 By Staff
May 23rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Data collected locally suggests that the Burlington seat is still very much up for grabs.
Jason Octavo, a Sheridan College Journalism student about to graduate this year, has been spending hours outside supermarket and LCBO stores – inside malls and in Spencer Smith Park. North and south of the QEW.
By the time the survey work is completed he will have interviewed more than 750 asking the following questions:
Question 1: Do you know there’s going to be an election in June?
Question 2: Do you know anything about the issues?
Question 3: Are you going to vote (if not, why)?
Question 4: Would you like to say who you will vote for?
We have added a 5th question: Is there a political party or candidate that you are favouring?
Are the numbers relevant, do they mean anything? They are certainly quite different than the province wide numbers where the Progressive Conservatives have a clear lead.
That province wide sentiment is quite a bit different than what is taking place in Burlington.
 Impressive data – can the solid 2018 results be improved – enough to win the seat? The decision making in Burlington is informed by the significant number of New Blue Party signs that are showing up – especially in the rural part of the city; the size of the Muslim vote and if it will turn out for the Liberal candidate. And will the NDP vote locally continue to grow from the record vote level in the last provincial election. They have raised more money than ever this time around and have a spacious office set up with a motivated team of volunteers.
The Progressive Conservatives did themselves no favours when they pulled their candidates province wide from taking part in debate or interviews.
They see themselves as leading and don’t want to have a candidate say something that will blow up in their faces. There is very little being said by PC candidates on social media.
Everything comes from the Premier and so far none of the other candidates have been able to lay a glove on him.
Will voters be disgusted with the way they have been treated? Not the base vote for certain. Winning is all that counts. The voter be damned.
Octavo will be in the field up to May 31st – if there is a break in the news flow on something that could shift voter sentiments he will back back out until the day before the election.
 By Pepper Parr
May 22th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
There is just something not quite right about the sale and purchase of the Bateman High School property.
It is monumentally expensive.
The paucity of public information resulted in the sanctioning of a council member based on a complaint by two other Council members.
Councillor Stolte was docked five days’ pay for talking publicly about something that was discussed in a CLOSED session of Council – a no no in the municipal world.
Councillors Nisan and Galbraith filed a complaint to the Integrity Commissioner.
Then there is an announcement that there will be a l and swap – the city would sell the sports field to the west of Central High school – the proceeds of that sale would go towards paying for the Bateman property owned by the public Board of Education.
The city announces that there will be public engagement – before that a short survey.
Short survey has a short life – the cit y pulls the survey and provides some detail on a public meeting.
That gets the social media close to the boiling point. Those networks are going crazy over the Bateman high school and Central High school sports field matter,
Lynne Crosby, a frequent Tweeter, makes a comment – the city picks up on it …
… then ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman puts in a few words.
So failure is a possibility?
 By Staff
May 20th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
This hurts!
Average rent for all Canadian properties listed on Rentals.ca in April was $1,821 per month, an annual increase of 9 per cent from $1,676 per month in April 2021, according to the Rentals.ca and Bullpen Research & Consulting latest National Rent Report.
The April 2021 rent figure was the lowest national average rate over the last four years, with the monthly results in 2022 close to pre-pandemic rent levels. April 2022’s average rent is about $25 lower than the levels experienced the same month in 2020 and 2019.
Burlington came in third on the list of 35 cities for average monthly rent in April for a one-bedroom home at $2,017 and eighth for average monthly rent for a two-bedroom at $2,261.
 Rates are high, inventory very tight – the rental market is likely to stay this way for a while. Year over year, average monthly rent in April for a one-bedroom in Burlington was up 15.9 per cent and up 11.8 per cent for a two-bedroom.
Toronto finished second on the list of 35 cities for average monthly rent in April for a one-bedroom at $2,065 and for average monthly rent for a two-bedroom at $2,849.
Year over year, average monthly rent in April for a one-bedroom in Toronto was up 13 per cent and up 17.2 per cent for a two-bedroom. Month over month, average rent in Toronto was up 2.1 per cent for a one-bedroom and up 2.6 per cent for a two-bedroom.
Average rents in Toronto and Etobicoke for condo rentals and apartments were up annually by 15 per cent to $2,303 and $2,173 respectively;
Hamilton average rents increased 11 per cent to $1,790; and Mississauga, and London rents rose 7 per cent to $2,070 and $1,581, respectively.
Ontario had the second highest average rents at $2,093 per month (median: $2,000).
Ben Myers, president of Bullpen Research & Consulting said:“Average rental rates for single-family homes, townhouses and condominium apartments have experienced strong month-over-month growth as demand increases for higher-end properties. Big city rents are surging with Vancouver and Toronto leading the way. A return to the office, high gas prices, and rising interest rates are all fuelling demand for centrally located rental offerings.”
 By Staff
May 20th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
If you make it through the provincial election there is light hearted relieve for you.
Burlington’s Drury Lane Theatre is bringing I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE to the stage.
The production begins Friday, June 3rd and shows continue through Sunday, June 26th.
I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE is the longest running off-Broadway revue in history. This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind the contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship.” Act I explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set. This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, and to those who have dared to ask, “Say, what are you doing Saturday night?”
 Invite your favourite person to join you in the comfortable cabaret setting at The Loft at Drury Lane on New Street. Enjoy a beverage from our licensed bar while watching the show and celebrate your own “perfect” relationships! Tickets are on sale at www.DruryLane.ca and by calling our Box Office at 905-637-3979.
 By Pepper Parr
May 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Fantastic Negrito – will be part of the summer Sound of Music program.
We’ve not heard much from the Sound of Music people.
One of their acts – Fantastic Negrito plays on June 17th
He is a three-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, musician, and activist
Fantastic Negrito (neé Xavier Dphrepaulezz) unveils his forthcoming studio album and film White Jesus Black Problems, out June 3 via Storefront Records. The multimedia project is based on the true story of Negrito’s seventh-generation white Scottish grandmother (Grandma Gallamore), an indentured servant, living in a common-law marriage with his seventh-generation African American enslaved grandfather (Grandfather Courage); in open defiance of the racist, separatist, laws of 1750s colonial Virginia.
With a pedigree like that – this might be someone very different and interesting to listrn to.
You get your chance – he is on stage June 17th, 2022
 By Staff
May 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is looking for residents’ feedback on a proposed land transaction with the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and leasing arrangements with the HDSB and Brock University for the City’s planned acquisition of the Robert Bateman High School building and property.
The proposed transaction with the HDSB would see the City transfer ownership of approximately five acres of City owned-land (sports field at Central High School) to the HDSB as a component of a land exchange for the Robert Bateman site.
 The sports field beside Central High school is owned by the city. Selling it to the school board frees up some cash that can be applied to the purchase of the Bateman location. It is a complex deal with a number of players that may not have had the benefit of some some take our time second thought. Some are wondering – why the rush? One pressure point is that Brock wants to be in the space they are renting – when? Tight timeline. The City owned-land in question is located near Burlington Central High School and includes the high school football field and running track.
The HDSB has wanted to own the sports field beside Burlington Central High School for some time; that desire is consistent with the HDSB’s long-term intention to continue operating Burlington Central High School as a school. This land exchange component will advance the City’s efforts to secure the Robert Bateman site in continued public ownership, ensuring that the Robert Bateman site is available for continued educational and community-oriented uses.
Feedback will also be sought on proposed leasing agreements with the HDSB that wants to use some of the space and Brock University that wants to locate one of its departments in Burlington.
Both leases are expected to be long-term but not to exceed 25 years.
Burlington City Council directed staff to gather feedback from the public on these proposals. Public feedback can be provided at the City’s online engagement portal, Get Involved Burlington. The time frame for getting sufficient public feedback is short.
 The site is a big one; the plans to re-purpose the location from a local high school to a multi-use site that would pull together local residents, a unit of Brock University, a public library and a number of gymnasiums with lots of space left over. A considerable amount of controversy is expected from the downtown community where there isn’t all that much open space to begin with. The 100th anniversary event was planned to take place on the sports field in June of 2023. Will that space still be available to the public once it is in school board hands?
Any thought of a community centre with a pool in that part of town would be lost. With three towers planned for Ghent and Brant, a short walk from the sports field, residents wonder if they are going to be locked out of creating more in the way of public amenities.
Click for the Link to Get Involve
This engagement opportunity will be open to Burlington residents until June 13, 2022.
Following public input, staff will report back to Burlington Council with a final report and recommendations at the June 21, 2022 Council meeting.
Some background:
In June 2021, HDSB announced that it has declared Robert Bateman High School surplus to its needs.
In December 2021, Council provided direction to staff to submit a formal offer to purchase the Robert Bateman High School site
On Feb. 3, 2022, Burlington City Council endorsed next steps to advance the potential acquisition of the Robert Bateman High School site from the HDSB.
Shortly after, also in June 2021, the City of Burlington announced that an expression of interest would be submitted to the HDSB to purchase the Robert Bateman site through a partnership with Brock University.
By Staff
May 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
If it worked twice – it will work a third time.
 The Drive thru worked well the past two years. Rotary will do it again on Victoria Day and plan for the traditional event in September. Canada’s Largest Ribfest, a fundraising initiative of Burlington Rotary Lakeshore, will be holding a taste of summer kickoff on Victoria Day in the Burlington Centre parking lot.
The public is invited to stop by the Burlington Centre parking lot, at 777 Guelph Line from 10am to 7pm to experience the fun and flavour from the comfort and convenience of your vehicle.
Brent Paszt, a Past President of Rotary Burlington Lakeshore, and Co-Chair ofthe Ribfest this year said: “While we are looking forward to our eventual return to Spencer Smith Park for our traditional annual Labour Day Weekend event, the need in our community remains great. So what better way for us to maintain the spirit of our Ribfest alive by delivering delicious ribs & great local entertainment and at the same time help Rotary Burlington Lakeshore support local charities in need.”
The Ribfest has a loyal following, and there has been tremendous support for our Drive-thru Ribfests the past 2 years. While we all want to be back in Spencer Smith Park at the end of summer, our guests understand the need to adapt and have embraced our drive-thru alternative.” added Jay Bridle, Co-Chair of the Ribfest this year
Guests are asked to enter Burlington Centre from the Fairview Street entrance and will remain in their vehicles for the duration of their visit. Food vendors will take orders and payment (cards preferred) and will deliver each completed order to your vehicle.
Gloves and masks will be worn by all staff, vendors, and volunteers.
Four award-winning rib teams in attendance will include Camp 31 BBQ, Billy Bones BBQ, Sticky Fingers & Uncle Sam’s BBQ Stand. Cogeco will once again be onsite offering their crowd favourite take home bbq spice to the first 1500 vehicles as well we welcome new sponsor Mosey & Mosey who will make sure your steering wheels remain ribsauce free by providing wet wipes for our guests. The event will also include live music for guests to enjoy while they wait in the comfort and safety of their vehicles.
By Staff
May 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We are heading into a long weekend – people will be out and about looking for interesting things to do.
Freeman station is one of the best attractions in the city. Check it out. A past article will tell you all about the set up in the lower level of the building.
 By Pepper Parr
May 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
There will be a detailed report on how council and city staff will do their best to get boats into the water at the LaSalle Park Marina. For today – look at what the issues were and how Council worked their way through what is a messy problem.
The major issue was not being able to get insurance coverage.
What made their situation just that more dicey was the strike by crane operators.
One of the things that about this story is that information slips out in bits and pieces.
We did not know that the LaSalle Park Marina Association (LPMA) pays the city a license fee of $159,000 a year for the wave break. What does the city do with that money? Do they put it back into the hydro reserve fund it was taken from?
While Tim Commisso, city manager doesn’t want to operate a marina – one of the stipulations from the insurers the city uses is that the city must have control over the marina if the city insurance policy is to include the marina.
 City Solicitor Nancy Shea Nicol Council looked to City Solicitor Nancy Shea Nicol to determine just what ‘control over the marina’ means.
While the city knows a lot about policy and process the Parks and Recreation people realize that they don’t know all that much about the day to day problems that crop up at a marina.
The solution they appear to be edging towards is having all the marina volunteers become city volunteers who would then be given some training. Those volunteers would run the marina as city volunteers.
Will it fly? That depends on the strength of the relationship between the city and the insurance company. City is big big client – some wiggle room might be found.
 Another boat is hoisted out of the yard and lowered into the water as the LaSalle Park Marina opens for another season. Just not this year – mid June at the earliest. The marina is a profitable operation. They have 210 slips – with 160 of them rented – they are profitable. The longer term hope for the operation was to have 310 slips and a decent restaurant on the site.
As important to anyone is – getting the boats in the water and to do that they need to find an independent crane operator with equipment big enough to hoist those boats off their cradles and into the water.
One boat has been sold – the owner apparently can’t get his boat out of the yard it is in.
Everyone has spoken about how whatever arrangement is worked out that the city will be revenue neutral. Not a dime of public money gets put into the operation of the marina.
The LPMA turns out to have a decent reserve fund of its own. They reported that they run a profit most years – something in the order of $64,000 annually. Last year was an exception.
Given that the marina association has a reserve ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte wondered if the LPMA would have some of that reserve used to secure any expenses the city did run up?
City treasurer Joan Ford told Council that any expenses that did crop up would be recorded in a new, separate account. What kind of expense might be recorded in that account?
Council learned that the city was hiring outside legal council to advise on what the legal issues were. The cost of those lawyers would be one that the city would pay and look to the LPMA for reimbursement.
Stolte put forward an amendment to a motion that was being considered. She wanted some of that LPMA reserve money set aside as a security for those unexpected expenses. It went nowhere – Stolte couldn’t get a seconder. When asked if he would second the motion Councillor Galbraith took a pass. Smart man – no need for him to rustle the feathers of an influential group in his ward.
The Gazette has learned that one of the two slip and fall law suits took place on the docks late at night.
We don’t yet know just who made the claim and what the particulars of the claim are.
We do know that $97,500 has been spent by the LPMA defending the claim with a settlement on either of the claims nowhere in sight.
What is that phrase ”What do you do with a drunken sailor…”
 By Staff
May 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India Victoria Day: What’s open and closed at the City of Burlington
Burlington administrative services will be closed for Victoria Day on Monday, May 23.
For a list of which City services and facilities are available on the Victoria Day holiday, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca
*Important information regarding COVID-19: The information provided below is accurate as of May 17, 2022. In the event of any changes made by the Province of Ontario to current COVID-19 public health measures, please visit burlington.ca/coronavirus for potential impacts to City services and programs.
| City Service |
Holiday Closure Information |
| Animal Services
|
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. remains closed to the public due to COVID-19.
To report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal. |
| Burlington Transit |
Burlington Transit will operate a Sunday schedule on Victoria Day. For real-time bus information and schedules visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
The downtown terminal at 430 John St. and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Monday, May 23. |
| City Hall |
The Service Burlington counter, temporarily located on the third floor at 390 Brant St., beside City Hall, will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service on Monday, May 23.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices. |
| Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office |
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Monday, May 23.
With the exception of the Victoria Day closure, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. |
| Parking |
Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St.) on weekends and holidays, including Victoria Day.
NOTE:
- The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.
- Paid parking, on weekends only, at Beachway Park (1100 Lakeshore Rd) begins Saturday, May 21 using HONK Mobile.
- Please make an online reservation using Park Pass to visit Lowville Park. Reservations are free and available in three-hour time slots.
- Parking exemptions are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit burlington.ca/parkingexemptions
|
| Recreation Programs and Facilities |
Drop-In Recreation Activities
Indoor drop-in activities such as swimming, skating, and gym times are offered on a reduced schedule over the Victoria Day long weekend.Drop-in recreational and lap swimming is available on Victoria Day Monday at Angela Coughlan Pool, at 2425 Upper Middle Rd. Registering online to reserve your spot is recommended. In-person, walk-up admissions are accepted where program capacity allows.Drop-in programs go on sale online seven days in advance for residents, and three days in advance for non-residents. Please visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay for a complete listing of programs times and online registration.Splash Pads Opening
The City’s nine splash pads will be opening Saturday, May 21. For a list of locations, visit burlington.ca/splashpads.Outdoor Activities
Burlington has a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy with your family during the long weekend including:
- trails and multi-use paths
- parks and playgrounds.
- picnic site reservations for La Salle or Hidden Valley Park
Find out more at burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
Golf
Tyandaga Golf Course is open for the season and tee times can be booked online at tyandagagolf.com or by calling 905-336-0005, ext. 2.
Play Lending Library
Our Lending Library has a variety of outdoor and indoor play equipment available to borrow at no charge. From archery to wiffle ball, and Kanjam to pickleball – check out burlington.ca/playlending for details. |
| Roads, Parks and Forestry |
The administrative office will be closed on Monday, May 23. Essential services will be provided as required. |
Burlington is a city where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
Links and Resources
Residents can stay informed about City news at www.burlington.ca/coronavirus and our social media channels: @cityburlington on Twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington
 By Staff
May 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Tom Muir, a committed advocate for stronger public voices at the planning table sent a note to Oakville Mayor Rob Burton on planning matters. Burton responded saying:
Tom, all four parties with seats in the Legislature have embraced in their platforms the call for a million and a half new housing units over the next ten years, effectively double or triple what has been planned and financed out to 2031. One might expect significant changes to urban planning processes in the name of the supposed need for haste.
Greg Woodruff, an Aldershot resident who has run, unsuccessfully for both Regional Chair and Mayor of Burlington responded to Burton:
 Hello Rob,
Whatever “changes” you imagine in the urban planning process – if you imagine required infinite growth on the same land area …
If your entire city was of single family houses, then knock them down for duplexes.
If your entire city was duplexes, then knock them down for 4 floor apartments.
If your entire city was 4 floor apartments, then knock them down for 12 stores.
And if your entire city was 12 story apartments, knock them down for 50 stores.
Instead of all that building and knocking down – why not jump to the 50 story buildings?
Why can there be no reasonable or nuanced building? Because if you concede infinite sustainable growth – every single location’s destiny is a building as high as technology allows.
And once you conceded that – there is no sensible limit to the building in any one location.
In his comment Mayor Rob Burton, BA, MS, signed off as Head of Council & CEO.
I thought the city manager was the CEO – with authority delegated to him by Council. Am I wrong?
By Pepper Parr
May 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The community is going to have to get used to supporting those Ukrainians who arrive in Canada for some time.
Most arrive with their papers and a single suitcase with children in tow.
Canada may accept as many as 10,000 refugees, some will stay and become Canadian citizens.
For the immediate future we are going to have to give them the essentials, support them while they adapt and adjust.
And that requires federal support, provincial support, municipal support and cold hard cash that can be handed out.
Saturday afternoon a small crowd filled barely half of the pews at St.Christophers xxx Church on Guelph Line to listen to:
Jeff Madden, who starred as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys and Kevin in the ensemble cast of Come From Away, showed was a consummate professional can do. Andrea Battista is a violinist with the Burlington Symphony Orchestra and Chair of the Burlington Arts and Culture Council of Burlington accompanied Jeff Madden on the piano.
 Cozens playing the accordion while Maier actually got a pleasant sound out of a saw. Charles Cozens and Colin Maier are the duo, JoyRide. Cozens, a renown accordionist performed while Maier, who plays 14 different instruments, including a household saw bought at a Home Hardware store. He pulled an interesting version of Ava Maria out of the piece of metal and a bow string.
 A young child plucks out a tune with members of a six part ensemble. GuZheng Group presents young people on the Chinese Zither, a harpsichord-like instrument. Dressed in traditional costumes, this ensemble is amazing to watch.
Several Ukrainian churches have pulled together a choir to perform.
A Bandura duo performed on the traditional Ukrainian lute-like instrument.
The closing act was the the young company of the Tyrsa Ukrainian Dancers. They make your blood run faster.
 A young woman playing the Zither. The event raised $1500 – every little bit counts.
 The audience was asked to remain masked during the performances There will be other events – and in time, when the Ukrainians fighters prevail and the Russians leave the country – the world will have to pull together and help rebuild the country. The devastation is almost beyond imagination.
Right now we have to take care of the people who have arrived in Canada.
The Saturday event was put on by One Burlington in co-operation with the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Protection of the Mother of God.
One Burlington has been presenting events since 2017. It is dedicated to bringing people together to learn more about each other to create understanding and acceptance. Their website is at oneburlington.net
By Staff
May 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We all know just how hard the nurses work, how critical they are to a solid recovery but if asked to name two most people would not have an answer
In honour of #NursesWeek2022, the Joseph Brant Hospital has announced the recipients of the Celebrating Excellence Awards.
The nursing community recognizes that everyone at JBH works together to contribute to the care of their patients and to the patient experience.
Kathleen and Kate were nominated by their peers
 Is this Kate or Kathleen ?  Is this Kate or Kathleen? 1️⃣Kathleen went above and beyond to ensure the best possible patient care for a very sick young patient who required a transfer to a hospital in Toronto. We were short-staffed on night shift and received notice shortly before shift change that a hospital in Toronto had a bed available for this patient who had been waiting several days for the transfer for specialized surgery. Kathleen worked a 17-hour shift, staying late to transport the patient to ensure that they received the care they needed. She knew the patient well, and provided continuity of care and reassurance to the family by seeing them through to the next steps in the patient’s care.
2️⃣Kate is a strong leader on the unit in two areas. Her approach with patients with challenging behaviours is calm, compassionate and therefore she is able to connect to them. This positively influences their patient experience here at JBH. She is an amazing role model to others with patients and families see this compassion as well.
Secondly, Kate is a leader with staff by supporting them throughout the shift, offering help and building the team to complete all the patients care needs by the end of the shift. This team work positively influences the patient experience.
The format in which the pictures came to us didn’t say who was 1 and who was two. Maybe the readership can help us out. Kudo’s to both women!
By Jason Octavo
May 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
With just a little funding from the city the Repair Café has managed to serve people in a really very useful way. They fix broken household items.
Their fourth, or was it their fifth Repair Café event, this one as part of a joint effort with Burlington Green at the Burlington Centre Hub, they GET DATA
 Man with girls fixing “the Claw toy” is Gary Kirkwood. – Fixing blinds is Mike Rooks. Blinds are not are usual repair item. Lady was thrilled to have one set repaired at the April 9th session, she brought in another.  The idea for a repair Café came out of the Netherlands about 15 years ago. There are now more than 2000 Repair Cafes operating – Burlington started in 2029.
Once a month, the project operates in a different location within the city to attract new residents.
 Lawson Hunter, organizer of the Repair Cafe events explaining what the groups manages to get done. They are always on the lookout for people who are handy with a screw driver – people can volunteer by going to their Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/Burlington.Canada.
Repair Cafe can be reached by email at – burlingtonrepaircafe@cogeco.ca.
15 items were brought in, 10 repaired.
BurlingtonGreen invited the Repair team to take part in what was an their Electronics Recycling Drive Thru.
When the Fire department gave up on collecting electronic waste Burlington Green saw an opportunity to fill a community need.
The next Repair Cafe will be in conjunction with the Aldershot BIA Outdoor Markets Tuesdays June 7, July 5, and August 9 from 3pm to 7pm at Whiteoaks Plaza 195 Plains Rd. E.
The Repair Cafe took place at The Hub, a space within the Burlington Centre is made available to community Groups.
 By Staff
May 13th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The federal government has chartered three aircraft to bring Ukrainian refugees to Canada.
Across the country local groups are holding events to raise funds.
 Tyrsa Ukrainian Dancers. This weekend there will be a One Burlington event, the group that celebrates faith, culture and embraces diversity; they are hosting a fund raising concert for Ukraine
The event will take place at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church on Saturday, May 14, 2022 – 2:00 pm
Several Ukrainian churches have pulled together a choir to perform. .
A Bandura duo will perform on this traditional Ukrainian lute-like instrument. The closing act will be a presentation by the young company of the Tyrsa Ukrainian Dancers.
The funds raised will go to the Canada Ukraine Foundation.
On Sunday, May 15th, 2022 resident at a Mapleview condo are exhibiting art work; the proceeds will be donated to Ukrainian refugees.
Lynda Jones, part of that group that painted aluminian cut outs of the maple leaf with different designs. They sold out all of them at $750 each.
The event on Sunday is being put together by the same people. They have about 150 painting that will be sold with every penny going to the Ukrainian Council of Canada.
The group have been putting poster up all over town promoting the event. They were delighted when Starbucks took in a poster. “We spend an hour a day handing out posters said Jones who added that “the painting on sale are priced well below the rate they would normally get.”
There is a security gate at the condo – just press the button – tell security you are going to the art show in the party room. There is outdoor parking for about 50 vehicles.
By Staff
May 12th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Repair Café
This Saturday, May 14th from 10am to 2pm in conjunction with BurlingtonGreen, at the Burlington Centre (Mall), in the community room they call The Hub.
Burlington has hundreds, maybe even thousands of people who took early retirement or put in their 25 years and stopped punching a clock – and are looking for something to do that appeals to their better selves.
Some serve on committees, others join service clubs and others come up with an idea of their own and look for ways to make it happen.
That s what resulted with the Repair Cafe. With a little bit of seed money the team is able to rent some space and invite people to bring in their broken household appliances which they team does their best to fix free. All the person with that broken hair drier has to do is pay for any parts.
By Pepper Parr
May 12th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Galbraith meeting with constituents shortly after being elected Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith met with his constituents last night – it’s been literally years since he held a meeting.
Corvid prevented anything live so he did nothing.
Other members of Council did ward meetings that were hybrid – ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns led that way with regular meetings for her ward.
Bentivegnia has chosen to hold open door session and talk to whoever shows up.
To the best of our knowledge ward 3 Councillor Nisan has not met with his constituents but he is out knocking on doors.
 Ward 3 Councillor Nisan His personal and family health views keep him at home participating virtually in all city matters.
The Mayor has relied on Cogeco TV and radio to reach out to the public. She has so far not held an event where she can be held directly accountable.
Galbraith did quite well last night – a more detailed follow up on that meeting will be published – we are still waiting for a copy of his presentation.
He did come out with a statement on the status of LaSalle Park which certainly surprised us.
The Marina issues were another matter – the best Galbraith could do was assure those taking part in his meeting was that city hall is doing everything they can to resolve the insurance cover concern.
There is still some critical and vital information on that insurance mess that the public isn’t being made aware of at this point.
The property, the marina and the city of Hamilton are a toxic mix that could explode at any time despite the efforts being made at several levels to keep a lid on it all.
 How this property line came about is an interesting story The city currently has a long term lease with the city of Hamilton for the LaSalle Park property – the rate was $1.
Galbraith said last night that it was his hope that Hamilton will see their way to putting that current lease back in force for another 25 years.
The way things were done 25 years ago is not the way things between municipalities are done these days.
When former Mayor Rick Goldring took a shot at annexing part of Waterdown during the 2018 election Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberg didn’t take all that kindly to the suggestion.
 Former Burlington city manager James Ridge listening to former Hamilton city manager Chris Murray who apparently said no to a sweet deal lease renewal for LaSalle Park When James Ridge was city manager he started talks with then Hamilton city manager Chris Murray – but they didn’t get very far.
Awkward set of circumstances in play – it will be interesting to see how it works out.
Will Mayor Meed Ward slip over to Hamilton and take Eisenberg out for dinner and see if something can be worked out?
Is anyone lobbying the members of Hamilton city council – that’s the level at which the rubber is going to hit the road.
Related news story.
How former Mayor, the late Walter Mulkewich did the deal that had the city renting for 25 years
What does it cost to operate LaSalle Park?
By Jason Octavo
May 12th 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
My task for the day was to interview Kyle Hutton, candidate for the Green Party in the upcoming election.
Kyle went to high school at M.M Robinson. He was there until Grade 10 before he dropped out due to circumstances as a teenager. However, he did complete a GED at Gary Allan High School. Afterwards, he went to Sheridan College at Oakville for the GAS program. He has lived in Brant Hills for about 20 years.
 Kyle believes the key to a better economy is to lower taxes and gas prices. “Get down those costs, so that the next time we’re faced with a situation where our gas is going up to $2 a litre,” said Hutton. He also believes the amount of rental and housing laws that we’re facing is absurd. “For somebody just coming out of the pandemic, they can’t afford to live here,” said Hutton.
This is the first time that Kyle is being nominated as a leader of a party. So he may not have the experience as a candidate. However, as a full-time worker, he believes he can use his struggles in affording to live in this city to bring attention to these issues. And to finally have somebody in office who’s going to really talk about them and provide solutions.
Kyle believes the key to a better Ontario is by tackling the climate crisis. “Climate change is the crisis of the century,” said Hutton. “It’s killing our planet and its killing people. Kyle is worried that people are expecting future generations to deal with climate change; the time to deal with climate change is now.
“I love meeting people at their door, even if they’re just saying something like, oh, thank you very much and they just take the election literature.
said Hutton. “I think the interactions are good – people in Burlington are extremely polite”.
The Greens are focused on building a sustainable and renewable economy. “This economy that we’re living in right now, we have polluters continuing on their merry way, and we have a gas economy in the country that’s focused on propping up lots of new roads while everybody’s trying to get off to them,” said Hutton.
The Green Party is the only one right now that’s admitting ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) is actually in poverty. “The only solution we can do to lift people out of poverty is to double ODSP,” said Hutton. “They have laws around ODSP, if you make more than $200 for a job, ODSP gets clawed back.”
Kyle says that public transit is worked around poorly. “When I was going to college at Sheridan, I would have to get on the bus. Go down to the GO Station probably waited 15 minutes for the train to arrive. And then I’d go to Oakville, wait for the buses there to go to Sheridan College. Overall, that took me 45 minutes to an hour to get from Brant & Upper Middle to Trafalgar,” said Hutton.
Kyle is tired of receiving decades of empty promises from governments. He has been living long enough to be around all three parties in power in this province. He is confident that not much has changed.
Kyle is hoping to aim for between 15 and 20 percent of the votes. If his party begins to really catch fire, he’ll go as far as intending to win.
We’ll see if the Green Party can make deeper inroads as the election moves forward.
 By Staff
May 11th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
This is your Burlington!
Jason Octavo is doing some election coverage for the Gazette.
He is new to Burlington. He did a short interview at a restaurant and then headed for Spencer Smith Park – he’d never seen the place before.
The size of the open grounds, the Naval memorial and the Pier was not what he expected to see.
The Cherry Blossom trees were in full bloom.. The proper name for the trees is – Sakura trees. He took a number of pictures which we are sharing with you.
 I wonder if the man who donated the cherry blossom trees ever knew how much they are enjoyed. In 1989, a twinning agreement was signed between Burlington and Itabashi, Japan the two cities and the relationship has since developed through regular citizen visits, official delegations and anniversary celebrations.
Mayor Goldring recognized Mr. Enomoto, the man who donated the trees many years ago, for his unwavering spirit of generosity and commented on the long-standing friendship between Burlington and Itabashi.
Every year they blossom for a very short period of time, then the blooms fall away.
 When the blossoms are blooming Spencer Smith Park is a destination This is your Burlington.
By Pepper Parr
May 11th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
WHERE While much of the recent attention has been on the ongoing saga related to the Waterfront Hotel site, under the radar there has been a lot happening at the Ontario Land Tribunal.
 The Lakeshore (Burlington) Inc.(referred to as a Carnicelli development) that would be built on the east end of the football. Within two hours of city council announcing publicly that it intends to oppose the Lakeshore (Burlington) Inc. application for a high-rise building at the easterly tip of the Old Lakeshore Planning Precinct (“the Football”), the Ontario Land Tribunal issued its decision for the 27-storey high rise development proposed by CORE Development applications, immediately next door. We find it odd that the public was not advised by city council that a hearing was being held for the Core applications yet now makes public statements about another appeal.
How did this one get away?
The city went to some lengths last week to explain how and why they were appealing the Ontario Land Tribunal decision on the Carnicelli (Lakeshore (Burlington) Inc.) development on the eastern side of where Lakeshore Road and Old Lakeshore Road meet.
There are a lot of questions to be asked about how the opportunity got away.
 There was the hope as far back as the 2010 election that something unique would be built in this space. Instead developers bought up the properties and sought to develop high rise towers. This was the second lost opportunity in this part of town. Later in the day while Council was debating a decision from the OLT on the Carniceli development the OLT released their decision on the CORE development.
The two are side by side in the football. That brings to an end any opportunity to do something smart and spectacular with the space between the Old and the current Lakeshore Road.
In its decision, the Tribunal states:
 This isn’t what citizens were expecting. It appears to be what they are going to get. “The Tribunal finds that the proposed instruments [applications] constitute good planning. It finds that they facilitate development that is compatible with the existing and planned context and will make a positive contribution to the area in terms of improvement to the public realm, access to the waterfront, and built form, while optimizing the use of under-utilized lands through appropriate intensification for the area. Taking these factors into account, the Tribunal finds that the proposed instruments are in the public interest.”
In addition, the tribunal was not convinced by the testimony of the special planning consultant hired by the city to oppose the development or the city’s urban designer.
A Gazette reader described the decision: “The failures at the Ontario Land Tribunal keep adding up for Mayor Meed Ward. We are not aware of a single hearing the city has won since she became mayor. What has become clear through several decisions from the tribunal is that the new Official Plan that the mayor boasts about has no legal status at appeal hearings because it has been appealed. Consequently, the evidence put forward by the city is based on the old Official Plan — the same one that has been confirmed to be out of date and non-compliant with existing provincial policies. In other words, the city’s witnesses have no real defence and are left blowing in the wind without approved policies to support them.”
 How is that idea going at this point. “How will the city fare at the Lakeshore (Burlington) Inc. hearing? Only time will tell, but it will certainly be a rough ride.
While Meed Ward ran on a populist, anti-development platform promising the world to the public, her ability to deliver on her promises is nothing more than a dismal and complete failure.
Related news stories:
The development on the eastern end.
The idea that CORE development brought to the table
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