 By Pepper Parr
April 19, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is now a fully functioning construction site – you can tell by the number of people complaining. There must be something in the water in Burlington – or maybe we are too close to the water. We want to be a prosperous community and that means growth – places for people to live, jobs for people to earn a living. That means construction – and a little inconvenience.
 That small patch of green, centre right, is about where the landscaping and the terracing will begin that will lead to the lake’s edge. As we were walking to the Bridgewater construction site a passerby asked when it was going to be finished – she wasn’t ready for the answer – October 2018.
 The construction site – from the south west corner – the entrance to parking will be just south of the two concrete items. The project is to consist of a 22 storey condominium on the east side, an eight storey hotel on the west side and a seven storey condominium south of the hotel.
 This is the layout for the project. The project will have a wide public space with a reflecting pool in the centre between the buildings.
 This massive drill will be moving around the site drilling holes that will have the steel caissons sunk into them. Caissons are being put in place – 115 of them. They drill down 47 feet. The shaping of the land is underway so that construction the next phase of construction can get underway. There will be four level of underground parking on the northern part of the site and three and a half levels in the southern part of the site.
The hydro wires that were strung along Lakeshore Road are gone – they’ve been buried.
 Boris Kresina points to the project New Horizons is also doing on the other side of the lake. Boris Kresina oversees the construction on the site, backed up by Terry Turner. Boris does the oversight for several New Horizons development: the Bridgewater in Burlington, a project in Oakville, to in Stoney Creek. The City Square project in Hamilton is basically completed.
Bridgewater will open a new sales office on John Street in about a month.
By Pepper Parr
April 19, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It took several hours but the Community and Corporate Service Standing Committee did agree to recommend that council authorize the Mayor to write letters of support for loans and grants the LaSalle Park Marina Association wants to apply for.
Councillor Jack Dennison (Ward 4) wants the letter to be strong and forceful – it will need to be – the Marina Association is looking for $12 million.
 The option the LaSalle Park Marina Association hopes is chosen through the Environmental Assessment. The design will add 100 slips plus 20 available for transient use and more significantly provide a solid barrier that will allow fish stocks to return and breed and put an end to the wave agitation John Birch, Executive Director of the LaSalle Park Marina Association , has been toiling for a number of years at getting a permanent breakwater built for Burlington. In his delegation to council last night he pointed out that Bronte has a marina that was paid for by the federal government, Kingston got a large chunk of federal money as did a number of other municipalities in the province. It is Burlington’s turn, said Birch.
It may well be – but it is going to be a tough.
Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward was the only member of Council to vote against the writing of a letter. Her argument was that city council has not yet voted on whether or not they want to approve a expanded marina.
 Trumpeter swan – magnificent creatures that many think need the marina space at LaSalle Park to survive the winters. Meed Ward felt that a letter at this time was premature and inappropriate. One citizen wondered how council would react if Birch was able to raise the funds needed – would the city be able to see beyond all that funding and make the best decision for the city.
Birch points out that Burlington is a waterfront community – he got that part right.
The Trumpeter Swan Coalition, they don’t want the expanded marina built and point out that a waterfront community means making space for not just boats but for the swans as well.
 There were some very good delegations made – the Gazette will report on these in more depth at a later date.
By Staff
April 19, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce announced that Domenic Molinaro, Chairman of the Molinaro Group, will receive Burlington’s 2016 Distinguished Entrepreneur Award.
 Domenic Molinaro Domenic Molinaro was chosen as the award recipient to recognize his leadership role in building a successful, high-profile company that positively represents Burlington both locally and regionally.
He reflects entrepreneurship through his company and through his philanthropic endeavours giving back to the community.
Domenic Molinaro’s business has consistently served Burlington and the surrounding communities for over 50 years with passion, leadership, and integrity, and has helped to shape Burlington’s residential downtown core.
He is a well-known philanthropist in Burlington, having donated one million dollars to the hospital redevelopment.
 The five tower Paradigm project adjacent to the Burlington GO station is currently under construction. Lakeshore Road as we know it today was to a very large degree built by the Molinaro Group. Domenic Molinaro can tell you what it cost and where the problems were with every condominium he built on the north side of Lakeshore Road.
He can also drive you to the first contract job he got as an immigrant to Canada – it was in Guelph Ontario.
The Molinaro Group is currently developing the Paradigm project on Fairview adjacent to the Burlington GO station.
There is much to be recognized and applauded on November 17th when the Chamber of Commerce will host a special dinner honouring Domenic Molinaro.
 By Staff
April 18, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police released the following additional information on the three fatalities resulting from the motorcycle – vehicle accident on Dundas at Eaglesfield Drive Saturday evening.
A 2002 Ford Escape was westbound on Dundas Street, approaching Eaglesfield Drive in Burlington. The driver, a sixty-one year old Burlington man, began to make a left turn onto Eaglesfield Drive, when an eastbound 2009 Suzuki motorcycle struck the right side of the Ford.
The operator of the motorcycle, Mitchel Crate, was thrown from his vehicle and came to rest within the Ford.
A thirty-five year old female from Waterdown who had been riding on the back of the motorcycle was thrown from the vehicle and came to rest on the grass at the southeast corner of the intersection. All three parties were pronounced dead at the scene.
The specifics of the collision are still under investigation, but police believe that the speed of the motorcycle was a factor.
 By Staff
April 18, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is probably the biggest event that takes place in the city. Its pumps millions into the local economy and it’s been around for years.
It has a culture all of its own – and happens because hundreds of people volunteer to do all the hard work.
 If you want to be part of an organization that makes a difference – the Sound of Music Volunteer Open House takes place on April 23 at the Halton HiVE from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
The HiVE is located at 901 Guelph Line, which is on the south east corner of the Guelph Line Harvester Road intersection – acres of parking.
You should be able to slip up to the volunteer event after chowing down a couple of those Turtle Jack burgers at the Clean Up event that takes place at Centennial Park right in front of the band shell
Get ready for summer: Make your selections for Movies Under the Stars
 By Staff
April 18, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The people who toil on our behalf at city hall appear to be certain of something that many others may have in doubt – that there will be a summer.
The Burlington Festivals and Events people have announced the movie choices available at different parks during the summer.
Residents can vote online for the movies that will be played this summer at Movies Under the Stars. The program has been well-received in past years,” said Chris Glenn, the
city’s director of parks and recreation. “We are looking forward to another summer of fun-filled nights for families and friends to enjoy some of their favourite
movies in the great outdoors.”
 Night out in Burlington Movies Under the Stars is a city movie series that allows families to enjoy movies in neighbourhood parks. Supported by Tim Hortons, the series will feature a
different movie each Thursday between July 7 and Aug. 18. All movies start at dusk and are shown on an outdoor screen.
Residents are encouraged to vote each week to select the movies that will be featured during Movies Under the Stars at www.burlington.ca/movies
A new poll will be posted each week until May 18, giving voters a choice of three movies. Polls will instantly show which movie has the most votes.
Poll dates, Movie date and park
March 30 to April 6 – July 7, – Nelson Park
April 6 to 13 – July 14, – Aldershot Park
April 13 to 20 – July 21, Central Park Bandshell
April 20 to 27 – July 28, – Emerson Park
April 27 to May 4 – Aug. 4, – Kilbride Park
May 4 to 11 – Aug. 11, – Ireland Park
May 11 to 18 – Aug. 18, – Spencer Smith Park
 “Watch the votes climb and join the City of Burlington in thinking ahead to the warm
days of summer,” said Glenn. Bring your own chair and a blanket.
For more information and to cast your vote for the movie you want to see – visit www.burlington.ca/movies – email is at – festivalsandevents@burlington.ca or phone 905-335-7766.
The Burlington Festivals and Events office offers support to community event Organizers. They are presenting Kite Festival, Canada Day, Movies Under the Stars, and Children’s Festival to the community for free. The community relies on sponsors, vendors and volunteers to keep our events free.
 By Staff
April 18, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is one of the largest and most effective city – community groups Burlington has. They both advocate for the environment – they try hard, but not always successfully to hold city council accountable for the decisions they make that impact the environment.
BurlingtonGreen has initiated a number of projects that make a difference and they have invited world class speakers to the city. It is an organization that has real clout – it could be used more consistently and with more vigor at times.
REGISTRATION link is at the bottom of the page.
 Every age gets involved in the annual BurlingtonGreen Clean Up Every Spring thousands of citizens pull on a pair of gloves pick up a green plastic garbage bag and go picking up litter anywhere they can find it.
Called the Clean Up – it takes place on a Saturday morning with everyone, in the past, gathering at city hall for a burger, pop and a chance to chat up their friends.
The Clean Up this year takes place on Saturday the 23rd – people can go to the BurlingtonGreen web site and decide where they want to do their community work and just show up.
 The annual CleanUp campaign Burlington Green organizes ends with a gathering of the environmental clan – this year it will be at the Bandshelll in Central Park – right next to the library. There are perhaps hundreds of places to Clean Up – when the work is done everyone is encouraged to gather at Central Park and wander around the exhibits at the library or listen to music and have their burger and chat with friends on the grounds in front of the band stand. Entertainment is expected to be part of the event.
More than 55,000 participants have joined the collective effort resulting in cleaner parks, streams, school yards and neighbourhoods.
This citywide event invites citizens, schools, churches, businesses, neighbourhoods and community groups to come together to clean up and green up Burlington to help the planet locally. What a great and meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day 2016!
Registered Clean Up participants will receive free supplies (bags and gloves) to do their clean up activities and are invited to attend an Eco-‐fair Celebration at Central Park Bandshell/Library on April 23rd from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Festivities will include a BBQ courtesy of Turtle Jack’s and refreshments courtesy of Tim Hortons, along with fun button making for kids, a variety of local eco-‐display and opportunities to win free raffle prizes.
 Turtle Jacks will be there with their mobile kitchen. The line ups move quickly. There will be displays inside the library and music at the bandshell.
 Amy Schnurr, Burlington Green’s Executive Director explains that this is the 6th year the city and the BG people have worked together. It started in 2011 she said. BG and the City partner on this event with the City contributing $7,000 from the Parks and Road maintenance budget for event planning and execution costs.
Registration gets done – just click here:
 By Staff
April 17, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It was that kind of a weekend – the warm weather we have been waiting for blessed us and the citizens took to the streets and Spencer Smith Park and got out for walks.
Many of the sidewalk café locations were full, the Gelato location on Lakeshore Road at Brant had a line up.
Next weekend is the annual Clean up that BurlingtonGreen organizes and supervises – hopefully the weather will cooperate again and we can pick up some of the rubbish that seems to gather in the late fall and winter months.
Buds on the trees weren’t quite ready to sprout – they’ve been fooled before.
The birds seemed pretty sure that this was the real thing – if you stopped for a moment you could hear some full throated warbling.
 Busy but not overcrowded. Rising quietly in the background is the re-developed Joseph Brant hospital. There is a group of people in the Region that are looking at the cost of burying those hydro lines. Would Burlington be Burlington without them?  A lot of relationships in this city got started at this gazebo – these folks are chowing down the way good friends do.  The pier got a good work out.  Doesn’t get much better than this – does it? Here is how some of the people spent Sunday.
By Staff
April 16, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal collision on Dundas St at Eaglesfield Dr in Burlington.
At about 6:10pm, a motorcycle carrying two passengers collided with a sport utility vehicle with one occupant. All three parties were pronounced dead at the scene. The road will be closed for several more hours.
The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
 By Pepper Parr
April 16, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 Morgan, the axe throwing coach and instructor, points to where the axe was supposed to go. Many of the Brantford group managed to hit the bulls eye. There is a small club set up in an industrial space where people throw axes at a wall.
It’s entertainment and has grown into a business model that has expanded to eight locations in less than two years. Founder Mario Zelaya has plans to be in every major Canadian city. They say they are the #1 in Fun and Games in Toronto on Trip Advisor
The business went from a backyard hobby to a company that transformed a niche activity into one with mass appeal.
 Throwing an axe proved to be a little more difficult than expected.  Two women from Brantford throwing axes in Burlington.  The axe throwing party as held to celebrate the birthday of the gentleman on the left.  Not all the axes thrown were lodged in the targets – but they had fun learning how to throw. Friday evening a group of 13 people from Brampton came to town to celebrate a birthday. There is certainly nothing fancy or upscale about the site – it was a place people could rent and enjoy themselves. They brought their own beverages, a box of cupcakes to celebrate the birthday and the intention of having a good time.
They bring their own music which gets plugged into a speaker system.
Is it safe? Very. The instructor takes everyone through a safety lesson and watches everyone carefully to make sure no one does something stupid.
And then they begin to throw axes.
By Staff
April 14, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
An update on the Mount Nemo Plateau Heritage Conservation District Study will be held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at Councillor John Taylor’s Ward 3 spring meeting.
While the City remains committed to protecting the special character of rural Burlington, city staff are recommending that City Council not proceed with the Mount Nemo Study.
At the meeting on May 2, city staff will:
Describe the chronology of events related to the Mount Nemo Study that have brought us to this point
Summarize the community response to the Mount Nemo Study received to date
Outline future opportunities to be involved in rural initiatives, such as the City of Burlington Official Plan Review.
 Where will the arguments to continue with the study come from? Why the shift in thinking? Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions of staff and offer comments. All questions and comments will be recorded for consideration in current and future City planning initiatives.
Date: Monday, May 2, 2016
Time: 7 – 8 p.m.
Location: Conservation Halton Auditorium, 2596 Britannia Rd, Burlington
Why the change?
Because there is a new planner running the department? Or because cuts have to be made somewhere and this isn’t worth the cost? Will not continuing with the study make any difference?
It was contentious from the beginning.
 By Staff
April 14, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Investigators have linked the April 4th 2016 robbery at the Continental Currency Exchange to a series of bank robberies in Belleville, Cobourg, Toronto and York
Region.
 Gun seized by police. Following a joint investigation with Belleville Police Service, Cobourg Police Service, Toronto Police Service and York Regional Police Service, Zak Bayfield, 40, of Whitby, was arrested on Wednesday, April 13, 2016.
He is charged with numerous criminal offences including robbery while armed with a firearm and disguise with intent in relation to this robbery.
The accused is scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East in Toronto on Thursday, April 14, 2016, in courtroom 412, at 10 a.m.
By Pepper Parr
April 14th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This probably means that warmer weather is going to arrive and stay for a while.
The Cycling Committee has invited residents to attend a series of free cycling seminars to help prepare for the 2016 spring and summer cycling season.
There are four topics that will be covered during the seminars, which run at Burlington Public Library branches this spring.
 For Rob Narejko a good ride on one of his bikes is better than a night out. A passionate believer in greater use of bicycles, N has served on the city’s cycling committee for some time. He recently led a night ride that had some 20+ people out on the roads at night. Awesome Bike Gear for 2016 – Wednesday, April 27, 7 to 9 p.m. – Central Branch
A variety of local bike shops will share the latest in cool cycling gear for 2016. From stylish cycle-friendly clothing to tech/training gear, to fun and trendy bike accessories and fabulous equipment for family rides. Local bike experts will answer gear questions after the seminar.
 Bikes parked outside a Burlington school – both board of education and city hall would like to see more students biking to school and fewer parents driving their children to school. Bike Maintenance 101
Saturday, April 30, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Central Branch
Wednesday, May 4, 7 to 8:30 p.m. – Central Branch
Saturday, May 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Alton Branch
Learn about basic bike maintenance that can be done at home. Start the bike season off right with a properly maintained bike for an easier and safer ride. This includes a keynote presentation from Rolling Horse Community Cycle.
Bike Safety
Saturday, May 7, 2 to 3 p.m. – Alton Branch
Monday, May 16, 7 to 8 p.m. – Central Branch
Saturday, June 4, 10 to 11 a.m. – Central Branch
This seminar will cover the rules of the road, must-have bike accessories, the roles and responsibilities of cyclists and motorists, hazards and the proper way to ride on-road bike lanes, bike sharrows and bike paths.
Bike Infrastructure around the World – Wednesday, June 1, 7 to 9 p.m. – Central Branch
Which cities are doing cycling infrastructure right? What creations of pro-cycling design around the world could Burlington learn from? Explore cycling infrastructure projects from around the world.
The seminars are free but sign-up is required.
For more information about the Burlington Cycling Committee and these free seminars, visit www.burlington.ca/cycling. To sign up for any of the seminars, call Burlington Public Library – Central Branch at 905-639-3611, ext. 1321.
All this attention to getting bikes ready just might do something for the city’s transportation modal split – and if you don’t know what a modal split is – ask the people who tell you how to get your bike ready – this is what they are all about.
By Pepper Parr
April 14, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Police hosted a training course for new Commercial Motor Vehicle officers. Sixteen of the officers were from Halton – when they completed the three day course they were sent out with these newly acquired skills and inspected 48 commercial motor vehicles over the course of the day.
 Rigorous road inspections results in safer transport trucks on the road. Halton just completed training 16 new officers in this specialized work. Of those 48, 16 were taken out of service, a 33% failure rate. Officers laid 102 charges, seizing one license plate and vehicle which had not undergone a mandatory annual safety inspection.
The curriculum included cargo securement, hours of service limits, weight and dimension limits in Ontario, speed limiting equipment, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, hazardous material spill response, wheel detachment investigations, among others.
Drivers and operators of commercial motor vehicles are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles, as well as their loads, are inspected and safe before travel. Any defect that compromises the safe operation of a vehicle can result in it being removed from service.
The police have a Regional Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit and train their officers to have the knowledge, skills and abilities to conduct commercial vehicle safety inspections and all related commercial vehicle enforcement.
If anyone has information about any motor vehicles that are unsafe on our roads, please call 911.
By Staff
April 14, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They did get away but not by much more than the skin of their teeth.
On Tuesday, April 12th, shortly after 4:00 am, police responded to a report of two males seen at the rear of Solid Gold along with the sound of glass breaking.
 Video taken inside the Solid Gold- one suspect is pretty clear. Police arrived at the rear of Sold Gold at which time a white pickup truck with its’ headlights off and one occupant fled east over some grass onto Plains Rd and was last seen going south on Birchwood Avenue at a high rate of speed. For public safety reasons, police did not pursue this vehicle.
Officers quickly observed the rear glass door to Solid Gold was smashed and it was believed the two persons seen walking at the rear were still inside and as a result, a perimeter was established and the business was contained.
The services of the Halton Regional Police Tactical Rescue Unit (TRU) along with Canine officers and negotiators responded to the scene and efforts were made to attempt to communicate with persons inside without success and eventually, officers entered the premise and determined that the suspects were not inside.
 By the time police actually entered the Solid Gold on Plains Road the men attempting to break into as ATM machine were long gone – police have video tape to work from. Investigators have since reviewed the CCTV from inside the business and it was determined that two suspects fled out the front door of the establishment as the first police vehicle arrived at the rear and before the second police vehicle arrived on scene. The CCTV showed the two suspects inside the business for several minutes where they attempted to break into an ATM but was unsuccessful.
Police are looking for three male suspects. No description is available for the male that fled in the truck however the two suspects that entered the establishment
were wearing hoodies, masks and gloves.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Vince Couce of 3 District Criminal Investigation Bureau at (905) 825-4747 ext 2307 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
April 13, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The inaugural Leading Ladies Charitable Dinner and Speaker Series, organized by the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington, will take place on May 3, 2016 at LIUNA Station in Hamilton. Doors open at 5:30pm.
 Former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion What makes this a newsworthy event? Former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion is going to take the microphone – and it should be a barn burner of a talk.
Hamilton artist, author and philanthropist Patricia Gagic, will share the stage for an engaging and inspiring evening. The evening will be a dinner and exciting silent auction, with the proceeds supporting the charitable work of the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington.
“Part of the Junior League’s mission is to develop the potential of women.” says Stephanie Fontaine, President of The Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington Inc. (JLHB).
At 95, Hazel McCallion still outworks colleagues half her age. She is passionate about causes that benefit the community and is thrilled to support the Junior League. “My career has spanned many decades but I have consistently championed education and the development of women leaders, two priorities that I share with the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington.”
As one of WXN (Women’s Executive Network) Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada in 2015, Patricia Gagic’s talents have touched many aspects of the arts and beyond. She is also a dedicated community advocate both locally and internationally. “As a lifetime volunteer and advocate for children around the world, I am excited to share my story in hopes it will inspire others.”
Tickets for the evening (including dinner and speakers) are $100 each (charitable donation receipt available for a portion of the ticket cost), and are available online at www.juniorleague.ca or through the office at 289-337-9526 (Tuesday and Thursday).
The JLHB’s current focus of young women affected by poverty grounds their volunteer efforts and partnerships across the Hamilton-Burlington community.
 Former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion – she can be as tough as nails when she has to be. While the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington may be an organization of women committed to voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers purpose may be exclusively educational and charitable they are going to get an up close and persona look about the role women can and have played in the world of politics.
Hazel is going to lay a little of that political love on them.
 By Pepper Parr
April 12, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The full detailed report is now on line – it’s a vital document – now all the city has to do is deliver on it.
Link to the document is at: www.burlington.ca/strategicplan
During council member comments last night Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster said “the public reads the Strategic Plan. When the 2011 Strategic Plan was released it didn’t take long for people to go through the document and remind members of council what it was they had committed to getting done.”
 Members of city council, senior staff plus people from the Region took part in a process that lasted a full year. The 2011 plan wasn’t anywhere near as detailed as the 2015-2040. The deliverables are significant and at this point in time no one is really clear on how this is going to get accomplished.
Joan Ford, city treasurer and her team will be going through the document with a fine tooth comb and beginning to attach numbers to the deliverables. The results of that analysis will get put in front of the leadership team and collectively they will attempt to determine what can be done within a very very tight financial situation.
Burlington is looking at between 3% and 4% tax increases for the next 20 years – and that is just to pay for what is on the table now.
While staff are working on the document and the ramifications that will come out of it, the city intends to put the keep the document live in real time so that on any given day any citizen can log in and see where things stand – what has been done – what has been changed.
That kind of document maintenance in real time is a challenge to say the least – the proof will be in the pudding.
What has become evident is that City Manager Ridge tends to over reach – sets out possibilities and may not really be in touch with the realities of doing business day to day.
 From the left – the two KPMG consultants, EDC executive director Frank McKeown, Councillor Paul Sharman, planner xxx and Councillor Blair Lancaster taking part in one of the Strategic Plan workshops at Lasalle Park What has to be appreciated is that Ridge has never been a city manager before; never been the man behind the desk where the buck stops.
It is going to be interesting to see how Ridge steers his staff and then manages to feed city council the information it needs to make decisions.
Councillor Taylor said this was his 9th Strategic Plan and that it was the best he has ever seen and added that it has not been costed out yet. He added as well that he could see a lot of cherry picking going on in the minds of his fellow councillors.
Taylor pointed to a major expense waiting to land on the council table – the cost of storm water management. If you are patient enough you will see a new tax initiative appear on your tax bill – no one knows what climate change is going to do to us – we do know by now that weather is changing – and that there are quite likely to be very damaging storms – the deluge in 2014 was a massive financial hit to the city. The best way to combat what appear to be inevitable is to create a tax levy that will produce a reserve to handle future costs.
 J.C. Bourne of KPMG with City Manager James Ridge and Michelle Dwyer at the last meeting of the team that put together the final draft of the Strategic Plan Michelle Dwyer who was given credit on numerous occasions during the late stages of getting the Strategic Plan into its final form, will now oversee the implementation of the plan. She intends to make extensive use of City Talk – the magazine the city publishes on a fairly regular basis.
Problem with that communication channel is that few people actually read the magazine.
Dwyer has done some superb work – there appears to be a change in her job responsibilities in the works. Stay tuned.
By Pepper Parr
April 12, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This isn’t the time of year for people to be out on the streets all that much – it’s still a little chilly.
For those who do venture to the edge of the lake and happen to wander east of the Waterfront hotel – they find themselves entering the early stages of a construction zone.
That lot that used to be home to the Riviera is now just mud with pieces of equipment scattered around the site.
 It could be taken for some kind o armament – but it is a drill that bores into the ground. Fencing is in place and those “must wear a hard hat” signs are beginning to go up. Earlier in the week there was a tall – maybe three storey’s high – rig on the property. Bore holes were being drilled.
Bruno Kresina, the construction project manager, wasn’t on hand to explain what was going on.
The piece of land was home to the sales office – that was torn down a couple of weeks ago. The large six foot by six foot scale model of the Bridgewater project was put in storage – it will show up again when the new sales office is opened.
For a while the use of office space in the downtown core east of Brant was close to a game of musical chairs. Mayrose Tyco owners of the five storey tower on the north edge of the Elizabeth Street parking as well as the owners of the Bridgewater development, had rented space to the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation. They were set up on the ground floor of the building while the parking lot at the Joseph Brant hospital underwent a massive re-development re-build that is costing the taxpayers $60 million – with the hospital foundation raising a second $60 million.
 A drawing setting out where the different buildings will b situated and the open space for public access. With the hospital foundation out of the space, Jeff Paikin and his New Horizons Development group can move their sales offices into the space. Not they need all that much of a sales office space – they are said to be past the 70% sold point – and that must be true because the bankers don’t release the cash until sales are at that magic 70% level.
And so now the construction begins.
 This is what the south side of Lakeshore is going to look like sometime in 2018 – there will be public access to the lake in between the hotel on the right and the condominium of the left. It won’t be a very wide opening. It’s a complex set up. The development was approved by city council in 1995 – it was to be a “legacy” project that had been in the minds of the Mayrose Tyco people before 1985. There were some land swaps that squared the assembled land – and a couple of close calls when Conservation Halton, who had grandfathered the development a long time ago but were beginning to get impatient.
Mayrose Tyco brought in the Mady Group to build what was to be a 22 storey condominium and a seven storey condominium plus a seven storey hotel that edged up to eight storeys.
The first hotel was to be a Delta – that got upgraded to a Marriott – which is some distance from the old Riviera motel.
Mady ran into financial problems – Mayrose Tyco took them off the building of the development and asked Paikin if he would take on the construction.
Paikin had already bought a unit in the seven story condominium – he was now going to build his new home.
 You are looking at what is going to be pretty close to the new street – sidewalk alignment on the south side of Lakeshore immediately east of Elizabeth street.  It will be a couple of years before the any moving vans arrive – the residents of the city have a couple of years to complain about the construction disruptions.
When it is completed – the waterfront will be a much different place.
The construction of the pier and now this luxury level hotel and some very high end condominiums, which will be described as the finest buildings to live in the GTA. Better than Oakville?
By Staff
April 12, 2016
BURLINGTON
At approximately 4:00 am on April 12th 2016, Halton Police responded to a break and enter in progress at Solid Gold on Plains Road East in Burlington.
Prior to police arrival, three suspects fled. Halton Police Tactical Rescue Unit, Canine, and Negotiators responded.
Hamilton Police assisted with their armoured vehicle and members of their Emergency Response Unit.
Police did not know that the break and enter suspects had fled as they cautiously approached the Solid Gold location on Plains Road No one was injured, no arrests have been made, however there is no danger to the public.
Members of the community can expect a police presence in the area while the incident is being investigated.
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). -30-
 By Staff
April 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Community Foundation is proud to announce Ron Joyce as Burlington’s 2016 Philanthropist of the Year.
 Ron Joyce – Burlington’s 2016 Philanthropist of the Year. The Gazette will tell you much more about this remarkable human being who has had such a tremendous impact on the community.
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