time.

We periodically update our master DataKey and a resynchronization is always required. In this case all changes to the data are marked with timestamps. Synchronization proceeds by transferring all data with a timestamp later than the previous synchronization.

You will find the instructions to resynchronize your authentication device by downloading the attached file.
IDTHEFT 100X100Failure to synchronize your authentication device by 12:00 A.M. will lead to your device being deactivated. To ensure ongoing service and avoid payments or processing delays please proceed to your device synchronization now.

As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping you informed of matters that may impact you, we wish to inform you that your authentication device synchronization is required for insurance coverage purposes. Please do not delay or any transactions in this time period will not be covered by our insurance.

Web Business Banking
TD Commercial Banking

Here was the problem with this one – we don’t bank with Toronto Dominion.  Would a TD customer gt taken in by this?   Some of them might – when they learn what is behind that file they want you to download it will be a sad day.

Banks DO NOT communicate with their customers this way.

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New court house for the Region - to be located in Oakville.

News 100 redBy Staff

June 21st, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This news will keep the lawyers in the region happy.

The province announced the building of a new courthouse in Oakville replace the court house in Milton – something everyone has been asking for.

Milton Court House

Province announces a new court house for the Region – construction slated to start in 2019 – will open four years later.

Attorney General Yasir Naqvi was joined by Kevin Flynn, MPP for Oakville, Indira Naidoo-Harris, MPP for Halton and Eleanor McMahon, MPP for Burlington, to make the announcement at the site of the future Halton Region Consolidated Courthouse.

The new 21-courtroom facility will offer a broad range of justice, family, social and victim services, bringing the Superior Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Justice operations in Milton and Burlington together at one accessible location.

Court house location - McMahon

Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon at the site o the new court for the Region to be built in Oakville – construction to start in 2019 and open four years later.

The building will feature new technology to make the court run more efficiently which will help speed up the criminal justice system in the Halton Region. For example, witnesses and other vulnerable persons will be able to appear before court from remote locations through video conferencing or from a secure room through closed-circuit television.

Construction on the courthouse is expected to begin in late 2019 and be complete about four years later.

The new courthouse will be located at the intersection of William Halton Parkway and Third Line, North and west of the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.

To get to the new courthouse, people will be able to take the GO bus from Bronte and Oakville GO stations. The courthouse will also be accessible by a rapid transit bus, which is planned to run along Dundas Street from Bronte Road in Burlington to the Kipling TTC subway station.

The site of the future courthouse is provincially owned property.

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New Nelson pool will open Saturday July 15th

News 100 blueBy Staff

June 21, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This is good news – timely as well.

The Nelson pool and splash pad are targeted to reopen on Saturday, July 15

The Recreational swims will be held daily between 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Lap time swims can be found at:   www.burlington.ca/

Nelson pool rendering

Bigger and better – but no sponsorship.

In 2015 the city announced that “with two severe winter seasons back-to-back, the steel tank at Nelson Pool has seen an accelerated rate of deterioration,” said Chris Glenn, director of parks and recreation. “Ensuring public safety is our top priority, and thus the need to keep Nelson Pool closed.”

Getting the pool re-built generated some vociferous debate when Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison wanted to hand the job off to the private sector and have a new pool in for the following summer

City manager James Ridge suggested a plan like that was not very prudent and that 2017 was the more likely with 2018 a possible opening date as well.

When the announcement on the made on the size of the pool and when it was most likely to open the city also released a report on possible sponsorship for the pool.

During a discussion on fund raising for the Nelson pool reference was made to the consultant’s analysis which estimated value for a Facility Naming Sponsor could range between $300,000 to $350,000. It is also recommended that the payment terms could be as follows:

• $30,000 – $35,000* annually for an agreement term of 8 to 10 years
• Incentive to pay upfront: 15% discount = $297,500 – $250,500
• Paid within 3 years: 10% discount = $315,000 – $270,000

There doesn’t appear to have been a taker for this deal.

Look for the photo ops when the pool opens. We recall watching Mike Wallace get himself soaked at the opening of a splash pad in Ward 3 – he was the Member of Parliament at the time.

Perhaps all seven members of city council will take a leap into the water.

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Citizen agrees that they are being asked to do to much to quickly - wants the city to slow it down and get it right.

opinionandcommentBy Stephen White

June 21st, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There are far too many initiatives in play, and far too little time to fairly and effectively read, review, understand and absorb the cumulative impact that all of these development proposals will have upon the City.

This process is not being effectively managed and the Mayor and Council need to wake up to this reality.

A closer look at the proposed 2012 city budget called for some thinking and some animated discussion at the Burlington Artr Centre session last week.

Citizens do show up for public meetings and are very willing to participate – but the number of meetings being held now is more than most can manage,

Citizens are attending meeting after meeting trying to get a grasp on what is going on. These meetings make a mockery of public participation because they assume the average citizen:

1) has had the time to review materials;

2) is able to attend public meetings and forums despite other personal and business commitments;

3) has reviewed content online; and

4) has had sufficient time to ask and receive informative answers to poignant questions.

Add to this separate meetings and discussions around smaller planning projects, school closures, etc. and it is a lot to absorb.

We are all being held hostage because of Kathleen Wynne’s intensification mandate.

This sad, sorry, pitiful government has one foot in the grave and despite the Gazette’s optimism it is not a certainty that their re-election is assured.

BC election

Citizens are replacing their governments when they are unhappy – Burlington will have its next municipal election in 2018.

The Liberals should take a long, hard look at recent results in B.C. and Nova Scotia if they want confirmation of that.

Add to that growing public dissatisfaction with the Trudeau government, and recent policy initiatives that will prove incredibly costly and problematic to implement (e.g. a 32% increase in the minimum wage by January 2019) and you have an election minefield ready to explode.

At a minimum the timeline for review and implementation of these planning initiatives should be extended by a year to eighteen months.

Let’s agree to take the time and do it properly and fairly rather than subscribe to an artificially imposed timeline.

White StephenStephen White is a Certified Management and Executive Coach and founder of Competitive Edge Coaching based in Burlington, Ontario. Stephen is a member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and also serves on the Chamber’s Political Action Committee.

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Burlington Herd help the Barrie Baycats remain undefeated so far this season.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

June 21, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Herd let the Barrie Baycats got undefeated this season – it was a 10-3 win the the league leader.

Cooper Lamb 23

Cooper Lamb doubled home two of the Herd’s three runs.

Cooper Lamb doubled home two of the Herd’s three runs, all of which came in the ninth inning. Carlos Villoria had the other RBI. Canice Ejoh singled twice and scored once.

On the mound, Ryan Beckett (1-2) gave up seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in 3.2 innings. He walked five without striking out a batter.

Barrie will be in Burlington on Thursday – chance for the Herd to take down the league leader.

Burlington dropped to 5-10.

Future games:

Thursday, June 22

Barrie at Burlington, 7:15 p.m.

Standings

Barrie Baycats 13-0

London Majors 12-0

Kitchener Panthers 11-3

Toronto Maple Leafs 7-9

Burlington Herd 5-10

Hamilton Cardinals 3-8

Brantford Red Sox 3-10

Guelph Royals 1-15

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Send a sky lantern aloft during the shortest night of the year. 0nly in Lowville - it's worth the drive.

eventspink 100x100By Walt Rickli

June 21st, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Are you ready for it… tonight will be the shortest night of the year.

ThinkSpot's Debra Pickfield - wild about Canada's and Burlington's economic complacency.

ThinkSpot’s Debra Pickfield

It’s the June 21, 2017 Summer Solstice and once again Debra Pickfield and her THiNKSPOT team are hosting a celebratory event. All are welcome – all ages and stages – solo or in groups. Do your best to RSVP to the email address at the bottom of this email…it really makes the planning easier.

As at previous Solstice events the cost of admission is a donation of personal effects for people experiencing homelessness (deodorant, tampons/feminine napkins, winter socks, underwear, toothbrushes) or a monetary donation to allow the purchase of items in bulk. That’s how this event got the nickname “The Sockstice”

Ready to launch

The Solstice gets celebrated in the winter and the summer – these sky lanterns were set afloat last December.

Here is the evenings schedule:

From 7:00 pm to 7:45 pm A complimentary dinner will be served while at the same time we will have a collaborative painting canvas available for people to decorate.

From 7:45 to 8:15 pm the Sky Lanterns will be distributed in the Lowville School House for people to write on what they are grateful for and what they wish to let go of. An alternative option – is a Floating Lantern for those who have experienced the loss of a loved family member, partner, friend, or pet. There are a limited number of floating lanterns available and we will be creating a silent space to honour the moment.

From 8:15 to 8:45 pm – a Light Session (hosted by Kune Hua and Brock Hewitt) will be held through ambient music to create the space for a mindful conversation/meditation to come together in community. Guests are welcome to bring blankets to sit on the grass.

From 9:00 to 9:30 pm – releasing the Sky and Floating Lanterns.

Where in Lowville?  Look for the old school house at Lowville Park Road – steps away from the parking lot.  Lowville isn’t big enough to get lost in.

Please RSVP and choose either a Sky or Water lantern: debra@thinkspot.ca

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Thefts from parked cars up 187% over last year - these are preventable occurrences.

Crime 100By Staff

June 20th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Thefts from Motor Vehicle Occurrences Significantly Up in Burlington.

The Halton Regional Police Service report a significant increase in reported thefts from motor vehicles since the beginning of 2017.

As of June 18th 2017, there have been 341 reported occurrences of citizens having their motor vehicles entered and items stolen which are up significantly from the 119 reported occurrences during the same time frame last year and represents a 187% increase in this crime.

In 219 of these occurrences, entry was possible because the vehicles were left unlocked. In 59 of these occurrences entry was made by smashing a window and 24 occurrences by forcing the doorframe and/or lock punch. There were 29 reported occurrences of licence plates being stolen from vehicles and 10 “other” occurrences which include theft of vehicle batteries, tires/rims and manufacturer emblems.

Almost every community in Burlington has been targeted by thieves (see attached HEAT Map). These are crimes of opportunity and are preventable.

Police are reminding the public of the following prevention tips:

• Ensure your unattended vehicle(s) are kept locked/secure
• Never leave personal identification or valuables in your vehicle
• Park in a well-lit and attended areas whenever possible
• Never leave spare keys in your vehicle
• If you have to leave valuables in your vehicle, lock them in your trunk. Don’t tempt thieves by leaving packages or purses in plain view or on the seat.
• Remove GPS navigation and cell phone devices & power cords from view when not in your vehicle
• Consider installing CCTV / Surveillance cameras which can capture the crime and aid in suspect identification
• Help police catch those responsible by keeping an eye out in your communities and immediately reporting any suspicious activity

Anyone with information about person(s) responsible for these crimes or persons selling stolen property from these crimes are asked to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825 4747 ext. 2316, Crime Stoppers “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimesoppers.ca or by texting “Tip 201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

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Burlington dental services clinic closed by Regional Health inspectors - allowed to re-open when required infection prevention and control standards were put in place.

element_healthservicesBy Staff

June 20, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

An infection prevention and control inspection conducted by the Halton Region Health Department on June 9, 2017, identified that clients who have received dental services at Upper Middle Dental operated by Dr. Vick Handa, located at 1900 Walkers Line in Burlington, Unit 4, may have been exposed to improperly cleaned instruments used for procedures.

element_healthservices“Improperly cleaned dental instruments carry a low risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to clients,” said Dr. Daniela Kempkens, Acting Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region. “As a precaution, the Halton Region Health Department recommends that all clients who have ever received dental services at Upper Middle Dental contact their physician (or go to a walk-in clinic if they do not have a physician) to discuss testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).”

The Halton Region Health Department closed Upper Middle Dental. In addition, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) suspended Dr. Handa’s license to practice on June 12. A re-inspection by Health Department staff on June 14 confirmed that the dental office now meets the required infection prevention and control standards.

On June 16, the suspension was lifted by the RCDSO. The Halton Region Health Department has sent letters to past and current clients of the dental office to notify them and recommend they contact their physician.
“Infection prevention and control in dentistry is a critical issue for safe patient care,” said a spokesperson for the

RCDSO. “As a result, cases like this are extremely rare. Dentists are extensively trained on infection prevention and our mandatory continuous education program makes the subject a priority. The RCDSO is currently reviewing its Guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control in the Dental Office.”

For more information about hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, the inspection or investigation, please visit halton.ca or call the Halton Region Health Department at 311, 905-825-6000 or toll free 1-866-442-5866. For inquiries related specifically to Upper Middle Dental, please contact the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario by visiting rcdso.org.

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Has the Planning department got more on the plates of the average citizen than they can comfortably eat?

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

June 20th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A comment from an experienced staff member of a developer doing some work in the city highlighted a concern that many have.

“There are so many concurrent planning activities going on in the City, it is quite something” said this well-placed source.

MMW with mob hubs in background

The Downtown mobility hub sits in Councillor Meed Ward’s political turf – some of the outcome of the community engagement exercises may not square with the way she thinks the city should evolve.

Quite something indeed and quite a bit more than the average person can handle.

There is an Official Plan that is being circulated.

There are mobility hub proposals that are getting a serious look – all four of them

There is a transportation study that is also going the rounds.

The Go Bold statement that came out of the planning department some time ago has turned out to be more than just a tag line added to media releases.

Centre ice - fully engaged audience

Planners are besieged with questions from a public that wants to be engaged and wants to understand the bigger picture as well.

The work has to be stressing the planning staff; it certainly has the development community watching carefully.

There are a number of development proposals that are sitting in planner’s limbo while the Planning department works on the bigger picture.

There was a time when a much larger bus termial existed 25 yards to the left of this small terminal onm John Street - it was where people met. There were fewer cars, Burlington didn't have the wealth then that it has now. We were a smaller city, as much rural as suburban. The times have changed and transit now needs to change as well.

Is this to be the epicenter of the downtown mobility hub?

There are developers who feel they have shabbily handled who claim the planners have gone back on their word on projects that were progressing quite well – at last the developer thought so.

Add to all this are the Ontario Municipal Board hearings that relate to some of the ADI Development Group Projects. Things were never tight with the Adi people and the city – when Tariq Adi said:  “Oh yeah, absolutely. “Look, I’m not going to sugar-coat it, I know what’s going on here.” and added that “… what happened at Martha absolutely has something to do with this. That’s fine, that’s part of doing business. We’ll just deal with it.”

Any good will that might have existed between the city and this developer went up in smoke with not much more than bitter feelings left on the table.  Adi will want to describe the Mayor as biased and unfair – words the Gazette has heard before.

Spat between the Adi Group and the city over the Alton project.

Community meeting that had planners listening to the public.

A closer look at what the public had to say about a Downtown mobility hub

There are said to be two development options for the Downtown Mobility Hub that will be presented to the public on Wednesday evening at the meeting scheduled to take place at the Art Gallery of Burlington at 7:00 pm.

What will the city have in the way of surprises for us?

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Toronto resident with an alternative medicine practice in Burlington charged with indecent sexual assault.

Crime 100By Staff

June 19th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Halton Regional Police Service Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit investigated an incident of sexual assault allegedly perpetrated by a practitioner of alternative medicine at his clinic in Burlington in May of this year.

The victim in the matter was an adult female patient.

As a result of the investigation, Hugo Ramiro, 42 years, of Toronto was arrested on June 19th, 2017. He is charged with one count of sexual assault.

HRPS crestAnyone with any information about this matter is encouraged to contact Detective Constable Andrew Hulbert at 905-465-8971 of the Halton Regional Police Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit 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 “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

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Uber is going to make it easier to eat - choice is kind of limited.

News 100 greenBy Staff

June 19th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Uber this and uber that!

The name is all over the place.

uber imageThe newest wrinkle – Starting today at 11 am, you can get food from local restaurants delivered right to your door at Uber speed. From early-morning breakfasts to family dinners and everything in between, your next meal is just a tap away.

For a limited time, Burlington residents can enjoy free delivery on their first two UberEATS orders.

Simply download the app, make your selection, and enter the promotion code BURLINGTONEATS at checkout.

Free delivery (valued up to $4.99) on first two orders. Valid until July 3, 2017.

Featured Burlington Restaurants:

Barra Fion
Paramount Fine Foods Burlington
Tria Cafe & Bakery
Montana’s
Milestones
Artisan Pizza

That list is going to have to get a little longer.

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TechPlace opens on Wednesday: can it make a difference?

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

June 19th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It has taken awhile but it will be officially opened on Wednesday and it is a step forward.

The idea of a place where those much desired high tech, high paying jobs can get developed and brought to fruition has been a glint in the eye of the Mayor and his former Chief of Staff Frank McKeown for a long time.

Tech place logoIt is being called TechPlace – all one word – that is being positioned as a brand. McKeown said the Burlington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) didn’t want it to be too tightly identified with them but wanted it seen as something the BEDC oversees, runs and funds during its early phase.

The objective? To create a place where potential new ideas, new approaches to business can be created, nurtured and grown. New business start-ups travel a pot hole filled road often fueled by family investments or whatever can be cobbled together from friends to get an idea off the ground.

Rotary sponsors a competition, mostly for high school students, that has seen some good ideas get funding.

At the TechPlace open-house style event on Wednesday, you’ll have the opportunity to tour the offices, network, and learn more about TechPlace. And here will be a cash bar – don’t see that very often in Burlington.

Frank McKeough, former Chief of Staff to MAyor Rick Goldring asked about how politicians can handle complex issues when voters tend not to be informed and don't have the background needed to arrive at decisions.

Frank McKeown, former Chief of Staff to Mayor Rick Goldring shepherded the start-up incubator through the BEDC board and got it to the point where it can open – now to make it work.

Led by Burlington Economic Development Corporation, TechPlace is a one stop destination for new and growing technology companies. TechPlace exists to help technology, talent and ideas come under one roof to create and promote opportunities for economic growth!

The Mayor poaches some of the credit for the idea when he says the idea was first announced during his State of the City address in January; the idea has been around for some time.

5500 North Service Rd

This certainly differs from the garage Steve Jobs built the first Apple Computer.

The TechPlace partners at the 8,600-square foot facility will include Angel One Investor Network, one of Canada’s most active angel groups, and Haltech, Halton Region’s Regional Innovation Centre. Mention has been made of some foreign interests who have bought into the concept and have taken space.

The set-up is intended to be a one-stop destination for new and growing technology companies. With the support of partners across the public and private sectors, the new facility will provide access to space, programming, mentorship, networking and resources to help connect, develop and advance entrepreneurs at all stages.

The Economic Development Corporation maintains that approximately 40 per cent of new jobs in Canada come from companies that are less than five years old; the BEDC is committed to supporting the continued growth of these companies. TechPlace is intended to be a place that attracts and nurtures these start-ups including those that are well beyond the concept stage but need professional support in areas that are outside their prime strengths. A couple of very smart software developers might not know much about federal and provincial grants available to them or how to tap into marketing programs that different levels of government offer.

Hive on Elizabeth

The HiVe couldn’t the clientele needed to make the place viable in the downtown core.

A number of years ago The HiVe set up shop in space on Elizabeth street and launched their operation with a lot of hoopla and fanfare. The “beautiful” people turned out in droves but the customers didn’t take a shine to the place

When the HiVe was conceived the hope was that the city would buy into that operation – they never did and the HiVe moved out of their downtown location and re-established themselves closer to the industrial core along Harvester Road.

TechPlace is located on the 8th floor of 5500 North Service Rd. at Burloak Drive, just north of the QEW.

BEDC Announces Opening of TechPlace, Burlington’s innovation centre

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Rainout games force a brutal schedule on some of the IBL teams - the Herd finds a way to take a much needed win over the Leafs.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

June 19th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Eight games in 11 days proved to be too much for the InterCounty Baseball League Toronto Maple Leafs – they lost 6-1 to the Burlington Herd Sunday afternoon at Christie Pits.

Christian Hauck went seven innings on the mound for Burlington (5-9) to pick up his first win of the season. The Leafs (7-9) managed 10 hits and three walks off the Burlington starter, but Hauck got the big outs when he needed them.

Early rainouts have forced IBL teams to condense their make-up games into a small window. Toronto opened the week Monday at home against Kitchener before hitting the road for stops in Hamilton and Barrie on Tuesday and Thursday.

The Leafs won in Guelph Saturday, but looked like a weary team when they hit the diamond Sunday.
Toronto starting pitcher Zach Sloan got into trouble early and the Herd made him pay. Struggling to find the strike zone early in counts, Burlington opened the scoring in the top of the first when Cooper Lamb’s single brought home Canice Ejoh.

Cooper Lamb 23

Cooper Lamb added his second RBI of the afternoon.

Burlington added runs in the second and third innings, before Justin Marra cut the lead to 3-1 when he drilled a Hauck pitch over the right-field fence for his fourth home run of the season.

Standings June 19-17The Herd would get that back and more in the top of the fourth inning when it scored three times off Sloan. John Whaley drilled a two-run single and Lamb added his second RBI of the afternoon with a sacrifice fly that scored Ejoh.

Sloan would pitch one more inning before being relieved by Marek Deska in the top of the sixth, with Toronto trailing 6-1. Sloan gave up six earned runs on nine hits and three walks, while striking out two in five innings of work.

Whaley had a big day at the plate for the Herd, going 4-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored.

Julian Johnson and Justin Marra led the Leafs with a pair of hits each.

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