 By Staff
November 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The wind has gone out of any sail that may have been propelling a teachers strike at the elementary level – any level for that matter.
 Two teachers totally captivated by the tweets coming in on their Smart Phones. The Halton District School Board say they are pleased that a tentative local agreement has been reached with the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Halton Teachers Local representing more than 2,800 Halton elementary teachers.
The province nailed down their deal with the teachers and now each Region settles local issues. Halton reached a tentative agreement which has only to be ratified by the teachers.
The tentative deal must be ratified by both the local Halton ETFO teacher members and the Halton District School Board.
Terms of the tentative agreement remain confidential until the ratification process is completed. We will pass along whatever we can dig out on the terms of the agreement.
Assume a residential Current Value Assessment (CVA) of $417,645,000 – the tax bill would amount to $1, 625.18
Here is how the city allocates and spends that money.
The provision for the hospital will stay in place for a few years – and when the $60 million the city had to raise as its portion of the re-development/re-build of the hospital has been paid – council has already decided that the tax will remain in place and be used to get the large backlog of infrastructure work done.
It would have been nice if they had asked you.
 By Pepper Parr
November 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Storm water management began getting all kinds of attention soon after the floods of 2014 but it had been on the city’s radar screen well before that.
Former city manager Jeff Fielding had some ideas that would have resulted in a separate corporate entity that would have managed storm water and create a new revenue opportunity for the city – but that didn’t even get off the ground.
 The plaza and mall operators can expect to see a significant tax added to their operating costs – the smarter ones will begin looking for remedies. While Burlington was spending millions getting an understanding on why so much damage was done –other municipalities were developing plans to collect revenue for a problem that was now being looked at by everyone.
At the Budget review meeting held last week Councillor Lancaster asked how Waterloo handled storm water and was told that they had done a lot of public engagement and had a program that offers a credit of up to 45% of the stormwater utility fee for properties that manage their stormwater.
Residential stormwater management techniques can include rain barrels, trees, cisterns, infiltration measures or rain gardens.
Burlington has yet to create a program to collect any revenue but it is very clear that such a fee is coming our way.
Lancaster wanted to see incentives for people and a program that was easy to administer.
On Friday a group of insurance executives and senior people from Ontario municipalities met at the Royal Botanical Gardens to hear what the insurance industry was thinking and learn what some municipalities were doing.
 A storm water management tax is going to hit the bottom line of the malls – might result in significantly different parking lost designs as well. Could Burlington have become a leader in this field.  The mall operators will never put in parking meters but they will be thinking through how to redesign their parking lots to limit the damage storm water does on large space with no effective way for water to run off. There is certainly going to be a fee. The figure of $50 to $100 was mentioned for the average household with everything being based on how much ground there was.
The focus was not on just what a homeowner would have to pay- those with large parking lots are the ones going to take the hardest hit.
That includes the large malls who will have to build the tax into their cost of doing business. Places of worship that have large parking lots are going to have to find a way to pay a tax as well. Traditionally churches have been exempt from taxes. Those days appear to be coming to an end.
The stormwater credit program in Waterloo is available for commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-residential properties, based on the stormwater quality, quantity and education measures in place.
The good people of Burlington can expect to see something come out of city hall on how storm water management is going to be paid for early in the New Year.
Exactly who will manage the program and where the leadership will come from isn’t at all clear.
 City General Manager Scott Stewart will be taking his smile and his skill sets to Guelph. we are losing a good one. Earlier this month general manager Scott Stewart gave his resignation to the city manager and will take up the job of Deputy CAO of Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise Services in Guelph; he begins that job December 7th.
Stewart had been in the running for the job of city manager for Burlington twice – he was passed over both times and decided it was time to move on. There was a time when Burlington had three general managers – come December we will not have any – everything will land on the desk of James Ridge who took up the job late in March.
The management team below General manager has also seen a number of changes.
That roster currently includes:
Mike Spicer – Director of Transit
Cathy Robertson – Director Roads and Parks Maintenance
Nancy Shea Nicol – Director of Legal Services and city solicitor.
Joan Ford – Director of Finance
Bruce Zvaniga was the Director of Transportation – Vito Tolone is currently serving as the interim Director.
Chris Glenn – Director Parks and Recreation
Sheila Jones – City Auditor
Christine Swenor – Director of Information |Technology Services
Bruce Krushelnicki was Director Planning and Building – he has been replaced by Mary Lou Tanner.
Alan Magi runs Capital Works
Roy Male ran Human Resources for years – he retired and was replaced by Laura Boyd.
 Joan Ford, the city’s Director of Finance knows where every dollar comes from and where every dollar gets spent. The only person who could move into the role of a General Manager would be Joan Ford who does a superb job at finance. She is backed up by a solid team.
James Ridge has his work cut out for him. He has a number of messy files on his desk – none that he created – just past problems that are not going to go away. He has a Strategic Plan that has to be completed; his work plan has about 50 blank spots in it – no reflection on his management ability – he needs to know what Council is going to approve in the way of a Strategic Plan before he can know what he has to do.
Ridge’s biggest task is going to be creating the team that will work with him to move the city forward. The completion of the Official Plan Review is also in the wings. That work was progressing quite well – it has been moved to the back burner while Council focused on the Strategic Plan.
Then it got brought forward again – to the surprise of the Planner working on the file who was left with the impression that it had to be done quick quick quick.
Official Plans don’t lend themselves to quick quick quick.
Andrea Smith has been doing a superb job – better guidance on time lines and where the development of the plan fits into the bigger picture is what she needs most.
If you’re getting the impression that there is a little disarray at the most senior level at city hall you are more right than wrong.
 Municipal^pal civil servants are for the most part dedicated innovative people who work hard. They need an environment in which they can excel. The municipal world works at a pace that is significantly different than the private sector. There are some exceptional people who work within the municipal sector – they are creative, innovative and genuinely want to make the cities they work for better places to live. But they have to be led and Burlington has had some challenges at this level.
The current city council is not of one mind. There are very distinct differences between members of Council; there are council members who have been at the table far too long and solid strong leadership from the person who wears the chain of office just isn’t there.
 City Council – This is not a team that pulls together and it certainly is not of one mind. Every member of the current Council was re-elected in 2014. The taxpayers now have to settle for what they chose. And get used to the idea of an additional tax they will have to pay.
 By Staff
November 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Do you happen to have any photographs of the Lakeside Plaza taken way way back when it was first opened? During those days when it thrived?
 There is going to be a visioning exercise that will involve the community on what the existing Lakeside Plaza might look like as it works its way towards future development.
The team of architects putting together a visual presentation would like to find some old pictures – if you have some you are prepared to loan them – be in contact with Cynthia Zahoruk, 905-331-4480: by email at – cz@czarchitect.com
The visioning event will take place at the Robert Bateman High school cafeteria at 7:00 pm Tuesday the 24th of November.
By Pepper Parr
November 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
What do we know about ourselves as taxpayers – and how do we compare with other jurisdictions in terms of the value we get for the dollars we pay?
At the first peek of the budget for the next fiscal year we got a sense of what the city plans to do with the dollars it gets from you.
The tax bill you get is for three levels of government: the city; the Regional government and the Boards of Education. City council can only influence and change its budget – and at this point it looks like they are going to want an increase of 3.85% over what they asked for last year.
Every city council likes to boast that they have a lower tax rate relative to their neighbours. The chart shown compares data for 2015 – Oakville will have a lower rate than Burlington for the fiscal years we are going into.
How much of the household budget gets spent on paying for services – quite low. We certainly don’t get the same value for money from the food we purchase.
Based on what has been proposed Burlington is going to have the highest increase in the Region. Is there any one expense category that puts us at the top? Road repair. The city let its infrastructure slide for too many years and is now spending heavily to get caught up.
That one time hospital levy that is going to be with us for a while yet hasn’t helped – but we needed the hospital. The old Joseph Brant Memorial hospital had passed its best before date some time ago.
Tax increases during the period of time the seven members of the current council have been in office – they were all re-elected in 2014 – is nothing to write home about. The exceptionally low increase in 2011 was the result of some very bold moves made by first term council member Paul Sharman. It was a bold move then, unfortunately, hasn’t been repeated.
That blue line running through the bar charts is very misleading – members of Council love to refer to a number that includes taxes from all three levels of government – the other two levels of government are lower than what the city wants – when all three are added together the total as an average is lower – misleading – your politicians playing mind games with you.
What makes the line misleading is that there is nothing Burlington can do to change the education tax and not that much they can do to impact the Regional tax levy. The city is completely responsible for the taxes it asks it citizens to pay – and it is at that level that they have to be judged.
While the city has a tonne of money salted away in reserve funds – it still has to borrow funds. The province is required by the province to maintain reserve funds for everything from winter snow removal costs to information technology upgrades.
Burlington has a policy of not letting the debt charges as a percentage of net revenues to climb beyond 12.5% – the province will not allow a municipality to have a debt ratio higher than 25%
The proposed operating budget for the 2014-15 is set out below. The one to keep your eye on is that Storm Water management – expect to see a new line on your tax bill for between $50 and $100 for every household with a driveway. Parking lots will be assessed a tax for Storm Water as well which is going to hit the malls where it hurts
 By Staff
November 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It must be awkward when you lose track of just how many gold medals you’ve won – that seems to be the case for the Burlington Girls Hockey Association – collectively known as the Barracudas.
After running a piece on the three gold medals different teams won we were advised by their communications person that: “I’ve just been informed that we actually won FOUR Gold Medals these past two weeks.”
This was won by the Bantam BB – Gold Medal – Waterloo Ravens Fall Challenge Cup. November 6-8, 2015.
That is certainly worth a picture which we share with you.
Previous Gold medal wins
Burlington Girls Hockey Club – BB Bantam – winners of the Gold Medal – Waterloo Ravens Fall Challenge Cup. November 6-8, 2015.
 By Staff
November 20, 2105
BURLINGTON, ON
SeeClickFix service disruption – November 23, 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
The City of Burlington’s SeeClickFix applications used to report potholes, vandalism, coyote sighting, traffic signs, traffic signals, and street lights will be unavailable on Nov. 23 from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
 By Staff
November 20th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Barracudas – Burlington Girls Hockey Club, founded in 1996 – brought home three gold medals from tournaments this month.
The Club provides a safe and fun place for young athletes to play hockey. The not-for-profit organization has more than 750 girls playing Canada’s favourite sport and offers programs for girls ages 4 to 21 at both the house league and competitive levels.
They brought home three GOLD tournament medals, from three different tournaments including:
Bauer World Hockey Invitational in Detroit, MI
Rochester, NY Fire On Ice Tournament
Barrie Sharkfest Tournament
What do a bunch of winners look like:
 Bantam AA — Gold Medalists — Bauer World Hockey Invitational in Detroit, MI November 13-15, 2015. Burlington Girls Hockey Club – Bantam AA with second place team, Little Caesars of Michigan  PeeWee BB — Gold Medalists — Rochester, NY Fire On Ice Tournament November 4-6, 2015 Front Row: Ella Arsenault, Callista Thompson Middle Row: Renee Doucet, Claire Shepherd, Reese Andreychuk, Savannah Singh, Aliya Armstrong, Peyton Bear, Regan Duffy Back Row: Madison Dilworth, Charlie Lewis, Madisson Fonseca, Madison Uba, Kristen Hazlett, Ainsley Kaszecki, Jessica Anderchek, Kira Rowe  Peewee A — Gold Medalists — Barrie Sharkfest Tournament November 13-15, 2015
 By Pepper Parr
November 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON.
The buttons are bursting of the shirts and the blouses of the people over at Burlington Hydro – they have been recognized as a Hamilton-Niagara Top Employer by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers.
The community-owned utility has been recognized as a Hamilton-Niagara Top Employer. The regional designation recognizes Hamilton-Niagara area employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.
The acknowledgement of Burlington Hydro as a leading employer requires, above all, kudos back to their employees for their unwavering commitment to making Burlington a great place to live, work and play.
 The opening of an experimental co-generation station – part of the city’s Community energy Plan spearheaded by Burlington Hydro. During the ice storm a few years ago the team ay hydro worked through the Christmas holidays to get hydro wires off the ground and operational again under exceptionally trying circumstances. It was a team effort that week – it’s a team effort every week over there.
“At Burlington Hydro we understand that at the core of a talented and inspired company is a highly trained workforce that goes the extra mile and always takes pride in serving our customers and the community,” said Gerry Smallegange, President and Chief Executive Officer, Burlington Hydro Inc. “That’s why providing a safe and respectful workplace where employees are highly valued, treated fairly, and challenged with meaningful work is a number one priority.”
Electricity is integrated into the fabric of our lives. It keeps our businesses running and supports our emergency services, our schools and our institutions. Electricity is an essential ingredient in the prosperity of the City of Burlington. Burlington Hydro employees make it all possible. Together, they operate an electricity distribution system recognized among the best in the Province for its innovation, reliability and safety track record.
 The Burlington Hydro people were in the field with city staff when hydro wires were down during an ice storm. It is behaviour like that which gets rewarded. “Attracting, developing and retaining talent is an investment in our future and it’s instrumental in creating a sustainable and stable company,” says Charles Keizer, Board Chair, Burlington Hydro Electric Inc. “It’s part and parcel of a work environment where employees are encouraged and motivated to excel.”
Burlington Hydro is an energy services company in the power distribution business. Serving approximately 66,500 residential and commercial customers. It is also a very innovative organization that is usually several steps ahead of other hydro organizations.
 It was during the Christmas holidays – the wires were down, people needed the electricity – hydro crews re-built a large part of the network in the rural part of the city. Burlington Hydro maintains 32 substations and almost 1,600 kilometers of medium voltage distribution lines to deliver electricity. The company is wholly owned by the City of Burlington and makes a very significant financial contribution to the city’s balance sheet.
 By Staff
November 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Looking for something for the kids to do on the PD Day Friday, November 27?
Join Collective Hearts Burlington for a free movie day at Cine Starz Burlington.
 The event will be held from 12pm until 3pm at Cine Starz Burlington. Come out for a screening of Pan, Inside Out or Minions, family-friendly activities, and coupons from The WORKS Gourmet Burger Bistro, Wendel Clark’s, Curdz Poutinerie and more.
This event is brought to you by Collective Hearts Burlington, a group of nine charitable organizations celebrating Burlington’s designation as “The Giving City” and acknowledging the significant role that philanthropy plays in helping define, shape and educate our community.
Friday November 27, 2015
Time: 12pm- 3pm (films start at 1pm)
Location: Cine Starz Burlington
Upper Canada Place
460 Brant St., Unit 3
Burlington, ON L7R 4B6
Movie Selections: Pan, Inside Out or Minions
Seating is limited. Please arrive early as seating is first-come, first serve.
By Staff
November 19th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton District School Board Trustees voted unanimously in favour of the appointment of David Boag as Associate Director, effective December 1, 2015.
The decision fills the vacancy left when former Associate Director Stuart Miller was appointed to the role of Director of Education in October.
 Trustees approve the appointment of the number two man in the administrative structure of the Halton District School Board “The high caliber of the candidates who came forward willing to take on this role made the decision a difficult one,” says Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. He added that “David has been an integral part of our senior administrative team, and his commitment to students, as well as a comprehensive yet compassionate approach to problem-solving while recognizing the needs of the student and school communities, will continue to serve this Board well.”
 David Boag – appointed Associate Director o Education Halton District School Board effective December 1st. David Boag’s Halton teaching career began in 1988 at Lester B. Pearson and Queen Elizabeth Park High Schools, before he took on the role of Department Head at Lord Elgin and EC Drury High Schools. His administrative experience as Vice Principal at MM Robinson, Robert Bateman, Lord Elgin and EC Drury High Schools prepared him for a lead role in the Board’s Learning to 18 Initiative. As principal, David was able to utilize this experience at Robert Bateman and at Gary Allan High School where he focused on alternative and adult education. He was also instrumental in developing strategies to re-engage students to return to school – a successful program that continues to offer graduation opportunities to returning students to this day.
 Both the Director of Education and the Associate Director of Education appointed by Halton District school Board trustees came from within the organization – is there going to be any new blood brought in and an expansion of the gene pool. David was appointed as Superintendent of Education in 2009 with responsibility for Student Services, and as Superintendent of Education with responsibility for School Programs (secondary) and Student Success this past year. As Superintendent, David was also instrumental in the development and implementation of the Employability Skills and Community Skills Certificates, and the Board’s Mental Health strategy.
David is committed to the provision of safe and inclusive learning environments for students, providing engaging and responsive instruction, and opening doorways and creating pathways for students who may find challenges in their educational careers.
“I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities in this new role,” says David Boag. “I am very excited to continue working with a very talented senior administrative team and Board of Trustees to support all our staff in creating conditions to improve student learning and well-being.”
By Staff
November 19, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayor Rick Goldring is hosting a community meeting on December 1 at Mainway Recreation Centre to discuss how the community can come together to support Syrian refugees.
 During the last civic election Mayor Goldring faced a bit of a conundrum – there was a socially significant event taking place but because of the election Goldring felt he could not use city property. There is no election taking place now and our Mayor is gong to provide the kind of leadership every livable city needs. Kudos for him on this one. The event takes place at 7:00 p.m. at 4015 Mainway. Speakers will include officials from the federal and provincial governments, Lifeline Syria, organizations that welcome newcomers, faith-based groups and service clubs.
Burlington does not have a council or any other kind of faith based group made up of all the local clergy that meets on a regular basis. Someone had to call this kind of meeting – kudos to the Mayor for leading this initiative.
The Mayor’s office would like to get a sense as to what different churches are doing – for more detailed information or to confirm your attendance, please contact Mayor Goldring’s office at 905-335-7607 or email mayor@burlington.ca.
By Staff
November 19, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There has been considerable concern within the community about just where things stand with the ADI Development Group application to build a 26 storey residential building at the intersection of Martha Street and Lakeshore Road.
Tom Muir has been actively pursuing ward two Councillor Marianne Meed Ward for some answer – he wasn’t satisfied with the answers he was getting and the Gazette, as well as a number of other people, did not buy into what Meed Ward had to say about the application.
 The development site looking south from Martha Street. Meed Ward advised the Gazette earlier this week that she had asked James Ridge, the city manager, to put together a document that explains the time line and where he believes the city stands as it prepares for the Ontario Municipal Board hearing.
Set out below is the time line Ridge provided.
Chronology;
Application is received September 5, 2014
Notice sign posted September 24, 2014
Public Circulation September 24, 2014 (comments requested by October 24, 2014)
Application deemed complete (i.e. “the clock starts”) September 25, 2014
Neighbourhood Meeting October 9, 2014
Technical Circulation October 17, 2014 (comments requested by November 19, 2014)
Comments from Departments and External Agencies are received October 21, 2014 – March 11, 2015
Staff request a Parking Justification / Reduction Study from the applicant November 28, 2014
Information Report is due to Manager December 8, 2014
Information Report is due to Director December 15, 2014
Information Report is due to GM December 18, 2014
Information Report is due to Clerks January 7, 2015
Statutory Public Meeting (D&I) January 19, 2015
Council Meeting January 26, 2015
Staff meet with applicants to discuss application February 9, 2015
Applicant provides Parking Justification / Reduction Study February 16, 2015
Recommendation Report is due to Manager March 2, 2015
Recommendation Report is due to Director March 9, 2015
Recommendation Report is due to GM March 13, 2015
Recommendation Report is due to Clerks March 18, 2015
Recommendation Report is publicly available online March 23, 2015
“Day 180” since the application has been filed March 24, 2015
Applicant provides notice to Clerks Dept that they are appealing the application March 26, 2015
Recommendation Report Meeting (D&I) March 30, 2015
Council Meeting April 20, 2015
Here are his un-edited comments:
 Architects rendering of the structure the ADI Development Group wants to build at the intersection of Martha Street and Lakeshore Road. One of the key concerns for some involves the mistaken belief that an OMB appeal is automatically triggered when the 180 day threshold is missed. This is not the case. The applicant chooses whether to trigger an appeal after 180 days. In other circumstances where our review has gone past the 180 days, the great majority of applicants do not to appeal. Moreover, an applicant can choose to appeal before the 180 day threshold if they do not like a Council position on their application.
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CITY OF MISSING THE 180 DEADLINE?
There will be a separate briefing note on this issue released publicly very soon. However, simply stated, the city’s rights and ability to make our case to the OMB are not diminished after the 180 day period, nor are the appellant’s rights or abilities increased. Suggestions that the City’s appeal rights, or powers are somehow compromised by missing the 180 days are incorrect. Again, a more detailed explain of the relevant case law will follow.
WHY DID WE MISS THE 180 DAY THRESHOLD?
Many applications reviewed by the City go past the 180 day threshold. The ADI application was not an isolated or rare event. The key reasons the City misses the 180 day threshold are:
1. The 180 day threshold is almost certainly not long enough given Burlington’s enhanced public consultation process. We have asked the Province for a longer timeframe, either for all municipalities, or municipalities like Burlington who have chosen to undertake greater consultation than required by the Planning Act.
2. Major revisions to a project, which are common, do not trigger a reset of the 180 day clock.
3. Perhaps most significantly, many of the external agencies that must provide comment before we can finalize a report, are delayed in getting their comments to the City. In every case there is a critical date at which point it becomes impossible to finalize a report in time to meet the 180 day threshold if external comment is still missing. These external bodies have very real and legitimate workload and priority-setting challenges of their own and often simply can’t turn around a response in a timeframe that would allow the City to meet the 180 day threshold.
Point 3 above was the key reason the ADI application went over 180 days. In order to have a report written and ready go to Committee and Council cycle for March (to have Council consider the recommendation within the 180 days), the report needed to be completed on February 2nd. But on that date we were missing two critical inputs:
• A key parking study from the applicant
• Comments from a key external partner (out of respect for the partner we would rather not name them).
I want to be clear we are not criticizing either the applicant or external partner for these delays. In each case there were legitimate and real workload and timing issues for them.
In short, as of Feb 2, there was no possible way to complete a report in time to meet the 180 days.
 James Ridge, city manager, former Military Police Officer: Is this a man you want to argue with? It should be noted that Ridge was not the city manager when most of the above happened, but the problem is now on his desk.
We await with interest, the additional material that is being put together.
We hope as well that the city’s administration will look upon this as a teachable moment and make information public so that people are aware of what the issues are; what the problems are and have some sense as to what city hall is doing.
Ridge is new to the file – he probably deeply regrets that it is on his desk at all – hopefully he will instill in staff, and the communications department in particular, a different approach to the way the public is kept informed.
The Gazette has, since its beginning, said that “an informed public can make informed decisions.
Ridge adds the following information:
Application and approval process
 ADI Development Group wants to put a 26 storey tower on a .136 hectare parcel of land at 374 Martha Street. The zoning of the property allows four storeys in height with the potential to increase the height to eight storeys through a rezoning application. In 2014, Adi Developments submitted an application to the City of Burlington for a 28-storey condo to be developed on a .136 hectare parcel of land at 374 Martha Street. The zoning of the property allows four storeys in height with the potential to increase the height to eight storeys through a rezoning application.
City of Burlington staff in March 2015 presented to the city’s Development and Infrastructure Committee a thorough report that looks at all facets of the Martha Street proposed development. City staff recommended that City Council reject the application, for reasons that include height, parking issues and traffic impact. Council voted unanimously to support the staff recommendation.
Requirements of the Planning Act
The city has 180 days, under the Planning Act, to respond to this type of development application before a developer can appeal its application for amendments to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). However, the City of Burlington does not believe that the 180-day time frame set out in the Act is sufficient, and we have communicated this to the province.
Burlington undertakes additional community consultation steps over and above the consultation that is required by the Act–steps that are not in place in many other cities. As a result, the 180-day threshold is often hard to reach. This was one of those circumstances.
As sometimes happens with complex reports requiring a high level of engagement with the community and government partners, this report went to City Council for endorsement in April 2015, after the 180-day period.
It should be emphasized that while exceeding the 180-day review timeframe was the ground for the OMB appeal in this case, Adi Developments still had the right to appeal the city’s decision if they disagreed with the City Council decision had it been made within the statutory time frame. I would add that in the great majority of other planning applications where the city’s review process has taken more than 180 days, applicants have chosen not to appeal to the OMB. The 180 threshold does not automatically trigger and OMB appeal, that decision is entirely up to the applicant. Even if the City Council decision happens after the 180 days, the city retains full right to make its case to the OMB.
Appeal to the OMB
A pre-hearing is scheduled for December 2015, and a full hearing is scheduled for March 2016. The city will continue to vigorously oppose the proposed development. The city has said publicly that an application for 28 storeys is well beyond what is appropriate in this location, for both height and density.
The city will provide all the information necessary to ensure we balance the development of our city with the preservation of our neighbhourhoods. We are committed to practicing planned, deliberate growth with community input.
 ADI Development Group put up the sign without running it by the bylaw office – a complaint brought the matter to city hall who met with legal to determine if it was a sign, a fence or a hoarding – it was determined to be a sign and it had to be taken down. Civility does not seem to exist in the relationship between the developer and the city. Signage at the Martha Street site
There have also been complaints about the signage at the 374 Martha Street site. The city has taken the appropriate enforcement actions to ensure that Adi Developments complies with the city’s signage bylaw, and removed the signage.
If you would like more information about the proposed Martha Street development, please visit this link for more information about the proposed development, reach me by phone at 905-335-7600, ext. 7608 or respond to me by email.
By Staff
November 19th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Personal Best has always meant achieving a time better than anything that she had achieved before for Kerry Halcovitch.
That personal best takes on a new dimension for Halcovitch who celebrates one year as a pancreatic cancer survivor.
Her next personal best? To compete in Ironman, Mont Tremblant, in June 2016 as a pancreatic cancer patient!
 For Kerry Halcovitch – personal best is a daily triumph. Pancreatic Cancer is a devastating diagnosis. 75% will pass within 3-9 months from diagnosis. 92% will not survive 5 years. These grim statistics have essentially remained relatively unchanged for over 40 years. In fact, research indicates that incidences of pancreatic cancer are in fact on the rise.
On Sunday, November 22nd, 2015 Burlington resident, Kerry Halcovitch, will kick off her Ironman training by inspiring 150 runners and walkers with her story of courage. She will then lead the 5km “Light Up the Lake” run starting from the Burlington Waterfront Hotel.
She will be speaking at 5:45 – it will be worth listening to.
Kerry and her husband David Halcovitch both work in law enforcement. Kerry is the Executive Assistant to Stephen Tanner, the Chief of the Halton Regional Police Service.
Kerry has run the Boston Marathon and is an Ironman athlete. David is a retired police officer, who completed his policing career with the Hanover Police Service as the Chief of Police. He presently is an international security specialist.
By Staff
November 19th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Anyone interested in learning more about the Forensic Identification Unit, the Tactical and Rescue Unit, or the Collision Reconstruction Unit of the Halton Regional Police Service might want to follow up on a really interesting opportunity.
Are you curious to know what it’s really like to be a police officer? Want to know about fraud and identity theft prevention?
The Halton Regional Police Service still has spots available for the upcoming session of the Citizen Police Academy. This informative and innovative program runs from 7-10 pm every Tuesday night for twelve weeks, between January 26th and April 12th 2016.
 How do the police choose dogs for the canine unit and how does the police officer handle the actual training – and where does the dog go at night? Each week participants are given presentations on various aspects of the Police Service. Just a few of the areas of the Police Service that are covered include Recruiting, Hostage Negotiations, Major Crime Investigations, Police Training Unit, Polygraph, Morality/Drugs, and the Communications Bureau.
This voluntary program is designed for anyone who wants to improve their knowledge of their local Police Service, and policing in Canada in general.
 How do the police get video from crime scenes and how do they analyze the information? Preference is given to persons who reside in, work in, or own a business in the Region of Halton.
For more information go online:
A current email address is mandatory for communication purposes and correspondence.
 By Staff
November 19, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Later today the first of several hundred people will arrive at the Art Gallery of Burlington, select a soup bowl and enjoy soups from some of the best kitchen in the city.
One of the recipes comes from the kitchen of the Pearl and Pine Retirement Residents where Chef Daniel oversees the meals prepared for the resident.
The private dining room looks better than most restaurants in this city.
 Chef Daniel Obeng, a Ghanaian by birth was raised in a tougher part of Toronto but overcame that background and is now the Executive Chef at the Pearl and Pine said that beets are one of his favourite vegetables “I just love the colour and the different things you can do with a beet.
 Chef Obeng trained at the renowned George Brown Culinary school in Toronto as well as studying at the Humber and the Stratford schools.
The soup will be one of dozens that will be served at the Art Gallery during the fund raising event which runs from the 19th to the 22nd. Not to be missed
Roasted beet Volute
Ingredients: Makes about 4 servings
1 cup diced peeled beets
2cloves minced garlic
2 cups chicken broth
2 stalk celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 1/2 cup 35% cream
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon dried thyme
4 Tablespoon EVOO (divided)
S/P to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
The Smoke seeds:
1cup pumpkin seeds
1 puck Hickory flavored bisquettes
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Place beets into a baking dish, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and black pepper.
Roast in the preheated oven until tender, about 1 hour; allow to cool. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat, and stir in the celery, onion, and garlic.
Cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Mix in the cooked vegetables, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf, bring to a boil, and reduce heat.
Simmer until the celery is very tender, about 45 minutes. Remove from heat, and discard the bay leaf. Puree the mixture in the pot with an immersion blender until its smooth; stir in the cream and lemon juice. Season the soup and pass through a fine chinois and serve, garnish with smoke pumpkin seeds
Add the remainder oil to the seeds, season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
Smoke for 1 hour.
What is this soup recipe all about – learn more.
By Staff
November 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
And so it begins. The project that was mentioned in a local newspaper in 1985 and approved in 1995 will see shovels in the ground very early in the New Year – perhaps New Year’s day if Jeff Paikin has his way.
Until the construction starts there is utility level work to be done. On Monday of next week a hydro line crossing will be installed which will close the west entrance of Old Lakeshore Road. All businesses remain open.
 The first phase of construction will include the burial of hydro lines. This work is expected to take approximately ten weeks. During the construction, there will be some minor lane disruptions and a one-day closure of the intersection at Lakeshore Road and Old Lakeshore Road.
Also as part of the construction, the section of Elizabeth Street, south of Lakeshore Road, will be closed until November 2018. Access to the Waterfront Hotel is available through the north driveway.
For more information, please contact Carol Gulak, Capital Works, City of Burlington at 905-335-7600, ext. 7772 or carol.gulak@burlington.ca.
By Staff
November 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Matt Dusk has forged a career in music that has resulted in four critically-acclaimed studio albums. He will be singing many of those songs when he returns to the stage of the Performing Arts Centre November 27th – one night only.
Dusk was last in Burlington November of 2012; they loved him then.
 Matt Dusk – when he does My Funny Valentine – give the hand of the person with you a nice little squeeze. His latest CD release, My Funny Valentine: The Chet Baker Songbook, is backed up by an eighty piece orchestra and numerous special guests including: Grammy award-winner Arturo Sandoval, Juno award-winner Guido Basso, Juno award-nominee Emilie-Claire Barlow, and Straight-No-Chaser alumn Ryan Ahlwardt. Together they pay homage to one of the most popular musicians of the twentieth century, Chet Baker.
Dusk will be in Burlington Friday November 27 – he won’t have the 80 piece orchestra but he will be holding the microphone and crooning to the delight of those who know his work.
There was only the one Frank Sinatra – but this young man nevertheless has a fine voice and the memories will surface as you listen
 Matt Dusk – working the microphone. “When I was growing up, I listened to what normal kids listened to: pop music. But in our house, my parents had the radio tuned to the classical station, however, at night they played jazz,” recalls the former choir boy. “And that’s how I discovered jazz; specifically Chet Baker. I remember saving my allowance, then heading to the record store where I’d rummage through the bins looking for his music. I eventually got a trumpet, learned how to play, but I quickly learned that should left to the professionals! When I made this record, I wanted to go back to my roots and pay homage to the artists who influenced me, one of them being Chet Baker.”
Tickets to Matt Dusk at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre November 27 at 8:00pm can be purchased online (www.burlingtonpac.ca) or by phone 905-681-6000 or in person at the Box Office located at 440 Locust Street.
By Staff
November 18th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
 There is a reason for the smile on this guy’s face – he is ahead fifty big ones. There is a reason for the smile on this guy’s face – he is ahead fifty big ones.
Jordan Cairns, a Burlington resident was the winner of the Lay’s Do Us a Flavour contest.
Earlier this year, Lay’s asked Canadians to submit regional flavour ideas for the next great potato chip. Jordan was named one of four flavour finalists in August after making the contest’s shortlist. Cairn’s He used Atlantic Canada’s reputation for potato cultivation as his inspiration – one of his fondest memories growing up was enjoying freshly baked, rich and cheesy scalloped potatoes at family occasions.
Cairn’s came up with the idea for P.E.I. Scalloped Potatoes. The flavour was selected after a two-month consumer voting period.
Cairn’s won the $50,000 plus 1% of his flavour’s future sales.
The Lay’s Canada Do Us a Flavour contest has received more than 2.7 million flavour ideas from fans across the country since 2013. Jordan intends to plan an epic trip across Canada with his winnings.
 By Staff
November 18, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Two people decided to get the jump on the weekend shoppers on Monday. Just after 7:40 pm an observant Loss Prevention Officer at a local Fortinos Store observed a man and woman load a grocery cart with large quantities of merchandise and suspected they would leave without paying for the items so police were called.
The Loss Prevention Officers suspicions proved correct as the man and woman left the store with the loaded cart without paying. Uniformed officers had arrived just as the couple were exiting the store and they were immediately arrested.
Police located the couple’s vehicle in the parking lot which had recently stolen licence plates on it. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of stolen merchandise from other Burlington stores.
Items stolen include chewing gum, toothpaste, chocolate bars, perfume and toilet paper. The exact value of the items stolen is not yet known however it is believed to be in excess of $3000.00
Arrested/charged are:
Scott Cameron RUPERT (44 yrs) of Hamilton
• Theft under $5000 (Five Counts)
• Possession of property obtained by crime (Two counts)
• Fail to comply with probation
Maria MONIZ (30 yrs) of Hamilton
• Theft under $5000 (Five Counts)
• Possession of property obtained by crime (Two counts)
Both were released on a Promise to Appear with an Undertaking and will appear in Milton Court on December 16th 2015.
Ho ho ho to them.
Anyone who may have any information pertaining to these or other incidents is asked to call the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825 4747 ext. 2316, 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)
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