 By Staff
April 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Getting people to tell you what they think before decisions are made seems to be harder than listening to people who are unhappy with decisions that have been made.
City Council is about to begin the process of setting out the Strategic Plan they will use as a guide for the decisions they make for the next three years.
 Ideas and concepts were written up on sheets of paper and put up wherever there was space. It all got debated and boiled down to the Strategic Plan the city is now working with – that plan is to be reviewed and revised now. The Strategic Plan created in 2011 was an excellent document. It did have some limitations but given that prior to 2011 the city tended to publish a booklet with a lot of nice picture and precious little in the way of content. 2011 was great.
The Plan adopted by Council was a long time in coming – staff and council took eleven half days to discuss and debate what the priorities should be – what they wanted to focus on and achieve in the term they were getting into.
They settled on three Strategic Directions:
Vibrant Neighbourhoods
Prosperity
Excellence in Government
 The body language tells it all – there was some,e vigorous debate during the creation of the best Strategic Plan the city has had in some time. Here Frank McKeown, current Executive Director of the Burlington Economic Development Corporation, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff at the time and Paul Sharman city Councillor and a member of the Board of the BEDC Whenever a staff report was prepared for Council the writers of the report were expected to show how the recommendation was related to those three directions
As part of public engagement, which hasn’t been all that good so far, the city is asking the public to download a copy of a Workbook that has been put together for any individual who wants to express an opinion. The Workbook is an opportunity to provide input into planning Burlington’s future.
The deadline for submissions has been extended until end of day May 4, 2015.
In its media release the city said: “To help set priorities, each Burlington City Council creates a strategic plan to match with the four-year term of council. The 2015-18 City of Burlington strategic plan will result in changes to the 2011-14 strategic plan, based on community feedback and changing needs.”
 The Strategic Plan was facilitated by Georgina Black; they couldn’t have done the job they did without her. Prior to extending the deadline for comment the city had received less than 50 responses.
The workbook is available online or in hard copy and can be mailed on request. Strategic plan facilitators are on standby to help groups complete the workbook. Please contact strategicplan@burlington.ca, call 905-335-7600, ext 7378, or visit www.burlington.ca/strategicplan for details.
 By Pepper Parr
April 28, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATE:
Got the following note from Transport Canada:
“Just wanted to note that this article is inaccurate. The lift bridge is a Public Works asset, not Transport Canada. It is not being divested and is not part of the Port Asset Transfer Program.”
The Gazette will seek some clarification and report back/
Governments have a nasty little habit of releasing news late on a Friday afternoon. It is seldom good news – that stuff gets sent out when newsroom are wide awake and operational.
What was the bad news? The Hamilton-Burlington Lift Bridge is up for sale – Hamilton and Burlington have first dibs on the property but if they don’t buy it – then someone else can buy the structure.
 In a 5:31pm Friday news release, the Harper government announced a new program called the “Ports Asset Transfer Program” which will sell Transport Canada-owned port facilities to the private sector if provinces or municipalities don’t agree to take responsibility for facilities the federal government no longer wishes to maintain.
For this part of the world that means what is officially called the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge is going to get sold. Lisa Raitt’s, Minister of Transport, news release backgrounder states municipalities will have a 60-day period this summer to decide to purchase the Lift Bridge from the federal government.
If Hamilton and Burlington decide to not purchase the bridge (or the province for them), Transport Canada will offer the bridge for sale to the Hamilton Port Authority and the private sector.
Earlier in the month the Burlington and Hamilton Council’s joint Greater Bay Area Committee met. One of the agenda items was the Lift Bridge negotiations.
Hamilton City Manager Chris Murray said communication was ongoing with the Federal government, and that both City Managers were awaiting additional financial information from the federal government before providing recommendations to the respective City Councils.
Murray made no statement about potential privatization or a forthcoming ultimatum. He did state that he expected to have more information from the Federal government shortly and that a report would be forthcoming to Council.
Burlington’s city manager, James Ridge hasn’t said a word publicly.
Mike Wallace, Burlington’s member of Parliament has yet to make a comment.
Expect this issue to quickly be added to the both Burlington and Hamilton City Council meetings. Burlington has the delightful pleasure of working with the federal Transportation department on both an air park and now a canal bridge.
Is anyone thinking about a toll bridge? Governments are looking for new sources of revenue.
Were indebted to Joey Coleman and The Public Record for background on this article.
By Pepper Parr
April 25, 2105
BURLINGTON, ON
Tom Muir is an active community participant – he is also a bit of a burr under the saddle of the Councillor for his ward Rick Craven.
Muir is not the kind of guy that backs down easily – and he is the kind of guy who does his homework
When he delegates before city Council – which he does frequently – his questions are pointed and often sharp.
 Plains Road, east of Waterdown – residents believe the properties are being assembled with plans are for a 6 storey structure. He recently wrote a staff member in the planning department about a development that no one was actually sure was going to take place – the only information the public had was a sign on the property saying units were for sale.
Muir asked the planning department for some details on any plans the city might have received about a potential redevelopment on 40-58 Plains Road East.
The staff member said:
I have attended several meetings with the owners of 40, 46 & 50 Plains Road East. Formal preconsultation meetings were held in December 2012 and July 2014 to discuss a 6 storey apartment building on these three sites. An Official Plan amendment (OPA) and rezoning would be required to allow any redevelopment of these properties for an apartment building. I have not attended any discussions or held any preconsultation meetings involving 58 Plains Road East.
The City of Burlington has not received an application for OPA or rezoning of these properties. We have not approved any apartment building on these properties. However the City cannot legally prevent property owners from advertising their intentions or from collecting names of potential purchasers for residential units which are not approved or built.
 Waterdown Road is in the process of being widened, the local convenience store was expropriated and there are plans for some very significant developments – the residents would like to be informed. Muir now knew more than most people in his community. What galled Muir the most was that there had been a community meeting to talk about the thinking being done for the stretch of Plains Road between Cook and Filmandale and there was no mention of the meeting about any development proposals or pre-consultation meetings.
Muir commented in his response to the planner saying:
“It is not right, and highly regrettable, that this information was not disclosed to the public as part of the official process and meeting. That it was largely by accident that I discovered this failure to disclose key information relevant to the purposes of the meeting just makes the situation more intolerable.
The disclosure of such information should be city policy, period. I just don’t understand what the thinking or objective is in non-disclosure. What kind of organization lets this happen?
Awareness of this information would clearly affect the knowledge and thinking of the public regarding the issues and questions being posed to them by the city at the meetings, and in the process. Therefore, the issues, comments, and concerns they provide in response are similarly affected.
Therefore, the turnout numbers of the public are influenced downward, and the comments you have received, and may receive further, are not fully informed, and are therefore biased, because this information is missing.
I think you need to do the meeting again, with the public fully informed as to what has been, and is, going on in regard to the missing information, and how that might relate to the OP and by-law issues that are under review.
“This is not the first time in my experience in Ward 1” said Muir “that the city has failed to disclose this kind of particularly relevant and material information to the public in formal meetings. The resulting bias in response received from the public is always the same.”
“And it always leads people to lose trust in the process, and in the integrity of the city’s ethic and code of conduct. This is so simple to avoid – always do the right, honest thing.”
 A vacant lot across the road from properties that are beleived to be part of an assembly sits next to Solid Gold, an “adult entertainment” business. Many would like to see that establishment turned into something more acceptable to the community. The lead speaker at the meeting on March 24th was the city planner. He had to know about the possible development. He didn’t say a word.
The ward Councillor, Rick Craven also spoke to the crowd of about 80 people – he didn’t say a word either – you can bet the mortgage that Councillor Craven knew about the project and assume that he had had a number of conversations with the developer.
Let us add one more piece of information. The Gazette received the following from a reader whose credibility is as strong as it gets. That person wrote: Regarding Greg Woodruff’s article, I think the Plains Road project has been in the works for a while. Through one of our daughter’s friends, we learned that properties on Fairwood Place E. – up to Birchwood – were being assembled about a year ago. If true, the development proposal will extend well beyond the Plains Road corridor – right into the neighbourhood.
Expect to hear more from the people of Aldershot about this one.
 By Staff
April 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The planned closure of Waterdown Road, between Plains Road and Masonry Court, is on track – the road will close to through traffic on Monday, May 4, 2015. The closure is expected to last until October 2015.
Detour
A detour will be provided along Cooke Boulevard and Masonry Court.
Local Access
Local access for residents and businesses within the road closure limits will be maintained. At times, access may only be provided from one direction.
Fire Station #3
City of Burlington Fire Station #3 will maintain access through a driveway onto Emery Avenue.
Burlington Transit
Bus stops for Burlington Transit will be routed along the road detour.
 By Staff
April 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 23rd 2015, members of the Halton Regional Police – 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau arrested two Hamilton residents in connection with two recent Pharmacy Robberies in Burlington.
 Part of the evidence seized by police in Burlington pharmacy arrests. Police executed a search warrant at a residence on Horning Drive in Hamilton where a significant quantity of stolen narcotics, a stun gun, stun flashlight, flick knife and a quantity of cocaine and marihuana were seized.
Arrested and held for bail are:
Geoffrey Peter MACPHERSON (29 yrs) of Horning Drive in Hamilton
• Robbery X2
• Wear Disguise X2
• Possession of prohibited weapon X3
• Possession of prohibited weapons while prohibited X 8
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana)
• Possession of controlled substance (hydromorphone) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (temazopam) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (lorazepam) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (oxycodone) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (hydromorph contin) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (fentanyl) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (morphine sulphate) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (Tylenol 3) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of property obtained by crime X 2
• Breach Probation X3
Sarah Elizabeth MACDONALD (26 yrs) of Horning Drive in Hamilton
• Robbery X2
• Possession of prohibited weapon X3
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana)
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana)
• Possession of controlled substance (hydromorphone) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (temazopam) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (lorazepam) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (oxycodone) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (hydromorph contin) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (fentanyl) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (morphine sulphate) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (Tylenol 3) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of property obtained by crime X 2
The pharmacies held up were St George Pharmacy located at 5295 Lakeshore Road in Burlington. The pharmacist at that location fled from the drugstore when the robber pulled up his shirt to reveal his waistband.
The I.D.A. pharmacy located at 1893 Appleby Line in Burlington was the second drugstore robbed. In that instance the suspect demanded narcotics and money while brandishing the knife at the pharmacist. The suspect was given an unknown quantity of narcotics and money.
Anyone who may have witnessed these incidents or has information that would assist investigators who have not yet spoke to police are asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2343 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the Internet at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes.)
 By Staff
April 23, 2105
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington’s annual art auction is going to be quite a bit more than a one night stand this year.
The auction is the premier fundraising event that draws hundreds of art enthusiasts and collectors who take home outstanding pieces of original art in support of AGB’s exhibitions and enriching the education programs.
 On this the first anniversary of the Art Gallery of Burlington under its new brand, they have grown the event into an Art Auction AND Sale to celebrate the tremendously talented local, regional and national artists and their work.
This year’s art experience starts Sunday May 31 through auction night June 6, 2015:
• Week-long Art Activities – Public Opening Preview, Art talks, Art Workshops, Art Collecting Seminars and daily auction previews.
• 200 for $200 Art Sale – May 31 – June 6, 2015. Featuring original, small artworks in various mediums available for purchase all week, maximum size in this category is 12″ x 12″.
• Live & Silent Auction – June 6, 2015
ABOUT AUCTION NIGHT – La Belle Époque: 1889- 1914
When you arrive at AGB June 6th, you will be transported to Paris at a time when artists from all over the world were drawn there to study and create; challenging traditional methods and presenting their work on the world’s stage. The Art Gallery of Burlington will be transformed into a Parisian marketplace as guests are immersed in the sights and sounds of late 19th century Paris for a celebration of artists and their work.
At 6:30pm the night begins with a catered cocktail reception while you preview the fabulous artwork on offer. The live auction starts at 8pm and the silent auction closes at 10pm as guests are treated to a Jazz Trio with musicians from Symphony on the Bay and enjoy Parisian style desserts and digestives.
Art Auction Preview: Opens Sunday, May 31, 2-5pm. Previews for the live and silent auction and the Art SALE are open all week during AGB hours of operation.
TICKETS: Art Auction tickets on sale now: Online, in person or by phone.
$60 for AGB members, $80 for non-members.
 By Staff
April 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
For the second consecutive year Burlington’s Supreme Chearleading won the senior level division of the Ontario Cheerleading Federation’s National Championships last weekend,
The Burlington participants along with participants from Oakville and Hamilton were crowned Grand Champions for their respective levels.
 Burlington’s Supreme Cheerleaders win 1st place and are named National Champions The event took place in Brampton and featured hundreds of performances by teams representing clubs from across the country. The Supreme athletes represented our city well and produced fun and entertaining performances, which left their coaches, parents and spectators feeling proud! All athletes represented Supreme Cheerleading and the City of Burlington with great pride, energy and sportsmanship throughout the entire event.
The final results of all the Supreme teams:
Tiny Twinkles (Ages 4-5): Tiny Prep level 1 division – NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
Mini Starburst (Ages 6-8): Mini Level 1 division – 7th place
Mini Shooting Stars (Ages 6-8): Mini Level 2 division – NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
Youth Stardust (Ages 9-11): Youth Level 2 division – 4th place
Junior Starlights (Ages 9-11): Junior Level 1 division – 2nd place
Junior Starstruck (Ages 10-14): Junior Level 3 division – 3rd place
Senior Stardom (Ages 11-18): Senior Level 4.2 division – NATIONAL CHAMPIONS AND LEVEL 4 GRAND CHAMPIONS!
 Supreme’s doing a Stardust Pyramid Supreme Cheerleading will be hosting their annual Showcase at Notre Dame Secondary School on May 9th, 2015. The event will feature performances by all competitive teams, pre-competitive teams and even a special parent performance.
Athletes ages 4-18 who wish to join the program for the 2015-2016 season can attend Team Placements which take place at the Supreme Cheerleading Gym – Burlington’s only dedicated All-Star Cheerleading facility (at 4-845 Harrington Court) on May 19th-23rd 2015. More details can be found online at www.supremeallstars.com or by emailing coaches@supremeallstars.com.
 By Pepper Parr
April 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington has struggled mightily to get a private tree bylaw in place – it wouldn’t fly with this council.
 The best argument there is for a private tree bylaw The city is now going to try the educating them route – and with that objective in mind they are going to hold an Arbor Day on Saturday, May 2, at Central Arena, 519 Drury Lane, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Almost a Trees 101 event, the city’s first Arborfest event will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about the benefits trees bring to our community.
“Recent community surveys and public engagements have revealed a desire among residents to increase their education and awareness about trees and the value they bring to our community,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of development and infrastructure. “We are excited to invite residents to this free, fun, family event held just in time to celebrate Arbor Day.”
Arborfest 2015 will feature:
• Exhibits from local community groups, gardeners and landscape vendors who play a key role in promoting the health and benefits of Burlington’s urban forest
• Tree planting in Central Park
• Fun activities for children.
At the several public meetings to explain the why of a private tree bylaw we heard some pretty stupid arguments as well as some of the most reasoned, reasonable thinking put forward in this city. But there is still a significant – “my home is my castle and I will do whatever I want on my property” viewpoint floating around out there.
BurlingtonGreen fought mightily to persuade Council to put a private tree bylaw in place. It failed but the environmentalists just don’t give up
Who voted for the private tree bylaw and who didn’t?
Why a private tree bylaw
By Staff
April 22, 2105
BURLINGTON, ON
In the not too distant future Burlington will begin creating the Strategic Plan it wants to follow for the next four years.
The city’s Economic development Corporation will be working on the economic part of that plan and is now reaching out to gather information from stakeholders and anyone else with views on the prosperity of the city.
 While the moment is about the photo opportunity – the news is that there are shovels in the ground, commercial space is being built and jobs are being created. The developing an Economic Vision for the City of Burlington has to be based on a fact-based, practical plan that can address pressures and economic trends across the region and province.
As part of this process, we are asking for your input and participation in the following survey. The survey will assist in identifying Burlington’s key strengths and challenges, and will help make sure your perspective is represented as part of the new economic vision. The survey should take 15 minutes to complete.
Here’s the link: Click here
By Greg Woodruff
April 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On March 24th city staff held a meeting to discuss possible zoning changes to a large section of Plains Road. The area discussed was on the South side of Plains Road positioned East of Waterdown Road. Later residents discovered a developer is already advertising to sell 75 condo units at 40-58 Plains Road East in violation of current zoning character provisions.
Though it was casually mentioned the city had been “approached” by a developer; no indication was given that a specific plan was in motion.
 The public meeting was an information gathering occasion for the city planner who said he was there to listen to the community and what they wanted. He did make mention of an project that was not formal yet – the residents think the project is well along the development path. The graphic above shows the portion of Plains Rod that was under review and its proximity to the Aldershot GO station and the suggestion that the pink area could be developed as a “mobility hub” This leaves the distinct impression that this meeting was in bad faith. It seems like the purpose of the meeting was only to say the public was “consulted” on an issue staff already had a plan to change. I realize that staff may not have been in a position to mention this specific development. At minimum the staff could have indicated that if the zoning was changed they would expect to see condo buildings in the “range of 70 plus units”. Why they did not could be anything from simple lack of communication to an outright attempt to misslead the public.
I think traditionally the public has considered staff as neutral parties implementing zoning regulations and changes in a balanced way. To some it seems like staff have now been co-opted into provincial employees with “intensification” as the decisive factor in decision making. If staff failed to mention this development or the like because someone judged that residents would have a negative reaction; then they are no longer operating in a neutral way. This is unfair not only to residents and developers, but also to the staff themselves.
Some basic questions now need answering:
1) What exactly is the current function and purpose of staff in regard to planning and development?
2) Was the city made aware of this 75 unit proposal from the developer?
3) Was there any conversation among or direction to staff about hiding the nature of probable developments if the zoning was changed?
4) Did any staff indicate that they would work for the developer to get the zoning changed?
Recommendations:
1) All communication between staff and this developer on this matter needs to be made public.
2) Staff are “trading” zoning violations for attributes to buildings. “Horse trading” zoning violations needs to be made into a transparent public process.
In this area we have less trees, less businesses and more congestion.
I reject outright the suggestion that the liveability of our community needs to be sacrificed for the provincial “intensification” mandate. Intensification is designed to spur positive changes in our community; not serve as a rationalization for negative ones.
Greg Woodruff runs the Citizens for Responsible Development. He was a candidate for the office of Chair of the Region of Halton. There is more about that organization here.
The Gazette reported on that March meeting.
By Staff
April 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Last day to sign up.
Last year more than 12,000 people took part in the annual BurlingtonGreen Environmental Association Clean Up Green Up Day
The events starts at 9 am to noon on Saturday, April 25th, 2015. School and Business Clean-Ups are taking place during Earth Week (this week) from April 20th to 24th.
 As the city’s largest volunteer participation action event, Community Clean Up Green Up Day is an important (and fun) opportunity for citizens, community groups, schools, and businesses to come together, make a difference for our environment and take pride in our city by cleaning it up.
Once you’ve done your share – head back to city hall for a bite to eat and join in the celebration – the place is usually packed.
Registration closes on Friday, April 24th.
Register here;
By Staff
April 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Due to construction, all lanes of the Toronto-bound QEW (Northbound) will be closed from Beach Boulevard to Burlington Skyway April 24 to 27 at select times:
Friday April 24, 2015 at 10 p.m. – Saturday April 25, 2015 at 6 a.m.
Saturday April 25, 2015 at 11 p.m. – Sunday April 26, 2015 at 8 a.m.
Sunday April 26, 2015 at 10 p.m. – Monday April 27, 2015 at 4 a.m.
Detour Routes:
During the closure, traffic will be routed off of the Toronto-bound QEW at Eastport Drive and detoured along Eastport Drive to rejoin the QEW.
Traffic detour signage will be in place and OPP traffic assistance present at traffic light intersections at Lakeshore Boulevard and Eastport Drive.
By Pepper Parr
April 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Those condominiums that First Capital Corporation wanted to build on the edge of the Appleby Village Mall will not be going up any time soon.
 The view of the proposed development from Pinedale. Was it sewer problems that held this development back? Councillor Paul Sharman advised Council last night that the Regional government will not have the services in place for the time frame the developer seems to have wanted.
Sharman faced two close to hostile audiences when the proposal was first put forward by First Capital – close to 300 people crowded into a public meeting to voice their opinion – “not here thank you” was the sentiment expressed by most.
 The two towers would have been in the upper right. It was their height that had the residents up in arms. There was a second meeting that didn’t go much better.
Sharman appeared to take some satisfaction in in delivering the news.
Expect this project to come back to the table at some point in the future; a combination of the developer wanting to wring as much profit out of their property as possible and the city’s need to intensify will see this one again.
The city will also like the look of the development charges and the tax revenue.
 By Pepper Parr
April 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Air Park issue is back on the table – on the hot plate actually with the heat being turned up.
In a very brief media release handed out during a city council meeting Monday evening the city said: The issue at the Air Park is of continuing concern to the residents of Burlington and there is a high degree of interest in this matter. For the purposes of informing the public the City Solicitor recommends that limited solicitor-client privilege be waives with respect to the following matters after final Council approval of this report as follows”:
Council waive solicitor client privilege with respect the advice/opinions contained in L-9-15 and its attachments strictly with respect to conveying to the public that:
 Barbara Sheldon look at 32 feet of landfill less than 50 feet from her kitchen window. All dumped without any permits because an airport is federally regulated. The city is now back in Court asking a Judge to compel the Air Park to file a site Alteration site |Plan does that mean some of the fill might get removed? Burlington city council takes the position that it has full legal Authority to enforce the provisions of its Site Alteration By-law as against Burlington Air Park Inc. and the Burlington Air Park Inc., has been given 30 days from March 20, 2015 to comply with the by-law.
This news is released April 20th – suggesting that lawyer Ian Blue will be at the County Courthouse tomorrow morning with a brief asking the Judge to order the Air Park to submit a Site Alteration plan.
The city media release goes on to say: “That in all other respects, solicitor-client privilege is maintained over all other legal advice/opinions contained in L-9-15 and its appendices.”
In other words – they aren’t going to tell us anything else.
So much for the city’s intention to communicate with the public.
City Manager James Ridge, who smiles frequently and suggests he wants to be nice added a few words to the release when asked just what it meant.
“We are asking a court to compel the Air Park to comply with the site by-law
They could have said that in one sentence and do away with all the baffle gab.
This certainly ups the ante – the Air Park has found reason after reason; excuse after excuse to not file the proper documents – they’ve been doing this for years.
The city and the Air Park sued each other over whether or not the city had the right to require a Site Alteration Plan. They lost the case. Justice Murphy said they were requires to submit a plan.
The Air Park appealed that decision – they lost the appeal.
They hired a consulting form with a good reputation for quality work – and that firm did meet with staff in the planning department – but a complete |Site Alteration plan never quite made it to the planners.
 Getting a single picture with most of the players in it is unusual. On the far left is outside counsel Ian Blue who won two court cases for the city and has been brought in to stick handle the most recent legal issue. To the rear of Blue is Blake Hurley who is with the city legal department. Scott |Stewart chats with rural Burlington residents Robert Goulet, Ken Woodruff and Montre Dennis. Vanessa Warren looks over their shoulders. Warren, Dennis and Pepper Parr, publisher of the Burlington Gazette have been sued by the Air Park. That case has yet to get to court. A month or so ago the city brought Ian Blue the lawyer who handled the two court cases, back in and sought his advice. That advice is now evident.
The city wants to hope that they appear once again in front of Justice Murphy.
In a media release put out several hours after city council adjourned a time line reflecting just how long this has been going on.
Timeline
• July 4, 2013 – The City of Burlington moved forward with a legal strategy to address concerns regarding noise and fill activities related to construction at the Burlington Airpark on Bell School Line.
• July 18, 2013 – The Burlington Airpark serves the City of Burlington with an application to take the city to court and seeks a court order to declare the city’s site alteration by-law does not apply to the airport’s operations and construction of aerodrome facilities.
• July 29, 2013 – The City of Burlington and the Burlington Airpark reach a settlement to stop fill operations at the airpark until a decision is made by the courts about whether the city has jurisdiction to regulate fill operations through its site alteration by-law.
• Nov. 13, 2013 – A Milton Superior Court rules the City of Burlington’s site alteration by-law applies to the Burlington Airpark.
• June 11, 2014 – The Court of Appeal for Ontario upholds the decision of the Milton Superior Court that the City of Burlington’s site alteration by-law applies to the Burlington Airpark.
Added to the time line was the following:
“The City of Burlington site alteration by-law 64-2014 regulates the placing, dumping, cutting and removal of fill or the alteration of grades or drainage on a piece of land. Individuals undertaking this type of work are first required to submit an application to the city for a site alteration permit.
“The Burlington Airpark Inc. has not submitted an application for a site alteration permit for the areas of the Airpark property where substantial quantities of fill were deposited between 2009 to 2014.”
“The Burlington Airpark continues to be of great interest to the residents of Burlington,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “The requirements set out in Burlington’s site alteration by-law are necessary to help regulate impacts to the environment and drainage patterns.”
 Dump trucks taking tonnes of landfill onto the Air Park property to level out part of the 200 acre site. They did so without any permits. The requirement for a site plan isn’t the only issue. The drilling of test holes to determine what if any toxicity exists at or near the water table as a result of the fill that has been dumped on the 200 acre plus site has yet to be resolved and something more than statement released from the provincial ministry that is involved in this mess on how it is going to inform the public.
The federal government is responsible for the regulations that determine what level of adherence the airport has to respect in terms of municipal bylaws.
The noose is getting tighter.
By Staff
April 20, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
Dozens of groups spent last week thanking their volunteers – the city would not be the place it is without those volunteers.
 Red Cross volunteers being taken through the routines they were to follow during their door-to-door work during the flood last August. Sometimes the large organizations that have been around for more than a century get forgotten – the Canadian Red Cross is one of them
During the flooding last August it was the Red Cross that did much of the door to door work and learning where the flood damage was worst and passing that information along to the people that were doing the fixing up.
Throughout the year, volunteers from across the country, generously donate their time to improving the lives of the most vulnerable individuals and communities. “Not only this week, but each and every day, the Canadian Red Cross is sincerely thankful for the vast network of volunteers who are an integral part of this Society,” says Azima Vadsaria, Disaster Management Advisor for Halton, Hamilton and Niagara. “They are the reason we are able to make such a significant impact on those in need.”
The Red Cross has more than 20,000 volunteers nationally playing a critical role in contributing to all programs and services offered by the Red Cross.
 Peter Hodgson, a retired police Staff Sergeant pointing out where the damage was in a specific part of the city during the flood last August. More than 244 of those volunteers from across Halton and the province came together in Burlington to help those who had suffered devastating damage to their homes from the August 4th flood. In addition, volunteers delivered thousands of Meals on Wheels in Burlington, provided thousands of rides to medical appointments across the Region, and helped families that were forced from their homes by fires and other personal disasters and worked tirelessly in the Branch offices, ensuring that all programmes worked seamlessly.
 Helping out during the flood involved anyone with willing hands. “The passion and commitment that our volunteers carry out in their work is truly remarkable. It’s an honour to have such devoted individuals representing the work of the Red Cross from coast to coast across Canada,” added Vadsaria.
By Staff
April 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
We see it every summer – police reports of break-ins and theft of property during the day when people are at work – or out of the house.
 There was a report last year of a house being illegally entered at the front while the owners were in the back yard gardening.
Burlington is fortunate in that most people are quite vigilant and call 911 when they see something suspicious.
However, all too often the people making the phone call don’t have some of the information the police need.
Halton Regional Police Service recently put out a convenient form that they encourage people to use and stick up on the fridge.
You can print out this story and crate you own list of neighbours.
The police ask:
Do you know the first name of at least five (5) different neighbours?
Would you be able to tell police the address of the house behind you in the event you witnessed a break and enter?
Does your back door neighbour know your address?
If you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, use the chart below and get to know your neighbours. And call 9-1-1 to report crimes in progress.
By Staff
April 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If we are taught young enough – the lessons are usually learned for life.
 Young girls learn about the world they inhabit and get ready to learn what Burlington does every year during the BurlingtonGreen CleanUp GreenUp campaign – this Saturday. Last week the 24th Burlington Sparks and the 37th Burlington Brownies gathered at Rolling Meadows Public School for their introduction to keep the city we live in cleaner.
 Making their mark on the world they are going to grow up in.  Paying attention to detail. This Saturday, groups from around the city will be out gathering trash and tidying up after people who were less considerate.
Why so many tires end up in the creeks and ravines is hard to understand – but they are there.
 By Staff
April 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
2015 is shaping up to be a monumental year for the international climate movement, and Earth Day Canada wants to show the world that Canadians are ready, willing, and able to take meaningful action to support the health of our one and only planet.
 An Earth Day flag on display in Washington DC Inspired by their 1992 Earth Day Flag that collected a total of 500,000 signatures from across the country, Earth Day Canada is again calling all Canadians to sign their 2015 Earth Flag and make a commitment to make Earth Day every day by doing your part to reduce carbon emissions 20% by 2020.
The 2015 Earth Flag will be taken to the COP21 International Climate Conference held in Paris this December where a new international agreement on carbon emissions will be signed.
How it works:
Signatures will be collected in person (at community events, schools, specific sites) and electronically through our website over the five months period from Earth Day, April 22, to September 22, 2015. These signatures will be placed or printed on pieces of cloth that will be sewn together to create a mosaic flag.
What unfortunately is not clear is how a person can send a signature or who in Burlington is collecting signatures. We asked the Earth Day organization but have not heard back from them. We will do our best to keep you posted.
The flag will feature the Earth Day Every Day logo, as well as a 2015 pledge or pledges that represent the goals or commitments of Canadians to make deep carbon reductions.
The pledge:
I pledge to the best of my ability to help make the earth a safe and hospitable home for this and future generations.
We are working with school groups, youth organizations, First Nations, Faith Communities, Non-Governmental Organizations and individuals to revise the pledge for the 2015 Earth Flag. Stay tuned for the new pledge!
We plan to reveal the Earth Flag at an event in early November and collect the final signatures on the Earth Flag by those who will be representing Canadians at the Paris COP21 climate meeting.
In December at the COP21 meetings, Earth Day Canada will display the Earth Flag at a prominent location/event to portray the collective resolve of Canadians to reduce their carbon emissions.
 By Staff
April 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Just before 7 pm Friday evening a male and a female walked into the St George Pharmacy located at 5295 Lakeshore Road in Burlington and headed for the rear of the drugstore.
The male is reported to have been wearing a mask.
When the pharmacist began interacting with the male, (those are the words in the police report) the bandit pulled up his shirt to reveal his waistband.
The pharmacist quickly fled outside.
The male and the female suspects did the same thing – they were last seen fleeing northbound on Kenwood Avenue. No injuries were sustained during the robbery.
The male suspect is described as white, approximately 5’6”, thin, wearing a black mask, red/orange t-shirt and black pants.
The female is described as white, approximately 5”7’, wearing black tights, a black Columbia winter jacket and black toque.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information that would assist investigators in identifying the suspects are asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2343 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the Internet at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes.)
By Pepper Parr
April 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There are numbers and then there are numbers and it’s hard to determine which ones to rely on. Earlier in the week we reported on some numbers relating to the purchase of two properties on Willow Street in the Beachway.
 115 on the left sold for $255,000 and 109 on the right is reported to have sold for $150,000 We reported that a total of $1,264,250 had been added to what the Region calls the Green fund and that these figures related to the purchase of the two willow Street properties.
The totals might relate to the purchase of the properties but that apparently isn’t what the Estate that owned the houses got. Lawyers, real estate agents, valuators and various other professionals were included. Not that it matters – it is all supplied by taxpayers.
When we reported we did say “numbers in the report are far from clear”
We have since been advised that the price shown on Registry records is 115 Willow Avenue; $255,000.00; 109 Willow Avenue: $150,000.00.
109 Willow was not much more than an Insulbrick shack.
 The Insulbrick is peeling away from the outside walls at the 109 willow property One wonders how quickly these two homes will have their appointment with a bulldozer. One of them, 115 Willow could be added to the affordable housing inventory.
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