 By Staff
September 4th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
There was an attempted break in at a home in Burlington recently – the owner was in the house and managed to scare off the thief – but she was really rattled.
She of course called the police but by the time they arrived, which was quite promptly, the thief, who happened to be female thought to be perhaps in her early 50’s, was long gone.
However through a program the police use – Security Camera Registration and Monitoring program ( S.C.R.A.M) a community based crime prevention opportunity the police were able to capture some footage of the woman running from the area and the car she was believed to have been driving.
So what is S.C.R.A.M.? It is an investigative tool that enlists the help of Halton residents in helping to solve crimes
 Community members voluntarily identify and register their residential video surveillance equipment through a simple, secure, confidential, online form located on the Halton Regional Police Service website.
Here is the link:
Scroll down to the line that says Form to Register
Then scroll down on that form to the 5th box Security camera registration
All a person is doing when they register is letting the police know they have surveillance equipment. In the event that there is an incident in an area the police go to their data base to see if there are any cameras registered – if there are they give the owner of the camera a call and ask for permission to download the images.
The Halton police dearly wish they had been able to capture images of Helen Robertson, the 79 year old Alzheimer’s patient who wandered away from her home in Jul and has not been seen since.
The program is completely voluntary – you can say no thanks whenever you want.
 A number of people wonder just what giving police access to your home security means. You are not giving the police any access when you register – what you are doing is letting the police know that you have an electronic security system. If there is a crime near your home the police will know that you have a security camera and may ask if they can look at what was captured by your camera.
You are under no obligation to hand over anything.
When investigating a crime the police usually end up going door to door hoping that someone may have seen something – if they knew where the security cameras were they could narrow down the search area.
Door to door can be a time-consuming endeavour as it may include a 360 radius around the crime scene. Armed with the knowledge of locations of security cameras, police can better focus their investigation. This has proven helpful in many investigations where suspect vehicles or suspects themselves have been picked up on third-party camera systems. Knowing a “direction” enables investigators to focus their attention on that particular path, even at considerable distances, where perhaps another camera may be located.
The objective of the program is primarily to build a database of camera locations in our community. Adding a security camera to your property is an excellent crime prevention tool, and is a way for you to protect your OWN property. Allowing the police quick access to potential recordings of crimes in progress is a way for citizens to help make our communities safer for everyone.
Check into it – we are safest when we take care of each other.
Related article:
A private surveillance helps police identify a suspect.
 By Staff
September 3, 2016
BARRIE, ON
For a while they looked like the little engine that could but with three games lost against the championship defending Barrie Baycats – it looks like the Toronto Maple Leafs are about to get ready to end their season – with perhaps four straight loses.
A five-run eighth inning moved the Barrie Baycats one step closer to the Intercounty Baseball League championship.
 Barrie used the big inning to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 11-6 Saturday night and leads the best-of-seven final 3-0. The Baycats can clinch the Dominico Trophy on Sunday afternoon at Christie Pits at 2 p.m.
Kevin Atkinson delivered the biggest blow in the eighth, smashing a three-run home run to give Barrie a 9-6 lead. Glenn Jackson added a two-run double with two outs.
Jordan Castaldo had two hits, two runs and an RBI, Ryan Spataro and Branfy Infante each had a hit and had an RBI, Kyle Nichols doubled and drove in a pair of runs and scored once, and Joey Guaranga went 3-for-4 with a run.
Adam Hawes (2-0) picked up the win in relief, throwing 1.1 innings of scoreless one-hit ball with a strikeout and walk. Adam Rowe started and allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits over six innings, striking out three and walking two.
For Toronto, Jonathan Solazzo doubled and had three RBI and a run to lead the Leafs’ offence. Dan Marra singled and drove in a run and scored once, Jon Waltenbury singled twice and scored a run, and Connor Lewis singled and doubled.
Justin Cicatello (1-2) took the loss, allowing 10 runs (six earned) on 11 hits in seven innings, striking out five and walking six.
2016 IBL playoffs
Dominco Trophy league final
Barrie Baycats vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Barrie leads series 3-0
Game 1: Barrie 4, Toronto 3
Game 2: Barrie 15, Toronto 12
Game 3: Barrie 11, Toronto 6
Game 4: Sunday, Sept. 4 at Toronto; 2 pm
Game 5: Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Barrie; 7:30 pm*
Game 6: Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Toronto; 7:30 pm*
Game 7: Thursday, Sept. 8 at Barrie; 7:30 pm*
* — If necessary
 By Staff
September 4th 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They will be on their way to school Wednesday – thousands of students will trundle along to school – some for the first time
Some, will get driven to school by parents – – they might think bikes later in the year.
 Christine Hopwood is the woman that ensures there is a crossing guard for your child at every school in the city. At the street corners near each school there will be a crossing guard – decked out in those bright red and yellow vests that you can’t miss with a stop sign in hand.
There are a couple of hundred of them that do this important work.
The City is actively looking for additional school crossing guards for the 2016/2017 school year.
“We are seeking crossing guards who are dedicated individuals that care about their community and want to help play an important role in keeping children safe on their way to and from school,” said Vito Tolone, the director of transportation for the city.
The city’s crossing guard program includes full training, a uniform and reimbursement of mileage. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to complete a police check. All successful applicants will be paid for two hours of work a day.
 Those who take on this work come to know the students quite well and watch as they grow from grade to grade – it is very rewarding work.
For more information or to apply, visit www.burlington.ca/crossingguard or call 905-335-0172.
By Staff
September 3, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Earlier in August the Halton Regional Police were alerted to a robbery that took place at a high rise on Pearl Street.
It was Thursday August 11th 2016 @ approximately 1pm, when two suspects entered a high rise apartment on Pearl Street in Burlington, forced open the door to an apartment unit and stole various items. The suspects were captured on video surveillance.
 One of two suspects police believe were responsible for the break and entry into an apartment on Pearl Street.  Second suspect
The police were able to retrieve security camera image – any help you can give identifying these suspects would be appreciated.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information that would assist investigators identify the suspects are encouraged to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau D/Cst Urie at 905-825-4747 ext 2338 or Det Bale ext 2312 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Pepper Parr
September 3rd, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
If it looks too good to be true – it probably isn’t true.
Dang!
 Pleasant enough assortment. There I was getting ready try out the different supermarkets and see what their wine offerings were going to be – the Ministry of Finance did say we were going to be able to buy wine in Supermarkets on October 28th. They provided a list of the supermarkets who were going to be in the wine biz.
 Loblaws was on the list. Fortinos is a part of the Loblaws operation – just a different brand name. We wanted to know if Fortinos would be selling wine and we asked this question:
“Can we assume that if a supermarket chain is part of the list of locations that can begin selling wine in October that any location in the chain can sell wine products?”
The response: “That is not correct. I am just in a meeting but let me get you some expanded info.”
 Well it turns out it isn’t quite that simple. When we asked for a little more in the way of detail here is what we got back.
“Today’s announcement identified the successful respondents to the Request for Bids (RFB) held by the LCBO for the sale of wine in grocery stores, later this fall. The successful grocers will now move on to the next stage of the process, which is to apply to have their individual  store locations inspected and authorized by the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), and then enter in to the necessary wholesale supply agreements with the LCBO. We will provide further updates about the authorizations and individual store locations once the RFB process is complete in late October.”
I think we are going to be making trips to the LCBO for a while yet.
By Staff
September 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
On September 2nd, 2016, at approximately 12:00 pm, members of the Halton Regional Police Search Incident Response Team (SIRT) located Christopher Komac, in a secluded area in Burlington.
He was located in a small greenspace near the area of Sturbridge and Forestvale Drives.
 Christoper Komac – found alive and well. Christopher was conscious and spoke with ground search members from the Tactical Rescue Unit. Halton Emergency Medical Services assessed him where he was located and Christopher was transported for precautionary reasons to a local hospital for dehydration and exposure.
 The cell phone that police were able to trace was found in Roly Bird Park – green space in the upper right. He was found at a location near the red mar – alive and well. Members of the Komac family and the Halton Regional Police Service wish to sincerely thank all those who assisted with search efforts and provided tip information that brought this matter to a successful end. Halton Police would also like to thank Costco for providing water and snacks to our volunteers. Over 350 people from across the community were instrumental in helping locate Christopher.
At the wishes of the KOMAC family, no further information will be provided in this case as it is being treated as a family matter. Halton Police would ask their privacy be respected.
By Staff
September 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
People now remember to take a sweater with them these days – not something we would have done two weeks ago or during much of July and August.
 Is this what we can expect this winter? The people in the Nelson community got through the year without a swimming pool – will they remember what their city did to them come the next municipal election?
A brutal summer appears to be over even though official summer doesn’t end until September 21st.
Our clocks go back an hour on November 6th – will we have snow by then?
 The Farmer’s Almanac advises that we are in for a winter that may be as tough as the summer we just got through. Shudder
The Almanac says January and February of next year are going to be particularly heavy.
You might ant to buy some road salt early – last year stores ran out.
By Staff
September 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
When the province announced earlier this year that beer would be available for purchase at supermarkets Burlington residents wanted to know where they could make a purchase.
The answer at that time was – not in Burlington – Oakville and Hamilton – but not in Burlington.
Yesterday the province announced that wine would be available for purchase at supermarkets – and we made the list – there are a number of supermarkets that will be selling wine as of October 28th.
In its media release the Ministry of Finance said: Ontario has selected the first grocers that could sell both domestic and imported wine inside up to 70 grocery stores across the province, increasing convenience and choice for consumers.
The winning grocers were selected through a competitive bidding process held by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO). The sale of wine in grocery stores is scheduled to begin October 28, 2016.
 Don’t expect the wine selection in local supermarkets to look anything like this. Reflecting a mix of independent and large grocers and geographic representation to ensure fairness, the successful grocers in the Burlington market are:
Loblaws Inc.
Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc.
Metro Ontario Inc.
Sobeys Capital Inc.
Fresh Market Foods
Wal-mart Canada Corp.
Fortinos appears to be missing from the list, however they are part of the larger Loblaws operation – perhaps they will come under that brand name – checking on that.
The other supermarkets that will sell wine in the province are:
Canex Canadian Forces Exchange System
Coppa’s Fresh Market
Farm Boy 2012 Inc.
Highland Farms Inc.
Starsky’s Fine Foods Hamilton Inc.
Uxbridge Foods Inc.
Yummy Market Inc.
These grocers will have to abide by the requirements for the safe sale of alcohol overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), including designated sales areas and standard hours of sale, limitations on package sizes and alcohol content and staffing and social responsibility training requirements.
The longer term plan is to eventually have up to 450 grocery stores authorized to sell beer and cider and, of these, up to 300 may also sell wine.
 It will be interesting to see which wines the different supermarkets decide to sell – it will tell us something about how well they know their customer base. Up to 70 existing winery retail stores that operate just outside a grocery store’s checkout will also be permitted to operate inside the store and share the checkout. These “wine boutiques” will broaden their assortment to sell wines made by other Ontario producers, and will be located at grocery stores that sell beer. These wine boutiques will be permitted to begin operating this fall, at the same time as wine is introduced to grocery stores.
Sales of beer in grocery stores started in December 2015. Between December 2015 and the second week of August 2016, grocers received more than 532,000 cases of beer from the LCBO, amounting to net sales of approximately $24 million.
 By Staff
September 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There are parts of police work that are just plain hard.
One of those hard jobs is taking place this morning at the Roly Bird Park in Burlington where a cell phone belonging to Christopher Komac was found.
 Christopher has been missing since August 31st when he left his home heading for Prospect and Brant. He has not been seen or heard from by his family since which, for those who know this 23 year old, say “it is very much out of character”.
Yesterday the police asked for help in creating a search party to comb the grounds of the park. The response was overwhelming. The police now have “more volunteers than we could have hoped for”
The police have released a poster; Christopher Komac’s whereabouts are still not known.
Updates will be provided when available.
Burlington’s Member of Parliament, Karina Gould, will be leading a public consultation on Electoral Reform at the Mainway Recreation centre in the auditorium on Saturday September 10th at 12:30.
She wants to hear what her community has to say about the changes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to deliver in the way of electoral reform. During the election campaign Trudeau said that election was the last that would be run under the First Past the Post (FPTP) process Canada has been using since Confederation. What we choose to use as an election process is now a question the public needs to answer.
 By Jay Fallis
September 1, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This is the 3rd of a 3 part series on electoral reform.
I have explained the First Past the Post (FPTP) system of electing the members of the House of Commons that we use today.
I explained Mixed Member Proportional system, or MMP.
In this system, MMP, each voter receives two ballots. One is used to select the local candidate of their choice, while the other is used to select the party of their choice. The ballots selecting the local candidate are tallied up in each riding, and the candidate with the most votes wins. This is the same in our current system, except that constituencies would be bigger.
With MMP, once the candidate for the constituency is decided, the ballots, which indicate party preference, are tallied and the popular support of each party is determined.
The MMP process distributes a percentage of the seats to each political party based on the percentage of the vote they got; the problem for many people is who, which person, would sit in that seat? Would the political party give the seat to one of its members?
In this article I am going to cover two other possible electoral systems. The first is called Alternative Vote (AV); the second is called the ABC approach to electing people to our House of Commons.
Under Alternate Vote, a voter continues to vote for their local candidates. However, instead of selecting a single candidate with an X, voters order each of the candidates 1-2-3 etc., from their most preferred selection to their least preferred.
When first place selections are counted, a candidate with more than 50% of the popular vote wins. If however no candidate receives more than 50%, then the candidate with the least number of votes is eliminated. The ballots that selected the last place candidate are redistributed using the second selections. This process continues until one candidate receives more than 50% support.
 Voter turnout has often been low for the past decade; many people feel the current method of electing members to the House of Commons results in an un-representative form of government. Although this system maintains regional representation as it exists under our current system and allows voters to cast a more accurate ballot, this system has its problems. There is a significant chance it would be advantageous for the Liberal party, as voters on each side of the ideological spectrum have a tendency to select Liberal as their second choice. This could allow Liberal candidates to win in tight ridings more often than not.
Furthermore the method for counting is complex. It would either require days to count by hand or require electronic counting systems. Either method ensures a high probability for error and would be expensive.
Finally, this system would be detrimental for independent candidates and smaller parties. Currently, it is difficult for these candidates and parties to win seats. However, introducing this system would make their advancement even more difficult. This seems unfair when considering that there can be strong independent candidates and viable small parties.
There is another approach – it is referred to as ABC – Alternative Borda Count; developed by French mathematician Charles de Borda.
It is described as easy as ABC (Alternative Borda Count). In this system voters are able to make up to 3 selections: a first, second, and third choice. If voters wish, they can choose to select only a first and second choice, or only a first choice. Each first choice selection is worth 4 points, each second choice selection worth 2 points, and each third choice selection worth 1 point. When the points are tallied and the local candidate with the most points wins.
 Members of the House of Commons have been determined by First Past the Post elections since confederation. The current government has determined it is time for a change. Although this system does not guarantee perfect representation of votes to seats in the legislature it does represent an obvious improvement from Alternative Vote.
The first advantage is that this system is simple when compared to Alternative Vote. The calculation method and ballot can easily be explained to voters. Additionally, counting can be done relatively efficiently by hand and results could be posted on election night without the use of electronic counting.
This system maintains our country’s current regional representation. All ridings would remain as they are. However, in order to win ridings, candidates would require support from approximately 70 to 80% of the riding’s population. This is much higher than Alternative Vote which would often produce winners with just over 50% of support.
As for independent candidates and smaller parties, this system encourages their advancement. If a candidate or party receives few first place selections, but many 2nd and 3rd place selections they still have some opportunity to win. This will not mean the advancement of many, but it would mean that more independents and small party candidates have the opportunity to win.
Finally, this is a system that has the capability to be popular amongst Canadians. Although it has yet to attract the attention of reform advocates, a preliminary study has shown very high support for the system amongst the voting public. The study I refer to is a paper I did while earning my Master’s degree at the University of Toronto.
Not only does it attract those who support reform, it also attracts many who don’t, because it is simple and offers them the ability to vote as they do under the current system (by choosing to make only a first selection).
ABC is a system that meets many different needs and has the potential to bring about positive change to Canada’s political system when compared to Alternative Vote. To learn more about the ABC system or sign the petition you can go to: abcvote.ca.
I have given readers a quick overview of the different systems that are being considered. The government is now asking Canadians which system they would like to see. It’s an important decision – make a point of getting out to the public meetings and do some research.
Links:
CBC ran a very interesting piece – worth reading.
First of the 3 part series
Second of the 3 part series
 Jay Fallis is a graduate of the University of Toronto where he earned a Master’s Degree that focused on electoral reform.
He writes a column for a daily newspaper in Ontario, the Orillia Packet and Times,
By Denis Gibbons
September 1, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Beautiful green spaces like the Royal Botanical Gardens, LaSalle Park and Burlington Golf and Country Club once made Aldershot the prime place to live in Burlington.
The stretch of Plains Road from King Road west to the border of Hamilton actually is part of the historic Lakeshore Highway, which was the main route between Montreal and Windsor before the QEW and Hwy. 401 were built. The highway attracted a lot of holiday and Sunday afternoon drivers.
 Planters along Plains Road have given what used to be a provincial highway a much more suburban look. Hasn’t slowed traffic down enough for most people – except for those who drive through the community. You’d never know it today with the high rate of development and traffic jams on Plains Road. Some residents are even having second thoughts about staying in the area.
An Aldershot resident, who requested anonymity, said she believes the City is allowing too many multi-level dwellings along Plains Road and has decided to move to Niagara Falls.
“I don’t want to live on the Danforth like in downtown Toronto,” she said. “We don’t have the infrastructure to accommodate it.
“I think we really have to be careful what we’re doing to the lifestyle of the people of Aldershot.”
She said she has exactly 14 seconds to get into the collector lane and make a lefthand turn into her building at 396 Plains Rd. E. and traffic is often backed up in the eastbound lanes.
“The cars are all going 60 and a lot of drivers get mad,” she said.
 Close to half a dozen residential developments similar to this one, Jazz on Plains Road are being developed. Lou Battiston, who lives on Easterbrook Ave., said he is opposed to all the new apartment buildings going up on Plains Road.
“Adding stores to the bottom of these things without adequate parking is absolutely ridiculous,” he said.
However, he said the increased traffic on Plains Road is not an issue for him.
“I come from Toronto,” he said. “Burlington is still a great place to live.”
Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven could not be reached for comment by The Bay Observer’s press time, but he has said in the past that whenever new condos are built along the Plains Road corridor senior citizens living in bungalows in Aldershot love to downsize to them.
At the same time, he said, the vacated bungalows are ideal starter homes for young families and this rejuvenates the population.
In July a committee of Burlington city council approved policy directions as guidelines on how the city will grow over the next quarter-century. Under the provincial government’s Places To Grow strategy guidelines, introduced in 2006, Burlington must boost its level of infilling to 40 per cent.
One of the main reasons is to provide adequate accommodation for an increase of immigrants.
Intensification in the portion south of the QEW is the key, since there is not much room left for residential development in north Burlington.
Two of the key areas for intensification are in Aldershot – along Plains Road, which is a major transit route, and close to the Aldershot GO station.
In addition, increased mixed use development is planned near all GO stations as GO bus and train service is extended.
Currently workers are carrying out major improvements to Plains Road East. The work includes paving, as well as new curbs, bike lanes and sidewalks in some parts of the stretch between the QEW and Shadeland Boulevard.
 An early architects rendering of the ADI Station West 300 plus development in Aldershot ADI Development Group is proposing construction of over 300 new townhouses near the corner of Waterdown Road and Masonry Court. The project called ‘Station West’ is adjacent to Burlington’s Aldershot GO Station”
Also in the works are the Breeze condos at the corner of Plains Road and Cooke Boulevard and the Affinity Condominiums at the corner of Plains Road and Filmandale Boulevard.
This article first appeared in the Bay Observer.
The Gazette has had a troubling relationship with Councillor Craven. There was a time when we met with him frequently on a confidential basis over lunches at Plucker’s on Plains Road.
There was an occasion at a Conservation Authority meeting when Craven told us that running for Mayor was not out of the question for him – that was before the 2014 election
 More candidate than Craven could manage? Sandra Pupatello on a trip through town during the xxx Liberal leadership race. At the time Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven was prepared to let the party romance him. The publisher of the Gazette had some in depth conversations on the idea of his seeking the Liberal nomination for the Burlington seat at Queen’s Park. We convinced him at attend a meeting where he met one of the woman seeking the leadership of the party at that time. Watching Councillor Craven meeting Sandra Pupatello was something to observe.
The Gazette has always described Councillor Craven as the most effective Standing committee chair this city has; he also runs very tight meetings. He understands the Procedural manual better than any other member of council, perhaps even better than the City Clerk.
But a people person he ain’t. Thinnest skin we’ve seen
By Staff
August 31, 2016
TORONTO, ON
It took extra innings for the Barrie Baycats to win a slugfest at Christie Pits.
The Baycats scored five runs in the top of the 11th inning to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 15-12 on Wednesday night and take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven IBL final.
Barrie had a runner on first with two out in the 11th before a single and walk loaded the bases, and a Toronto error allowed Jeff Cowan to score.
Kyle DeGrace hit a two-run single and Jordan Castaldo drilled a two-run double to give the Baycats their biggest lead of the game.
Castaldo added a solo home run and finished with five RBI. Glenn Jackson went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBI and three runs, while Ryan Spataro added three hits, three runs and an RBI.
Kevin Atkinson drove in a pair of runs, and Branfy Infante singled twice and scored four times.
Adam Hawes (1-0) went three innings of relief for the win. Hawes allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits, striking out three and walking one.
Barrie starter Matthew St. Kitts lasted 3.2 innings, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on eight hits, striking out four and walking one.
Toronto hit six of the game’s eight home runs. Jon Waltenbury went deep twice, hitting a solo home run to lead off the third inning and adding a two-run shot in the fourth. He also scored four times.
Justin Marra hit his seventh home run of the playoffs and drove in three, while Brendan Keys went 4-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. Sean Mattson and Jonathan Solazzo hit back-to-back home runs to start the bottom of the 11th as the Leafs tried to mount another comeback, but Grant Tamane struck out to end the game with runners on second and third.
Connor Lewis had three hits and a run.
Solazzo (0-2) took the loss, giving up five runs (none earned) on three hits in an inning of relief, striking out three and walking two.
Mike Wagner started for Toronto and gave up eight runs (seven earned) on seven hits over 6.2 innings, striking out seven and walking six.
2016 IBL playoffs
Barrie Baycats vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Barrie leads series 2-0
Game 1: Barrie 4, Toronto 3
Game 2: Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Toronto; 7:30 pm
Game 3: Saturday, Sept. 3 at Barrie; 7 pm
Game 4: Sunday, Sept. 4 at Toronto; 2 pm
Game 5: Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Barrie; 7:30 pm
* Game 6: Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Toronto; 7:30 pm
* Game 7: Thursday, Sept. 8 at Barrie; 7:30 pm*
* — If necessary
By Staff
August 31, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It must have been terrifying.
In the middle of the afternoon there is someone at your door attempting to force their way into your home.
 The image picked up by a security camera may be small but with the technical tools the police have they are able to zoom in and get a considerable amount of information. In this instance Halton Regional Police report that the homeowner was in the house when a female suspect is described as: female white, approximately 50 years of age, light coloured hair (gray or blonde), medium build, 5’3″ to 5’7″ tall, wearing a blue floral button up shirt, gray Capri style pants, black socks and gray converse style shoes made the attempt.
The suspect vehicle involved in the entry is described as a 1998-2001 purple Nissan Altima.
 The police have a clear image of the vehicle used by the suspect – why would a female, thought to be about 50 years of age driving a relatively recent car want to break into a home in the middle of the afternoon? The police were able to get an image from a security camera located in the immediate area.
Nothing was stolen.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information that would assist investigators are encouraged to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau D/Cst Freeman at 905-825-4747 ext 2363 or Det Bale ext 2312 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
August 31, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
On August 11th 2016 at 4:08am, the suspect captured in this surveillance image entered a vehicle in the residential area south of Tansley Woods in Burlington and stole a wallet.
 Do you happen to know who this person is?
Anyone who may have witnessed this person or has information that would assist investigators in locating him are encouraged to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau D/Cst Freeman at 905-825-4747 ext 2363/Det Bale ext 2312 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
August 31, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Barrie Baycats gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a taste of their own medicine to start the Intercounty Baseball League final.
Barrie scored three runs in the top of the eighth to beat Toronto 4-3 Tuesday night. The Baycats lead the best-of-seven series 1-0.
 The biggest part of the IBL championship games in the evenings will be under the lights – the crack of the bat will still sound the same. It looked like Toronto was going to steal the opener on the road, but the Leafs, who made a habit of comebacks against London in their seven-game semi-final victory, couldn’t hold on against the defending Dominico Trophy winners.
Barrie’s Jordan Castaldo hit a three-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth for the decisive blow. Castaldo also singled and scored on Kevin Atkinson’s double in the fourth, which gave the Baycats a 1-0 lead.
Kyle DeGrace singled twice and scored once.
Jaspreet Shergill (1-0) earned the win, throwing a scoreless inning of one-hit ball without striking out or walking a batter. Adam Hawes picked up his first save of the playoffs, stranding runners on first and second with a strikeout and flyout to end the game.
Barrie starter Emilis Guerrero went seven innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits, striking out six and walking one.
For Toronto, Justin Marra’s two-run home run highlighted the Leafs’ three-run sixth inning. Jon Waltenbury added a single and RBI, while Dan Marra and Brendan Keys each had two hits.
Brett van Pelt (2-2) took the loss, giving up three runs on two hits in an inning of relief, striking out one and walking one. Toronto starter Marek Deska allowed a run on six hits in seven innings with three strikeouts and a walk.
2016 IBL playoffs
Barrie Baycats vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Barrie leads series 1-0
Game 1: Barrie 4, Toronto 3
Game 2: Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Toronto; 7:30 pm
Game 3: Saturday, Sept. 3 at Barrie; 7 pm
Game 4: Sunday, Sept. 4 at Toronto; 2 pm
Game 5: Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Barrie; 7:30 pm
* Game 6: Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Toronto; 7:30 pm
* Game 7: Thursday, Sept. 8 at Barrie; 7:30 pm*
* — If necessary
By Pepper Parr
August 31st, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Conservation Authority is going through a change – they are calling it a metamorphosis which they define as a “biological process of transformation, differentiation and growth that many species go through as they transition from one life stage to the next.
That is a mouthful.
With a new CAO in place, Conservation Halton, now wants to hear from the public – they want feedback on their strategic plan which includes their Promise, Purpose, Ambition, Guiding Principles and Themes, that frame their priorities and commitment to the environment, communities and customers.
Tucked into that plan are the Key Objectives, Key Enablers and Key Service Targets. These are the changes that Conservation Halton wants to make as an organization and the goals that we will work toward.
They won’t get much in the way of disagreement on any of the above – what they are getting however is a wry look from a public that feels it was not listened to during the reign of the previous CAO.
Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens.
Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science based programs and services.
 Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer of Conservation Halton. Hassaan Basit wants to transform Conservation Halton. Vice chair John Vice sees it becoming “a modern organization known in the community for innovation, collaboration, efficiency and service delivery.” They want to position Conservation Halton to deliver effective natural resource management, ultimately leading to improved well-being of our communities.”
“A crucial part of this Metamorphosis is for us to listen to people we serve in the community and find out ideas and thoughts they may have on how we can achieve this transformation. This is why we have embarked on a multi-faceted public engagement between now and the end of September where we hope to connect with people in different ways,” John Vice continues.
The planned public engagement give significant depth to the phrase “multi-faceted public engagement”; there is hardly a base they don’t cover.
 What happens to the watershed in Burlington is job #1 for the Conservation Authority. There are 16 creeks that the Authority keeps a constant eye on – daily. “Owing to our unique position and technical expertise in local watershed science, conservation authorities play a critical role in helping achieve a number of provincial and municipal goals and objectives related to natural resource management, preserving natural and cultural assets, green infrastructure, sustainability and climate change,” says Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer of Conservation Halton. “As we mark our 60th anniversary later this year and look back at the role conservation authorities have played in the province, it is a reminder of the need to constantly evolve.”
“Conservation authorities respond to natural resource management needs and challenges, even when they change, evolve and intensify, as they have since the Conservation Authorities Act was created. We anticipate that these needs and challenges will continue to change over time, so we must have the strategic agility to continue to adapt,” Hassaan Basit continues.
There are five ways for people to engage with Conservation Halton on Metamorphosis.
1. Attend a Public Open House
The Conservation Authority will be hosting two open houses, where members of the community will have the opportunity to learn more about our strategic directions, comment on our strategic priorities and share ideas for initiatives. Community members interested in attending one or both of the public open houses are asked to register here.
Tuesday September 13
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Conservation Halton Office
2596 Britannia Road, Burlington
Saturday, September 17
10:00 – 12:00 PM
Crawford Lake Longhouse
3115 Conservation Road, Milton
2. Have Your Say in a Survey
We have also created a series of short surveys, which we hope will help us understand the issues that are most important to our community and collect ideas for initiatives regarding these issues. The four survey areas are Sustainable Communities, Environmental Conservation, Climate Change and Outdoor Recreation. Each survey should only take a couple of minutes and responses will be used to shape many of our priorities and efforts. The surveys can be found here.
3. #chlistens on Facebook and Twitter
There will also be many opportunities to engage with us on social media. We will be hosting three open thread discussions on Facebook on September 9, 16 and 23 at 2:00 PM and two live chats on Twitter on September 21 and 28 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Look out for the #chlistens hashtag and tune in to chat with us about conservation, climate change and sustainability.
4. Share Your Lunch and #tableyourthoughts
Keep an eye out in the parks for our bright, painted picnic tables! Each picnic table has two chalkboards with the phrase “Conservation to me is…” written on them and park visitors are encouraged to complete the sentence, take a photo of their response and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #tableyourthoughts. It is our hope that this campaign will inspire real conversations around environmental conservation, climate change, sustainable communities and outdoor recreation.
5. Email Us
Comments can also be sent to web@hrca.on.ca with “Metamorphosis” as the subject line.
 Tucked away in a building that needs some serious upgrades – the staff work at monitoring the watersheds – all 16 of them – and running an extensive educational program and at the same time working at developing the tourism potential of some of the their properties. Conservation Halton staff will also be meeting with key community stakeholders, including our municipal partners, environmental organizations, recreational groups, builders, developers and other members of the business community, in the coming weeks.
For those who live north of Dundas and tried to get permits to do some work on their property all this is close to exciting. The proof of course is in the pudding – but it does look pretty enticing.
Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens.
Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science based programs and services.
By Staff
August 30, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Rocca Sisters, who promote themselves as the #3 real estate agent in Canada, report that “The most significant news in all of our trading areas is that sales are way down. Burlington is no exception. With sales down over 17%, prices up by over 22% and days on market down by 30% Burlington can only be described as incredibly unbalanced in favour of the seller.
 Courtesy Rocca Sisters – #3 Real Estate agents in Canada They are working with “several buyers that are looking in the under $600,000 price range for a detached home and it feels like we are looking for a needle in a haystack. We don’t see this changing very much going into the fall. Ideally more sellers will look to the more affordable areas such as Stoney Creek, Grimsby, Waterdown, Ancaster and Hamilton and cash in on the unprecedented increases in values we have seen over the past year.”
Residential selling prices are at a level most analysts are saying is not sustainable – but prices have been holding for longer than most experts expected.
 Upgrades being done to the mall at Appleby Line, north of Upper Middle Road. Meanwhile upgrading of building at two malls in Burlington indicate that the commercial sector is expecting stronger demand for space. The mall in the centre – north part of the city where the CinePlex movie theatre is located is undergoing a significant change; a second level being added.
 Mall where CinePlex movie theatre is located is undergoing an upgrade. In the north western side of the city another mall is adding a level.
These properties are owned by large mall operators who have considerable depth on the market research side.
 Th hole in the ground that will grow into a 22 storey condominium – described at the city’s legacy site when it was approved in 1985  That is a lot of re-bar – part of the Paradigm project on Fairview next to the Burlington GO station – project will consist of five towers when completed. Commercially there are four large developments that are at the close to completion and just past the hole in the ground stage. The additions to the Joseph Brant Hospital are at the point where the building will be “closed in” within months; the ADI Develoment Group is adding to the height of their condominium project on Dundas at Sutton; Bridgewater, the 22 storey condominium on the south side of Lakeshore Road at Elizabeth is still at the big hole in the ground stage and the Paradigm, the Molinaro project on Fairview next to the Burlington GO station is at the fifth storey level on the west tower.
By Pepper Parr
August 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The heat is clearly on – staff in the city’s transportation department have taken to thanking people who have used various means of communication to let the city know how they feel about the “road diet” New Street has been put on while the city experiments with dedicated lanes for bicycles on the north and south side of the street between Guelph Line and Walkers Line.
The decision to spend the $250,000 on the pilot project was made by city council July 18th.
It is a change – and people don’t really like change – particularly in Burlington.
 Director of Transportation Vito Tolone is a well informed on transportation matters. What he could not be expected to know was how the public was going to react to the idea of putting dedicated bicycle lanes on New Street. Members of council are supposed to know what their constituents think. In a media release the city said they wanted to thank the hundreds of people who have taken time to comment about the New Street road diet one-year pilot program and assure people that their comments are part of the findings of the pilot.
The Gazette recorded more than 60 comments to which we add the 21 that we did not publish due to the offensive language; some people got very exercised over this one.
It is unusual for city hall to put out a media release – before a project has had a chance to create some data. While there will be data – right now there is just a lot of noise.
Vito Tolone, director of transportation for the city said: “We are hearing what residents have to say, responding to a variety of questions and reading and collecting each comment to include in our pilot findings.” He adds that the “road diet is a one-year pilot program that aims to create a complete street that allows for multiple forms of transportation and enhances the safety of the road for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
“Through the city’s strategic plan process, we heard from residents who told us they would like safer places to cycle and more transportation choices when it comes to getting around their city,” said Tolone. “Throughout the one-year pilot, the city is using technology to track all forms of transportation along this stretch of New Street, including cyclists, pedestrians, buses and cars. We will also be collecting data on the average speed travelled and the number of collisions to help us understand how the road is being used.”
 Six of the seven voted for the New Street Road diet – Councillor Sharman voted against the pilot project. Tolone said his department is going to collect “four seasons of data in 2017”; one can only hope that with the uproar, and this is certainly an uproar, that the city will not wait until it has all the data in hand – regular reporting to the public goes a long way to meeting that “transparency and accountability line” that the city trots out regularly.
The pilot looked like a reasonable approach – what neither council nor staff was prepared for was the reaction – most of it before the pilot really had a chance to start. Council voted 6-1 for this (Sharman voted against it – what does he know that the other six don’t know).
 Existing lane configuration on the left – the road diet on the right. New Street is due to get a new asphalt surface in 2017 – council thought this was a good time to do a pilot project before they began laying down the new surface, when the section of New Street between Guelph Line and Walkers Line is scheduled to be resurfaced.
Conducting the pilot project before this work takes place means there will be no added cost to either return the road to its current setup if the pilot is not successful, or to keep the new bike lanes if the pilot program is adopted.
The pilot project now has the distinction of having a page of its own on the city web site. For more information about the New Street road diet, including responses to some of the most frequently asked questions from the community about the pilot, please visit www.burlington.ca/newstreetdiet.
By Staff
August 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Intercounty Baseball League today announced the schedule for the 2016 championship final series between the defending champion Barrie Baycats and Toronto Maple Leafs. Barrie finished the regular season in third place while Toronto finished fifth.
Barrie won the season series between the two teams, 5-1.
 IBL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FOR THE DOMINICO TROPHY (Best of Seven Series)
GAME 1 – Tuesday August 30 at Barrie 7:30 pm
GAME 2 – Wednesday August 31 at Toronto 7:30 pm
GAME 3 – Saturday September 3 at Barrie 7 pm
GAME 4 – Sunday September 4 at Toronto 2 pm
GAME 5 – Tuesday September 6 at Barrie 7:30 pm
* GAME 6 – Wednesday September 7 at Toronto 7:30 pm
* GAME 7 – Thursday September 8 at Barrie 7:30 pm*
* If necessary
Don’t expect the Barrie Baycats to take the championship for the third consecutive year – they are up against the Toronto Maple Leafs – THE scrappiest team in the league this year. They do not go down easily.
 By Pepper Parr
August 30, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Teresa’s uniquely sculptural fine art stained glass is an artistic trademark featuring multi layers of glass panels with spun wire. Her use of a refined colour pallet creates a mood and atmosphere that is distinctive to Teresa, making her one of Canada’s most notable emerging stained glass artists whose work is in a number of prominent homes in the area.
 Teresa Seaton and Slam poet Tomy Bewick joined talents to do a remarkably moving installation at the third annual No Vacancy event last year. Seaton is one of 17 artists who will set up her installation for the 7:00 pm opening of the Fourth Annual No Vacancy event taking place on Friday. September 16th at the Art Gallery of Burlington. Each year the No Vacancy events are given a unique name – this year, their fourth they are calling the collection of installation MoonGlade.
Each artist determine how the want to use there art to create a space that you walk into – one doesn’t just look at art hung on a wall – you interact with it.
Jim Riley, an installation artist in hiw one right, as a “three dimensional art form that is often specifically designed to use the walls, floor and space of a room as a sculptural artwork itself. The artist uses objects, video, sound or other material to create the artwork. The audience enters in to the space and becomes part of the actual artwork as opposed to passively looking at one sculpture, one painting one video or other singular artwork.”
 Teresa Seaton was awarded a commission by the city of Burlington to create a piece of public art for ward 3. Seaton graduated from York University, BFA in drawing and sculpture, then completed her Graphic Design Diploma at Sheridan College leading her to successful career as Senior Designer and Creative Director with clients from Toronto to New York.
 Teresa chose stained glass to express her artistic voice in 2001. Working full time as a stained glass Artist she opened the doors of Teresa Seaton Studio & Gallery in 2013. Teresa’s gallery features a large selection of her latest works and now exhibits the work of established and emerging Canadian artists.
Last year Seaton worked with Slam poet Tomy Bewick; together they used his poem and Seaton’s stained glass feathers to tell a unique story.
Their performance was close to the best, if not the best installation last year.
Friday, September 17th, 7:00 pm to 11 pm in Brock Park, behind the Art Gallery of Burlington and inside the art gallery as well.
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