 By Pepper Parr
July 4th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Summer is festival time – those pleasant summer days when one gathers in chairs you brought with you or on blankets you’ve spread out on the ground and listened to music or watch a play.
It is pleasant summer stuff – not overly noisy or loud.
Burlington blows it brains out on the Sound of Music – but that is June – doesn’t count as a summer event.
The city doesn’t have a tradition of festivals that are smaller is scale. Nothing happens north of the QEW during the summer. The Performing Arts Centre has begun to make use of their space for Jazz events in August – no word yet on what they plan for this year.
 The hamlet of Lowville has been around since 1863 – before Confederation. The word on the second annual Lowville Festival is out – peruse the program and note the dates.
The two week event is a moving feast – sort of like a bunch of gypsies that park their wagon were they think they will find an audience.
July 17th
The first event takes place at Thinkspot in Lowville – where Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew will be performed by the Driftwood company at a “pay what you can” price. They politely suggest $20 would be appropriate.
 Summer theatre – it doesn’t get much better. Performers take to the stage at 7:30 – food is available at 6:30 This is the third time Debra Pickfield of Thinkspot has sponsored the event.
Last year the Driftwood did Hamlet – the year before they did Tempest – all on a stage set up in a small field that is shaded by mature trees a stone’s throw from the babbling Bronte Creek.
Summer theatre at its best. The Driftwood people have been doing this – very well – for years.
Friday, July 22 7:30pm
Music for a Summer Night – Classic and Classical – St. George’s Church Hall
A gala concert to launch our second annual festival which features some of the finest classical, jazz, musical theatre, pop and crossover musicians from Burlington, Hamilton, Guelph and Toronto.
Tickets $25 online (advance) $30 at the door;
Featuring: Lowville Festival Choir, Wayne Strongman, Conductor
Featuring James Gordon, David Warrack, Renee Barabash, Robert Missen, Lorretta Bailey, Simone Caruso, and Charles Cozens
 The Lowville School house Saturday July 23, Afternoon 2:00pm
Workshop for Children with Dufflebag Theatre Company
Old Lowville Schoolhouse
Tickets $25 for both workshop & show
For ages 5-10 years and the lucky adults who come along
What’s more fun than watching a terrific theatre show… acting in it! Get your children involved in this workshop so they can discover the joy of theatre and creative expression.
3:00pm
Robin Hood by Dufflebag Theatre
Old Lowville Schoolhouse
Tickets $15 for show
For ages 5-10 years and the lucky adults who come along.
A rollicking good time will be had with Robin Hood and his Merry Men in the forests of the Niagara Escarpment. This traditional story of “rebalancing resources” in our society will be told with humour and lots of action! Presented by the nationally acclaimed Dufflebag Theatre.
Evening: 7:30pm
Folkies’ Delight: The Best of The Singer/Songwriters
Lowville United Church
Tickets $25 advance (online); $30 at the door
We’ve selected eight of the greatest singer/songwriters in folk-rock music and then chosen 2 of their most iconic songs. Who better to interpret these songs than: Jude Johnson, Ariel Rogers, Andy Griffiths and Stuart Laughton, four of the region’s finest performers.
This will be an evening of hit after hit. Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens, Stan Rogers, Carole King, Buffy St. Marie, and Gordon Lightfoot.
How Canadian can you get?
Sunday July 24, 3:00pm
Love Letters by A. R. Gurney
 Lowville United church Lowville United Church
Tickets $25 online (advance); $30 at the door
Two renowned Canadian actors, Lorretta Bailey and Eric Trask, will perform this celebrated play by Buffalo playwright A. R. Gurney whose many plays have been hits on Broadway and throughout the world.
Required to find a pen pal at summer camp, our two characters continue to write to each other throughout their eventful lives. We get their insights into what is going on with their dates, spouses, children, jobs and friends. Funny, sarcastic, witty, angry —- and then they fall in love.
Tickets for all events except the ThinkSpot event are available on line.
 By Staff
July 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s that time of year again!
More than 45 dragon boat teams will paddle competitively to raise funds to further the protection of Hamilton Harbour.
July 9th, dragon boat races will run all day at Bayfront Park starting at 8 a.m.
 Several of the 45 dragon boats that will compete on Saturday. BARC’s Harbour Huggers team needs you to cheer us on and pledge our paddlers!
All funds raised in support of the Bay Area Restoration Council and the remediation of Hamilton Harbour.
Does Burlington have a boat in this race?
 By Staff
July 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The full decision was not on line when this report was published. The city however did get its side of the story out just after 10:30 this morning when they announced that the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled in favour of the City of Burlington’s application to compel Burlington Airpark Inc. to submit an application for a site alteration permit to comply with site alteration bylaw.
 Vince Rossi, president of Burlington Executive Airpark Inc., at a meeting with members of the Rural Burlington Greenbelt Coalition that took place in a barn a couple of hundred yards from the end of his largest runway.  Thousands of tonnes of landfill were dumped on the air park property without a site plan approved by the city. With the court ruling, Burlington Airpark Inc is now required to file an application for a site alteration permit for the fill deposited between 2008-2013.
“The City of Burlington is delighted in the decision of the court,” said Nancy Shea-Nicol, the city’s director of legal services and city solicitor. “Staff will be meeting with Council to provide them the next steps going forward to address the site alteration issues. The decision gives the Air Park until August. 31, 2016 to file its application with the city for site alteration permit.
The Court has also ordered the Airpark to pay the city’s court costs.”
On Nov. 10, 2015, the City of Burlington’s application regarding Burlington Airpark Inc. was heard by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Milton. The application asked the court to compel Burlington Airpark Inc. to remove all fill deposited at Burlington Executive Airpark between Jan. 1, 2008 and Aug. 2, 2013, not including existing runways and hangars, in contravention of the city’s site alteration bylaw, or submit an application for a site alteration permit to comply with site alteration bylaw.
 Airpark dumped more than 30 feet of landfill without a Site Plan. Owner of the adjacent property stands on her property line and wonders why anyone can build a “small mountain” next to her property without getting approval. She is also prettified about what the hill is doing to the value of her property and what the leaching out of the landfill is going to do to her well water. The Gazette will report on the decision when the complete document is available.
The Air Park does have the right to appeal the decision which they have done in the past. They have been as successful with their appeals as they have been with their court cases.
By Pepper Parr
July 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It didn’t take her long to get her concerns with the way the Ontario Municipal Board changes the will of some decisions made by municipal councils.
Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward has always had problems with the way the OMB works; she also thinks the city’s legal department doesn’t do all that well before the OMB and notes that Oakville seems to do much better.
When the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the Ministry of the Attorney General announced they are working to develop proposed recommendations to improve how the OMB works within the broader system of land use planning, Meed Ward couldn’t move fast enough.
 Marianne Meed Ward earned her spurs as a citizen who delegated again and again for changes in the way the city did things. The province said it was preparing a consultation paper that will be released in the fall 2016 for further comment.
The province added that it would like to hear views on a range of topics, including the jurisdiction and powers of the OMB. This could include what matters can be appealed and who may appeal them, the use of local appeal bodies and how much deference should be given to municipal decisions.
Meed Ward believes Burlington has an opportunity to help shape the upcoming OMB reform discussion and consultation paper. “We can: she said “advance a principle-based approach to OMB reform that endorses the principle that municipal governments are a mature order of government able to make planning and other decisions for our communities.
“By passing a resolution now for input to the province, we have an opportunity to ensure this principle undergirds the upcoming consultation.”
Meed Ward adds that the principle also aligns with the approach taken by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
Meed Ward said she recently spoke with the Director of Policy at AMO., who confirmed AMO will take a “principled approach” to advocacy on OMB reform that starts with the principle that municipalities are a mature order of government in decision-making.
Meed Ward takes the position that as “ a mature order of government, there should be no right of appeal to the OMB of an Official Plan or Zoning Bylaw amendment decision by a local council, where those Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws have already been approved by the municipality, Regional government (where applicable), and the provincial government as conforming to growth plans and other applicable legislation.”
Meed Ward argues that:
 Will Ward 2 Councillor Meed Ward find support for her OMB related resolution from Mayor Goldring ? Municipalities retain the right to initiate their own amendments to Official Plans/Zoning Bylaws, and city councils retain the right to approve recommendations from staff and/or requests from the development community for amendments to the OP/Zoning Bylaw, where these changes are considered in the best long-term interest of the communities they serve. But there would be no right of appeal of a council decision to the OMB.
Removing the right of appeal to the OMB for Official Plans and Zoning Bylaw amendments achieves the following:
- endorses the principle that muncipalities are a mature order of government, and final decision-makers.
- encourages municipalities and members of the development industry to work together to achieve the best land use planning outcome for
- eliminates duplication of work, saving time and money. OMB appeals, whether by municipalities, residents, or members of the development industry, are costly and time consuming, and ultimately built into the price of new homes or property taxes. Local planning staff and various local departments and agencies take months reviewing the merits of a planning application; the process begins all over again when an application is appealed to the OMB, but in a much more costly and time consuming forum. This process, in effect, makes the OMB the local planning departments of the
- frees up much needed resources and time in the OMB calendar to deal with the balance of hearings that come before the
The exception to the right of appeal would be where municipalities did not follow due process or its own procedures in processing an application (for example failure to provide proper notice of a statutory public meeting). The appeal would deal with process issues, not the merits of the application.
To date, more than 100 municipalities have passed resolutions to reform the OMB, including Oakville and Halton Hills. A common theme underlying the resolutions is the principle that municipalities are a mature order of government in decision-making.
A coalition of elected officials from Ontario municipalities recently sponsored a municipal summit on OMB Reform in May that Meed Ward attended. The key principle arising from the summit is that municipalities are a mature order of government and best positioned to make local planning decisions, and as such our Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws – where approved by upper levels of government – should not be appealable to the OMB.
By passing the attached resolution, Meed Ward Burlington has an opportunity to add their voice to those calling for OMB reform; we have an opportunity to encourage the province to shape its consultation around the principle that municipalities are a mature order of government in land use planning and other decisions.
Worth noting is the Mayor Goldring sits on an AMO advisory committee but has not commented (for or against) on the AMO policy
The following is the resolution Meed Ward proposes city council endorse:
 Will city council fully endorse the Meed Ward resolution …  … and will the province hear what city council may have to say? WHEREAS, the Government of Ontario has announced a review of the Ontario Municipal Board and is seeking input from municipalities and members of the community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Burlington has an Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw that set out Council’s policies on how lands should be used, guides and directs future growth, and is developed in consultation with the community; and
WHEREAS, Burlington’s Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw have been approved by the Region of Halton and the Government of Ontario and conform to applicable regional and provincial legislation; and
WHEREAS, Council retains the legislative power to initiate, grant or deny Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments after appropriate review; and
WHEREAS, currently all Burlington land use planning decisions may be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB); and
WHEREAS, municipalities are a mature order of government able to make planning and other decisions for our communities;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Burlington requests the Government of Ontario to recognize and respect the rights of municipalities to make decisions regarding adherence to municipally, regionally and provincially approved Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws, which reflect local community needs and visions, by implementing the following OMB reforms:
- Exclude the Board from hearing appeals of applications for amendments to municipally, regionally and provincially-approved Official Plans and Zoning
- Require the OMB to show deference to the decisions of local
Limit appeals to the Board to matters pertaining to following due process or procedure in processing an
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Motion be sent to the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario; the Honourable Bill Mauro, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Mr. Patrick Brown, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party; Ms. Andrea Horwath, Leader of the New Democratic Party; all MPPs in the Province of Ontario; the Regional Municipality of Halton and all Halton Region Municipalities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Motion be sent to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
It could become an interesting debate’
 Has Councillor Meed Ward managed to gain support from her council colleagues for the resolution she plans to bring before Council? Had the provincial government made this kind of change a few years ago the city would not be involved in an OMB hearing over the proposed ADI Group development at the intersection of Lakeshore Road and Martha Street. City council unanimously agreed that the then proposed 28 story structure (now reduced to 26 storeys) should not be approved.
The city then failed to make a decision on the ADI application within the required time frame and ADI took the application to the OMB.
By Staff
July 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
If you want to put your name up in lights on a piece of city property – get ready to gulp when you see the cost. And gulp again when you see the deal a local law firm got on the naming rights for the Haber Recreation Centre.
 Funds for the rebuild of the Nelson pool have yet to be found – sponsorship is being looked at seriously. Big bucks! During a discussion on fund raising for the Nelson pool reference was made to the consultant’s analysis which estimated value for a Facility Naming Sponsor could range between $300,000 to $350,000. It is also recommended that the payment terms could be as follows:
• $30,000 – $35,000* annually for an agreement term of 8 to 10 years
• Incentive to pay upfront: 15% discount = $297,500 – $250,500
• Paid within 3 years: 10% discount = $315,000 – $270,000
Additional terms and incentives / interests would also naturally become a part of any negotiations and subsequent agreement.
Based on the staff direction provided to members of city council and the interests of the current project, staff is suggesting that the renaming of Nelson Outdoor Pool be considered as outlined in the Fundraising Plan. For businesses, organizations or individuals not wanting to consider a full naming sponsorship, a donations option may also be available to suit their specific interest and intent.
A potential renaming of Nelson Pool be considered for the following reasons:
• The estimated financial value for a naming sponsor of $300,000 to $350,000 is quite reasonable for a 10-week summer only operation.
• Supports Council interests in finding new revenue sources to support capital projects.
• Sponsorships are primarily about partnerships and how organizations and business can help support local interests. This project is another example that exists to create another partnership within the community.
• The pool is one component within a larger destination known as ‘Nelson Park’. As such, renaming the pool within the park has less impact to the overall name of ‘Nelson’ as it is known (e.g. “ABC Pool at Nelson Park”).
• Currently, all way-finding signage is referenced as Nelson Park. Neither Nelson Recreation Centre, Nelson Pool nor Nelson Arena is referenced within the City of Burlington way-finding program. In addition, there is no signage at the site location that references the pool name, so to change the name would not require a number of sign updates.
• The outdoor pool facility is relatively compact and could easily be marketed as a single asset from a naming perspective.
 A corporate name at one of the busiest recreation centers in the city. The incorrect spelling of Welcome was part of the deal? The consultant’s report noted that a potential naming sponsor would likely be from a local business or organization, similar to the outcome found for the Haber Recreation Centre.
The Haber deal was for $1.36 million for 20 years. Assuming that $1.36 million amounts to $1,360,000.00 – paid out over 20 years amounts to $68,000 a year.
Compare that to the $300,000 being suggested for the Nelson pool that is operational for 10 weeks – and WOW did Haber every get a deal
Organizations who are vested in the community are those who would typically like to support this type of local community interest. National organizations or businesses are more likely to support larger more profile opportunities that have broader national or regional exposure like a major stadium or arena in a large city.
While this particular location has many elements all with the name ‘Nelson’ referenced in some manner – Nelson Pool, Nelson Stadium, Nelson Recreation Centre / Arena, Nelson Park, Nelson Skateboard Park, and Nelson Youth Centre, staff is recommending that only Nelson Pool be considered for potential renaming. Moreover, staff is also not recommending that specific elements within the pool (e.g. amenities or features like a splash pad) be considered for potential naming as it could become quite confusing to the public as well as reduce the value of the overall naming opportunity.
The Haber sponsorship:
 By Staff
July 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Toronto Maple Leafs got back to .500 after a 12-5 win over the Burlington Bandits Sunday afternoon.
Justin Marra hit a home run and drove in five in the win. Marra also scored twice. Jonathan Solazzo had two doubles and two RBI,
 Dan Marra, Damon Topolie, Connor Lewis and Jon Waltenbury each drove in a run, while Ryan White, Brendan Keys and Grant Tamane had two hits apiece and combined to score five runs.
David Ertl (2-0) picked up the win, throwing two hitless innings of relief. Ertl struck out one without issuing a walk. Starter Dillon Mulholland went five innings and allowed four runs on five hits, striking out four and walking one.
Toronto is 11-11 and fifth in the IBL.
Julian Johnson had three RBI for the sixth-place Bandits, who fell to 6-16. Nolan Pettipiece had two hits and an RBI, and Grant Okawa added a hit and RBI.
Christian Hauck (2-3) took the loss, allowing four runs on three hits in 1.2 innings, striking out one and walking four. Alex Nolan started and gave up three runs (on earned) on five hits over five innings. He walked nine and struck out two.
Elsewhere in the league:
Kitchener Panthers lost 7-3 to the Guelph Royals Sunday night. Last-place Guelph (5-17) snapped its 10-game losing streak with the win.
The Brantford Red Sox hung on for their third straight win after beating the Hamilton Cardinals 8-7 Sunday afternoon.
Brantford is fourth in the IBL with a 15-10 record.
Baycats, Majors split doubleheader
The London Majors and Barrie Baycats split their doubleheader Sunday afternoon.
London took Game 1 5-4
In Game 2, Matthew St. Kitts three a complete-game four hitter as the Baycats won 2-0.
First-place London is 19-6, and third-place Barrie is 15-8.
Future games
Tuesday, July 5
Brantford at Guelph, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 6
Barrie at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.
By Staff
July 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Second Annual Burlington Downtown Car Show with vehicles on display along Brant Street and Elgin Street takes place on Saturday July 9th.
This year, the theme is Past, Present and Future which brings us from 19th Century steam engines, through muscle cars to the electric car – the future.
 BurlingtonGreen is participating along with others concerned about reducing climate change.
Plug’n Drive will have electric vehicles on display and available for free test drives, providing a great opportunity for some lucky event guests to experience the ride and features of an electric vehicle.
 The Golden Horseshoe Electric Vehicle Association (GHEVA) members will be available to talk about their personal experiences.
If you think batteries don’t last and are expensive, drop by our booth and talk to Jim Feilders about his 11 year old Prius Hybrid. It’s still going strong with no battery issues!
 By Staff
July 1, 2016
BURLINGTON,ON
 Friday’s game between the Burlington Bandits and Guelph Royals in Guelph was cancelled due to field conditions. It has been rescheduled to July 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Elsewhere in the league the London Majors beat the Toronto Leafs on Canada Day which put the Majors back into first place after a 7-3 win over Toronto.
Humberto Ruiz drove in two runs and scored twice for the Majors, and Carlos Arteaga added three hits, two RBI and scored a run. Byron Reichstein had two hits and an RBI, while RJ Fuhr and Michael Ambrose each drove in a run.
Elis Jimenez (5-0) went eight innings and allowed three runs on five hits, walking two and striking out nine.
For Toronto, Will Richards had a double and RBI. Connor Lewis and Ryan White had the other RBIs.
Justin Cicatello (3-2) took the loss, giving up seven runs on eight hits. He struck out six and walked one.
London improved to 18-5 with its third straight victory and is a half-game ahead of Kitchener.
The Leafs dropped to 10-11.
By Pepper Parr
June 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They needed all the help they could get – and while Burlington MP Karina Gould put her opening pitch right across the plate – it didn’t count.
Gould had a full week in Ottawa where she said she was sitting ten feet away from United States President Obama who did a “shout out” to Burlington and pointed directly at Gould.
 Burlington MP Karina Gould throwing the “game ball” at a Burlington Bandits game. Gould told the Gazette that she didn’t play any organized baseball – but she did throw a ball around with her Dad when she was little.
“I practiced quite a bit about four weeks ago when I was originally supposed to do this honour” – and added that she felt her arm held up pretty good.
She was given the “game ball” to keep as a souvenir but was asked to return the sweater – which suggests she should not wait for a call up from the coach.
She at least did a lot better than Mayor Goldring when he threw the game ball at the first game the then Burlington Twins played.
Jeff Hunt and Dan Jagdeo each drove in four runs to lead the Brantford Red Sox to a 14-6 win over the Burlington Bandits Thursday night.
As for the game – it was a brutal 14-6 for Brantford.
Hunt finished with two doubles and a triple, while Jagdeo’s only hit was a two-run home run in the Red Sox’s sixth-run fourth.
 Karina Gould, holding the game ball with Ryan Harrison, marketing manager for the Bandits and Scott Johnston team management. Tyler Patzalek had three hits and finished a home run short of the cycle. He drove in a run and scored three times. Benjamin Bostick had two hits and three runs, Nic Burdett drove in a pair, and Mike Burk added two hits and scored once.
Nathan Forer (5-2) went seven innings for the win, giving up two runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out eight.
Justin Gideon had four RBI after a home run and double for Burlington. He also scored twice. Kevin Hussey and Robert Tavone each had three hits, and Julian Johnson had an RBI.
Ryan Beckett (2-3) gave up eight runs (six earned) on seven hits in three innings, walking four and striking out two.
Sixth-place Burlington fell to 6-15.
Fourth-place Brantford improved to 14-10.
By Pepper Parr
June 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It certainly took long enough but Justice Gilmour delivered his much awaited decision on the court case that had the city asking a judge to order the Air Park to file a site plan and also to compel the Air Park to remove the fill that was dumped on the property without a site plan being filed.
The case was well argued on the city’s behalf by Ian Blue, legal counsel who was brought in to handle the original court case and the appeal of that case.
 Property boundary of the Air Park This first case established that municipalities had the right to require air parks to comply with municipal bylaws. Up until the Burlington case there as some doubt as to just how deeply that complying had to be.
The appeal made it clear that a municipality had the right to require an air park to file a site plan.
 Vince Rossi, president of Burlington Executive Airpark Inc., at a meeting with members of the Rural Burlington Greenbelt Coalition that took place in a barn a couple of hundred yards from the end of his largest runway. That didn’t seem to make any difference to Vince Rossi and his corporation. They played around at filing documents but there was never a properly completed site plan filed – so the city sued.
The decision that was delivered late this afternoon appears to order the Air Park to file a site plan and perhaps remove some of the fill.
While the city has the decision they have chosen no to release a copy until Monday at which time it will be stored on a web site where anyone can read the document.
Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward sent a note to her followers and included a piece in her Newsletter which was published this evening.
In the Newsletter Meed Ward said:
“The courts have ruled in the city’s favour and is requiring the Burlington Airpark to submit a site alteration permit for land fill activities on the site.
The city was notified late Thursday afternoon, June 30. The court decision will be publicly posted the week of July 4 here: https://www.canlii.org/en/
The news came in just as this newsletter was being prepared. More information about the ruling and its implications will be available in the next edition.
 Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward works the phone the way few Councillors do. My Take: I’m delighted at this outcome and want to thank area residents and everyone who supported them for their valuable eyes on the street, and patience and perseverance through this. I’d also like to thank staff and council for their support, particularly Councillor John Taylor who has been a strong advocate for action in this matter. The ruling affirms that municipal bylaws apply where they do not encroach into areas of federal jurisdiction. This is a significant decision not just for Burlington but all municipalities where airparks may be engaged in landfill activities. I’ll have more to say on this matter in the next issue, including excerpts from the ruling when available.”
It was an article in the Gazette in 2013 that brought the dumping of landfill to the attention of city hall. North Burlington residents have followed the several court cases very careful and commented frequently in the Gazette.
Two North Burlington residents were sued for libel by the Air Park along with the publisher of the Gazette. That case has yet to make it to a court room.
Meed Ward thanks Ward 3 Councillor for his efforts – we don’t recall Taylor doing all that much – the Air Park isn’t in his ward. We do recall that Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster did precious little other than argue with residents over picayune matters.
Many in ward 6 felt Lancaster was just a little too close to Vince Rossi. During the first trial Councillor Lancaster sat immediately behind Mr. Rossi in the court room.
Rossi appealed the first court case – lost the appeal. During an Examination for Discovery that was related to the libel case counsel for Rossi and Rossi himself complained about the cost of all the hearings which suggested to some that Rossi might be getting close to being tapped out financially.
He has a short period of time to appeal this Superior Court decision.
 By Pepper Parr
June 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Now that people have gotten over the shock – the British deciding they no longer want to be part of the European Union – what happens next?
The consequences of such a momentous decision are only beginning to be calculated – it will be some time before the complete cost is worked out and perhaps five years before the change to that society is fully felt.
 The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors’ Centre. The political pundits have explained to us that the older population decided they didn’t want to give up what they thought they had and voted to leave the European Union – and given that there were older people voting in England – they won the day by an acceptable 4% of the votes cast.
Burlington has an aging population – and that part of our demographic is only going to increase. What are those seniors likely to want and how will they make their wishes known to people running for office?
At some point someone who wants to sit on city council badly enough or someone who truly believes he or she represents the interests of the seniors community will get themselves elected. On a city council the size of Burlington’s it wouldn’t take all that much to create a majority.
 More political clout at this table than at city council. Keep an eye on those who are interested in ward 2 and keep a keen eye on the seniors in Aldershot – they have a lifestyle they don’t want to see changed all that much.
Community Development Halton tells us that, based on Statistics Canada’s Taxfiler data, there were about 32,000 seniors living in Burlington in 2013 representing an increase of 28% from 2006. This increase was almost three times higher than the overall population increase.
2016 census data will be available soon and we will have a clearer picture of how many seniors there are in Burlington.
We are at a time when the baby boomers are now at the point where they will have much more influence. How is that influence likely to be expressed?
 Former city manager Jeff Fielding, on the right with Joe Lamb, who negotiated on behalf of the Seniors’ Centre basically took Fielding to the cleaners with the deal he talked the city into. We know this much – those seniors take the time to vote.
A number of years ago the Seniors’ Centre ran into some problems with the federal tax collectors and the then GST tax. They weren’t collecting what they should have been collecting.
The member of the centre started calling their council members – it didn’t take long for council members to cave in and send the then city manager over and work out a deal. The city gave them everything they asked for and then some.
 It was a total rout on the part of the city. The city has this tag line: “Burlington is one of Canada’s best and most livable cities …” and the seniors want to ensure that it stays that way for them.
What are they going to tell us they want in the next five years?
 By Pepper Parr
June 30th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Something just isn’t quite right over at the United Way.
The four United Way organizations in the Region are Oakville, Halton Hills and Milton.
Burlington is partnered with Hamilton to form the Burlington United Way organization
The Gazette doesn’t know much about the branches outside of Burlington. It appears we don’t know as much as we are supposed to know about the Burlington Hamilton organization either.
We got a media release earlier in the week in which we learned that a vote by the Burlington Hamilton organization failed to get the two thirds majority they needed to amalgamate with all the board in the Region into one larger organization. The media release cited all the current public relations buzz words – they would be “better” and “smarter”. There would be more collaboration.
The Oakville organization voted for an amalgamation. Milton and Halton Hills had not yet voted – once they learned Burlington Hamilton were a no go they postponed the vote.
 Jeff Valentin, president of the Burlington Hamilton United Way organization. Determining who gets to vote is a little different at each organization. Jeff Valentin, president of the Burlington Hamilton organization explained that membership votes but that in his organization the members of the Board are the only members of the organization. In Burlington Hamilton there are 18 members on the board.
At the start of the meeting there were 18 members – but two of those members had terms that ended at the AGM at which the vote to amalgamate was taken.
That vote went 11 for and 7 against the amalgamation – however a vote of this significance required a two thirds majority – and the vote was just 61% – thus it failed.
Valentin said he wasn’t sure what the next step for his organization. He is apparently not certain where the missing votes are – which makes it difficult to know who has to be lobbied.
 City of Burlington Clerk’s department did a great job one year during the United Way campaign drive. The troops in the trenches do their part – the Burlington Hamilton board seems to have lost its grip. With two new appointments to be made in the immediate future – the vote matter might resolve itself. What is evident is this – there is dissension within the Burlington Hamilton board. An issue this significant requires unanimity and that doesn’t exist at this point in time.
The vote was done by ballot so the executive doesn’t know where the support for the amalgamation is and where it isn’t. The request for a ballot vote rather than a show of hands should have been a hint that there was a problem.
In a handout provided by the Burlington Hamilton United Way they explain their thinking. There was nothing in the way of a compelling argument for amalgamating in the material we saw.
On the matter of not getting any information from the Burlington Hamilton United Way there is a concern. The last communication we received was February 1, 2016 in which I discussed an interview we wanted to do when the 2015/2016 fund raising campaign came to an end.
When we asked why we had not been sent anything about the amalgamation plans – the response we got from the media department t said: “I thought we had sent the attached to you, I re-checked my sent emails and I had entered your email address incorrectly – symptom of having too much on the go and a clear sign we are in need of merging for greater capacity! Either way, my sincere apologies for missing you on this and I will be sure not to do so again.”
That response falls into the same category as “my dog ate my homework”
 When people get into lines this long – you know something is going on. The United Way came up with a great idea – put Food Trucks in parking lots and earn a portion of the revenue for the cause. Great idea – and it worked. Strong media departments maintain a data base of every possible contact and if they are on top of their jobs they maintain an open line of communication. We are all busy – saying “having too much on the go and a clear sign we are in need of merging for greater capacity”, doesn’t cut it.
Organizations like the United Way need to be as close as possible to the people they serve; the work they do is “street level” based. A bigger bureaucracy is not going to improve what gets done for the hundreds of thousands of people who need help.
People deeply involved in providing community services feel strongly that whatever the issues were at Hamilton Burlington United Way, they should be made public so that an informed discussion can take place.
Oakville voted for the amalgamation. In a presentation made at that meeting people were assured that jobs would not be lost and that funds raised in a community would stay in that community.
This is not a healthy situation – there is some fence mending to be done at several levels.
Given the way political organizations are falling apart around the world – are we looking at a situation where Burlington pulls away from the hug they get from Hamilton?
There is a need for a wider public debate. The Burlington Hamilton United Way web site lists the following as members of the board.
Tom Atterton: Secretary and Chief Administrative Officer, Hamilton and District Labour Council
Penelope Burk: President, Cygnus Applied Research, Inc.
Elham Farah: Director of Special Projects, Farah Foods / Hasty Market Limited
Robert Forbes: Senior Financial Officer, Hamilton Health Sciences
Gaston Germain: Retired President and COO, Pelmorex Media Inc. (The Weather Network)
Neale Graham: Vice President, Canada, Beam Suntory Canada
Leo Johnson: Founder/Executive Director, Empowerment Squared
Greg Jones: Managing Director, Communications & Public Affairs, Terrapure Environmental
Nancy MacBain: Staff Representative, CUPE Local 3906 (McMaster University)
Anthony Marco: President, Hamilton and District Labour Council
Geraldine McMullen: Second Vice President, Hamilton and District Labour Council
Annelisa Pedersen: Senior Program Advisor, Ministry of Community and Social Services
Wade Poziomka: Lawyer, Ross & McBride LLP
Sandra Scime: Assistant Superintendent of Education, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board
David Wormald: President, St Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph and Elder Care, St. Joseph’s Health System
Jeff Valentin is also a member of the board. It is not clear which members are drawn from Burlington and which from Hamilton.
Too many unknowns here.
The only positive comment is that we do know what we don’t know.
 By Pepper Parr
June 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Saying we share the air and we have to work together to keep it clean is one thing – actually doing something about the air we share is something else.
Burlington city Council is planning on passing a motion at its meeting on Thursday to Support a Governance Structure to implement Climate Change Initiatives between the Cities of Burlington and Hamilton.
 This is an issue that is dear to the heart of Mayor Goldring – he would, we are sure, like it to become his legacy issue. He doesn’t have one so far and this is as good a legacy as anyone can hope for – let’s see how it goes at Council on Thursday.
Here is what they want to do – the language is a little stilted – but the intent is clear enough.
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE FOR COMMUNITY CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN
Whereas, the Government of Canada’s intent is to protect communities and grow our economy by making significant new investments in green infrastructure and clean technologies as well as to endow a $2 billion Low Carbon Economy Trust to fund projects that reduce carbon that will “support projects in clean energy that can be commercialized, scaled up, and exported”;
Whereas, the Province of Ontario has a Five-Year Climate Change Strategy and has introduced legislation, which aims to formalize a cap-and- trade system and invest those funds into green projects to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution;
Whereas, the Province of Ontario has already announced in 2015, the Green Investment Fund that commits $325 million to projects that will fight climate change;
Whereas, the City of Hamilton has developed a Community Climate Change Action Plan, which directs priority actions that will mitigate greenhouse gases, adapt to the risks associated with climate change and will help make Hamilton a resilient and prosperous community in the face of climate change;
 In an attempt to prove that the water in Hamilton harbour was safe then provincial cabinet minister George went for a swim. Whereas, taking action on climate change will be beneficial to the Hamilton Harbour / Burlington Bay area and will complement the work on greenhouse gas reduction by the City of Burlington;
Whereas, in order to successfully implement the Community Climate Change Action Plan, a formalized governance structure is necessary; and,
Whereas The City of Hamilton already has an internationally recognized participatory governance structure known as the Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC) and the Bay Area Implementation Team (BAIT);
Therefore be it resolved:
 The really dirty stuff is on the right in Hamilton. (a) That staff be directed to develop a governance model similar to the Bay Area Restoration Council and the Bay Area Implementation Team, in collaboration with staff from the Federal and Provincial offices of the Ministries of Environment and Climate Change, and report back to the Board of Health;
(b) That the Mayor correspond with The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and The Honourable Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, to request that the Federal and Provincial Ministries assist the City of Hamilton with the establishment of City of Hamilton’s Community Climate Change Action Plan Implementation Team in identifying the appropriate Federal and Provincial government staff, private sector and community representatives to provide expert advice and financial resources toward the action on climate change, within the funding guidelines for the Low Carbon Economy Trust; and, the Five-Year Climate Change Strategy;
(c) That upon the formation of the governance structure for the Community Climate Change Action Plan Implementation Team, the City of Hamilton seek a partnership with the City of Burlington to coordinate efforts, with respect to the implementation of the Plan; and,
(d) That staff be directed to report to the Board of Health annually, respecting the progress of the Community Climate Change Action Plan.
Is this one of those Motherhood issues that everyone will get their voting hand up to see who can be first? Will it be like the Shape Burlington report passed unanimously in 2011 and forever forgotten?
 The not yet existent Code of Conduct is buried within the 25 year Strategic Plan that city manager James Ridge has put together. Or will it be like the Code of Conduct that city council has yet to adopt. They shuffled that one off to the city manager who buried it in his 20 year Strategic Plan – suggesting that we will perhaps see some within the next 25 years.
Which was probably a smart move – this council doesn’t want a code of conduct.
We will know Thursday night how serious they are about climate change.
 By Staff
June 29, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
New roads, improvements to parks, murals for public places – all kinds of upgrades and improvements to the city.
 An aerial view of the Paradigm project under construction on Fairview – next to the GO station. Developers are banging away as well; The Bridgewater project is still a hole in the ground as is the ADI Linx project on Dundas. The hospital is well on its way to completion and the Paradigm project on Fairview is reaching into the sky.
Ireland Park has started phase one of the upgrades that will include:
• An accessible splash pad with seating and a pavilion for shade
• Ball diamond amenities, including accessible spectator areas with permanent bleachers
• Reconstruction of the south parking lot to improve the surface and traffic flow
• Accessible pathways and seating areas
• New energy efficient pathway lighting
• New goal posts at three soccer fields, and
• New trees
 Ireland Park. During construction, please expect:
• Pathway closures
• The driveway and the south parking lot, beside the tennis courts, to be closed
• Detours to ball diamonds, soccer fields, washroom facilities, tennis courts and the main playground
• Temporary access restrictions to the washrooms, snack bar and tennis courts
Construction is expected to last approximately six months.
Ireland Park will remain open during construction. We appreciate your patience and co-operation to make sure the park is a safe place during construction. There are other parks available in the community:
Playgrounds:
• Ireland Park – access from Folkway Drive
• Pinemeadow Park – 3171 Pinemeadow Rd.
• Newport Park – 3020 Headon Forest Dr.
Public Tennis Courts:
• Sycamore Park – 3157 Centennial Dr.
• Millcroft Park – 4520 Millcroft Park Dr.
 By Pepper Parr
June 29th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
City hall has come up with more cash for artists that want to take part in the creation of murals – the city wants to create three more:
Tansley Woods Community Centre (C$12,000)
Waterfront Parking Garage (C$5,000)
Pearl Street Parking Lot Crosswalk (C$1,500)
Application deadline is Friday, July 29, 2016. Applicants must be a resident of Burlington, Ont.
 Freight trains have always been a large part of the rail traffic through the city. Freeman Station was where produce was put aboard. This mural is on of six that were commissioned by the city. Clair Hall did the mural on the side of the Freeman Station The Burlington Mural Project is now in its second year. It is funded as an annual program designed to tell local stories using local artists. Each year, small to medium-scale murals are commissioned throughout the city. Free professional development opportunities are also offered to assist artists with the application process and project development.
 There was a time when this kind of illustration was Burlington. The then town supplied fresh produce that was shipped around the world. The community grew enough fruit and vegetables to require a second railway line into the city. Those train tracks are now a walking trail in the Beachway community. Tamara Kwapich did the mural in Orchard Community Park. The One-on-One Application Review Session takes place on July 12, 2016, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Transportation Meeting Room at City Hall.
If you are unable to attend on July 12, please contact Kim Selman to discuss alternate dates.
These sessions will be open to all artists who are actively preparing an application to the Burlington Mural Program. Attendance is voluntary and appointments must be booked in advance. To book an appointment please contact: Kim Selman, kim@cobaltconnects.ca or 905-548-0111
Artists planning to submit to the Burlington Mural Project may book a 30-minute session with the Public Art Manager to review a draft of their application package and get constructive feedback.
Online Application: Applications may be submitted by mail or using our online application system. To submit your application online, click the link to the right: LINK. You are asked to read the full Request for Proposal document prior to submitting your application.
 It’s a telephone utility box with a mural that hints at the wharf that was once at “Port Nelson” at the foot of Guelph Line. Hannah Sell and Liam Racine did the art work. It is one of six commissioned by the city. The visual arts are getting funding – the Performing Arts haven’t been as fortunate.
The arts community in Burlington is still working at the creation of a formal Council that they would like to see mandated to operate as the voice and policy body for the arts in the city.
Ain’t ever going to happen.
By Pepper Parr
June 29, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Is this a friendly visit?
Are we looking at three animals getting to know one another?
The dog is perhaps curious but the hunch in the shoulders of those two crows tells a different story.
How does that story end?
The exhibit at the Art Gallery of Burlington in the Dan Lawrie Family Courtyard until September 25th is well worth a visit.
 The approach – who springs up and out first? You will want to ponder the three pieces and wonder – perhaps the friendly posture of the dog will change the intent of the crows.
Does the artist, Mary Philpott, tip her hand with the title of the exhibit: A Murder of Crows.
 Has the dog figured it out? This isn’t a friendly visit is it? Mary Philpott, a noted functional potter whose work has been inspired by Neo-Gothic architecture and William Morris’ Arts and Craft movement, has in recent years taken her decorative motifs of animals and birds and transformed them into live-sized three dimensional sculptures, a perfect synthesis of nature and style set in our garden courtyard.
Inspired by the colour, narration and design of medieval illuminated books, tapestries and architecture, Philpott’s work explores the story of flora and fauna in her surrounding landscape. At her studio, Verdant Tile Co., she designs custom pressed tile in porcelain. The animals and birds depicted in her tiles are frequently referenced in her sculptural pieces.
 Wary eyes – the posture the artist has given each animal is filled with suspense. In addition to receiving a BFA in Art History and Archaeology at the University of Guelph, Philpott is a graduate of the Ceramics and Design program at the School of Craft and Design at Sheridan College. She has also studied Anthropology and Archaeology at McMaster University, and Ceramics Intensives at Alfred University in New York.
She is the 2015 recipient of the Helen Copeland Award from Craft Ontario for an established artist working in her field.
By Pepper Parr
June 29th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The wheels of Justice move slowly – not at a glacial pace but there is no rush to judgement – at least not when it is the city and the Burlington Air Park sending their legal warriors into a Court Room to do battle
On April 4th, the Gazette reported that “a member of the city’s legal staff advised council that a Judge at the Court House advised the city that Justice Gibson anticipates he will be in a position to release his decision by April 30th.
April came and went, we got into May and no decision. A new date was set – a decision will be released June 30th
 Former city manager Jeff Fielding sharing an opinion with Glenn Grenier on what the Air Park was required to do while city lawyers Blake Hurley and Nancy Shea Nicol look on. The Air Park and the city have been going at it for some time. The story came to the public’s attention when the Gazette reported in 2013 on the number of trucks that were roaring up and down Appleby Line and leaving a terrible mess on the road and disturbing the peace and quiet of the country side with the clanging of truck tail gates.
 Hundreds of tucks were hauling landfill onto the Air Park property without any kind of site plan approval from the city. Residents were unhappy; city hall became livid them they became aware of the scope and scale of what was being done. Literally hundreds of trucks were taking landfill onto the Air Park property. City hall wasn’t aware of what was going on nor did anyone at the Region know very much.
When it came to the attention of people at city hall they could find no record of any permits being issued. Turns out the Air Park didn’t seek any permits – they had taken the position that the Air Park was federally regulated and they didn’t have to ask the city for permission to do anything.
The city saw it differently and one court case, and an appeal later – Justice Murphy clarified that situation. The Air park is subject to city regulation.
The city then began to press the Air Park to submit a site plan for approval and to begin providing some data on just what was in that landfill and what impact was it having on the water table. Was it polluted? Many people in northern Burlington thought is was and they wanted water and soil samples taken.
 All the key players in the Airpark libel dispute: Vanessa Warren in the second row and Monte Dennis on the right. The publisher of the Gazette is also a party to the libel case. The good folks at the Air Park were not only taking exception to the demands the city was making but they took exception to what the Gazette and its publisher had written along with the comments of two citizens: Vanessa Warren and Monte Dennis. We were all sued for libel.
The libel case is still before the courts. The defendants are asking for financial data from the Air Park; the Air Park didn’t want to give any data – a Judge has heard arguments as to why the financial data should be made available and why it shouln’t. That decision is due any day now.
Meanwhile the city is awaiting a decision on their request that a Judge compel the Air Park to submit a site plan for approval and that the landfill that was dumped on the property without any kind of permit be removed.
It is the decision on that case that everyone has been waiting for. Many believe that whatever the Judge decides the losing side will appeal and that this case could go all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada
There are those who believe that the Air Park is not in a position to move more than a couple of truck loads of fill if a Judge orders them to do so – they have already spent a reported hundreds of thousands of dollars on the various court cases – and all the bills aren’t in yet.
Might the Air Park be getting close to being tapped out?
 By Staff
June 29th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Joseph Brant Hospital Emergency Department, the biggest department in the hospital, will open in the fall of 2017.
 Trish Hamilton, Operational Readiness Coordinator. Trish Hamilton, the Operational Readiness Coordinator, sets out five things you need to know about the new ED
1. Patients will receive care faster in the new ED with the help of a new Paired Triage Registration Model. Currently, a patient moves from triage to registration when arriving at the ED. In the new ED, triage and registration will be combined at one station so that a patient is medically assessed and registered at one time.
 The patient examination rooms look a little rough right now – there will be 35 of these rooms. 2. There will be 35 private exam rooms. Each room has a bright, modern space with essential services within easy reach including technology in the head wall above the bed for medical gases; electronic charting stations inside the rooms; and supply alcoves directly outside the rooms that will store linens and cleaning supplies.
3. There will be three private trauma resuscitation rooms and an isolation trauma room featuring glass doors that have the ability to switch from transparent for patient monitoring, to opaque for instant privacy.
4. There will be a dedicated Psychiatry Emergency Services zone with security, three observation rooms, an exam room and a quiet room for families. This area will enhance privacy and dignity for patients who are experiencing a crisis.
5. The Emergency Department will be easily accessible and easy to find, located on the main level beside our new main entrance on Lakeshore Road.
 In a couple of weeks the structure is expected to be weather tight – bridge from parking garage to the hospital is under construction. Staff at the hospital currently work in an environment where an old tired building begins to make room for a shiny new structure that will have all the improvements technology has to offer.
Hopefully you won’t have to make a trip to the emergency department – but if you do – it will be a lot different than anything you have experienced in the past.
By Staff
June 29th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada Day – and no fireworks to thrill and entertain my little kids? Get real.
Fire Chief Tony Bavota is getting very real – and very serious.
Remember those fires that devastated large parts of Fort McMurray – the available evidence suggests they were the result of carelessness
 Evidence to date suggests the fire in Fort McMurray, Alberta may have been the result of carelessness. Have you taken a look at the colour of most of the lawns around the city – some pretty brown looking grass.
There hasn’t been enough rain.
All the farmer’s think they are going to be lucky to get two cuts from their hay fields – three cuts are out of the questions. Soybeans are looking a little limp and who know what’s going to happen to the corn silage?
Forest fires are very dangerous – very tough to control – so if the fire chief says don’t light fire crackers given the weather we are having – he needs to be listened to.
A city council that truly leads would pass a bylaw now that gives the authority to ban fire crackers to the fire chief – and make it a stiff, stiff, STIFF fine for those who fail to adhere to the bylaw.
Don’t let your Canada Day Fireworks go up in smoke” says the Chief.
The Fire Department is reminding residents to keep safety top of mind when planning annual Canada Day celebrations, especially those with fireworks.
“With the lack of rain and dry weather lately, we’re discouraging fireworks on Canada Day,” said chief fire prevention officer Joe Wintar. “The city is hosting a full day of activities in Spencer Smith Park, including fireworks. I encourage everyone to think about enjoying this show put on by pyrotechnic professionals.”
To keep your family and property safe, follow these guidelines when setting off fireworks:
• It must be three days before or during Canada Day, on July 1.
• You are at least 18 years old. Keep fireworks and sparklers away from children so they don’t get burned or have their clothing catch fire.
• You are being safe. Read and follow the directions on label carefully.
• You are on private property.
• Keep pail of water or water hose close by for extinguishment.
• Set off fireworks outside in a clear, open area away from doors, windows, buildings, cars, trees and dry grass.
• Light one firework at a time.
• Never re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 15-30 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Never light a firework in your hand.
• Keep onlookers at a safe distance and upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
• If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for 5-10 minutes and seek medical attention.
 It takes but a stray spark to start this kind of fire. As with any emergency, if there is a fire and public safety concern related to fireworks, please call 9-1-1. For more firework safety information, visit www.burlington.ca/fireworks
 By Staff
June 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They are relentless.
They do nothing but send this type of email out by the tens of thousands – all they need is one sucker to click on that link and they could be in inside your computer tapping into anything and everything you have.
If you don’t recognize the sender – don’t open it.
This on came our way a few days ago:
 This is a ZIP file – you have no idea what is in it – only that is will not be nice.
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