 By Pepper Parr
May 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Large parts of this article were first published in a blog Mayor Goldring contributes to from time to time
The group that spent close to a week in Holland representing Burlington in one of the most politically and historically significant events for the western world are all back in town.
 Burlington and Apeldoorn residents touring the Kasteel Cannenburch in Vaassen. Mayor Rick Goldring and Councillor Blair Lancaster represented the city officially. Staff members Scott Stewart and Rob Peachy took part in the trip along with members of Burlington’s Dutch Community and the Burlington Teen Tour Band.
The event was the 70th year celebration of the end of the Second World War. The remaining members of the armed forces who fought that war are in their 90’s – the chances of them taking part in the next celebration ten years from now is remote.
 Brian Bourne, Mayors John Berends and Rick Goldring, Scott Stewart, Councillor Blair Lancaster, Ed Dorr, Jan Koorenhof and Charles Minken come together with the Burlington Teen Tour Band and visiting Burlington residents for the preview of Burlington Park in Apeldoorn. The occasion was an opportunity for Burlington to further cement its relationship with Apeldoorn, the city was twinned with ten years ago.
Mayor Goldring called the trip “the experience of a lifetime”.
The celebrations were multi-faceted. In April, 21 Burlington students from participating high schools travelled to Apeldoorn for a week-long exchange. There was also an art exchange and pen pal program between participating Grade 4 and 5 students.
 Cycling is a key mode of transportation in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. Ideas for encouraging cycling in Burlington were shared. Apeldoorn is a city of approximately 150,000, while Burlington has about 180,000 residents. We have many similarities despite our physical distance.
The Burlington delegation met with municipal officials on several occasions to share ideas and best practices, with discussions around infrastructure, sustainability, fleet, efficiencies, greenspace management and council procedure, among others.
There were also discussions about possible economic development opportunities. Economic development is a priority for both Apeldoorn Mayor John Berends and myself.
The close ties between the Canadian and Dutch people date back 70 years when the Canadian Forces liberated Apledoorn in April 1945 and the rest of the country by May 5, 1945.
Today, both Canada and the Netherlands are highly regarded in the international community for our strong open democracies with enduring traditions of tolerance and respect for human rights and the rule of law. We are natural friends and partners in so many ways.
 Mayors Rick Goldring and John Berends lay a wreath at Loenen, the Netherlands. Mayor Goldring said the visit to Holten Cemetery to honour our Canadian soldiers “touched my heart, as did the veteran’s parades in Apeldoorn and Wageningen.” Apeldoorn Mayor John Berends and Mayor Goldring laid a wreath at Loenen.
“I have always been proud to be Canadian” said Mayor Golddring. “This past week, observing thousands of Dutch citizens waving Canadian flags and seeing young Dutch children run up and hand our veterans homemade cards and fresh flowers during the parade deepened my patriotism.”
 Canadian veteran and Burlington resident Mr. Jim Warford meets with Councillor Blair Lancaster and Mayor Rick Goldring.  Councillor Blair Lancaster and Mayor Rick Goldring with Canadian veteran and Burlington resident Mr. Stan Egerton. “Last week”, while in Holland, “ I also had the opportunity to connect with Burlington veterans Mr. Jim Warford and Mr. Stan Egerton in Apeldoorn. Words are not enough to describe the honour of shaking their hands.”
“It is so very important to teach our young people about the importance of freedom and the relationship between Canada and the Netherlands. Everywhere I went, people spoke about the talent, precision and dedication of our young people in the band. They truly are the pride of Burlington and Canada’s Musical Ambassadors.”
 Princess Margriet of the Netherlands meets members of the City of Burlington delegation in Apeldoorn. Goldring reminded us that: “It is special to note that during the Second World War, the Dutch Flag was flown over the Parliament Buildings and Peace Tower in Ottawa when Princess Margriet was born in Canada. She is a beloved daughter of Canada.”
The Burlington delegation to Holland had an opportunity to meet Princess Margriet during their visit. “She was gracious and very complimentary of Canada and the relationship with Burlington.” Said the Mayor.
Goldring spoke during the preview of the Burlington Garden in Apeldoorn and said:
“I would like to extend warm greetings to Mayor John Berends, Apeldoorn Burlington Committee Chair Jan Koorenhof, Burlington Apeldoorn Committee Chair Charles Minken, Burlington Mundialization Chair Ed Dorr, our citizens, the Burlington Teen Tour Band and our friends in attendance.
 A bench embossed with maple leaves in Burlington Garden in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. The park was a mundialization initiative. “What a glorious occasion it is to be here today at the preview of Burlington Garden during the 10th anniversary of the official twinning of Burlington and Apeldoorn.
“The Burlington Garden is a meaningful initiative for both the City of Apeldoorn and the City of Burlington.
“Two years ago, Mayor Berends and I celebrated the ground-breaking for Apeldoorn Park in downtown Burlington. How quickly time has passed, my friend.
“Apeldoorn Park officially opened in Burlington in September 2014. It was a special occasion as Apeldoorn high school students were present at the opening.
“It has many Dutch features, with orange play equipment, benches engraved with tulips, and hundreds of Apeldoorn tulips.
 Burlington Teen Tour Band members line a street in Apeldoorn for the walk of silence on the Day of Remembrance on Monday, May 4. “Every time I drive or walk by Apeldoorn Park, I see children playing or seniors sitting enjoying the scenery. Apeldoorn Park is a park that holds a special place in the hearts of our residents. It is an honour to be here today at the opening of Burlington Garden.
“This garden embodies the friendship and close bond between the people of Burlington and Apeldoorn. It is also symbolic of city council’s dedication to the welfare of the people of Apeldoorn, as the garden will be maintained by area citizens and residents of Heeren Loo.
“It is beautiful to think that children will be playing in Burlington Garden at the same time as children in Apeldoorn Park. Although we are separated by a vast ocean and hundreds of miles, we are family.
 By Pepper Parr
May 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The route for the Pan Am Torch run has been determined. It will go through Burlington on Friday June 19 and start at Brant and Leighland and proceed south to Caroline where it will turn west along Caroline to Locust.
South on Locust to Elgin
West on Elgin to Maple and south on Maple into Spencer Smith Park.
The Torch Route will start at 17:40 (5:40 pm) arriving at the stage at Spencer Smith Park at 18:25. (6:25) pm These times need to finalized with TO2015, which we anticipate shortly.
 Pan Am Torch route – Friday June 19, The 19th of June is Sound of Music time of year – so the Torch run will somehow become part of the Sound of Music.
There are hordes of people involved in the Pan Am event. Corporations are being asked to think in terms of possible staggered hours for their employees or have them work from home.
Traffic is expected to be a bit of a mess for the whole of the Pan Am and the Para Am games.
 This is the torch Burlington’s representative will carry June 19th Burlington has what the bureaucrats are calling “non-event” status – which is a polite way of saying nothing is going to take place in Burlington other than the practice soccer games that will take place at City View park – but the public will not be allowed to watch those games.
All these decisions were made before Burlington was recognized as the best mid-sized city in Canada to live in.
 Dr. Ashley Worobec will carry the Pan Am Torch through Burlington and into Spencer Smith Park. Dr. Ashley Worobec will carry the Torch for the Burlington portion of the run into Hamilton.
Worobec is a Burlington based chiropractor at the Burlington Sports and Spine Clinic. She is also an avid Crossfit practitioner.
A mother of two young children, she is actively engaged in numerous community activities and blogs about her community, her practice, parenting and staying fit and healthy.
 By Staff
May 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It looks like it could come from the Bank of Montreal – and we all make little goofs logging in. Did I make that many I might ask.
 It might look legitimate – it isn’t. This kind of scam is an attempt to get you to click on the link they want you to go to – then they begin to gather information. It doesn’t take them very long to get to the point where they have enough information to begin sucking money out of your bank account; your credit card or any number of places where you have funds that are accessible on line.
The sent from address used is a little confusing – this isn’t from a bank.
The basic rule is always be vigilant and if in doubt – don’t.
 By Staff
May 11, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
In September 2014, Halton Regional Police recovered a stolen Freightliner tractor cab that was reported stolen from within the Region of Peel. The cab was located in the Walmart parking lot at 2065 Fairview Street in the City of Burlington.
 Shoplifter drives to Walmart in a tractor cab – police at first unaware of his mode of transportation Milton officers investigating tractor thefts in Halton continued their investigation into the stolen truck a couple days after its recovery and learned a suspect had driven the stolen truck to the Walmart parking lot in Burlington and entered the store.
The suspect was arrested that day and charged with shoplifting offences. What police didn’t know at the time was that his trip to the Walmart Store was by the truck tractor.
On May 6, 2015, the accused was located by Halton Regional Police investigators in Milton and charged with the theft of the truck.
The police don’t say how long the accused was driving the truck.
Accused:
Harjeet SINGH, 29 years, from Brampton has been charged with:
• Possession of Stolen Property
• Failing to comply with his Recognizance x 3
Anyone with any information about cargo theft is asked to contact Detective Constable Candido Moniz of the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at (905)825-4747 ext. 2416 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).
For additional information about community concerns in Milton and Halton Hills, follow us on Twitter @HRPSMiltHH. Additional tips for securing your home and other property can be found in the Community Policing section of the Service’s website at www.haltonpolice.ca.
 By Staff
May 11, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Ouch – 10 to 1 – for the other guys.
The Burlington Bandits, this city’s entry into the Inter County Baseball League held took part in a game on Saturday and took a drubbing.
 The Majors just hit too many of the balls Perego was throwing. The London Majors pounded out 15 hits and took advantage of five Burlington errors in a season-opening 10-1 win over the Bandits Saturday aMajors third baseman Alex Martinez went 3-for-5 with a run scored, as five London batters had multi-hit games.
Cody Mombourquette, Larry Gonzalez, Brett Sabourin and Argenis Vargas each had two hits.
Majors leadoff hitter Humberto Ruiz had a double and scored three runs.
London starter Oscar Perez went five innings, giving up one run on two hits. He walked three and struck out three.
For Burlington, starting pitcher Dylan Perego was tagged for four runs (three earned) on eight hits in six innings.
He struck out three and didn’t walk a batter.
Adam Odd had the lone RBI, a sacrifice fly that scored Brad Bedford in the bottom of the first.
London (1-0) will host Hamilton May 15 at 7:35 p.m. at Labatt Park, while Burlington (0-1) hosts Brantford May 16 at 1 p.m. as it opens the season with four games at Nelson Park.
By Staff
May 11, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
This downtown vibrancy that gets talked about may get upped a notch or two.
The movie theatre that used to be at 460 Brant Street might get revived and the old Regus operation that rented small office space to people that didn’t need more than an office might be coming back to life.
George Matt, who runs DTR Solutions in Burlington is looking at the third floor space and doing some market research to see if there is enough demand to make it a viable venture.
He wants to add additional services – accounting, web site development, not much on the specifics however.
Matt says the DTR Business Centre is going to be catalyst for the SME market place in Burlington. The objective is to provide not just an office space for small business owners but also the proper resources to help facilitate their growth.
Some of the additional services we will be providing for the tenants will be:
– Accounting and Financial Services
– Technology Services (Web Design, IT Support, Computer Hardware/Software, etc.)
– Event Planning Services
 Lino A. Fera, a seasoned executive who focuses on the vision of a business, will speak to prospective clients for a new downtown business centre. On May 22nd and 23rd DTR will be hosting a 2 day ‘Open Office Event’ at 460 Brant Street – 3rd floor – to showcase the amenities and commercial office space to potential tenants. On Saturday, May 23rd at 11:00 am all attendees will have an opportunity to take in a one hour complimentary Entrepreneurship Seminar with keynote speaker Lino A. Fera, a seasoned executive who focuses on the vision of a business.
The Seminar will take place in the Theatre on the ground floor.
To book an open office viewing or to attend the seminar fill out the form at this link:
Regus, an International company that has hundreds of serviced offices around the world, wasn’t able to make a go of it in Burlington – even though there are a number of serviced offices in Burlington, especially along the Service Roads.
The HiVe set up a very well appointed clutch of offices on Elizabeth Street and held one of the better opening parties this city has seen – but it didn’t translate into enough revenue to cover all the costs.
The HiVe has moved to Guelph Line and Harvester Road where they certainly won’t run out of space.
By Pepper Parr
May 9, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Question period in the House of Commons is that occasion when Members of Parliament get to hold the government accountable by asking questions.
Each party is allocated a specific amount of time – the Leader of the Opposition party asks the first question and then the Speaker of the House recognized different members.
 Burlington MP Mike Wallace has a piece of art explained to him by AGB Curator of Education Leslie Page during one of his weekend trips to Burlington. Last week Burlington’s MP Mike Wallace asked a question and presented two reports.
The question was to the Minister of Finance of his own government. These are basically set up questions where a member of the government party asks a question of a Minister who then gets to stand up and tout the government line
Wallace asked:
Mr. Speaker, the strong leadership of this Conservative government has steered Canada out of the global recession. It has created over 1.2 million new jobs. They are overwhelmingly full-time private-sector jobs, in high-wage industries.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance please tell the House the next steps that this government will take in this year’s budget to create more jobs?
Someone needs to have a chat with Wallace – the jobs created were not “overwhelmingly full-time private-sector jobs, in high-wage industries.”
Questions like this then allow the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance to add to what is basically an exercise in parliamentary
 Burlington MP Mike Wallace preparing for a funding announcement at Memex Automation. Wallace later presented two Standing Committee reports. On this occasion he was speaking as the Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. This is an important Standing Committee and while there have been occasions in the past when Wallace was a little more partisan than he perhaps should have been – the committee does some very good work.
On this occasion Wallace was presenting the report on Bill C-35, an act to amend the Criminal Code (law enforcement animals, military animals and service animals).
The committee has studied the bill said Wallace and has agreed to report it back to the House without amendment.
Wallace continued: I also have the honour to present, the 19th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to the study on the subject matter of Bill C-583, an act to amend the Criminal Code (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder).
All in all a good days work for the Member for Burlington.
By Pepper Parr
May 8, 2015
BURLINGTON ON
Part 3 of a multi-part series
The west end of the Beachway Park does not get a lot of pedestrian traffic. Lakeshore Road ends and curves into Eastport; Lakeshore Court is home to a dismal looking cinder block building and a house that was once a grand structure. Times have changed for both structures which are now defined as priority properties that have to be acquired if the park plan is ever to proceed.
The planned park is five different parks rolled into one and if the financial hurdles and finding a way to acquire the homes that are in the way can be found – construction on the park will begin sometime in 2018 – once the re-development of the Joseph Brant Hospital is complete.
The people who did the draft version of the park that was presented to slightly less than 100 people at a public meeting in April have changed much of the west end and turned it into a very active part of the planned park.
They created a section they call the Commons and another section they call Skyway/Federal pier. Both parts border on the Burlington canal which itself is rich in local history. While the canal is not Regional property nor does it belong to the city – it’s federal government property with all kinds of rules and regulations surrounding a vital waterway for Hamilton – the park planners have included it
The Commons and the Skyway/Federal Pier are part of a much bigger picture.
 The Beachway Park- from the Canal to the west end of Spencer Smith Park The plan is very large in scope and while there are no times lines announced yet and there is no budget allocated, the development of the park is seen by the Region as a major development for their parks program.
The plan calls for some changes to the west end of Spencer Smith Park as it merges into the new park at the point where the Joseph Brant Museum is located and Lakeshore curves and leads towards what will be the new entrance to the Joseph Brant Hospital will be located.
Lakeshore Road will be raised as much as one metre at this point and taper down to a new height of half a metre at about where the water treatment plant is today. At this point Lakeshore Road will be realigned and take a 90 degree turn to the right and run closer to the QEW.
 There are five distinct areas within the Beachway Park – each will have its own theme. These are the draft plans – the properties needed to make the part happen have yet to be acquired by the Regional government – residents say they have no plans to sell. There are essentially five parks, each with different purposes and orientations. The upgrades to the western end of Spencer Smith make it six parks.
The Living Shoreline will be much different than what people see now – today it is just something people walk past. The Strand will continue to be the aquatic area where the Pump House stands.
The Wind Beach will see quite a bit of change.
The Commons is a completely new idea and represents the biggest changes to both the landscape and the homes that are in place now.
 The Commons is at the extreme west end of the park and will undergo the most significant change in terms of the number of activities brought to the area. The jetty on the Burlington side of the canal will be incorporated into the park and there will be both shipping and naval interpetation stations.
 These homes are on the lakeside of Lakeshore Road and are considered priority homes by the park planners. The portion of Lakeshore Road in the picture will be moved to the left and align with the QEW. Lakeshore Road, which currently runs down the middle of the land – will be shifted closer to the QEW so that what is now road will become recreational area.
That recreation will include volley ball courts, lawn courts and Food Trucks.
There is some very environmentally sensitive dunes in this area – they will be protected.
 This is a cinder block garage at the end of Lakeshore Court steps from the canal There will be a couple of shaded areas with a structure that will have benches. There will be a few very small parking lots: 30 space size, along with a number of landscape enhancements to keep any traffic noise the Eastport Road from filtering in.
There will be a lot of activity: an artisan/market; washrooms and a play area along with 28 spaces of on street parking.
There will be a festival park – small in size.
There will be a pond park, additional interpretive stations as well as a Storm Water management pond with a open edge.
There will be a Pond Pavilion as well.
This is the part of the park that has many, perhaps most of the “priority homes” that the park designers have said must be torn down if the design of the park as they see it is to be completed.
 Definitely the most magnificent looking house in the Beachway; it backs onto what was once the railway line which suggests that it was built before the rail line was put in. It too is amongst the “priority homes” that the planners want taken out. This home could be moved and restored. The current residents fall into several categories: those who say they will fight to the bitter end and are never going to move; those that are resigned to having to move eventually and hope that eventuality can be pushed well off into the future. There are a few angling for the best price they can get from the Region. So far just three properties have been sold; two of those were an Estate sale.
Part 1
Part 2
 By Pepper Parr
May 8, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The sun rises in the East.
Is that sun going to shine on the Skyway Plaza in the east end of the city?
 A plaza that has a very run down at the heals look to it just might be getting the kind of attention it needs – if the location does get re-developed will it be the kind of mixed use that many want to see?  The place isn’t quite derelict but there are more retail locations empty than occupied and the place just doesn’t look very busy.
The city has been trying for some time to work with the owners of the property but ward 5 councillor Paul Sharman couldn’t get his phone calls answered.
Former city manager Jeff Fielding was prepared to do a deal that would involve the Skyway arena just behind the plaza – but there was no buzz.
There are changes coming – the Economic development Corporation has been able to do what Sharman couldn’t do – and there are now reported conversations taking place with architectural renderings being prepared.
It is now very clear that the new team at Economic Development are able to make things happen.
Can we expect an announcement in the near future?
By Way of background:
Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman has been doing everything he can since he was first elected to get something going with the Skyway Plaza, but has gotten absolutely no traction with the absentee owner of the property.
Sharman has made phone calls – dropped into offices in Toronto – nothing.
 Frank McKeown, then the Mayors Chief of Staff explains a concept to Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman. McKeown is now the Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation and seems to have revived the hopes of re-developing the Skyway Plaza in the east end of the city. At one Standing Committee meeting in 2014, then city manager, Jeff Fielding suggested the city could pool the property it has to the rear of the plaza and come up with a major development opportunity. What would it take to get to that point, asked Sharman? A staff direction would get us started, replied Fielding.
The city began looking at what are called Community Improvement Programs (CIP). At the city council meeting back in July of 2014 Councillor Sharman put forward a motion that few saw before it was actually presented but it got passed and resulted in the following Staff Direction:
DIRECTION REGARDING LAKESIDE PLAZA
Direct the Director of Planning and Building and request the Executive Director of the Burlington Economic Development Corporation as follows:
Prepare a series of re-development options for the site based on intensive mixed use re-development and approach the owners of the property with the redevelopment plans; and
Investigate and report on the authority available to permit the use of incentives for re-developing the site, and
Provide an estimate of the resources needed to prepare and implement a Community Improvement Plan.
 If the arena just behind the Skyway Plaza were rolled into any re-development of the area there is the potential to create the kind of community modern planners are advocating. No one in Halton has done a CIP in more than 20 years; no one seemed to know all that much about the things – until Councillor Meed Ward informed Council that the downtown development group knew all about how they worked.
Back in the 70’s and 80’s the provincial government made some money available for CIP type projects – but that tap got turned off.
All this looks like it is now coming together – and the east end of the city might see some sorely needed development. The city does need a win.
 By Staff
May 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
One of the most gifted and at times controversial writers on important public issues, Jeff Rubin returns to Burlington to mark a major event in publishing and in fiscal and environmental analysis–the release of his new book The Carbon Bubble.
 A compelling, forthright author and speaker, recipient of the National Business Book Award and author of two momentous works of economic forecasting, Why Your World is About to Get a Lot Smaller and The End of Growth, Jeff Rubin is in great demand in all media for his cautionary insights and startling predictions.
“If the world is changing, those willing and able to change with it will be rewarded. For a high-latitude country like Canada, whose average temperature is expected to rise a multiple of the global average that change points to a fundamental rethink of our national economic priorities.” –from The Carbon Bubble
 The Diffeent Drummer, is hosting Jeff Rubin in partnership with Burlington Public Library on Monday May 25 at 7pm in Centennial Hall at Burlington Central Library, 2331 New Street.
Tickets are $10, available at the bookstore and at the third floor Information Desk at the Library.
To reserve seats in advance, please contact us at (905) 639 0925 or diffdrum@mac.com.
By Staff
May 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington 48 Hour Film Challenge is a weekend film making competition where teams of up to 10 cast and crew members set out to create films within the span of 48 hours.
The clock starts clicking the moment the teams receive their packages: will have no more than 48 hours to write, shoot and edit their short films.
All films are screened the weekend later and those eligible will be critiqued by a chosen set of judges putting them in a position to win a prize package.
The Challenge is open to filmmakers of all skill levels as well as newbies who would like to take a stab at film making.
The shoot gets done May 29th to the 31st. Entry fee is $65
The event is presented by the Filmmaker’s Alliance of Burlington and is currently in it’s first year. This is one of many events held by the Filmmaker’s Alliance in their mission to promote and support the film making industry in and around the Burlington area.
Click to see more
 By Staff
May 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Rocca Sisters, a noted Burlington Real Estate agency, has provided us with a review of the first quarter of 2015 real estate sales broken down by area, along with thier latest forecasts for the year ahead.
It would appear that, for the first quarter at least, some neighborhoods in Burlington are achieving a more balanced market condition than others. Aldershot south being a terrific example. Sales are up significantly, values are stable with a moderate increase and days on market have increased suggesting that buyers are unwilling to pay a premium given the availability of inventory.
Parts of south Burlington are seeing unusually high days on market as compared to the same period last year which suggests that while there are more buyers than sellers, hence the increase in values, asking prices have been somewhat inflated and have had to in many cases, reduce before selling.
Headon Forest, Tyandaga and Palmer continue to outstrip the Orchard and Millcroft in terms of increases in values year over year. Buyers are seeing these comparably moderately priced neighborhoods as viable alternatives to these incredibly unbalanced markets. Millcroft continued it’s skyrocketing increase in value while the Orchard cooled a little in the first quarter due mainly to significantly reduced inventories and a natural ceiling on what buyers will/can pay for a family home in this neighborhood.
Central Burlington saw a huge increase in values due mainly to the concentration of sales being in the actual core as opposed to the same period last year when the majority of sales were the outer limits of downtown Burlington.
Alton Village saw a significant increase in value but when you drill down, it appears to be more a case of the type of home that has predominantly sold in 2015 which was the 3000+ sq.ft. homes.
Finally and notably, Roseland has now achieved an average price of over one million dollars.
Here is what the numbers – Courtesy of the Rocca Sisters – look like by neighbourhood:
 By Pepper Parr
May 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s always close to the same number – something around the 35% plus number. That being the percentage of the trucks pulled over for safety inspection.
 When more than a third of those pulled over fail the tests and 15 trucks are actually taken off the road – those roads are not safe.
 Lots of paper work when a truck gets taken off the road – money well spent. Get tougher. Yesterday the Halton Regional Police Service in partnership with Peel Regional Police, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of the Environment and the Region of Halton conducted a Commercial Vehicle Safety Initiative.
The focus of the blitz was to identify vehicles that may not be properly maintained and could pose a danger on our roads.
In total 40 commercial vehicles were inspected resulting in:
• 70 provincial offence notices issued
• 15 vehicles removed from service
• 38% failure rate
Tougher crackdown on these people – raise the stakes – impound the trucks for a week. Let the carriers unload the products they are hauling and send a warning letter and a liability notice to the company that hired the truck – make it clear – this is not going to be tolerated.
The association of police chiefs are not shy when it comes to getting their message out. Get this message out – our roads are going to be safe.
 When police catch this – take the car off the road and send the driver home in a cab. Don’t get me going on the nut cases that drive with the cell phone in their hands. $2500 fine and they have to call a taxi to get home; impound the car and if there are children in it – call Child Services.
The police want anyone who kills a police officer in jail for life – that issue is important to them. Safe roads are important to the people who drive them. Crack down
Day two of Operation Tag and Tow will take place in Oakville on May 7th, 2015.
By Pepper Parr
May 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It has been a mammoth job with hour upon hour of paper work and telephone calls explaining the awkward process of getting funds into the hands of people whose homes were flooded last August – but that process is close to complete.
 The Bank of Montreal, like most of the major banks in the city opened the vaults and made donations to the disaster relief fund. From the left are MPP Eleanor McMahon, Ron Foxcroft, Mayor Goldring, BMO manager Jose Lozano and area VP for BMO Lee Velardo The little lady in the front who kept the community foundation is Colleen Mulholland Colleen Mulholland announced yesterday that the Burlington Community Foundation (BCF) has completed the review and assessment of the 310 claims that were made: 268 of those claims were approved and partial payments have been made or are in the process of being made to the home owners.
The BCF was asked by Mayor Goldring to create a Disaster Relief Claims Committee (DRC) within days of the flooding. Mulholland spearheaded that effort and pulled in newly appointed BCF Board member Ron Foxcroft to help with the fundraising the community had to do to qualify for provincial government support.
 There was a time when Ron Foxcroft was a force to be contended with on the basketball court. He became a force that one had to pay attention to when he started calling the banks in the city for flood relief donations. Foxcroft drove in just short of $1 million in 100 days.
With the hard work done Mulholland explains that the next step for the Claims Committee is to determine final payment amounts. The City of Burlington will disburse the final cheques and the entire program will be wrapped up by the end of May.
“The Flood Relief efforts have been challenging for all and after months of hard work the DRC is pleased that victims in greatest need will soon receive all of the much awaited financial assistance to put the devastation of the August 4, 2014 flood in the rear view mirror,” said Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO, Burlington Community Foundation.
There are many kudos to be handed out for this magnificent effort.
By Pepper Parr
March 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
When we did a report on the reception for the publication of Janet Turpin Myer’s first book Nightswimming we said that “Burlington may have just witnessed the introduction of a major new writer.”
Meyer’s has just published her second title: The Last Year of Confusion
 Janet Turpin Myers works in a bright, sunlit room filled with the smell of cedar trees when the windows are open. Her publisher, Maureen Whyte said of Meyers: “I believe it demonstrates a true ability to write well when an emerging writer doesn’t merely copy a previous storyline. Janet has written an engaging, funny, yet thought-provoking book that takes readers on a wild – but rewarding – journey.”
A story brimming with satire, dark humour and truth, the book follows Villis, a cranky retired anthropologist and survivor of Stalin’s gulag work prisons, as he works vigilantly with his long-time pacifist friend, Bipin, to protect the unspoiled forest they call The Pearl.
There are no coincidences, Bipin believes – so when a young man on an obnoxious all-terrain vehicle begins chewing up forest trails and squashing amphibians, Bipin seeks the cosmic meaning inherent in this assault. But Villis wants to wage war.
The two friends’ naïve efforts to dispel the ATV-man from their beloved woodland haven spiral into a rollicking chaos of confusion, involving celebrity impersonators, visions of cavemen, and a time portal swirling from within the vibrating heart of The Pearl. Mingling pathos and tragedy with humour and a keen perception of the superficiality of current pop culture, The Last Year of Confusion conveys profound ideas regarding peace, faith and love.
 Janet Turpin Meyers, local author launches her first title. Her second title will be released later this month. “I have used satire and, yes, shock features, in this story for an important reason,” says Myers. “I want to encourage readers to think about how pop culture, TV reality shows and celebrity personalities have lured our attention away from not only the environmental crisis our planet is in, but also from the abiding threat to human freedom by oppressive political and state forces.”
Book Launch will be at – the Cedar Springs Community clubhouse on May 24th – 2081 Grand Blvd., North Burlington- , starting at 2:00 p.m. The author will give a talk about the book, along with a short reading. Refreshments will be served.
By Staff
May 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There was no shortage of suspense and excitement as the winners were chosen at the 3rd annual Pythons’ Pit competition in Burlington last night.
 Cory Hudson – Ambient Audio Canada (Open Category Winner – $20,000) Developed by the Rotary Clubs of Halton, it is the region’s most exciting entrepreneurial event. Finalists in the Open and High School categories had the opportunity to pitch their business concepts and product ideas in front of a live audience and “The Pythons”, a panel of business moguls from the community. At stake: cash awards and range of in-kind professional services and mentoring to help them launch their businesses.
A large crowd of supporters were on the edge of their seats at Performing Arts Centre as the Pythons made their difficult decisions in the annual competition, which is supported by presenting sponsors RBC Royal Bank and MNP LLP along with several groups and community partners.
In the Open Category, Cory Hudson, a 5th year Biology student at the Wilfrid Laurier University (originally from Oakville) took home a $20,000 cheque for his handmade and engineered Bluetooth speakers with unique lighting features. Hudson believes his Ambient Audio Canada initiative “will help people create a deeper connection with their music” and the Pythons agreed. A surprise 3-month $7,000-worth free lease offer from RioCan sweetened the winning pot! Hudson was one of five finalists in the Open Category.
 Jennifer Palfi (High School Winner – $1,500) First Place in the High School Category went to a group of bright and energetic Grade 12 students from Burlington’s Nelson High School. David Vanderberg, Ben Mallory, Jassim Moslim and Megan Long impressed the Pythons with ‘Coffee Run’, a unique app that facilitates a more organized and systematic way to ease the ordering experience. They’ll share $2,500 in prize money.
 Robert Omer Carriere (Open Category Contestant) Other cash prizes in the six-finalist high school category went to Jennifer Palfi, a Grade 11 student at Bishop P.F. Reding High School in Milton for ‘PeraCards’, a unique app for sending handwritten cards from a mobile device and Kush Yegnaswami, a Grade 12 student at Garth Webb Secondary School in Oakville whose ‘Aquaponics’ food production invention captured the imagination of the Pythons.
 David Woolford (Python), John Stix (Python), Megan Long (High School Winner – $2,500), Ben Mallory (High School Winner – $2,500), Jassim Moslim (High School Winner – $2,500), Michele Bailey (Python) In the spirit of Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank, Pythons’ Pit attracts the best and brightest of Halton’s budding entrepreneurs. The event, emceed by veteran broadcaster Connie Smith was recorded live by TVCogeco and will be the subject of a multi-part mini-series in the fall of this year.
 By Staff
May 5, 2015
MILTON, ON
Crawford Lake Conservation Area is featuring the artwork and writings of talented Tuscarora artist Raymond R. Skye. The exhibit, titled Haudenosaunee Clans…Extended Families of the Iroquois opens today, Tuesday, May 5 and will be on display 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until June 30, 2015 in the newly built Deer Clan Longhouse.
 Raymond Skye The exhibit will engage guests in a rich experience combining art, video, and hands-on elements to build understanding of the heritage and clans of the Haudenosaunee people. Imagine standing in a modern longhouse, listening to the lyrical poetry of the book The Great Law Kayaneren’ko:wa as written and narrated in English by Metis author David Bouchard, and in Mohawk by Six Nations of the Grand River community member, Frank Miller. The powerful words are accompanied by the visual feast of Raymond’s artworks.
Tim Johnson, Associate Director for Museum Programs, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, Washington and New York had this to say about Skyes’s work:
“The value of Raymond Skye’s artistry is immeasurable. In an information age where ideas and influences are transferred around the globe at the speed of light, it is vitally important that distinct cultures and nations have in place powerful and sustainable mechanisms for their preservation. As an earnest and life-long student and teacher of Haudenosaunee culture, Ray’s contributions to his heritage are numerous and exceptional.
His art documents the primary narratives of Haudenosaunee origin, emergence, and history, enveloping substance within imagery that informs cultural awareness and inspires the people to forever remember. The presence of an artist like Raymond Skye in our community and nation is not only invaluable, it is essential!”
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By Staff
May 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Better late than never – I guess.
The city sent out a media release this morning saying who is part of the Burlington delegation in Holland to mark the 10th anniversary of the twinning of Burlington with the City of Apeldoorn and the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands.
The delegation left for Holland on Sunday and was busy at events on Monday.
 It will be the trip of a lifetime for those who will take part in the farewell dinner being held at Palace Het Loo Mayor Rick Goldring leads the delegation that consists of Ward 6 Councillor (and Mundialization Committee’s council member) Blair Lancaster; Scott Stewart, General Manager of Development and Infrastructure; Rob Peachey, Manager of Parks and Open Spaces; Ed Dorr, Chair of Burlington’s Mundialization Committee; and Charles Minken, Chair of Burlington’s Apeldoorn subcommittee. They will be in the Netherlands from May 4 to May 9, 2015.
The Burlington Teen Tour Band and a citizen delegation will also be in Apeldoorn.
 European splendor at its finest – tour of the Palace and dinner may well turn out to be the highlight of the event. “This is a great opportunity to join the people of the Netherlands to remember the Canadian and Allied soldiers who lost their lives for liberation and freedom,” said Deputy Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.
The delegation will also discuss business opportunities with Apeldoorn officials.
May 4 – Remembrance Day Ceremonies
• Commemoration Loenen
• Commemoration Oranjepark (silent walk of remembrance)
May 5 – Liberation Day
• Wageningen Parade (Burlington Teen Tour Band performing)
• Remembrance concert Amsterdam (official liberation concert on the Amstel for the King and Queen of the Netherlands)
May 6
• Veteran Affairs Canada event
May 7
• Tour of Apeldoorn’s water technology program
• Visit one of the City of Apeldoorn’s multifunction centres for firefighters, paramedics and municipal workers
• City Hall reception and Burlington Teen Tour Band performance
May 8
• Meeting with Apeldoorn officials to discuss business opportunities (Canadian Ambassador James Lambert to be in attendance)
• Preview of Burlington Park (the Burlington Teen Tour Band will perform)
• Citizen delegation farewell dinner at the A-Ford Museum in Beekbergen
 With gardens like this at the Palace Het Loo city Rob Peachey, Manager of Parks and Open Spaces should return to Burlington with hundreds of ideas for our Parks. May 9
• Apeldoorn Veterans’ Parade (Burlington Teen Tour Band closing the parade)
• Liberation concert with Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet
• Farewell dinner at Palace Het Loo
May 10 – return to Canada
The media release sent out this morning is the first recent mention from city hall of this event.
Related article:
City delegation in Holland
 By Helene Skinner
May 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Just read today’s Burlington Gazette article about Beachway Park’s Beachway Master plan. Let me assure you that I speak of behalf of the majority of the people.
We are NOT selling to the Region and will be here to the very end. As there is NO expropriation on the table – I have that as solid information from solid sources…then there is really no need to continue to post articles that are repetitive in nature, antagonizing and do nothing but add unnecessary doubt in the public’s mind to the financial value and integrity of our community on all levels.
 The family in this home does not expect to be a willing seller to anyone. The city and the Region, especially the current city Councillor for the ward thinks the city and the Region can just wait them out. Lousy way to run a city. I’m sure that many of us including Mr. and Mrs. Milner (who have resided on Lakeshore Court for over 70 years) would like to finally enjoy their summer and I know that they fully intend on continuing to enjoy their plus 70 years on Beachway and so will their grand children…so in response…Lakeshore Court will not be changing to accommodate a continued on paper park concept. The park concept increments will materialize slowly and will not encroach on any residential areas that the Region does NOT legally own.
We as tax payers have the right to enjoy our owned properties and be liberated from any additional stress, undue hardship, propaganda or feeling of harassment.
Staff recommended the PARK, Regional Council voted in favour of the recommendations based on their historical 40 year vision, Region Realty Department is mandated to establish and execute strategic acquisition program (something that they do daily all over Halton) by offering the best of two appraisals based on fair market value + legal/moving costs and possible lease back options…but all under a willing seller/willing buyer basis. A simple “no” closes the file.
If there are any further questions on the Region’s intent to expropriate….I will be happy to host and chair a meeting with the Burlington Gazette, City of Burlington politicians, City and Regional high level staff.
By Staff
May 4, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Art – mural art to be specific – is going totally local. If you don’t reside in Burlington – you don’t get considered.
The City’s Public Art program has been massaging this idea for a while now – calling it the Burlington Mural Project, it is designed to tell local stories using local artists.
 This mural is on a store wall in Scarborough. Intended as an annual program, it will commission small to medium-scale murals throughout the city. These commissions are open exclusively to Burlington, Ontario artists. There will be free professional development opportunities offered to assist artists with the application process and project development.
Six murals (one mural per ward) will be commissioned in Year 1 of the program. Commissions will range in value from $2,500 – $12,000 depending on the scale and complexity of the project.
The locations for the murals were selected through a public process. Residents were asked to submit mural locations and themes (via an online and in-person survey). 333 location suggestions were received, resulting in 114 unique locations. Locations that are not selected in Year 1 will remain on file for subsequent years of the program.
Applications can be found on the Calls for Artists page
The public art program hosted a ‘Murals 101’ workshop on April 25, 2015, which featured Karin Eaton, Executive Director of Mural Routes and mural artist Allan Bender in a lively discussion about contemporary mural making.
 This mural is at the rear of the Flat Iron building on Front Street in downtown Toronto They discussed a variety of mural techniques and materials using real life case studies. A copy of the powerpoint presentation and additional notes are available on the Public Art website.
The applications are due on June 8th
Application Review Sessions will take place on May 25-26, for those who need help preparing an application to the Burlington Mural Program? The Public Art Managers are hosting a free application review session on May 25-26. Book a one-on-one session (20-30 minutes) to review a draft of your application and receive constructive feedback.
These sessions are open to all artists who are actively preparing an application to the Burlington Mural Program. Attendance will be voluntary and appointments must be booked in advance. To book an appointment please contact: Kim Selman, kim@cobaltconnects.ca or 905-548-0111
There are a wide variety of resources related to mural production, installation and conservation online. The Public Art program managers have complied a list of useful resources that may be helpful when preparing an application.
The project is being managed by Cobalt Connects – they are looking at a possible ten year program but add that it will probably be more like five years.
Five murals in each ward of the city might be a little over the top’
It will be interesting to see what comes in in the way of ideas.
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