 By Staff
December 6, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
With just over a year in office Burlington’s Member of Parliament can toss around numbers that are in the billions as she rises in the House of Commons to speak in support of legislation related to Canada’s international assistance.
Here is what MP Karina Gould had to say
In terms of new funding, budget 2016 allocated an additional $256 million over two years, 2016-17 and 2017-18, to the international assistance envelope, the IAE. The international assistance envelope is the Government of Canada’s primary planning tool for managing official development assistance and for funding our international assistance activities. Though the majority of the resources in the IAE are programmed by Global Affairs Canada, it is truly a whole-of-government mechanism for implementing the government’s international assistance agenda.
The budget 2016 infusion of new resources complements the significant steps we have taken to address key global challenges, including climate change, instability, and humanitarian crises in Iraq, Syria, and the surrounding region, as well as ongoing development challenges, particularly those facing women and girls.
 Gould speaking at a World Humanitarian Summit in Turkey. In the last year, our government has committed $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries tackle climate change, provided over $1.1 billion over three years in development and humanitarian assistance to address the needs of people affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, and increased our contribution to The Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by 20%, to $785 million from 2017 to 2019.
The international aid commitments that the government has recently made are a reflection of our desire to help implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
We have leveraged our significant commitments to encourage other donors to dig deeper. During the event hosted by our Prime Minister in Montreal last September, donors pledged over $12.9 billion over the next three years to the fifth Global Fund Replenishment Conference to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. This is a tremendous global commitment to end the spread of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria once and for all.
Under the leadership of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, we launched a review of Canada’s international assistance, including development, peace, security and humanitarian aid.
This means that we are reviewing what we do, where we are targeting our efforts, our operating practices, and the partnerships we must forge to make our contribution.
At the core of our review is a commitment to refocus our assistance on the poorest and the most vulnerable, including in fragile states. We will channel our efforts on advancing the empowerment of women and girls as powerful agents of change. By investing in their social, economic, and political empowerment, we can promote dramatic and positive change in the lives of entire communities.
 Burlington MP Karina Gould listening to a constituent. As a recent UNDP report highlighted, the future of the world will depend on us doing everything in our power to ignite the potential of a 10-year-old girl today. That commitment to a feminist and human rights-based approach will also be a catalyst for achieving all 17 goals of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
To ensure that we get this right, we consulted broadly and transparently with Canadian and international partners, seeking to build on areas of Canada’s success, examine evidence and best practice, and strengthen the partnerships, mechanisms, and tools needed for improved delivery on the ground. More than 15,000 Canadian and international stakeholders in over 60 countries took the time to contribute to these consultations. I thank them for their thoughtful, engaging responses.
We know that the global development and security context has changed and Canada’s international assistance needs to adapt to this new reality. In our response to crises in the Middle East, we are ensuring that our security, humanitarian, and development assistance is part of an integrated response in the region.
To move forward, the Government of Canada will need to forge new partnerships with Canadians, NGO partners, international organizations, research institutions, and the private sector to ensure that the best ideas and minds are brought together to develop innovative solutions to the most enduring problems. We will need to look beyond official development assistance and make use of different types of financial flows to overcome financing gaps.
Most important, we will continue to engage with stakeholders and local populations, including the poorest and the most vulnerable, to ensure that their voices are heard and form part of the decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods. In the coming months, we look forward to sharing our new international assistance vision that will support Canada’s engagement on the world stage, thus contributing to a more stable and prosperous world for all.
 By Pepper Parr
December 6th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is almost as if each side was talking about something very different.
The Halton District School Board Director of Education Stuart Miller is explaining why some high schools have to be closed while parents feel their community will be torn apart if that happens.
 Director of Education Stuart Miller during a phone in Q&A session – it was not an easy night for him. Miller’s job is to deliver the best high school experience he can to every student. And by best he means course selections that allow a student to take the courses that will prepare them for the work force, community college or university.
There are many more course offerings available these days but the number of hours a student can spend in a classroom has not changed.
In larger high schools there can be several course “session”. A court session is the number of times a subject can be offered. Grade 10 Algebra can be offered several times in a large school so that students who have an interest in some other course at the same time as one grade 10 algebra course is being offered can take the class at another time.
Setting up these schedules is a mammoth undertaking which the Board seems to handle quite well. The problem is that in order to offer a particular subject at several different times there has to be teachers available; in order for there to be teachers there have to be students – and enrollment at several of the city’s high school is decreasing.
Miller has a serious problem, and as Director of Education he was required to advise the publicly elected trustees that he “has a problem”.
Miller did that and the trustees decided to do a Program Accommodation Review.
Miller’s ability to deliver the program he believes is necessary is impacted by a number of factors
The availability of the required courses
Ability to schedule courses so that students can access them
Variety of course types – this refers to the different pathways a student decides to take through their high school experience
The variety of optional area courses
The variety of classroom activities – extracurricular
Courses are more likely to be taught by teachers with subject specialization
And access to the supports and services needed to deliver program
Miller explains that with larger schools there is greater variety of courses and pathways possible, and he
recognizes there are benefits to smaller schools where the staff are able to get to know students better.
 Bateman high school students protesting when it looked like their football season was going to be cancelled several years ago. Students have a better chance of making it to one of the sports teams; there is less pressure on physical space – gym, library. There is a higher ratio of service staff to students for Guidance, Special Education, and Library which Miller points out increases the Boards costs.
Parents expect all the things Miller is required PLUS they want a school that is more than a collection of classrooms – they want and expect the school to be an integral part of the community.
At the high school level in Burlington this is really pronounced with Nelson and Central. Would anyone dare close Nelson high school in this city? Not if they wanted to live a full life.
Central wears its history proudly – it is on every wall in every hallway that isn’t taken up with lockers. It is a school complex where a child can go from kindergarten to high school graduation in the same location. There are some that don’t see this as a plus.
 Central high school’s history is spread throughout the building. Some fluff off this ”neighbourhood” part of a school as an emotional attachment to the parent’s student days and it is to some degree that is true. It is also cultural – and without culture you don’t have a community.
One of the things that makes the Burlington Teen Tour band the success it is goes back to the days when the parents were in the band. The number of couple that met in BTTB and later married is astounding. This is family to them and explains a large part of the success of that organization.
High schools are quite a bit bigger and require more in the way of management skills.
What seems to be lacking is a fuller, shared understanding on the part of the education bureaucrats as to just what the issue is – and unfortunately there is now some “us against them” creeping into the dialogue.
The Board hasn’t helped when it dumped a 147 page document, School Information Profiles that tells you more than you will ever want to know about any of the high schools on parents. The document has data on the schools condition; its utility costs, walking distances and courses/programs offered at each school.
Great data – but where are parents supposed to find the time to do the review and analysis needed to get a fix on just what it is they are dealing with? It is a pretty safe bet that the school board trustees don’t have a full grasp of the data that relates to the school they are responsible for.
 Former Central high school principal Terry Ruff explaining to parents what the review was like when he went through one in 2000. What the Gazette is seeing is a very focused and committed group of parents from Central high school organizing at several levels – with little seen at the other high schools so far. What they have not fully grasped is that every high school is at some risk.
Thursday is the first of the seven meetings of the Program Accommodation Review Committee that will take place during this long drawn out process are:
PARC Working Meeting #1
January 26, 2017
PARC Working Meeting #2
February 2, 2017
PARC Working Meeting #3
February 9, 2017
Public Meeting #2
March 2, 2017
 Notes taken during one of the early parent meetings at Central high school. PARC Working Meeting #4
March 23, 2017
Director’s Report to Committee of the Whole
March 29, 2017
J.W. Singleton Education Centre
2050 Guelph Line
Public Delegation Night
April 18, 2017
J.W. Singleton Education Centre
2050 Guelph Line
Presentation of Report to Board of Trustees for Decision
May 17, 2017
J.W. Singleton Education Centre
It is going to be interesting to see how this plays out.
 By Staff
December 6th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Tuesday, December 13th from 7-11 pm – Joe Dogs!
 It could well be a night to remember! Central high parents are working with the guys that run Joe Dogs to host a silent auction to raise money to support the parents with their fight to keep Burlington Central High open.
They would like as many people as possible to join them to show your support; invite all your friends too! Let’s make this the best fundraiser ever!
There will be a special appearance by singer Dania Thurman and guitarist Anesti K who will be providing entertainment so come on out, bid and enjoy!!
Thanks again and hope to see you all soon!
 By Staff
December 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Sometimes a local merchant will support something a local group is doing. But you don’t often see four of the major local watering holes saying they are behind you and then agree to take in your petition so people can sign the document while they are in the bar
#centralstrong, the Central high school parents group that wants to convince the school board trustees that Central high school should remain open did what any group does – put together a petition and go door to door to get it signed.
You miss a lot of people and there usually isn’t time to double back.
#centralstrong came up with the idea that they would ask local hospitality operations if they would take a copy of the petition and let people sign it.
 They are certainly getting the message out. Central high parents and students in front of the provincial legislature. Here is how the spokespeople, Dania Thurman and Lynne Crosbie put it: “A big thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who hit the pavement collecting signatures for our petition. If we missed you and you would like to sign the petition, I have some great news! We have some fantastic support from some of our downtown businesses who have offered to have our petition available for you to drop in and sign.
We are hoping that you will support these businesses like they are supporting us by stopping in for a drink or a meal when you are there sign the petition and show these establishments some BCHS love!
Remember to say thank you!
 Queen’s Head – just one of the local watering holes that keeps a copy of the Central high school petition ready for you to sign. Joe Dogs
Home
The Dickens
https://www.thedickens.ca/
The Queens Head
https://www.thequeenshead.ca/
Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Sports Lounge
https://wendelclarks.com/
 By Staff
December 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Only days after the launch of the province’s annual Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) Program, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) reports that it continues to respond to impaired driving incidents in Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills.
 Halton Regional Chief of Police Stephen Tanner cracking down on those who drink and drive. Chief Stephen Tanner once again explains that “Impaired driving is a direct threat to the safety and well-being of all road users. We continue to take an aggressive, zero tolerance approach to dealing with it and strongly encourage members of the public to do the same.”
Signs of an impaired driver may include:
– A vehicle moving too fast, too slow or that fluctuates greatly in speed;
– A vehicle being driven erratically or that is not maintaining its lane;
– A vehicle whose driver blatantly disregards traffic signals or other rules of the road.
Follows are examples of impaired driving occurrences officers have processed region-wide in recent days:
1 District (Milton and Halton Hills): On November 26, a citizen reported a vehicle travelling erratically in Milton. The vehicle was located parked in a nearby lot a short time later. There, officers observed a male slumped over in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition. Numerous attempts were made to rouse the 39 year-old man before he woke up and was instructed to exit the vehicle. The driver displayed multiple signs of impairment. Results of breath tests indicated a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than 3.5 times the legal limit. He has been charged with Care and Control while Impaired and Care and Control – Over 80mgs.
 RIDE program – it works as much as a deterrent than anything else. Calls from the public really help. 2 District (Oakville): On November 27, a citizen contacted HRPS to report a suspected impaired driver. Responding officers located the vehicle in the drive through of an Oakville restaurant. The 25 year-old driver displayed numerous signs of impairment, and was transported to the station for a breath test which revealed a BAC of close to double the legal limit. He faces charges of Impaired Driving – Over 80mgs.
3 District (Burlington): On November 29, police received numerous calls reporting that a vehicle had struck a fence and fled the area. The vehicle was located a short distance away and the driver was arrested for impaired driving. Subsequent tests revealed that the 26 year-old driver had a BAC of 1.5 times the legal limit. He was charged with Impaired Driving – Over 80mgs.
Notice that all these situations are the result of vigilant citizens calling the police – keep it up. They are also the result of someone somewhere serving someone far too much alcohol.
The public are reminded that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a crime in progress and to call 9-1-1 immediately to report a suspected impaired driver.
The police service’s Twitter and Facebook accounts should not be used for this purpose; they are not monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
 By Staff
December 3rd, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There are all kinds of events taking place during December which you somehow have to fit into the shopping frenzy.
 Half an hour to just relax is something that is appreciated and, if you happen to be doing some of your shopping at the Royal Botanical Garden there is a place just across the road where you can see some of the very best stained glass art work on display.
AGOG, Artistic Group of Glass is holding a holding a Glass Show & Sale that will run all December at the Teresa Seaton Studio & Gallery, 654 Spring Gardens Rd. Burlington ON L7T 1J2 – Thurs – Sun, 11am-5pmSeaton
 John Storey’s Dylan  John Storey’s The Rose Included in the group showing are: John Highley / Mosaic Glass
Siobhan Lynch / Copper Foil
Joe Speck / Fused Glass
Teresa Seaton / Copper Foil
John Storey / Leaded Glass
 Teresa Seaton’s Lower Dashwood
By Staff
December 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police are seeking the public’s assistance identifying two males that robbed a Burlington Taxi driver.
On Saturday November 26th, 2016 at approximately 8:00pm, two males were picked up by a Burlington Taxi in the area of Mountainside Drive and Industrial Street in Burlington. The males were driven to the area of Mount Forest Road and Nottingham Avenue. Upon arriving to this location, the males physically assaulted the taxi driver and stole a quantity of money. Both males fled on foot.
The two male suspects are described as follows:
 Suspect 1- Taxi driver robbery Suspect 1: Male, white, between 25-30 years of age, approximately 6’0″ tall, with a thin build. He was wearing toque and had a bit of facial hair.
 Suspect 2 – Taxi driver robbery Suspect 2: Male, white, between 26-32 years of age, approximately 6’0″ tall, with an athletic build. He was wearing a toque and had a bit of facial hair.
Anyone who may have information that would assist the investigation is asked to call the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext 2316 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Pepper Parr
December 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton District school Board Director of Education Stuart Miller delegated to city council a while ago and explained why his organization was recommending that two high schools in the city be closed.
It was a polite delegation – none of the council members asked much in the way of questions. He had made his point and that was that.
Miller did explain the process that is used when a school is going to be closed. At the time he didn’t mention that the city is asked to provide a representative on the PAR committee.
Once the PARC was formed the city was then asked to select a representative.
A PARC is a committee to Program Accommodation Review.
In a report to council earlier this week the Mayor recommended that city manager James Ridge be appointed as the representative to participate on the PARC, in an advisory role, to be a conduit of information, and to provide meaningful input and feedback concerning the proposed solutions.
The Board of Education initial preferred option includes closing both Burlington Central and Lester B. Pearson secondary schools.
The Mayor said that James Ridge has been consulted and is supportive of fulfilling the appointment to the Halton District School Board PARC. The fact is that Ridge volunteered for the task.
In a report that was submitted under Mayor Goldring’s signature it said:
 Mayor Goldring speaking to media wearing his Chain of Office which identifies him as Mayor – a political role. “There is obviously a great deal of concern in our community, especially with teachers, parents and students and within the areas located in close proximity to both Central and Pearson. It is only natural that many residents would want Burlington City Council to get involved in this issue.
“Recognizing that it is the Halton District School Board that makes the final decision, it would be inappropriate for council to take any sort of official position on this issue. I do understand, however, the interest in members of council wanting to get involved simply as residents.
“I am of the opinion that James Ridges will be an excellent representative of the City as a community partner on the Halton District School Board PARC. In this advisory role, I am confident that he will effectively communicate a clear and objective perspective concerning the proposed solutions that will be part of the PARC discussions.
During the council meeting the Mayor said he had received a note from a citizen saying they thought the Mayor should represent the city because he was unbiased, fair, thoughtful and objective. The Mayor then said that those words applied to city manager James Ridge but that in his case these words were squared, a mathematical term, and that Ridge had the “big picture” as well.
 City manager James Ridge will represent the city on the Board of Education Program Accommodation Review Committee – a group that many see as very political in that it speaks to the interests of parents who want to keep their school open. Apparently the Mayor was having some difficulty deciding what to do and Ridge volunteered to sit on the PARC.
It is doubtful that the city manager has ever been in one of the city’s high schools – if he has – it was part of a tour. He would not know the character of the different high schools – what makes Nelson the school that it is and what makes M. M. Robinson the high school that it is. Ridge has been in Burlington for about 18 months and while he may see himself as a quick study understanding a city and and its character takes years.
Rick Goldring attended both elementary and high school in Burlington – he is a product of Nelson and know the rivalries that exist between the high schools and having raised children in this city he understands fully what the high schools in this city mean to the parents.
Ridge has children that he and his wife saw through high school – but those schools were not in this city. What Ridge will bring to the PARC is the view of a bureaucrat not a citizen with a deep understanding of the city and its needs.
Meed Ward responded to the Mayor’s decision with the comment that she had approached the Mayor privately and asked that he represent the city and that she was disappointed in his decision to recommend Ridge.
Meed Ward believes the closing of a high school is a political issue. She pointed out that one of the pillars of the Strategic Plan focuses on healthy communities and the walk-ability of the community centres was important.
The Mayor doesn’t appear to share that view – but he didn’t explicitly say so. He did say “we are all very interested observers of the process” and he felt the city manager could do the job that was to be done.
 The body language tells it all – Councilors Meed ward and Craven sit beside each other at Council meetings because they represent wards 2 and 1 respectively and council members are seated in numerical order with the Mayor in the chair. The two don’t like each other and share very few viewpoints. Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven had no such hesitation in saying what he thought. He said he totally disagrees with Meed Ward and the position she has taken. “We need to stay out of the work the school board trustees have to do. I am quite uncomfortable with this”… “but it is not something I have control over.”
Meed Ward explained that she has a son who attends Central high school and a daughter who attends Aldershot high school and it is her belief that what happens to a high school impacts the community and that is the business of a city council.
Of note is that there is not a structure for the Board of Education and the city to meet to discuss shared concerns.
The Chief of police has in the past delegated to city council to discuss public safety matters; the hospital boat will send their president to city hall to provide updates. The Dean at the McMaster DeGroote School of Business attends council to delegate.
Politics is doing the business of the people and the school board close to the largest employer and the recipient of a very large slice of the tax revenue pie. They need to work together on issues of shared concern – and if this city council doesn’t understand or appreciate that the closing of a high school is not a major political concern we are indeed in serious trouble with the city council we have.
The Gazette hears the phrase “this is a dysfunctional council” from far too many people who are admired, respected and the recipients of Burlington’s Best awards.
For a Mayor to avoid sitting on a committee that will prepare a report that goes to the Director of Education which he uses to prepare his report to the trustees who will make the eventual decision, this is almost a dereliction of duty, which is defined as “the shameful failure to fulfill one’s obligations.” That pretty well sums it up – doesn’t it?
 The parents committee at Central are delighted that Meed Ward accepted the request that she sit on the PARC. Dania Thurman, spokesperson for the parents group said: “Marianne was the right choice for our School’s council representative because she has a son at Central AND a daughter at Aldershot.
“This gives her a unique perspective that most of us do not have. She also has extensive experience sitting on different committees and is used to working with others to find solutions to complicated issues.
“As a group we wanted to choose the person who was best qualified and could work well under the pressure of being on a committee like this. Marianne is very well spoken and more than capable of sharing our concerns clearly and thoughtfully. As a parent of a student at our school she qualifies to be a member on the PAR just like any other Central parent.
By Pepper Parr
December 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It happens every year.
What do you get the person who teaches your children?
How much do you spend – what is appropriate and are you going to buy them another cute coffee mug they don’t want or need?
Gifting a classroom teacher is a good thing; the parents get a chance to say thank you; the student, especially if they are very young, just love the idea of giving a gift to someone who is a very important person in their life.
Teachers appreciate the recognition.
 But what to buy? It can’t be too expensive – can it be relevant? Some teachers have little collections, we knew one who collected elephant figurines – her student’s loved adding to the collection.
Teachers know where the help is needed in their classrooms – they see the kid wearing sneakers when the streets and wet and slushy; they see the threadbare coat and they are often able to call the Halton Learning Foundation and ask if there is some help available.
The Foundation has come up with a way for helping to be made easier and quite direct.
They have created on-line catalogue that people can browse through and choose the level of gift they would like to give.
A backpack full of school supplies seems simple and attainable, but is out-of-reach for many Halton families. Your $25 gift can ensure students have the basic tools they need to participate in learning
Many children and teens have no choice but to brave cold, wet temperatures in ill-fitting or poorly insulated coats and boots. Worse, some kids miss school days because they do not have appropriate gear for the weather. Your $75 gift can help a student stay warm and dry on the trip to and from school.
Many students miss out on the experience of field trips that enhance classroom learning because their families simply cannot afford to send them. Your Growth and Confidence gift can allow at least 10-15 students to be included in hands-on, experiential learning provided by field trips. An education isn’t limited to text books; the social skills learned while mixing socially with other students is vital.
 The person buying the gift gets to have a card sent along to the person who the gift is being bought on behalf of.
A household can go on-line and decide they want to pay for the Fresh Start gift and have it given on behalf of a classroom teacher. The teacher gets the card saying a gift as given on their behalf by a specific student.
There are people who get gift they forget about in a month. This special kind of gift tends to be remembered for a long time. Isn’t that part of the purpose of a gift?
The catalogue is on-line – have a look.
 By Staff
December 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016 is the Burlington Santa Claus parade. Due to multiple road closures, several routes and stops are impacted from approximately 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will require detours on Routes 3, 4, 10, 21, and 25. Stops will be bagged in road closure areas.
Visit Burlington’s parade information page to view a map and get more information.
Delays are expected due to increased crowds and traffic. Please adjust your travel plans accordingly and use Trip Planner or call 905-639-0550 for next bus information.
 By Pepper Parr
December 1st, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s kick off time for the holiday season!
 Expect politicians of every stripe to invite you to share the Season with them. First out of the gate is Indira Naidoo-Harris who has asked her constituents to join her for an afternoon of fun and excitement at her third Annual Holiday Skating Party on Saturday, December 10th.
The party starts at 12:30pm and runs until 2:20pm, at Milton Memorial Arena (77 Thompson Road South, Milton ON). Those who live in the northern part of the city get represented provincially by the Member for the Milton riding; they are sort of a political orphan.
While not related to the holiday season – it is interesting to note that both the Milton and the Burlington members of the provincial legislature are both members of the provincial cabinet.
No word yet on what the other federal and provincial politicians have planned for us.
Burlington will hold its holiday event starting at Civic Square where the Christmas tree will be lit – hopefully the Hydro crew will be able to make it work this year – something went wrong with the switch last year.
 The holiday season decorations in Spence Smith Park are close to a must – Hydro does a superb job and seem to come up with new features every year. Burgers galore from The Works will be handed out – hot chocolate and then the traditional tour through the city with participants will singing Carols.
We got a light sprinkle of rain last year – might have the same thing this year – but the event is a good way to spend an evening. A delightful number of people show up for the event
You won’t want to miss this great event!
 A light drizzle of rain last year didn’t deter several hundred people showing up for the lighting of the Christmas tree at Civic Square and the Carol stroll through the streets of the city. The Carol Stroll Friday night is followed by the Santa Claus parade on Sunday.
By Staff
December 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Police have arrested and charged David KRON, 24yrs of Thornhill on Thursday the 01 December 2016, with voyeurism and child pornography offences.
 David Kron is the owner / operator of Graviti Media and was known to attend Candance sponsored events where he would record various competitions throughout the GTA.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Todd Martin of the Halton Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE). He can be reached at (905)825-4747 extension 8983.
Charges:
Voyeurism X4
Make Child Pornography
Possession of Child Pornography
Distribute Child Pornography X2
Non-consensual distribution of intimate images
Luring a child X3
 By James Burchill
December 1, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Make a fortune on-line.
I know, you figure “What a load of BS…Like he has the secret…” but you still had to look didn’t you – just in case I do have the secret. After all, how painful would it be to think that the answer to all your problems was offered to you at no cost and you were too stubborn, too closed minded to even give it a chance?
What’s the harm in looking? It’s not like I want anything for the information ☺
So let’s begin before you change your mind. Here goes…
Small But Mighty
In any statistical population, there is always a percentage that will accept your offer. In other words, if you keep asking you’ll get a “yes.”
 Kids do it all the time. As adults, we ‘learn’ to stop asking very quickly in our lives because we don’t like rejection. It hurts.
But surely how you ask has something to do with it? Yes and no.
The Sad Young Man
I once heard a tale of a sad young man who had limited social skills. His idea of getting a girl involved hanging out in bars where he’d approach a young lady and simply ask her if she wanted sex!
Can you imagine the rejection rate…and the number of times he got slapped or had a drink thrown in his face? Now that’s rejection. But there’s an upside to this story…this guy always got a girl…in the end. He kept asking.
And the moral of that tale? Asking is the key, and we know that asking the right way is even better, but we know that trying different approaches makes us vulnerable to rejection. It’s quite the conundrum!
 That would be a No – but he asked. Hold that thought for a moment while we get back to the secret.
So if we simply ask enough times we will eventually get a yes, and if we improve how we asking we’ll get more yeses. Ok, now we’re getting somewhere.
Walking into Traffic
On the Internet, a large population is simply called TRAFFIC. And if you have enough traffic you can afford to ask badly and still be successful. Of course, if you ask in more effective ways you’ll do even better – but we’ve got to start somewhere.
So the secret to making money on the Internet is simply getting enough traffic and asking people if they’re interested. So if you can get enough people marching past your website (where your offer is made automatically and without personal rejection, I might add) you will eventually make sales.
Nuts and the Blind Squirrel
Granted if your offer is bad and your website is worse, you’ll make very few sales – but you will make some. As the old saying goes, “Even a blind squirrel eventually finds a nut!”
This ‘secret’ holds true in the real world as well because the secret to making money in a retail store is still all about having a steady stream of prospects (traffic) walking around your store.
 Even a blind squirrel eventually finds a nut. Now making your traffic (prospects) stay long enough to see your offers, and improving the conversion rates so you sell more stuff, well that’s the subject of another article.
An Example
And rather than leave you hanging without a practical way to implement the “more traffic” solution – here’s a clue. It’s free, it’s easy and it’s been under your nose from the very beginning: provide meaningful, appropriate content and the search engines will love you for it.
In other words, support the Internet at the fundamental level – it was built to share information… so write and share!
 James Burchill is the founder of Social Fusion Network – an organization that helps local business connect and network. He also writes about digital marketing, entrepreneurship and technology and when he’s not consulting, he teaches people to start their own ‘side hustle.’
 By Pepper Parr
November 29th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It wasn’t a hill worth dying on was the way Councillor John Taylor put it as city council debated a staff report that suggested delegation time be reduced from 10 minutes to five minutes.
The vote to not reduce the time allocation was a 6-1 with Councillor Craven voting against.
It wasn’t the hill these seven people were focused on – it was the ballot box.
The debate, which was one of the lengthiest this council has experienced – actual city council meetings have been as short as 15 minutes, was also an occasion when citizens made their voices heard in some of the best language this reporter has ever heard at city hall.
Jim Young, John Searle, Gareth Williams and Tom Muir did the city proud when they spoke up for your rights.
 Councillors Dennison, Sharman and Lancaster during the time allocation for delegations debate. There are some serious time management concerns that were brought to the attention of council. There are 26 different development proposals on their way to city council and planning staff are concerned there may be problems getting the reports through Standing Committee in time to ensure the city doesn’t run into that hard 180 day wall that allows a developer to scoot over to the Ontario Municipal Board if their request isn’t dealt with within that time frame. The city currently has such a situation on hand – and it is costing a pretty penny.
Much of the debate was focused on how this council manages its time. Councillor Meed Ward made one of the more important points: the problem is not with how long the citizens take to speak – it is the amount of time council members take up as they shilly shally all over the place and tend to work at making debating points rather than ask well thought out questions.
During the debate one Councillor made a little Burlington history when he uttered one of those “fuddle duddle” phrases.
Councillor Lancaster said that if citizens could think through what it is they want to say and discipline themselves they should be able to keep their delegations down to five minutes – the Mayor had to bring the Council member to order pointing out that Lancaster had gone over her five minute allocation.
For a period of time it looked as if council was going to set the length of time at five minutes and give people ten if they asked for additional time.
Lancaster said this council would never refuse a citizen the additional time if they needed it.
What a bunch of hypocrites. Anne Marsden, a long time delegator to city council, asked for additional time and was denied – and she had information council should have heard.
 City Clerk Angela Morgan It was suggested that people approach the Clerk requesting additional time when they filed their notice of wanting to delegate. Was the thought that the Clerk would be seen as fair and favourable to citizens? There are more than a handful of fine people who have delegated to city council and have few kind words about this Clerk and how she treats citizens.
John Searle, who is a citizen representative on a group called CHAT – something you have probably not heard much about; partly because while they exist you don’t hear much from them pointed out to Council that what they proposed to do was contrary to the purpose of the charter.
Searle, a lawyer by profession made a very important point when he said: “it is not about you” to the council members, it is about a principle and those principles are set out in the city’s charter.
The Burlington Community Engagement Charter is an agreement between and among Burlington City Council and the citizens of Burlington concerning citizen engagement with city government that establishes the commitments, responsibilities, and fundamental concepts of this relationship.
At the core of democratic government are two pillars that also form the basis of effective citizen engagement:
• That government belongs to the citizens within its political boundaries, and
• That the inhabitants of a city are “citizens” with the rights and responsibilities of citizenship based on justice, human rights, fundamental freedoms and rule of law.
Engaging people on issues that affect their lives and their city is a key component of democratic society. Public involvement encourages participation, actions and personal responsibility. The goal of community engagement is to lead to more informed and, therefore, better decision-making.
People are going to want to get their point across and five minutes is just not long enough. Searle went on to point out that what council was proposing to do was against the very charter they had approved. “What you are doing here today flies in the face of the charter.”
 The body language kind of says it all – doesn’t it. Councillors Craven, Meed Ward and Taylor during the time allocation for delegations debate. The Charter Searle referred to makes it pretty clear what is expected:
Citizen: For the purposes of this Charter, the word citizen refers to a resident of the City, entitled to its rights and services and with a responsibility to take an active part in community decision-making. The words citizen and resident can be used interchangeably.
Citizen engagement: The right and responsibility of citizens to have an informed say in the decisions that affect their lives though a dialogue of mutual respect between government and citizen.
Community engagement: The process by which citizens, organizations, and government work collaboratively. It includes information sharing, consultation, and active involvement in decision- making.
Decision-making: The process followed by the City of Burlington‟s City Council to reach decisions on those items that are presented in staff reports.
Meaningful engagement: Citizens and stakeholders have the opportunity to access information on the engagement topic that is timely, relevant, constructive and substantive. Their resulting input to decision-makers is expected to meet similar standards and is intended to ensure that a balance and range of public perspectives is available for consideration in the decision-making process.
Tom Muir made, as he inevitably does, points worth remembering.
 Tom Muir, a citizen who has been delegating for more than 25 years. “I would hope that Council votes in favor of the 10 minutes unanimously, as a show of good faith. I will say that a vote to reduce to 5 minutes is something I see as an insult to citizens and their possible contribution to what we do as a city – our city.”
“Further, if Councillors still want to vote down the 10 minutes, I say this. If you are so tired of and frustrated by, listening to the views of the people that elected you, then maybe you have been doing this job too long and should quit. I mean that, and will not forget how this vote goes tonight. “
“This Council is not your Council; it is the people’s Council.
“And these Council Chambers are not your Chambers, but are equally, the people’s Chambers. All the Councillors and Councils hold these offices and chambers in trust.
“So to vote to reduce the people’s time to speak in these chambers is to fail in that trust, in my opinion.
I ask therefore; herein fail not.”
The vote went 6-1 with Councillor Craven voting against ten minutes for Standing Committee delegations.
It was a good day for the citizens of the city.
Jim Young laid it out for them.
By Staff
November 29th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
There are hundreds of thousands of them out there – people looking for a way to separate you from your money without giving you anything in return.
And the more gullible amongst us fall for the alluring offer.
The following came across our screen today.
 This was really an invitation to begin a process that would track all your identity information. For someone who thought that just perhaps an error had been made and that a device was being sent to you – and you were going to take advantage of that opportunity.
You would have been in for a rude awakening.
If it looks too good to be true – it is probably not true.
Be vigilant.
By Pepper Parr
November 28th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Hamilton Burlington Society of Architects held their awards event last Thursday – some decent work – just not enough of it in Burlington.
The work that architects do is what determines how the communities we live in work. Are they pleasant places do be? Does the building relate to the street? Does the feel of the street make you want to return?
 It was an evening for conversation and celebration. If any of these feelings speak to you – an architect has done his or her job. The design of the MTO building makes people want to go into the building. What a great place to go to work in.
The architect has to work very hard on several fronts to get a good design to the point where construction crews are on the site. They have to deal with planners that aren’t always open to bold design, they have to work within building codes and they have to work within the budgets given to them.
Burlington has some incredibly boring buildings as well as some monster structures on lots that were not intended for something that big.
It is quite amazing to see some of the plans that get trotted out at city council meetings with some really ridiculous justifications given by planners pleading on behalf of a property owner or a developer.
Mistakes made at a council meeting hang around for decades – there is a condominium development on New Street that was a conversion from an apartment for rent dwelling that should have never been allowed to happen.
The architects have to battle developers who want to keep their costs down and at the same time have a structure that is attractive and something people want to live in
 It was a younger crowd – there were a couple of “old lions” in the room. Burlington has seen a few designs that break out of the boring mold. The ADI Development Group did a very nice job with the Moder’n on Guelph line and their Lynx on Dundas in the morth west part of the city is very different – quite a risk on the part of the developer.
The Paradigm going up on Fairview is a lot different from the condominiums they put up along Lakeshore Road.
The building on the city’s main thoroughfare are important – they give the roadway a sense of scale and if done properly last a long time.
Ten awards were given out on Thursday evening. There was one that was stunning; the MTO building in St. Catharines. When will Burlington see something like this?
The HBSA raised what looked like $7500 that was handed over to the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton. The event is held on a bi-annual basis to honour projects presented in a range of categories.
A five member jury consisted of:
Toon Dreessen, President, Ontario Architect Association
Mitchell Hall, Principal, KPMB Architects
Alex Lukachko, Principal, Sr. Building Science Specialist, RDH Building Science Inc.
Mary Lou Tanner, Director of Planning and Building, City of Burlington
Gerarda (Geri) Tino, Associate Architect, ATA Architects Inc.
Ken Coit, Program manager, public arts and projects City of Hamilton
Burlington Director of Planning, Mary Lou Tanner made a few remarks – she missed an opportunity to make some tough comments – like “I was expecting something better” but she chose to be polite. Tanner recently convinced city council to go along with a slogan for her department: GO BOLD; GO SMART; GO BEAUTIFUL! One had to squint to see much of any of these last Thursday.
To be fair, the jury members were architects and if architects aren’t going to take care of their own – who will?
The jurors independently selected the recipients of the Awards of Excellence in four categories:
The HBSA Board also handed out two special awards as part of a program that was established in 2014, and are given every two years to projects that set new standards of excellence in architecture, with consideration for form, function, innovation and sustainability.
Award of Excellence – Templar Flats
 Architect firm: Lintack Architects Inc. Client: Core Urban Inc. The Jury recognizes the significant clever decisions that are evident in melding the new construction with two existing and very different buildings. There are extensive challenges of the site conditions and connecting the new building to the existing heritage buildings. The architect has worked with the fabric of the street and, rather than simply preserve the facades, has integrated the buildings with the street and the community.
Award of Merit – The Cotton Factory
 Architect firm: mcCallumSather Client: The Cotton Factory The Jury recognizes the achievement of solving the difficult architectural problem of dividing a large space into smaller workable spaces. The budget for this project was extremely limited and the design choices respect the history of the building and site. Specific choices include sensitivity to the patina of the finishes and the use of the building in a non-traditional office area in Hamilton.
Award of Excellence – Hambly House
 Architect firms: DPAI Architecture Inc. with Toms + McNally Design Inc. Client: Tina Fetner & Lane Dunlop
The Jury recognizes this project for its excellence in expanding this small Art Deco cottage. The addition is sensitive and modern, detailed to fit in with the existing house design, and acts as a lantern on the roof of the existing house. The juxtaposition of the lantern to the solid base of the house marries the two elements that highlight the original house in an elegant way.
Award of Merit (Small Project) Waterdown Skate Park
 Architect firm: Toms + McNally Design Client: City of Hamilton The Jury recognizes the project for its context and opportunity in what was previously a traditional edge city park. The building is light filled and maximizes use by patrons of the building. The placement of the building program achieves access to the skate loop with functionality of the mechanical works. The overall skate loop recognizes historical skating patterns and brings activity and focus to the park. The project signifies ambitious place making that is needed for this community.
Award of Merit (Large Project) – Boris Clinic
 Architect firm: mcCallumSather Client: McMaster University Medical Centre The Jury recognizes the introduction of strategic glazing to connect light and nature to the hospital, linking nature to healing. The original building design anticipated modular change and future modifications based on its modular grid; the architects capitalized on this opportunity. The views to the Niagara Escarpment are of particular note in recognizing this project.
Award of Merit (Large Project) – Hamilton District Christian High School
 Architect firm: mcCallumSather Client: Hamilton District Christian High School The Jury recognizes the interior of this addition to the high school. The architect has maximized access to light and views, connecting interior spaces to the landscape. There is an honesty of expression in the materials which is bold in its use in a high school. The design provides a variety of opportunities for students to study in comfortable light filled space.
Award of Excellence – Rudy Hulst Commons
 Architect Firm: Invizij Architects Client: Indwell The Jury recognizes this project for setting the tone as a prominent and significant precedent for redevelopment for this area of Hamilton. The ground floor plane with commercial at the front and the offices at the rear helps reinforce the streetscape and connection to a vibrant active street life. The views to the Niagara Escarpment from the upper floors are very well done. The composition of the east elevation as it faces the existing neighbourhood is particularly noteworthy. The use of light and interior finishes is skillfully addressed by the architect. The use of windows to bring light to the basement level is a well-crafted refinement that reflects a high quality of design language.
Award of Merit – Milton Traffic Operations Centre
 Architect Firm: KNYMH Inc. Client: Indwell The Jury recognizes this project for design excellence; the utilitarian nature of the building is dignified with skillful detailing of the placement of windows and functions, linking the building design to its function. The building must perform in a utilitarian way given its operational function yet there is good composition of planes and forms that is well handled. Without the skill of the architect, this building could have been monotonous. Instead it creates tranquil and soothing spaces.
Award of Excellence– MTO Traffic Operations Centre
 Architect Firm: mcCallumSather Client: Infrastructure Ontario The Jury recognizes that what could have been a potentially utilitarian architectural solution was transformed into a simple and elegant composition of volumes. The linear box speaks to the nature of movement along the highway. Specific design highlights include the proportions and use of fenestrations which are elegant and the large box on the front which is a bold move at an appropriate scale. The use of the building and the interior design establish the sense of purpose for those who work in the building and those who visit the building.
Special Award of Merit.
North End Free Library & Public Bench
 Architect Firm: TCA/Thier + Curran Architects Inc. Client: Maryanne Scime & William J. E. Curran The Jury was pleased to receive this unique submission. We note that there is a proliferation of small free libraries in many cities. This project receives a Special Award of Merit for contributions to the North End community through design excellence for the library and the bench and contributing to the love of reading. The architect is commended for community building for a community whose library has been closed.
Except for the stunning design and the risk taken by the architect on the Ministry of Transportation there was nothing in the awards handed out that will be remembered for very long.
That lovely little Free Library was a very nice touch and suggests there is hope yet.
What is needed are tougher juries – they set the bar and need to try raising it.
By Staff
November 28, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The long, long, long term plans for the Beachway Park in the west end of the city are still on the drawing boards – the park planned for the east end of the city is much closer to reality.
Halton Region, the City of Burlington, the Town of Oakville and Conservation Halton are starting work on Burloak Regional Waterfront Park. This is the first phase of the park’s master plan, approved in 2014.
 Architects conceptual drawing of where the pathways in the Burloak Park will be located. The park improve-ments for phase one, include:
• a new accessible pathway along the waterfront,
• a shade structure (gazebo),
• a small performance area with seating and
• a guard rail.
 Rob Peachey, manager of parks and open spaces with the City of Burlington. “One of the first steps in achieving these improvements is to restore the natural ecosystem along the shoreline by removing invasive trees and shrubs, which are mostly Siberian elms and Norway Maples,” said Rob Peachey, manager of parks and open spaces with the City of Burlington. “Invasive trees have a harmful effect on the ability of native tree species to take hold. Removing these invasive trees is critical for the ecological restoration of the shoreline, including the function the area plays as a resting area for many migratory birds.”
City arborists and environmental experts are involved in identifying which trees and shrubs need to be removed. They will also help choose native replacement trees to be planted in the spring of 2017.
 A rendering of the gazebo that will be part of the park. Residents are invited to join the City of Burlington, Councillor Paul Sharman and Halton Region for an informal information session on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Hearthstone by the Lake, Pig and Whistle building, 100 Burloak Dr., Burlington, at the northwest corner of Burloak Drive and Lakeshore Road.
The park is just one significant change planned for the east end. The Skyway Plaza renovation – they are calling it the Skyway Village.
Cynthia Zahorak, the architect on the project has put all kinds of trees in what was a parking lot.
 The light yellow portion is where the current plaza is locate. To the north of that is the Skyway arena. The arrows show the flow of traffic from the arena to the Burloak Park that will see the light of day in 2017. No dates yet on when this project might get to the point where shovels are in the ground – it was planned to tie into a serious upgrade to the Skyway arena – that is in the 2017 capital budget – yet to be approved.
By Gareth Williams
November 27, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It has certainly been an interesting month in politics, especially south of the border. Many were surprised by the victory of the Republican candidate despite polling results showing his opponent with a strong lead. Mrs. Clinton conceded once it was clear to most that her path to victory was closed, something Mr. Trump long refused to say he would do.
 Burlington does allow on-line voting – a small proportion of citizens used that service. The voting machines the city uses are not on-line. This past week however, a few media outlets published an alarming story based on comments attributed to computer scientists from some of the nation’s leading academic institutions. They urged candidates to request audits of the election in a handful of states. Their reason being that it appeared results in counties which rely solely on computerized voting machines demonstrated a statistically different result as compared to counties where paper ballots alone were used. Had the election been ‘hacked’?
Further analysis of the data revealed that there were other explanations for the statistical differences. Those computer scientists – cautious as most scientists are – clarified their position. There was no proof the election machines had been tampered with, but they maintained their push to have an audit performed to ensure the integrity of the voting process.
Thanks to an 11th hour fundraising effort by US Green Party Candidate Jill Stein, a recount is now underway in Wisconsin. However, major concerns have been raised based on the fact that in those counties where computerized voting machines were used, there is nothing to count. The only recourse is a computer forensics audit of the equipment.
Internationally renowned computer security expert Bruce Schneier commented on the situation this week. He pointed out that “computer forensics investigations are not easy, and they’re not quick. And in the end, we might not even get a definitive answer.”
On Thursday CBC Radio’s As It Happens featured an interview on the subject with former IBM researcher Dr. Barbara Simons, an expert on election security. Dr. Simons recently testified before the Special Committee on Electoral Reform (ERRE) in Ottawa. In her interview Dr. Simons warned “if you want to have the elections hacked in Canada, the best thing to do is have internet voting.” Internet voting is basically computerized voting machines on steroids.
A few weeks ago I wrote an opinion piece on an upcoming decision by Burlington City Council on the use of internet voting. The comments in the Gazette confirmed I was not alone in my concern. At Standing Committee, the recommendation was put forward (with a 6-0 vote) to accept the staff recommendation and continue to offer internet voting in Burlington in the 2018 Municipal Election. Staff defended their position based partly on the specious argument that “everyone else is doing it.” Convenience had won the day over concerns surrounding ballot secrecy and security.
Last week two other Ontario municipalities considered this issue. The City of Waterloo, home to one of the country’s leading University computer science programs, decided (once again) that internet voting was not worth the risk. Their decision was guided by advice from one of the University’s computer science professors, as well as an engineer with a leading technology security company based in the region. On Twitter Regional Councillor Jane Mitchell thanked Waterloo Council for “showing that you are really tech savvy”. Which is to say, rejecting Internet voting doesn’t show that you are backward-looking, it shows that you actually understand the technology, and the risks.
The Clerk for the City of Toronto also put forward a damning report on internet voting, and recommended not to proceed. The report cited among a myriad of issues a lack of liability on the part of third-party internet voting system vendors. They highlighted the fact that “the internet was designed to share information, not to secure it”. They rightly observed that voting is a unique service, very unlike other services offered by a municipality. It is not the same thing as paying a parking ticket and should not be looked at from the same perspective. This recommendation will be considered by Council there in the coming weeks.
 If these voting machines were connected to the internet the belief among many experts is that the results they give could be tampered with. Back to that US contest for a moment; the result of the election has been called into question, thanks in part to electronic voting machines. Mr. Trump has decried the audit process now underway a ‘scam’, despite months of claiming the system was ‘rigged’ – when it looked like he would lose. To quote Mr. Schneir again, “Elections serve two purposes. First, and most obvious, they are how we choose a winner. But second, and equally important, they convince the loser - and all the supporters - that he or she lost. If the election system fails to do the second, we risk undermining the legitimacy of our democratic process.”
This situation is likely only to further deepen divisions and polarize the electorate. Do we really want the potential for a situation like this here in Burlington, or in Canada for that matter?
Hopefully our Council will reconsider their earlier decision and give this direction some sober second thought.
 Gareth Williams is a graduate of the Political Science program at McMaster University. He works in Information Technology in Hamilton with 18 years in the field. Gareth lives in Brant Hills with his wife and their dog Misty.’
Background links:
Simons, an expert on election security
Experts urge Clinton to challenge the us presidential race results
Williams told Council he thought they were making a mistake – they went ahead and made it anyway.
By Pepper Parr
November 27, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Update: We have been advised that the Progressive Conservative nomination meeting for the Burlington association held yesterday was managed by the party offices. While Jane Michaels said she did have scrutineers in the count she was not advised as to how many votes were actually cast. Why the secret?
There were two Janes running for the provincial Progressive Conservative nomination. Jane McKenna won the nomination – this is the third time she has been the nominee. In DATE she was basically given the nomination and went on to win the seat defeating Burlington lawyer Karmel Sakran.
 Jane McKenna with her new look. In 2014 McKenna had to defend her seat against first time Liberal candidate Eleanor McMahon and was defeated.
She entered the ring for a third time Saturday and defeated that other Jane – Jane Michael, who is the chair of the Halton District Catholic school board by 41 votes.
Michael said she had a “good honest run with a stellar team that did everything possible to get out the vote.”
A person in a position to know said Michael ran into a number of obstacles getting herself recognized as a candidate claiming that she was interviewed by the PC party as a candidate just three days prior to the nomination meeting and was approved just 12 hours before the nomination meeting took place.
According to this source Michael received the membership list less than 12 hours before the voting took place and that 15 of the members she had signed up were challenged as members.
This source also claims that 25 of the McKenna voters all lived at the same address.
It appears to have been messy.
The Gazette was not able to reach anyone in the McKenna campaign team.
The next provincial election takes place on June 7, 2018 when McKenna will have to run against McMahon who has been made a member of the Wynne cabinet as Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport and a member of the Ontario government Treasury Board.
Background links:
McKenna’s first nomination.
By Pepper Parr
November 27, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The city has a number of Advisory committees made up of people appointed by city council.
Those appointed are, for the most part, made up of people who apply to sit on the committee.
Some of the advisory committees are very effective and play a significant role in developing policy that city council eventually adopts. The Heritage Advisory committee is one example as is the Cycling committee (BCC)
 The green bike lanes are intended to help highlight the bike lane portion of the road, reminding motorists and cyclists to be aware of each other and drive with caution. This is especially important at intersections where cars must cross over the bike lane to make a right-hand turn. The new road markings are being installed as part of the resurfacing project on Guelph Line and Fairview Street. That committee met Tuesday, September 27, 2016 with the following members present: Don Thorpe (Chair), Chris Ariens, Brad Slade, Jackie Lodder, Glenn Cockfield, Jeff Brooks, James Schofield, Brett Moore, Teresa Baerg. Also attending were: Councillor Jack Dennison, Dan Ozimkovic, Kendra Willard and Jo-Anne Rudy (Clerk)
Dan Thorpe advised that the Cycling Committee was requesting $150,000 in 2017 Capital budget to update Cycling Master Plan.
To the surprise of some- the committee has started working on a road diet for Maple Avenue from Lakeshore Road to just south of Mapleview Mall – a pilot project for next spring. The last pilot project on New Street was a total disaster – not because it was a bad idea but due to the terrible communications issues.
The Cycling Committee has also started working on a road diet for Lakeshore Road from water treatment plant to Eastport Drive. That part of the city is part of a very detailed and involved plan to turn the Beachway Park into a significant outdoor destination that might actually see the light of day – but that is at least a decade away.
The committee purchased four more bike repair stations which will be installed next year. One location will be the Elgin Street promenade. – looking for suggestions on other locations from committee.
 The Burlington Cycling Advisory Committee is talking to the folks in Hamilton about creating a bike share program for the city. The committee is talking with Hamilton to extend their BikeShare program to Burlington. Metrolinx is apparently willing to cover approximately half the cost. Need to determine strategy for balance of cost and get Council’s buy-in.
The committee has seven bike racks left for that can be given to any business that meets the criteria.
The committee reported in its minutes that the New Street road diet opened on August 23 – “very negative feedback was received at the beginning but is reducing. Collecting traffic and length of time data via Bluetooth technology which has shown that there hasn’t been a huge increase in travel delay. Will be going out with a drone to collect additional data. No issues have been received from police, fire, ambulance or Transit.”
What proved to be close at an albatross around the neck of the Mayor hasn’t really been given a chance. The New Street Road diet was an idea that seemed like a good one at the time. Shortly after the roads were marked with the sharrows the Region began digging up part of New Street for water pipes.
 Special lanes for bicycles are marked with painted sharrows on city streets. Sharing the road is part of Burlington’s future – and is proving to be difficult for a city that is addicted it its cars – partly because transit is so inconvenient. It seemed as if one level of government didn’t talk to or know what the other level of government was doing – when there is a committee that meets monthly to review who is constructing what where so that there is no overlap. Someone appears to have forgotten to send that meeting memo to Burlington’s Transportation department.
The Cycling committee is doing its job – they just don’t seem to be able to get aligned with what the Transportation department is doing.
Councillor Dennison provided his perspective on opening day and noted that traffic was moving well. He said he had received positive comments from residents and that it is safer to cross New Street and the speed of traffic is reduced.
In a test drive the Gazette did on New Street during rush hour traffic in the evening we didn’t experience anything in the way of delays worth mentioning. We saw just the one rider using the cycling lanes.
The Regional Health Department has $1,000 the BCC can use for an event or communication. Use it for communication and clear up the communication story quickly before they lose all their credibility.
Committee discussed and felt that although the data they appear to have is important information, now was not the right time for a communication on sidewalk cycling, given the current negative feedback for New Street.
What is one to make of all that?
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