 By Pepper Parr
May 26, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There are a number of tall construction cranes in the downtown core and at the edges of the city as well – the kind of thing that keep the bankers and the politicians happy.
 The Melodia – It just never managed to work – despite the Performing Arts Centre right across the street. Across the street from the back of city hall a restaurant that thought they had it figured out is meeting the hard blows of the wrecking ball – the Melodia is being taken down to make room for an event larger Saxony condominium development.
 A more modern look – sharper edges – the structure now fills the site at Locust and Elgin The developer had hoped to be able to use all of the site on the corner of Locust and Elgin but the owners of the restaurant didn’t like the look of the original offer that was made. There were a number of real estate people sniffing around that site trying to make something happen.
Saxony eventually decided they would just build around Melodia. The got the Wiggsville structure off the property and went along with the wishes of the community for a four storey building when the bylaw would have allowed five storeys.
Then the owners had a change of heart and decided they would sell – that gave the developers the opportunity to develop the site to its fullest potential.
 The first version of the Saxony – had more of a classical look.  Unable to strike a deal with the owners of Melodia the Landform group decided to build around it. Along the way they appear to have had a change of heart and moved from what was classical in design and moved to a more modern look – there will be a small theatre in the ground floor of the building – that will certain add to its cachet.
 By Pepper Parr
May 26th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
The parking meters have been in place for a couple of weeks – but these two walkers don’t appear to be convinced that they can be trusted.
Which leads to the question – does the city have any sense yet that the acceptance rate of the new meters is on track.
 Two citizens are not totally certain that this device is something they want to give their money to – is that the general sense in the city? We are not hearing anything negative – but we aren’t hearing anything positive either – and we hear nothing about anyone actually using the telepark feature that lets people use their cell phone to pay for parking – and also has the potential to let commercial establishments pay for your parking.
The sense we are getting is that few appear to want to pick up that option – which is unfortunate. That part of the software was probably the most expensive.
The city is spending $500,000 on these parking meters – the public will want more than a pretty machine on the street for that kind of money.
The city is rumoured to be putting together a marketing plan – customer information package – that hasn’t hit the streets yet.
 By Staff
May 26, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
More than 30 local schools across the city have signed up to participate in Bike to School Week, a Metrolinx initiative that encourages local teachers and students to use active transportation for their daily commute to school between May 30 and June 3.
We have a question – why is Metrolinx doing this – they run the GO train service.
 School board trustee Andrea Grebenc wants to see every students using a bike to get to school. This should be a local initiative – by either the city or the school board – both would be great. School board trustee Andrea Grebenc wants every student on a bicycle.
“This event is a great way to encourage more kids and adults to leave the car at home for short distance trips,” said Vito Tolone, the city’s director of transportation. “We have seen a 600 per cent increase in the number of schools participating from 2015.”
Schools that registered for Bike to School Week by May 6 were entered into a draw for a chance to win one of 20 bike racks, provided by Healthy Kids Community Challenge Burlington and the city.
The winning schools that will be getting a bike rack are:
Aldershot Elementary School
Alton Village Public School
CH Norton Public School
Charles R. Beaudoin Public School
Dr. Charles Best Public School
Gary Allan High School (STEP Program)
Glenview Public School
Lakeshore Public School
Maplehurst Public School
Mohawk Gardens Public School
Pauline Johnson Public School
Rolling Meadows Public School
Sacred Heart of Jesus Elementary School
Sir Ernest MacMillan Public School
St. Gabriel Elementary School
St. John Elementary School
St. Mark Elementary School
St. Paul Elementary School
St. Raphael Elementary School
Tom Thomson Public School
 This is a school in need of a bike rack. Schools that register for Bike to School Week before June 1 still have an opportunity to be entered into a draw to win a Can-Bike rodeo for their school in the 2016-17 school year.
“Being active on their way to and from school not only helps children get to know their community better but also improves their health,” said Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “Active transportation is fundamental to building a healthy community.”
 For contest rules and regulations, please visit www.healthykidsburlon.ca. To register for Bike to School Week, visit www.biketoschoolweek.ca.
By Staff
May 25th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
During the period of May 17-23, uniform and plainclothes officers from across all areas of the Halton Regional Police Service supported the National driving campaign known as ‘Canada Road Safety Week’, conducting a heightened level of traffic enforcement on our area roadways.
Officers focused on what has become known as the ‘Big 4 Killers’ on our roads, including aggressive & distracted driving, impaired operation – by alcohol or drug, and seat belt use.
During the seven days of enforcement, which ended with the conclusion of the Victoria Day Long Weekend, Halton Police laid a total of 1903 charges. The top three charges included:
1. Speeding;
2. Disobey stop sign; and
3. Distracted driving (cell phone)
During this campaign, Halton Police conducted a variety of enforcement, including RIDE, to specifically address the ongoing concern of motorists choosing to drive while impaired. 12 motorists were arrested and charged with impaired driving related offences which include impaired by drug. Highlights include:
• On Friday, May 20th officers were conducting a proactive RIDE spot check on Appleby Line near Fairview Street. Over the course of the RIDE check, a driver was engaged by police as a part of the routine stop. As a result of this engagement, police discovered he was in possession approximately three pounds of marihuana. The driver was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.
• On Saturday, May 21st officers responded to a single vehicle collision below the Burlington Skyway. The female driver was subsequently arrested for impaired operation and for possessing a quantity of cocaine.
• On Sunday, May 22nd police were engaged in proactive speed enforcement on Bronte Road near Speers Road. Police noted a driver operating his motor vehicle at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop was initiated by police and the driver was found to be impaired by both alcohol and drugs. In addition, the driver was found to be in possession of a quantity of marihuana.
 Deputy Chief Nishan Duraiappah and Halton Regional Police Detective Constable Paul Proteau. Deputy Chief Nishan Duraiappah commented, “Traffic enforcement, public messaging and the time officers spend on these traffic initiatives are just one element of our collaborative strategy towards improved road safety. It involves our Region, each Municipality, partnering agencies and citizens focusing on opportunities for prevention, social development and risk mitigation.”
Halton Police would like to thank area motorists who made the choice to slow down, obey posted signage and for resisting the urge to handle your cell phone while driving. It’s a positive choice all motorists can make which will make our roads safer for everyone.
If you observe a vehicle being operated in a manner which places you or anyone else in danger, please call 911 for an immediate police response.
 By Staff
May 25, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
What did you do on the holiday weekend?
Some people took in the pier.
How many? Not as many as one might have expected – but see for yourself.
There is an eye in the sky –
https://vimeo.com/167814015
 By Pepper Parr
May 25, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The bike lobbyists have made their mark and cycling lanes are now real and most of the people behind the wheel of a car have come to realize that they are going to have to share the road. Finally!
 New Street is a major street in the city – putting safe separate bike lanes on it makes sense. Now – what kind of bike lanes?
Public safety and cost will be the considerations. The car still prevails in this city and it will be difficult for this council to spend the dollars for what is really needed – and that is a bike lane that is separate from traffic.
When people are out cycling they should not be in any fear at all for their lives.
Most of New Street can accommodate a bike lane that is off the roadway and completely safe for younger people who are not yet completely confident on their bikes, a place where seniors who might wobble a bit will not have to fear that they will slip into passing traffic.
 Councillor Jack Dennison, on the right, with members of the Mayor’s Millennial advisory committee in th background talks to a resident about the bike lanes. Little doubt where Dennison is on bike lanes – will he go along with the completely safe and separate lanes. City council will probably go along with bike lanes – something they couldn’t muster the courage to do when the debate was over putting in dedicated bike lanes on Lakeshore Road. The Mayor was for the idea when it was being debated at standing committee but lost the courage he had when it got to city council.
There were some pretty simplistic and quite frankly stupid arguments put forward at the time by people who should have known better.
Citizens should not expect their city council to make this happen – it is going to be up to the cycling lobby to show up in force as delegations and for the members of the Mayor’s new millennial advisory committee to say – enough – get on with it and do the right thing.
It is pretty clear that there is an appetite for bike lanes on New Street – what kind is the issue.
The price tag for the right kind of bike lane comes in at $3.96 million – not cheap but worth the price when you think of the parent that will be racked with fear when they hear on the radio that a child on a bike has been struck by a passing pickup truck that had wide mirrors – and they have children that use their bikes.
We are stick with cars for some time yet – the Mayor recently said that New Street is the street he drives on most in the city. Council needs to make sure that the bike lanes put in are the safest possible.
That isn’t going to be easy with price tags that range between $3.96 million to $940,000 and a low figure of $250,000 for the different options.
You will hear people talk about the $3.96 million being a Cadillac version – it isn’t – it is the safest version.
 This sidewalk – North side of New Street looking east from Robert Bateman high school as made for bike lanes.  South side of New street doesn’t have the same width – but the potential is there to widen. Bob Jerk, one of the city engineers explained to this reporter that in parts of the city the space already exists – “Right outside this high school, which I attended” he said.
The pictures are worth a thousand words.
By Pepper Parr
May 25, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
New Street shown in a single picture – this is what the debate over what kind of bike lanes do the citizens want- and what will they pay for the lanes will be about? The Region is in the process of tearing up New Street, installing new water and waste pipes. For those in that stretch of New Street that runs from Guelph Line to Martha 0 is it is like living in a dust bowl – the price of progress. Water gets turn off and then has to run for a bit when it is turned back on. The price of progress.
 New Street is being ripped up for the replacement of water mains and waste pipes. when they are re-paved – bike lanes are being considered – what kind and where – and at what cost? With the tearing up of the roads and the eventual re-paving an issue that city council has skirted around for far too long is no right in front of them.
Will there be bicycle lanes on New Street?
And if there are going to be bike lanes – what kind of bike lanes?
 Bike lanes marked with shards and low speeds are quite safe in residential communities Burlington talks about that modal split and much is made of growing the number of people who take transit, those who will use a bicycle and those who are going to drive.
What will the speed limits be ?
New Street is identified in the city Cycling Master Plan as a road with future on-road bike lanes.
On April 19, 2016, Burlington City Council approved the staff direction:
Direct the Executive Director of Capital Works and Director of Transportation Services to carry out an assessment of providing cycling facilities for New Street from Guelph Line to Burloak Drive including city wide public consultation and report back on the results and recommendations to the July 12, 2016 Development and Infrastructure Committee.’
Staff reviewed New Street (Guelph Line to Burloak Drive) for cycling infrastructure and have come out with a number of options.
There was a Public Information event Tuesday evening at the Robert Bateman High school – four different options – each with a price tag.
Here are the choices:
Option 1 has a bicycle lane on the road on the north side of the street and a shared lane on the south side of the street. There is no additional cost for this design.
Option 2 has a bicycle track on both sides of the street. This is the safest design – also the most expensive – $3.96 million
Option 3 has what is called a road diet – buffered lanes on both sides of the street. The cost would be $250,000 The public would be exposed to traffic.
Option 4 has bicycle lanes on both sides of the street with minor road widening. The cost would be $940,000 The public would be exposed to traffic.
The options will be discussed at a Standing Committee meeting on July 12 and then voted on at a meeting of city council July 18
Related editorial:
City must provide safest possible bike lanes if they expect citizens to use the things.
 By Staff
May 25, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Symphony on the Bay: The Orchestra for Kids.
May 28 11:00 AM
Admission is $10 + HST for children (one free chaperone per child).
This program was sold out last year so buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
 All this – for $10
 By Pepper Parr
May 24, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
With the Performing Arts program for the 2016/17 season now known, the next major event on the cultural calendar is the annual Art Gallery Burlington art sale – this is the 38th such sale.
It draws a different crowd than the Performing Arts; a little younger, a little more hip and a lot more fashionable. You will actually see people turned out in well-cut suits and smartly fitted dresses. This crowd usually has more in the way of disposable income.
The art sale usually has a better buzz to it – maybe that’s because it has a longer pedigree.
 Some of the choices in the 38th annual art gallery sale. The event is an occasion to chat with your peers, freshen your network and button hole someone you wanted to “bump into”.
There is an ample bar and surprisingly different finger food. The catering crowd seems to pull out their top menus for the Performing Arts crowd and then one up things at the art gallery sale.
All the art will be displayed in the Lee Chin Family room.
The sale kicks off at our Public Opening Preview on May 29th at 2pm, and runs until our Live Auction evening on June 3rd.
 Tom Thomson’s iconic Jack Pine This year’s Art Auction celebrates the 100th anniversary of The Jack Pine, a beloved oil painting by Canadian artist Tom Thomson that has become an iconic representation of the Canadian landscape. Thomson was an important influence on the Group of Seven and together they ignited a passion in Canadian artists that still resonates today.
There will be a collection of Tom Thomson paintings on display in the Perry Gallery – they are on loan from the PLACE
By Pepper Parr
May 24th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
After the reveal of a pleasantly balanced offering for the 2016/17 season the Performing Arts Centre opens the box office to the public Online sales begin at noon today. On Wednesday in person at the box office sales begin at 9:00 am with telephone sales beginning at noon.
The Centre put on a performance last Thursday that went through the full line up, and then, as is now their custom, allowed their VIP members to place their ticket orders several days before the general public gets to purchase.
 A VIP is a person who has purchased tickets for four or more shows the previous year. Those VIP’s came very close to filling the theatre last Thursday.
In the next few days we will see how the general public reacts to the program offering.
On the Performing Arts web site there is a list of the various genres that each show has been categorized under – it is eclectic.
A Cappella, Blues. Brunch. Celtic, Cirque. Classical,
Classical Crossover, Comedy, Country, Cushion Concert, Dance, Drama, Family, Folk, genNEXT, Hip-Hop, Holiday, Jazz, Latin, Musical Theatre, Orchestra, Pop, Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Soul, Spectacle, Swing, Theatre, Voices, World.
 VIP members going through the program. There are some very attractively priced shows, some that you are going to have to move very fast to get a decent seat and pretty much something for everyone.
The Performing Arts Centre is an arms length organization with its own board of directors. The organization receives a grant of just under $1 million from the city each year.
 By Staff
May 23rd, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 Tamara Kwapich – self portrait
Teresa Seaton has invited her friends to see Tamara Kwapich’s ” Feathers Fur and Fables” Exhibiton on Sun June 5th form 1pm – 4pm. She will tell you it is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Kwapich was one of six artists whose work was placed in the city – one in each ward. We will tell you more about her when her event takes place
What we can tell you wish much certainty is that you want to get to the gallery before May 29th – when the
 Michele Van Maurik peonies at the Seaton gallery. Michele VanMaurik exhibiton comes to an end on May 29th. If you haven’t had a chance to see her flowers you are really missing something.
By Pepper Parr
May 23, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 Robert Missen Robert Missen spent a lot of time managing the careers of some of the bigger names in the entertainment business. He touches base with hundreds of them each month – placing then in a venue, talking through future plans. From time to time he has a conversation with one of the best entertainment names this country has produced – Gordie Tapp who can still be coaxed onto a stage.
Four years ago Tapp was made the first inductee into the Burlington Performance Arts Centre Hall of Fame. Little did Bob Missen ever think that he would see his name on the wall.
 Bob Missen and Loretta Bailey on stage at the Lowville Festival last summer. Missen who has returned to Burlington after a number of years now operates the The Bobolink Agency.
He was the artist representative for the Elmer Iseler Singers from 1986 – 2012; sang in the Rosedale United Church for 25 years and was the director of the Norfolk Arts Centre for three years.
Missen has represented some of the country’s finest performing artists in the fields of classical, jazz and pop music, theatre, musical theatre, comedy and dance. Artists included Stuart McLean, Sylvia Tyson, Maureen Forrester, Veronica Tennant, Michael Burgess, and Men of the Deeps.
He was the founder of the Tapestry New Opera Works/Tapestry Singers which ran for 12 years.
 Robert Missen with the award, designed and crafted by Teresa Seaton, poses with Performing Arts Centre president Suzanne Haines on the left and Theatre Board chair Ilene Elkaim on the right. Missen didn’t need much time to get active in Burlington – last year he, along with Loretta Bailey and others in the Lowville community, created the Lowville Festival which has announced its second year.
It’s clear Missen is going to “bop along” for some time yet.
 By Staff
May 21, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bandits are not the only team in the Inter-County Baseball League who have yet to win a baseball game so far this season; Hamilton shares that honour with the Bandits. Maybe it’s the water in this end of the lake?
The Kitchener Panthers hit four home runs in their 12-1 win over the Burlington Bandits Saturday afternoon.
 The Bandit batters showed up – they just didn’t manage to round all the bases very often. Sean Reilly hit two longballs and added a single. He had three RBI and three runs. David Whiteside had a home run, two RBI and three runs, and Darren Saunders had a pinch hit solo blast.
Frank Camilo Morejon drove in three on a pair of doubles and scored a run, and Tanner Nivins had two hits and a run.
Eric Hall (1-0) threw five shutout innings, allowing five hits while striking out three and walking one.
Carlos Villoria had a single and double for the Bandits. Canice Ejoh scored the team’s lone run in the sixth inning.
Barinder Rakkar (0-1) took the loss, giving up seven runs (four earned) on four hits over three innings. He walked four and struck out three.
Kitchener improved to 3-0, and Burlington dropped to 0-3.
Toronto Maple Leafs edge the Guelph Royals in ninth
GUELPH – Jonathan Solazzo scored on a bases loaded walk in the the top of the ninth inning as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Guelph Royals 6-5 Saturday afternoon.
Justin Marra came to the plate after a single, hit by pitch and walk and walked on a full count to bring in the winning run. Solazzo had three hits, an RBI and run, while Grant Tamane and Dan Marra each had a hit and RBI. Will Richards had an RBI and Ryan White added a pair of hits.
Dillan Mulholland (1-0) threw 171 pitches in a complete game. He allowed four earned runs on six hits, walking six and striking out eight.
Chandler McLaren, Richard Gill, Aaron Loder and Brendan Power each drove in a run for Guelph.
Ryan Greco took the loss, giving up two runs on two hits in 2.1 innings of relief. He walked four and struck out one. Starter Matt Schmidt got two outs, allowing a run on a hit and walking two while striking out one.
Toronto improved to 2-1, and Guelph fell to 1-2.
Brantford Red Sox leave Hamilton in the dust with their convincing 15-1 win over the Cardinals
past Cardinals BRANTFORD – Ricky Murray and Nate Burdett each drove in four runs to pace the Brantford Red Sox to a 15-1 win over the Hamilton Cardinals Saturday afternoon.
Murray and Burdett each had two of the team’s 20 hits, and Murray also scored twice. Leadoff batter Benjamin Bostick had three hits, three RBI and three runs. Tyler Patzalek had three hits and scored three times, Brandon Dailey went 4-for-4 with an RBI and two runs, Dan Jagdeo drove in a run on two hits, and Graham Tebbit had three hits and two runs.
Nathan Forer (1-0) picked up the win, allowing one run on four hits over six innings, striking out eight and walking two.
For Hamilton, Tyler Hardie and Jason deVos each had two hits.
Kyle Adoranti (0-1) went two innings, giving up nine runs on eight hits, walking three and striking out two.
Brantford improved to 2-0, and Hamilton dropped to 0-4.
Upcoming games:
Sunday, May 22
London at Barrie, 1 p.m.
Burlington at Hamilton, 2 p.m.
Guelph at Kitchener, 2 p.m.
Brantford at Toronto, 2 p.m.
London at Barrie, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, May 23
Kitchener at Guelph, 1 p.m.
By Staff
May 21, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
A reader asked:
Do you happen to know why the fire hydrants on Lakeshore Road between Guelph line and Appleby line have been painted gray? Is a new fire code colour?
Burlington’s Fire Chief responded with:
 Primed and ready for a new coat of paint.  New coat of paint – it will need a touch up. The yellow top tells the fire fighters what the rate of flow for the water coming out of the hydrant will be.  Fire hydrant with a blue top – which tells fie fighters the rate of flow they can expect from the hydrant.
Fire Hydrants are the responsibility of Halton Region. They are govern by Regional by-Law 131-1 Sec 5. The Region is re-painting them. The gray colour is primer. They will be red again soon. The colour on the bonnet (top of the hydrant) identifies the flow rate.
Blue hydrants can move the largest volume of water, able to pump out 95 litres per second, while a red hydrant is the weakest, only able to pump less than 31 litres a second. Green and yellow hydrants fall in the middle ground, with the former able to dispense between 63 and 95 litres per second and the latter pumps between 31 and 63 litres per second. In Toronto and Hamilton the base (barrel) of fire hydrants are painted yellow. Halton Region has chosen to stay with the traditional red.
Now you know
 New Street is being torn up from end to end during the balance of the year so that new water and waste pipes can be put in place. Fire hydrants get a coat of paint in the process. New Street is being ripped up so that new water and waste water pipes can be installed. Many in the immediate area of the construction feel the Regional Chair Gary Car roes them at least one car wash.
 By Staff
May 21, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance identifying a male person that robbed a Burlington Petro Canada gas station in the City of Burlington.
Very early this morning – 6:10 am – a lone male person attended the Petro Canada Gas Station at 3515 Upper Middle Road in the City of Burlington.
Upon entering this business, the suspect brandished a machete type knife and confronted the lone store attendant demanding cash and cigarettes. An undisclosed amount of currency and cigarettes were handed over and the male suspect who then left the store on foot. The employee was not injured during the incident.
The suspect is described as a male, black, between 20 to 25 years of age, standing approximately 5’8″, with a thin build. He wore a black ski mask, and a grey hooded sweater that was worn inside out with a beige colored inside lining. He was also wearing grey jogging pants, black high top running shoes and white socks.
Upon exiting the store, the suspect was last seen walking in a northerly direction along Walkers Line.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext. 2316 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
May 20th , 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Teresa Seaton has invited her friends to see Tamara Kwapich’s ” Feathers Fur and Fables” Exhibiton on Sun June 5th form 1pm – 4pm.
She will tell you it is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Michele VanMaurik’s peonies We will take her word for it – what we can tell you with much certainty is that you want to get to the gallery before May 29th –which is when the Michele VanMaurik exhibiton comes to an end.
If you haven’t had a chance to see her flowers you are really missing something.
Kwapich’s was one of the artists chosen for the mural project – she did the apple scene for the Orchard community.
Tamara Kwapich – self portrait Her self portrait is an interesting piece of work.
 By Ray Rivers
May 20th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s not quite Ukraine or South Africa, but certainly more exciting that the US Congress.
Canada’s parliament turned a page as it broke into uncharacteristic chaos this past week. Unbelievably, we got to see our new prime minister body-check one member with his elbow in the course of undertaking an involuntary rescue of another from what appears to have been a deliberate defensive wall of MPs. The CBC may be considering running the parliamentary channel on Saturday nights, just so we don’t miss the best fights on TV.
 Members of the Ukraine parliament are a little more obvious wen it comes to manhandling each other. It was fitting that Canada’s near-invisible former PM, Mr. Harper, had chosen to grace the lower chamber with his presence, perhaps tipped-off to the likelihood of a skirmish among MPs ensuing. After all Harper is an avid hockey fan, having written a book on the topic. And we all know the best part of the good old hockey game is when a fight break out.
Walking into a crowded floor of opposition MP’s is nothing short of an invitation for trouble, something Mr. Trudeau should have realized, despite an apparent over-confidence in his own ability to get things done. Though there is no doubt that our PM can handle himself in a scuffle.
 Prior to becoming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dukes it out with then Senator Patrick – that left jab worked for him. Recall that boxing charity match, a few years ago, with Senator Patrick Brazeau. Martial arts pro Brazeau was the 3:1 favourite but ended up being beaten into oblivion by the son of, arguably, Canada’s most famous PM – a martial artist in his own right. This Trudeau guy is not the kind to hide in the closet were there another gun fight on Parliament Hill.
However, it appears Canada’s most positive and sensitive PM in a long time can talk softly and carry a big elbow. And Trudeau’s well-earned reputation as a fighter did him no favour, as the NDP member, who suffered the blow to her chest, used the opportunity to drag the PM down.
And honestly it was as if I’d seen a ghost. For a moment it seemed that Rob Ford was back, this time bullying his way through the corridors of the House of Commons instead of City Hall. He had been Canada’s most colourful mayor, though mostly for his notorious antics. And it’s no secret that he and his brother both had long aspired to get to that top job which Mr. Trudeau now holds.
Watching the sad episode I couldn’t help thinking about how Sunny Ways had descended into some kind of Ford-like Trudeau Nation. At least on that day, as an obviously exasperated PM appeared to be trying to assist the Tory parliamentary whip to his seat in order to complete the vote on assisted suicide. If Mr. Trudeau’s intentions had been good he had just stepped on that proverbial paved road to hell – at least until he apologized.
And Canada owns the apology, unlike the Americans and Brits who would rather die first than say they had ever made a mistake and were sorry for it. Apology is our national expression.
 The late Rob Ford, a former Mayor of Toronto, rushing around city council chamber knocks over a fellow member of council. And its not a partisan thing, Mr. Harper had done his share of apologizing, and Trudeau himself had just finished apologizing to, presumably, the descendants of a group of refugees from India which we turned back over a century ago.
Trudeau has now apologized, not once or twice, but three times for his almost inexplicable behaviour. Nobody should think his intentions were malicious, but they were clearly inappropriate. Parliament was constructed to be a theatre of confrontation. It is the role of opposition parties to damage the governing party and their agenda however they choose. In this case the PM set himself up for an ambush and he got what was coming.
Mr. Trudeau has distinguished himself with his innovative and refreshing approach to all things, from the Syrian refugees to Canada’s own aboriginal people. For that he has earned the respect of people at home and everywhere. But this Commons scuffle has taught him an important lesson about limits. There is a time and place for everything and Parliament is the place to persevere with protocol.
Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington in 1995. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject.
Background links:
Rob Ford – House Scuffle – South Africa – Ukraine – Brazeau Fight –
Trudeau on Daily Show – Apology – Apology more –
By Pepper Parr
May 20th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
There are those people who are good at what they do who just never quit.
Tim Dobbie, probably the most effective city manager Burlington every had took retirement when the incoming Mayor wasn’t quite his cup of tea and went on to create a consulting business that has served more than 100 clients.
 Dobbie with another former Burlington city manager Jeff Fielding Some administrators give it up when they have a street named after them; Dobbie went on to write the strategic plan for Milton and was offered an opportunity by Jeff Fielding to do some work in Calgary. Fielding was a city manager that came after Dobbie. Those guys all hang tight together.
It would be a journalistic coup to hear what Dobbie thinks about the current Burlington 25 year Strategic Plan but Dobbie is too much of a professional to say anything publicly.
While parts of his approach to public service may be old school – Dobbie is still recognized and appreciated by the municipal community to be awarded the Robert Baldwin Award from the Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association (OMAA).
“Tim exemplifies the professionalism, integrity and innovative spirit that are required by those in administrative leadership roles in municipal government,” said Gary Dyke, president of the OMAA and city manager for the City of Cambridge. “Our association is proud to present this award to Tim as an inspiration to our members.”
Dobbie is well-known throughout the municipal sector, having served the City of Burlington for more than 30 years, including 11 years as city manager. Tim Dobbie Drive in the Alton area of Burlington is named after Dobbie.
 Tim Dobbie, recipient of the Robert Baldwin award. “Tim Dobbie is a deserving recipient of the Robert Baldwin Award. Everywhere you look in our great city, you can find a project he helped bring to fruition,” said Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring. “He is a respected leader and community-builder in the city of Burlington.”
Robert Baldwin, who wrote the first Municipal Act, supported women’s rights and religious tolerance, and was one of the first proponents of a bicultural nation. He added the phrase “Responsible Government” to the lexicon of municipal administrators.
The Robert Baldwin Award is Ontario’s highest award for municipal public service granted by the association. It recognizes a career of achievement and service in the field of municipal administration, significant and lasting contributions to municipal and local government in Ontario and service to the community, the province and Canada by those who work in municipal government.
After retiring from the City of Burlington in 2007, Dobbie launched Tim L. Dobbie Consulting Ltd. His practice includes strategic planning, executive search, organizational reviews, service delivery reviews and mentoring for both private and public organizations.
 Burlington Community Foundation chair Tim Dobbie confers with Executive Director Coleen Mulholland before deliver a research report with some stunning data. Dobbie served as a board member for the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC), is a past president of the Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association and a former Board member of Burlington Hydro. He is a former chair of the board of directors of the Burlington Community Foundation, a member of the Board of Directors of the Goodwill Amity Group and a member of the board of directors and former president of the Burlington-Hamilton United Way, and a member of the board of the Hamilton-Burlington YMCA.
In October 2006, Dobbie received the Engineer of the Year award from the Hamilton-Halton Professional Engineers Chapter of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers and the Hamilton Engineering Institute.
I am honoured to receive the award from the award from the Ontario Municipal Administrators Association, and would like to share it with the many people who have made my successes possible,” Dobbie said. “I include in this list my family, the great leaders, staff and City Council at the City of Burlington, many people from many municipalities, and my supportive, dedicated team at Tim L. Dobbie Consulting Ltd.” Sharing the credit – typical of Tim Dobbie
By Staff
May 20th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There was a lot of noise from the public when the construction of a new Court House was announced a few years ago.
The proposed building location was going to put the public at risk, children would somehow be harmed by the existence of the building; public transit wouldn’t be adequate.
The plans proceeded nevertheless.
Last evening at the Haber Recreational Centre the public had an opportunity to look at what was going to get built on a design, build, and leaseback plan. All there was to see was floor plan layouts – the actual structure design will come from the contractor chosen to build the structure. The numerous stakeholders will have significant input – will the public be asked what it likes? Probably not.
The city put out a Request for Proposals for a new building – the court house on Fairview Plains had reached capacity and there was no room to grow. The building iexpcted to be ready for operations late in 2018 – 2019 court cases are already being scheduled for the new Court House.
 Site plan – the new Sundial community is being built on the other side of Walkers Line The operation of Court Houses turns out to be a money making proposition for the municipal governments. When the province downloaded the running of Court Houses for provincial offences to the municipalities in 2001 a financial structure was put in place that had the revenues (they call it a surplus) shared between the Region and each of the municipalities. 50% goes to the Region with the balance shared by the four municipalities based on their populations.
 Ground floor layout of the planned Court House  Second floor layout of the planned new Court House. Provincial offences include Highway Traffic Act, Small Claims Courts, and by-law matters plus anything the Conservation Authorities wants the courts to decide upon.
Criminal offences will not be heard in this Court nor will there be any Family Law cases heard here.
Detailed design is now in the hands of the city – Burlington runs the court house on behalf of the Region and the other municipalities.
A number of contractors were pre-qualified and the city is now conducting negotiations to determine the best deal which will be reported to council who will make the final decision.
 From the left, Craig Steens, city Project manager for the new Court House, Dr. Shie of Emshie Development and Franki Evans, administrator of Halton Court Services. No contractor names have been released by Dr. Shie of Emshie Development showed up at the meeting last night to chat. He was the only member of the public who took part. Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster was in the room but she spent most of her time talking to the city arborist about the Emerald Ash Bore she was having problems with on her property
The Walkers Line – Palladium Way site the Court house is to be built on was originally to be the location of the Recreation Centre.
 Young boys doing warm up exercises at the Haber Recreation Centre Someone with the ability to and 1+1+1 and come up with a total of 5 – came up with the From the left, Craig Stevensidea of combining a library, a high school and a Recreation centre on a single site – the result is one of the most exciting places in the city for young people to be young people.
By Pepper Parr
May 19th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Introducing new technology into a retail operation with a very strong brand has to be managed very very carefully. There can be no glitches.
McDonalds took a bold step and put in large screens at which people could place their food orders – the device covers all the bases and accommodates just about every need you can imagine.
 Some people prefer the smile that comes with the service from a person behind the counter. But at some locations – the devices don’t get used. “There are people who would rather talk to the person behind the counter” explained Ryan Sgro who has the ability to hold a conversation and at the same time constantly scan the service counters.
“Each McDonalds has its own environment – some get more traffic at the drive through – others have line ups that lead out the door” added Sgro.
The McDonalds on Plains Road and King Road intersection in Aldershot is one of those place people drop into – quite often a group of people getting together to have a cup of coffee. The windows on the western side draw those who want to read a newspaper in the sunshine.
For those who decide to use the screens – they are actually fun.
You sort of talk to the screen by just touching it.
 Eating in or taking it home?  I wanted an Angus burger and the options available to me were right in front of me – all I had to do was touch the screen.  I could tune up the taste as well – give it a little zip.  The result of the Angus Burger I created can be seen by the smile on my face. My friend was just as pleased with her salad The Sgro family operate six franchises in Burlington and one in Waterdown. Ralph, who started out with the McDonalds corporation a long time ago as an employee where he once worked at the Guelph Line location, drops by and remind son Ryan of a task and then nods to a customer who has been coming to the Plains Road location for years.
There are a lot of young people in Burlington who got their first job at McDonalds, said Ralph. “I’m pretty certain that we trained a lot of the people who now work at Canadian Tire because when I go in there to make a purchase I see a lot of my former staff working there” he added.
Ralph talks about the value of community for his locations. “There was once a serious fire at Walkers Line and Upper Middle Road – we made up meals for the firemen (and women) who had to battle that blaze – we ended up feeding some of the people who had to flee their homes.” Ralph explains: “We had a kitchen and food – they were hungry – we fed them.”
Ryan comments on the view some people have that the technology is taking jobs away from people.
“Nothing could be further from the truth” explains Ryan. The technology allows us to handle food orders faster which means more volume which means needing more people in the kitchen.”
Also, people can take their time in front of the screen and they usually aren’t holding anyone up – there are two of the large screens in each location. Once you get the hang of the things they are pretty easy to handle.
 The burger I created was so good – they named it after me. But the Sgro family nixed that idea – they did let me have the picture. McDonalds calls the technology – “Create your taste”.
It worked for me.
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