 By Pepper Parr
June 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Perhaps it was an attempt to make up for the expense the city is incurring during the Ontario Municipal Board hearing taking place now at which Councillor Jack Dennison is asking that a Committee of Adjustment decision be overturned.
 Councillor Jack Dennison wants to sever this Lakeshore property. Dennison wants to sever a part of his Lakeshore Road property and the Committee of Adjustment said no.
Dennison is appealing that decision at considerable cost to the city.
Last evening he spent more time than necessary arguing that concrete does not have to be used on pathways being created for the three Windows on the Lake that are being created to give the public some access to the old Water Street road allowance.
Too expensive said the Councillor – this is the Cadillac of pathways which are not needed.
 This Committee of Adjustment said no. Dennison is appealing their decision. The rest of Council, with the exception of Councillor Craven who sided with Dennison (we don’t know what Councillor Sharman thinks – he didn’t make it to the council meeting) took the position that concrete paths were required at these locations but not necessarily at all park locations and asked the city staff to come back with a criteria they would use to determine whether asphalt or stone screenings or wood chips should be used on park pathways.
Councillor Dennison made the same argument for asphalt at the Standing Committee last week.
 Councillor Dennison is never one to shy away from controversial decisions – likes getting right into the middle of an issue. He is certainly in the middle of one now. Earlier on Monday Council was involved in a Strategic Plan meeting which Councillor Dennison missed – he was arguing his appeal of the Committee of Adjustment decision not to permit the property severance
Councillor Dennison was missing in action for this meeting as well.
Councillor Meed Ward involved in part of the Strategic Plan meeting and managed to attend Council. She has advised her constituents that she is going to be on limited duty for awhile as she recovers from the concussion she experienced in an automobile accident.
 By Staff
June 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The City is inviting residents to enjoy free movies under the stars, presented by Tim Hortons, every Thursday night until August 20.
“Our neighbourhood parks are one of many things that makes Burlington great,” said Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “Movies Under the Stars” offers families and neighbours the chance to connect close to home while enjoying a free movie in their local park.”
The movies, which were selected by residents this spring via online polls, are shown on 25 by 14 foot (7.62 by 4.27 metre) outdoor viewing screen and begin at 9 p.m. on each on the following dates:
Date Location Movie
Thursday, July 9 – Nelson Park How to Train Your Dragon 2
Thursday, July 16 – Aldershot Park Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
Thursday, July 23 – Civic Square Paddington Bear
Thursday, July 30 – Emerson Park Big Hero 6
Thursday, August 6 – Kilbride Park Finding Nemo
Thursday, August 13 – Mohawk Park Maleficent
Thursday, August 20 – Spencer Smith Park Home
Thursday, August 27 – Burloak Park Rain Date –
The City of Burlington is encouraging residents bring their own lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a night of family-friendly fun. Washrooms and limited parking are available at each park.
For site maps, movie previews and weather delay or cancellation information, visit www.burlington.ca/movies, follow @BurlEvents on twitter or call the festivals and events hotline at 905-335-7766.
 By Pepper Parr
June 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
When they point out to you where the life boats are located – you kinda wonder what shape the ship is in.
The city of Burlington released a list of services that might be impacted if there is a work stoppage – polite word for a strike – the workers have withdrawn their services and decided they will go without a paycheque for a period of time unless their demands are met.
In the media release the city said it is “alerting residents that some city services may be affected by strike action that could take effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 2.”
The city continues to negotiate collective agreements with unions representing outside workers and arena/pool operators and Burlington Transit workers. Both CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) Local 44 and CUPE Local 2723 representatives have stated that if there is no agreement by the end of June, they will begin strike action as of midnight (12:01 a.m.) on July 2.
“The city continues to seek a settlement that is fair to the unions and to the taxpayers of Burlington,” said Roy Male, executive director of Human Resources who is on the city’s bargaining team. “While we will continue to be willing to meet with the unions to discuss a settlement, regretfully, we must prepare for a strike to ensure the best possible continuity of service.”
The city has posted a list of services at www.burlington.ca/labourdisruptions that would be cancelled, reduced or continued in the event of a strike. The city has also set up a dedicated phone line for questions related to labour disruptions at 905-335-7600, ext. 7803.
“We are sharing this labour disruption information as early as we can, and in as many ways as possible, to ensure Burlington residents have the information they need to plan ahead,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of Development and Infrastructure with the city. “If the service you or your family members use is among those that would be cancelled in the event of a strike, we encourage you to try to make other arrangements, if at all possible.”
The city will resume negotiating with CUPE 44 and 2723 on June 29 and will provide updates as they become available.
Service Impacts in the Event of a Strike
Services that would be cancelled
• Conventional Burlington Transit service
• Handi-Van Transit Service
• Non-emergency tree service requests
• Street sweeping
• Programs and services offered at:
o Appleby Ice Centre
o LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Park
o Mainway Arena
o Mountainside Outdoor Pool and Splash Park
o Nelson Arena
o Nelson Outdoor Pool and Splash Park
Services that would be reduced
• Grass-cutting and horticulture along roadside locations and in parks
• Litter and recycling in parks
Services that would continue
• Normal garbage collection, recycling (Halton Region)
• Burlington Public Library services
• Sports field rentals
• Turf maintenance
• Festivals and events
• Tyandaga Golf Course
• Forestry emergency storm response
• Arena floor rentals
o Aldershot
o Central
o Mountainside
o Skyway
• Spray pads in parks (non-fenced)
o Dofasco WaterJet Plaza at Spencer Smith Park
o Norton Community Park
o Pinemeadow Park
o Millcroft Park
o Orchard Community Park
o Hidden Valley Park
• Recreation centres
o Brant Hills
o Burlington Seniors’ Centre
o Haber
o Music Centre
o Rotary Youth Centre
o Sherwood Forest Gym
o Burlington Student Theatre
o Tansley Woods
• Indoor pools
o Aldershot
o Angela Coughlan
o Centennial
o Tansley Woods
• Banquet facilities
o LaSalle Pavilion
o Paletta Mansion
o Discovery Landing/Waterfront Centre
• Preschool, child and youth programs
• City of Burlington camps: SNAP, O2, Camp Can-Do, youth centres, LIT, youth specialty
• Adult and seniors’ programs
• All services at City Hall (includes Planning and Building, Capital Works, Finance, Transportation, Engineering)
• Playground inspections
• Cemetery service
• Road and sidewalk maintenance
• Traffic signal and street light maintenance
 By Staff
June 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Two suspects are being sought after walking out of ECS Coffee with a large coffee maker.
On Saturday June 6, 2015, at approximately 4:30pm, a male and female attended ECS Coffee at 1515 North Service Road in the City of Burlington. The male and female went to the front corner of the store where the commercial grade coffee makers were on display.
 He was the decoy – they got away with a coffee maker worth $600 retail  She was the duck – they got away with a coffee maker worth $600 retail As the female suspect selected a coffee machine, the male suspect faced the cashier and shielded the female with his body. The female was able to exit the store with the stolen merchandise and both suspects fled.
They got away with a Real Cup Brewer RC400 valued at $600.00.
Male suspect – heavy build, approximately 6 feet tall, light complexion, green baseball hat, dark sunglasses, blue shirt and jean shorts
Female suspect – heavy build, approximately 5 feet tall, light complexion, light blue shirt, black pants, black hair
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Vince Couce of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext 2307 or anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call 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
June 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Kick Off took place, the parade was held and the Pan Am flame was lit on the Sound of Music stage – that means the festival has begun – right?
 The restaurants set out their chairs believing it isn’t going to rain – and it didn’t. Brant Street becomes a place with no cars – where people take things easy. The length of the Sound of Music Festival is no longer as clear as it used to be – something to think about when they begin planning for next year.
For 2015 – it’s going to be a great show. During the day it is very much everyone in the family event. The evenings get set aside for the younger crowd.
The pictures tell the story.
 She was giving it her best shot – and she made it.  It was a tough climb – tougher than this young man expected – he didn’t make it to the top  Does the man with the butcher shop know about the guy parked right outside his door?  Vendors line all the walkways offering every imaginable taste bud treat and toys you didn’t think existed. The bubble gun attracted our attention.  The Ferris wheel is in place, the crowds are gathering and the Sound of Music is about to begin – weather is holding wonderfully.
By Pepper Parr
June 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a little chaotic – many people weren’t sure what was going on but when Mark Oldershaw finally got to the stage to light the cauldron with the flame of the Pan Am torch he was carrying, people knew that the Pan Am Games were not far off and that for Burlington the flame was bright and alive.
 Mark Oldershaw, an Olympic paddler gets ready to be lit up by Ashley Worobec as he prepares to take the Pan Am flame to the Sound of Music stage. Burlington’s Ashley Worobec handed over the flame to Oldershaw at a point on the Naval Promenade – it was tough to see the two – there were almost more police than spectators. Those police officers must have thought they were protecting some world leader.
Worobec looked a little lost in the crowd of people – and the uniform they gave her to run in certainly lacked for any style.
 The Burlington Teen Tour Band Den Mother helps a band member get the uniform put together. But the Torch did arrive – ushered in by the Burlington Teen Tour Band who did themselves and the city proud.
I don’t how much money the city spends on the Band but whatever it is – we are getting our money’s worth.
For those who knew what was going on – there was a level of expectation. I suspect many thought that Ashley Worobec was going to take the flame up onto the stage.
 Mark Oldershaw uses the Pan Am flame to light the cauldron on the Sound of Music stage. The games begin next week. Mark Oldershaw certainly has a bigger public profile and he is an Olympian but the people of Burlington chose Ashley Worobec – didn’t they?
The Olympian got to take the torch to the Sound of Music stage. The Gazette may have been the only media to capture that moment on video – click to see the event.
A path was created for Oldershaw to run through while the crowd cheered him on.
When he got to the stage the emcee wanted to create some drama and excitement and asked Oldershaw to give him one word that described his feelings for the games that were going to soon begin.
Oldershaw paused, looked reflective and said – he really had two words that would be separated with a hyphen and then in a decent yell – shouted.
Kick Ass!
The audience went for that one
 There is never any doubt where this band comes from – our very own. The politicians of course spoke, the sponsors found a way to deliver their message and then the Teen Tour Band took everyone through the singing of O’Canada.
 Police security was so heavy it was difficult to see the torch bearers. In this picture there are at least five police officers – was this necessary? It was a fitting way to close an event that was fun, if a little chaotic – but why all those police officers.
Did someone at police headquarters really think we were at risk.
Get a grip people!
By Staff
June 19, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Road closures for the Sound of Music Festival will include:
Brant Street from Caroline Street to Lakeshore Road
Friday, June 19 2015 – 3:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday, June 20, 2015 – 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday, June 21, 2015 – 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
John Street from Pine Street to Lakeshore Road
Saturday, June 20, 2015 – 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
 By Staff
June 19, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is week 9 for our “Fugitive Friday” initiative whereby the Halton Regional Police, Burlington station is reaching out to the public to help locate wanted persons and hold them accountable for their actions.
There are numerous people who continue to evade the police and the court system and continue to live out in our communities while having a warrant for their arrest in place.
Every Friday, the Burlington Offender Management Unit will share information on a wanted person in hopes that the public can assist in locating the individual.
We will share “Fugitive Friday” information on our website and via social media through Twitter @HRPSBurl and @HaltonPolice.
 Bryon Jason BULLIED 28 years old, of Burlington, ON. In this edition of Fugitive Fridays the 3 District, Burlington Offender Management Unit is searching for Bryon Jason BULLIED 28 years old, of Burlington, ON.
It is alleged:
• In December of 2013 the accused stole a debit card from an elderly male’s residence. He then used the card to make $1,000 worth of fraudulent purchases.
• The accused was identified through video during the incidents and a warrant was issued for his arrest
• The accused has so far managed to evade capture and his whereabouts unknown
He is wanted by Halton Regional Police Service for:
Theft under $5000 x 3
Unauthorized use of a Credit Card x 3
Fail to Comply with Undertaking
Breach of Probation Order
The accused is also wanted by Ottawa Police Service for:
Possession of a Substance x 2
Breach of Probation x 2
Fail to Appear
Bryon BULLIED is described as 5’9”, 200lbs, blue eyes and brown hair. BULLIED’S weight has fluctuated up to 250lbs in the past. BULLIED has tattoos (Left forearm – “Praying Hands”, Right forearm – “Cross”. Bullied has ties to Halton, Toronto and the Ottawa areas.
Anyone who may have witnessed this male or has information that would assist nvestigators in identifying him are encouraged to contact D/C Bulbrook – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Offender Management Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2346 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Pepper Parr
June 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Sculpture Garden in the Courtyard of the Art Gallery of Burlington is going to get a treatment with the work of Spanish artist Jordi Alfaro, originally from Spain but now a resident of Dundas, Ontario.
 Spanish artist Jordi Alfaro with one of his Arrieros exhibition pieces. Photo Credit Reid Flock Designed specifically for the unique architectural space, Alfaro has transformed the AGB courtyard into a sculpture garden for his Arrieros exhibition.
Alfaro has used the abstract nature of the design of the Courtyard and created a series of monolithic forms that complement the straight horizontal and vertical lines of both the architecture and the plantings of the space.
 Polished pieces appear to be hiding in the lush vegetation of the Courtyard at the AGB. His single large sculptures and his stacked round forms have the evocative sense of prehistoric monuments like Stonehenge in England, or Carnac in France, but their often bright coloured glazes and crisp bands of colour hint at minimal sculpture out of the 1960’s.
Placed in amongst the plantings or out on the concrete surfaces, these works engage the viewer asking them to navigate the space with an increased awareness.
 There is some of the contemplative nature that one finds in some Zen stone gardens in this piece – part of the Arrieros exhibition. These works suggest the contemplative nature that one finds in the Zen stone gardens in Japan but is totally unique to this artist. The quiet strength of these works transforms the space into as oasis of calm on an otherwise busy day.
 Looking like sentries at the top of an entrance these two piece in the Arrieros exhibit wait for a visitor There is a quietness about the Courtyard – the kind of place to take in some of the sunshine, read a newspaper over a cup of espresso.
Curated by Jonathan Smith, the AGB-tailored exhibition will run from June 13, 2015 to September 30, 2015, with the opening reception taking place Sunday, June 28, 2pm – 4pm.
AGB Members will be offered free admission to the exhibition. More information on the benefits of AGB membership can be found here
By Staff
June 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It apparently wasn’t comfortable enough for the six foot male who held up the receptionist at the Comfort Inn on the south Service Road.
The Halton Regional Police are gathering information on a hotel robbery that occurred late Wednesday night at the Comfort Inn Hotel, located at 3290 South Service Rd, in the City of Burlington.
The preliminary investigation points to an unarmed suspect entering the hotel lobby at 11:50 pm and demanding money from the clerk. The suspect fled the hotel on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.
Police searched the area for the suspect with negative results. The clerk at the hotel was not injured in the incident.
The suspect is described at Male, white approximately 6 foot, medium build, wearing all black clothing.
During the robbery the suspect concealed his identity.
Anyone who may have witnessed the suspect in the area or has information that would assist in this investigation is asked to call the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext 2315 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the internet at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com.
SHOWTIMES and feature line up for June 19 to 25, 2015
CineStarz is located in Downtown Burlington at 460 Brant Street in Burlington
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Admission General $5.99
Admission Senior / Children $4.99
Admission Tuesday $3.99
 By Pepper Parr
June 17, 2104
BURLINGTON, ON
The city decided to spend some of our tax money on gussying up parts of the city. Norton Park had a lovely stretch of wall that was just dying for the hand of an artist.
Through its public art program, the city selected artist collective, PA System (Patrick Thompson and Alexa Hatanaka), to install the mural in Norton Community Park.
“The mural will provide a sense of community pride in Alton,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of development and infrastructure. “We look forward to seeing the mural..” he said.
Art outdoors on a lovely late Spring day spells photo op – and sure enough the city’s media managers scheduled such an event.
 The is the eastern side of the wall. while we were photographing this collection of high school students from Hayden High happened along and we knew instantly that we had a real photo opportunity. The Gazette frowns on photo ops just for the sake of getting your picture in the paper – but we thought the art was worth sharing with a wider public. So we travelled up to Dundas to see how the northern half of Burlington lives and walked through the park to see what had been done.
You don’t have to walk very far to get the gist of the mural – colour – it just screams of colour on a wall that is easily 20 feet long and 10 feet high – with two sides to put paint on.
Artists were asked to consider student involvement, community diversity and the wide range of uses for the site in their concept development and installation process. The city’s public art program steering committee received 23 mural applications and shortlisted three artists: Charles Johnston, Lesia Mokrycke and PA System (Alexa Hatanaka and Patrick Thompson).
“Resident-submitted comments guided the jury’s selection and were considered in addition to artistic merit, technical considerations and student engagement around each finalist’s work,” said Angela Paparizo, the City of Burlington’s manager of arts and culture.
Burlington residents were able to view and comment on the proposals during Culture Days in September, at Haber Recreational Centre, and online. The community jury reviewed the feedback, including 340 comments, along with the artistic and technical merits of each proposal to make their selection.
“PA System’s past experience working with community members to create unique and inspiring murals is impressive,” said the jury’s statement. “The use of bold colours and patterns will create a year-round focal point for the park and the abstract nature of the design allows for a broad range of interpretations, allowing each viewer to connect to the work in their own way.”
 It was built as a wall to shelter people from the wind and turned out to be a great place for a mural. This is the inside of the wall About the Artists
PA System, which is comprised of artists Alexa Hatanaka and Patrick Thompson, have a broad background in community-based art projects, youth projects and mentorship. For the past 10 years, Hatanaka and Thompson have worked on a range of visual arts projects in the arctic. They have created numerous murals in the hamlets of Cape Dorset, Igloolik, Iqaluit and Hall Beach as well as in the Northern Quebec towns of Kangiqsujuaq and Kuujjuaq, and have facilitated youth projects at York University, the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, and the National Gallery.
Hatanaka and Thompson exhibit and paint murals across Canada and around the world. Their work can be seen in the Royal Ontario Museum, the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona and the Guanlan International Printmaking Base.
The high school students who posed for our photo op thought it was great work and pulled out their cell phone and asked that we take pictures of them with the art work.
Real photo ops.
By Pepper Parr
June 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If you live in Burlington the main thing you hear about the Pan Am Games is that they are taking place in Hamilton and the people who run the province want us to reduce our time on the QEW by 20%.
The hotel that was to be built on Lakeshore Road for the games hasn’t even gotten as far as a hole in the ground.
Our piece of the Pan Am Games action looks as if it is going to be limited to having one of our very own carry the torch from the Discovery Centre to the pier – 200 metres.
 The Pan Am Torch The Torch is going to arrive in Burlington at the intersection of Brant and Leighland and be carried down Brant Street, cutting through a couple of local streets, until it gets handed over to Ashley Worobec, a local chiropractor who is a total fitness advocate and in superb shape.
At press time Ashley didn’t have her uniform yet but she is nevertheless pumped.
Worobec’s parents are flying in from Calgary to watch their daughter run that 200 metres – the plans are to have hundreds of people line the route.
The sports organizations in Burlington have been asked to encourage their members to line the route and cheer on our runner.
Parts of Brant Street will be closed to traffic as the Torch is brought to Spencer Smith Park in what Denise Beard, Manager of something with Parks and Recreation, described as a “rolling closure” – the security will lead and follow the runner.
 When she runs her 200 metres on Friday she will be carrying the Pan Am Torch – Ashley Worobec Worobec says there is a “shroud of mystery” surrounding the proceedings. ”I get picked up at 3:45 and get taken to the hotel where I get my uniform and then they tell me what I am doing.”
“I know that I will be handing the torch off to Mark Oldershaw”, Canada’s Olympic paddling hero. “We all end up at the Sound of Music stage where the Mayor is giving a speech.”
Worobec isn’t sure if she gets to keep her uniform but she will be able to buy one of the torches. “I don’t get to keep the one I run with – but I am allowed to buy one – for $550. We are going to put up in the lobby of the clinic.”
 Pan Am Torch route – Worobec is expected to begin her run at the Discovery Centre at 5:45 pm on Friday. No one is really sure how many people are going to be following the event – it takes place right in the middle of the last Sound of Music weekend – so there will probably be large crowds.
Worobec expects to start her 200 metre run at 5:45 on Friday at the Discovery Centre.
Worobec knows that she will be running along the Naval Promenade and thinks she is going to end up somewhere near the gazebo.
Her husband is going to be buying a half a dozen white balloons he will fill with Helium “so I can see where my parents are.”
Sounds like a lot of fun – and very disorganized.
 By Staff
June 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s all about the environment – global warming, flooding and much different weather patterns than we are used to – there is a lot of talk; the fifth State of the Environment Report (SOER) for Burlington, prepared by the Sustainable Development Committee was presented to a Council Standing Committee earlier this week. SOERs have been presented to council in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2011.
 Does sustainability mean ensuring the Escarpment is never touched? The purpose of the document is to provide information on the state and health of Burlington’s environment and to make recommendations for improving it.
The SOER identifies eleven themes, and reported on:
Why it was measured
What was measured – indicators
What was found – indicator values and trends
What is happening to address the issue
The 2015 document points to progress is being made in certain areas of the city related to environmental sustainability:
The Cootes to Escarpment Land Strategy and Park System has partnered various levels of government, agencies, utilities, and non-government organizations to preserve and expand natural areas and engage the community on the value of these lands. The system is one of the most biologically rich areas in Canada with more than 1,580 documented species and habitat for more than 50 species at risk.
Under Places to Grow and with a firm urban and rural boundary, the city will continue to transform from a suburban community to a more urban built environment that should support a sustainable transportation network.
Support for urban agriculture and local food opportunities, such as community gardens, continues to grow.
Halton Region continues to experience success in reducing the waste diversion rate by expanding programs for local residents.
Greenhouse gas emissions from the community and city operations are decreasing.
Water efficiency efforts appear to be working as water consumption on a per capita basis appears to be decreasing (for low rise residential development). However, it is acknowledged that there are challenges facing the city and partner agencies going forward:
The uncertainty of the impacts of climate change, not just with local infrastructure, but with health, food security, the natural environment, among others. A regional adapation strategy should be considered.
The automobile is still the preferred mobility option in Burlington and changing the modal split in favour of other sustainable modes like transit, walking and cycling will require ongoing support in these areas.
The urban forest is under threat by invasive species and urban development, making the Urban Forest Master Plan an important resource.
The Sustainable Development Committee recently prioritized their top ten recommendations in the SOER:
 The use to which we put the land we have – who gets to make those decisions? LAND USE PLANNING:
1. That the city focuses on future land planning opportunities for mobility hubs, with design principles supporting energy efficient and smart development with a sustainable transportation network.
 Regional Chair Gary Carr tasting honey while on an agricultural tour. RURAL LANDS & AGRICULTURE
2. That the city expand the position and responsibilities of the Community Garden Coordinator from seasonal part time to support the local food movement in Burlington, by encouraging local food production and distribution, and supporting urban and rural agricultural programs.
TRANSPORTATION:
3. That the city undertake Transportation Modal Split surveys on a more consistent basis than the Transportation Tomorrow Survey. It is recommended that this survey include questions to detail why residents of Burlington choose their preferred mode of transportation and what steps need to be taken to encourage residents to rely on more sustainable transportation options.
ENERGY:
4. That the city continue the implementation of the Community Energy Plan with a focus on fuel and cost savings, by switching from gasoline vehicles to electric/hybrid vehicles, investigating opportunities for local sustainable generation (e.g. district and renewable energy), improving efficiency, increasing community engagement and improving the built form.
 Water – it can work for us and it can work against us. Either way it is a resource to be managed so that it can sustain the community. WATER:
5. That the city implement repairs and actions to mitigate future flooding impacts based on the results of the current study being carried out by the City of Burlington, Region of Halton and Conservation Halton in a cost effective manner. The study should include an update of the design standards for the stormwater system considering climate change impacts. That the city follow the principles (e.g. electrical boxes above flood level) required by Alberta when remediation is being carried out on residences, etc. (particularly where residences have been flooded repeatedly).
6. That the city request a geotechnical report through the development review process to ensure the proper design is applied when building construction takes place near or below the water table, particularly in low lying areas where the water table level is near the surface. Ensure the Ontario Building Code requirements are implemented, such as waterproofing of the foundation walls and measures to mitigate a reduction in the bearing capacity of the soil.
7. That the city, in partnership with Conservation Halton as appropriate, undertake a series of pilot projects on city properties using Low Impact Development stormwater management techniques to treat stormwater runoff at its source rather than conveying it through the traditional stormwater infrastructure.
CLIMATE CHANGE:
8. That the city ensure community resiliency by working with regional partners including Halton Region, Conservation Halton and the local municipalities to develop a climate change adaptation strategy.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS & DEVELOPMENT:
9. That the city implement green building standards to require builders to include sustainable building measures in their projects.
10. That the city continue to undertake a training program for city staff who deal with planning applications and building permits to obtain LEED accreditation and to make use of the LEED Neighbourhood checklist developed by the SDC.
The Sustainability Advisory Committee is made up of volunteers who have taken on a mammoth task. At times the city has asked them for comments they weren’t able to provide; with these periodic reports the city gets solid data but then struggles to leverage the data and inform the public.
 Tires pulled out of creeks by clean up crews – the tires got dumped there by people who should know better. Burlingtonians are particularly willing to pitch in and do what needs to be done to make the difference. Thousands turn out for the Green Up – Clean up event; hundreds trooped to the Beachway to plant trees. The task now is to get the message out – which is easier said than done. The Sustainable Development Committee plans to make their report available within the community. Copies will be distributed to the Burlington Public Libraries and local senior elementary and secondary schools as a resource document. An electronic version will be provided on the city’s website. The Committee will promote the on-line link to the SOER to minimize the number of printed copies.
It is going to take more than dropping copies off at the library and at schools to get the depth and breadth of just what sustainability is all about. On that score the committee gets a low C grade – great stuff but it has to go much further than a presentation to council and being put in the libraries.
It comes back to that leadership issue – doesn’t it?
 By CM Dixon
June 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a cool spring night in Barrie as the Burlington Bandits made their way North to Coates Stadium to take on the defending champion Barrie Baycats. After a slow start to the season the Bandits had finally filled out most of their roster and were looking to turn a corner for the rest of the season. Didn’t make it this time – the Baycats took the game – 4-2
Going into the homes of the champions coach Kyle MacKinnon was confident with his clubs’ chances, “We just have to compete at their level. Obviously they’re a good team, but both times we came up here last year we were in a good spot, so if we come out with a high compete level, we’ll be okay.”
 Adam Odd was named batter of the game – but it wasn’t the one that the Barrie Baycats beat the Burlington Bandits 4-2 The game got going quickly and Burlington’s defence was soon on display with LF Justin Gideon making a sensational diving catch in the bottom of the first to steal a hit from Ryan Spataro. Only to one-up himself in the bottom of the sixth when he made a leaping catch as he crashed into the wall, stealing away what would have been an extra-bases hit for Kyle DeGrace.
“I tracked the ball off the bat and I thought it was going to be short, but it just kept carrying,” said Gideon as he described the play. “It just kept carrying and I found myself against the fence, I jumped and I didn’t even know I caught it until I looked at my glove.”
In the end it just wasn’t enough for Burlington as their own errors gave the game away to Barrie, most notably in the fifth inning. In the inning Barrie’s SS Branfy Arias was hit by a pitch; he then stole second, when sliding into second the ball got lost in the confusion and ended up in centre field, allowing Arias to make it to third safely. The very next batter hit the ball at 3B Nolan Pettipiece, who tried to tag Arias at third instead of getting the out at first, allowing Barrie’s DH Glenn Jackson to cash in a run on a fielders choice, making the game 2-0 Barrie, instead of potentially ending the inning.
It wasn’t all bad for Burlington though, as starting pitcher Dylan Perego gave the Bandits a strong start, pitching 6.1 innings and striking out four batters before the wheels came off in the seventh when he gave up three hits, walked one, hit a batter, had two bases stolen on him and gave up two runs before being replaced by Brandon Hillier.
The night belonged to Perego’s counterpart, Barrie’s starting pitcher Chris England. England threw 8 shutout innings to lead the Baycats to the 4-2 victory. England was just getting back into the role of being a starting pitcher, “it was a little bit different getting back into the swing of things, getting my momentum and getting my pitch count up too. It was just a little bit awkward last week, I hadn’t started in a long time, it’s a little bit about getting into routine and today I was able to follow my routine back from college and luckily I had success because of it.”
 The season has a lot of room left – the Bandits are going to need it to catch up. They are one step from the bottom of the ladder. Coach MacKinnon wasn’t happy with the loss “offensively we could have competed a bit better early,” said the coach, “maybe cashed in on a couple situations. Overall I’m never happy about a loss but it’s something to build off, that’s for sure.”
Burlington’s next game is at home against the Guelph Royals on Thursday night. The game goes at 7:30pm at Nelson Park as Burlington will try to snap a two-game losing streak.
The Bandits are real, real close to the bottom of the standings ladder – The team has won 4, lost ten games – but things are a lot worse for the Guelph Royal.
Movie line up at the CineStarz Upper Canada location at 460 Brant Street for June 12-18.
WOMAN IN GOLD PG
Fri to Sun 11:45 1:45 3:45 5:20 7:30
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:00 5:00 7:00 9:00
ALOHA PG
Fri to Sun 9:30
Mon to Thur 1:00 7:15 9:20
MONKEY KINGDOM G
Fri to Sun 11:45 1:50 3:45 5:45
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:30 6:05
POLTERGEIST 14A
Fri to Sun 1:50 5:30 7:20 9:10
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:40 7:45 9:30
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD PG
Fri to Sun 11:45 3:35 9:30
Mon to Thur 1:30 5:30 7:10
CINDERELLA PG
Fri to Sun 11:45 1:45 3:45 5:45 7:30
Mon to Thur 5:10
FURIOUS 7 PG
Fri to Sun 1:15 3:00 7:15 9:10
Mon to Thur 4:30 7:00 9:10
EX MACHINA 14A
Fri to Sun 7:45 9:40
Mon to Thur 2:30 7:35 9:30
AGE OF ADALINE PG
Fri to Sun 11:45 3:25 5:30
Mon to Thur 1:30 3:00 5:10
PAUL BLART MALL COP 2 PG
Fri to Sun 11:40 1:20 5:45 7:20 9:40
Mon to Thur 2:45 4:25 9:30
Admission General $5.99
Admission Senior / Children $4.99
Admission Tuesday $3.99
By Guida Feliz
June 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off came alive at the Waterfront. It could not have been a more perfect weekend. The hot Saturday sun beat down on the Burlington Sound of Music Festival while the beat of the concert music played to a high energy crowd.
 Head banging with style – or the photo op of the day. Whichever – the sound drove the crowds wild at the Saturday SoM Kick Off. The crowds of adoring fans arrived in droves to watch their favourite bands. The food trucks lined up along the boardwalk. The Waterfront was busy with boats anchored to listen to the music. Everyone showed up to enjoy this event; families, dog lovers, teens, people of all ages came out to support the Burlington Sound of Music Festival Kick Off.
As I walked through the main gate I could see the teams of volunteers attending to everything from ticket scanners to assisting people and answering questions. I ran into Ted Mills, ‘really I had to move to avoid being run over by him’ Ted wore a bright yellow t-shirt with the words “Event Control”.
I asked him if he had a few minutes to chat with me. I asked him how long he had been a volunteer with the event. He smiled and said “14 years’. Ted told me he was very proud of the event and felt this was a great event for Burlington to host. Ted loves what he does and this is his way to give back to the Burlington Community.
I also had a chance to chat very briefly with the Ticket Scanner volunteer. She smiled and told me this event was great. She explained the ticket scanning was a great idea; and a great way to keep the line ups moving quickly so everyone could get to their concerts. .
I was excited to be joining the other photographers and journalists who were taking photos of Burlington’s own Finger Eleven as they performed. We all gathered by the front gate waiting to be escorted by the media coordinator to the media pit. We hung
our cameras over our shoulders and got “ready to aim snap and capture” the band Finger Eleven in concert.
 Fingers 11 – working that instrument at the Sound of Music Kick Off on Saturday. Finger Eleven was introduced to the excited fans by the Host of CHCH news anchor Nick Dixon. The band was formed in 1989. The first guitarist came out whaling his electric guitar joining the drummer and base guitarist. Then we all got a real treat, a ‘head banging” show from the guitarist.
As he began to play his guitar he was hidden behind his long long black hair. His hair flew in the air as he dropped his head back and forth to the sound of his guitar. Throughout each song he bounced across the stage with such energy; the loud applause and cheers could be heard for miles. Finger Eleven was one of many concerts during the Burlington Sound of Music Kick Off this past weekend.
There were fans standing inside the media ‘Pit’ as well. Concert go-ers wishing to get real close to their favourite band; could do so by purchasing a $60.00 ticket plus another $25.00 which gave them access to the ‘Pit’. “Yes you could stand inches from the stage.”
This apparently is the first time the Sound of Music has asked for payment to gather at favoured spots right up close to the stage – where we were told when we could click our cameras and when we couldn’t.
Historically the Sound of Music has been a free event – is there a change in policy in the works? Could we see the Sound of Music as a fully ticketed event in the future?
 Kristin and Justin Butler; owners of the Chimneys food truck doing their first SoM event. I noticed long line ups at the food trucks. So, I took a few minutes to chat with Kristin and Justin Butler; owners of the Chimneys food truck. This was their first time at the Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off and found the energy invigorating.
I was able to chat with David Miller, Executive Director of the Burlington Sound of Music. He was a very busy man this weekend. According to David, there were a few unexpected glitches; this only meant they will look closely at how to avoid future issues. Concentrating on making it even a better experience. He is very proud of the event which he has been heading up for nine years.
This was the Fourth year of the Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off. I asked David who was the brainchild behind the idea for a Ticketed Event. He told me it was a ‘collaborative effort’.
He explained how the Burlington community and others have been asking for a bigger and better concert line-up. David was able to fill that request by adding bands such as: Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven, Collective Soul and David Wilcox, to name a few. He also mentioned that the ‘Free’ weekend at the Burlington Sound of Music has also been a success.
During the ‘Free’ weekend there were a few options: the Front Row Concert Tickets cost $25.00; the Sweet VIP Concert Tickets cost $100; this includes a drink and a meal.
Every year the money raised goes to a different recipient. This year the recipient is the Joseph Brant Hospital, Music Therapy.
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By Staff
June 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
They want you there and while they won’t send a yellow taxi to pick you up – they have arranged for the buses to run just a little longer so you can stick around Spencer Smith Park a little longer and take in more of the Sound of Music.
The Festival organizers have arranged for shuttles from the Burlington GO station to the Downtown Transit Terminal
 Shuttles will run from the Burlington GO station to the John Street terminal – just a hop, skip and a jump to Spender Smith Park Extended transit service will also be offered during the kick-off event on Saturday June 13 and again during the Festival weekend as noted below:
Saturday June 13 & Saturday June 20
3 North from the Terminal – 10:30, 11 and 11:30 p.m.
3 South from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m.
10 East from the terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m
Friday June 19
3 North from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m.
3 South from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m.
10 East from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m.
 By Ray Rivers
June 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
“Mr. Putin runs an entirely different system … he runs an economy that is dominated by oligarchs and criminal syndicates. It is not at all like our economy, it doesn’t share our interests, it doesn’t share our values, and so I think we need to have discussions where we can really rally the shared interests of the Western democratic world.” (CBC).
This was one of Canadian PM Stephen Harper’s clearest foreign policy statements.
Cynics might say that he is just catering to the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada – playing politics from abroad in an election year. But he has been consistent on this issue from the get-go, and as such, brings a constructive voice into the mix of confusion over how to solve a problem like Putin.
 Prime Minister laying a wreath at a memorial in Kiev. Notwithstanding his refusal to back up his aggressive stand by supplying defensive weapons, Ukrainian leaders have no greater friend than Canada’s Prime Minister. And his voice has apparently influenced decision-making at the latest G7 meeting in Bavaria, where unanimous consent was obtained to keep economic sanctions on Russia.
The G7, established in 1975 as the Group of 6 (G6) is comprised of the chief financial officers and heads of government of the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy and, as of 1976, Canada. The G7 can claim to be global power brokers since they represent the majority of the planet’s economic power and wealth.
Canada was an after-thought addition to the original club. We represent the smallest population and economy of the group, though we can boast the second highest per capita GDP and human development index rating. This G7 group is not to be confused with the G20, which includes the G7 as well as other big nations, and collectively controls about 80 percent of global wealth. And as if it were not confusing enough, the European Union established another G5 (now G6) in the nineties.
Russia became a member of the G7 sometime after the disintegration of the USSR, making it the G8, but was kicked out last year after it invaded the Ukraine. Although it’s economy is slightly greater than that of Canada, it’s GDP per capita is only a third of ours – a developing-nation standard of living. That and the other arguments Mr. Harper’s raised are good reasons for its expulsion.
 Would returning to the Gold standard make a difference? The G7 was originally constituted to deal with the aftermath of the US leaving the gold standard. But the Group of Seven have evolved into a forum to discuss economic and trade issues, such as the pending credit default by Greece. Still, when you get a bunch of chief executives from the world’s most powerful nations together, they’ll talk about whatever they want.
So in addition to Greece, the Islamic State (IS), Ukraine and Climate Change were on the agenda. German Chancellor Merkel was passionate about making climate change a priority. France hosts the next global climate change conference at the end of this year, and was hoping the G7 would support something like zero emissions by mid-century.
Japan and Canada, for different reasons, were not ready to sign onto a resolution to stop burning fossil fuels by 2050. So they picked a date, out of thin air, and the rest of the members compromised with 2100 – the lowest common denominator. Well, at least, I won’t be around to criticize the PM, should he miss that target, But neither will he – and that is the point. He might just as well have chosen 2200 or 2300 – it means nothing.
The Ukraine and IS conflicts are serious business. Almost 7,000 people have been killed over the last year in Ukraine, and there are unfounded claims of 10,000 deaths from the US-led bombing alone. There is lots of wrong doing, illegality and immorality to go around, and two sides to every story, but we are the good guys, right?
So what about climate change? The World Health Organization estimates a quarter million deaths annually between 2030 and 2050 and economic costs of up to $4 B a year as a result of this phenomenon. As fixated as we are on Ukraine and IS, isn’t this a bigger picture? Or is there something amiss with our values and interests? I mean, how moral is inter-generational inequality?
Mr. Harper’s European vacation included a ten minute meeting with the Pope, whose office claims to be the pinnacle of morality. Our PM has been asked, by our first nations to give the Pope a message, to apologize for what his church, among others, did to Canada’s aboriginal residential students.
But Harper didn’t ask, choosing to continue his tirade on Russia instead. Pope Francis is a bit of a rock star, and who knows, he might have apologized. No doubt he had already lectured Mr. Putin about the morality of the Ukraine conflict when they met a day earlier.
 Pope checking on the heavens – just how polluted are they? The next big campaign for the Pontiff is fighting climate change. So it is likely this topic came up in his discussions with our PM, but he’s not saying. The Pope has many allies in this battle to save the planet as we know it, including the US and Chinese leaders, and the Europeans.
Mr. Harper would do well to ponder the words he used to describe the Russian leader – the ones about interests and values and belonging to a club that shares values. Should he be re-elected PM later this year, those very words may come back to haunt him, as he finds himself lonely if not alone, in Paris, at the climate change conference.
 Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington where he ran as a Liberal against Cam Jackson in 1995, the year Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution swept the province.
Background links:
Harper on Russia Harper and Climate Change G20 G7
Harper and Carbon Taxes Putin and the World ISIL Conflict
Climate Change Costs AFN and the Pope
Pope might talk to Harper about pollution
By Staff
June 10th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington auction pulled in $60,000 during its recent Art Auction – the Bateman went for $6,000 and Reid Flock’s piece “Basking Denim Noise Paint” went for $1,000.
 Newly minted AGB President Robert Steven has had a good first month – $60,000 ahead of the game. Hopefully it is still uphill from here. Art collectors are known for the attention they pay to the Burlington auction because they know there is usually a Bateman included – and they make a point of taking a look and then usually bidding by telephone.
Robert Bateman’s piece “Kestral and Balsam Poplar” went for $6,000 which is a little on the low side for Bateman’s work.
 The 200 different pieces of art that sold for $200 each was a popular choice for many that were just getting into art collecting. The 200 for $200 seemed to be a very popular event – it was limited to local artists who had a chance to get there work in front of a wide, informed audience. The proof in that pudding will be next year – let’s see if the event makes the cut – it should.
Burlington has a number of high priced, high end galas – the AGB appears to have an opportunity to hold an event that could focus on the arts – no one else occupies that space. Creating a theme for the evening seemed to please most people – what will the creative minds of Johnathan Smith and Denis Longchamps come up with for next year?
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