 By Staff
November 24, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
The cops need some help and so does the Arctic Spa – they are missing a 16 feet long by 8 feet wide Hudson Swim Spa valued at $25,000. The Halton Regional Police are looking for any information that will help identify the person(s) responsible for the theft of Swim Spa.
On Wednesday, October 8, 2014 shortly after 10:00 pm a dark coloured pick-up truck with silver trim at the bottom and towing a 20 foot trailer with a forklift, pulled into the parking lot of Arctic Spa located at 990 Fraser Drive in the City of Burlington.
The forklift was used to load the Swim Spa valued onto the trailer.
Anyone with information is asked to contact D/Cst. Dikran Tokat, 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau – Commercial Crime Team at 905 825-4747 ext 2333, 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 Pepper Parr
November 24, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a four event opening at the Art Gallery of Burlington as well as the announcement that Christopher Reid Flock had won the very prestigious Winnifred Shantz ceramics award for his recent ceramic work.
 Christopher Reid Flock’s award winning ceramic. Flock has been reinterpreting the root of functional objects, focusing on aesthetic contrasts and parallels between Japanese and Canadian cultural history. By exploring scale, colour and the integration of mixed media, his works have evolved into free-form shapes and sculptural constructions that evoke recognizable and classic references of traditional Japanese Ikebana arrangements and kimono-wrapping while combining aspects of western industrialization.
The Clay & Glass presents these awards to practicing early career artists who have worked professionally for fewer than 10 years prior to the date of application. The Award is intended to allow the artists to undertake a period of independent research or other activities with the goal of advancing their artistic and professional practice at a key moment in the artist’s career.
Flock began working with clay when he was 23 at the then Burlington Arts Centre. He began his career as a student studying violin and came to the realization that clay was his medium and the violin became a thing of the past.
Denis Longchamps, Director of Program for the AGB was like a proud parent when he made the announcement at the opening Sunday afternoon.
The piece that won the award is on display at the former Fireside Gallery.
 Debra Kuzyk’s ceramic skunk The four openings included Scavengers, Scoundrels and Urban Vermin; a collection of Debra Kuzyk’s ceramic work; the photography of Janusz Wrobel; the monochromatic watercolour abstractions of Warren Hoyano and the display of the award winning Flock ceramic.
Janusz Wrobel was once loaned a camera and given a couple of rolls of film, the current state of that journey was on the walls of the AGB and called “An Aqueous State”
 Janusz Wrobel : “Sweet Water Sea” Wrobel said he wasn’t trying to communicate anything specific with this exhibit but adds that he “came to believe that in our civilization, environmental predicaments could be effectively addressed only by a change of mindset by a vast majority of us.”
The locale for the photographs in this exhibit is Georgian Bay; the work of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven are an admitted influence.
Warren Hoyano is on the other side of the Lee Chin Family Gallery.
The decision to put the two artists in the same gallery was a curatorial stretch on the part of AGB Director of Program, Dennis Longchamps and yet it works. Moving from the side of the room where Wrobel’s “Evening Amber” is displayed and crossing over – some 30 feet, to where Hoyano’s “Ache” is displayed is certainly a jump.
Not a startling one – but not one you expected to make. It isn’t jarring – but it does stretch you and that is part of what art is supposed to do for us.
In the “This Pocket of Deeds”, Hoyano, a self-taught artists, explores a known shape, the heart and overlaps it with script and gestural marks.
 One piece from the Warren Hoyano, “This Pocket of Deeds exhibit at the Art Gallery of Burlington While love is often associated with the heart shape, Hoyano chose “Void” to engage the viewer on a different trajectory.
Both artists are on display at the AGB until January 25th.
By Staff
November 19, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
No one ever went wrong talking about energy saving – especially when the temperature outside was double digit below and when our friends in Buffalo were getting more than two feet of snow.
Burlington’s Sustainable Development Committee will host a free event on Nov. 25 for homeowners to help reduce home energy costs.
 Lynn Robichaud, the city’s senior sustainability coordinator takes part in almost every environmental event in the city – heading up the energy efficiency seminar later this month. Takes place Tuesday, Nov. 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Burlington Public Library, Central Branch, at 2331 New St.
“Homeowners can learn valuable cost-saving tips to make their home more energy-efficient,” said Lynn Robichaud, the city’s senior sustainability coordinator. “Industry experts will be on hand to answer questions.”
Participating organizations include: Burlington Hydro, GreenVenture, Halton Region, Philips Lighting and Union Gas.
In 1990, the City of Burlington declared itself a Sustainable Development Community and set up the Sustainable Development Committee as an advisory body to City Council.
The role of this volunteer citizens’ committee, which includes members of the public and the business community, is to get people talking about sustainable development and to integrate economic and environmental planning at the municipal level.
By Staff
November 18, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON –
Samuel, Son & Co., Ltd., also known as GO Packaging, has pleaded guilty and has been fined $70,000 after a worker suffered fractures and other injuries after being caught in machinery.
On June 7, 2013, a worker was learning how to thread multiple strands of plastic strapping material at the company’s workplace at 735 Oval Court in Burlington. The worker was participating in peer-to-peer job advancement training with a senior, experienced operator who was also a lead hand. The task involved running four strands of plastic strapping repeatedly back and forth the full distance of the production line to allow the hot, freshly extruded plastic strapping to cool by air.
The trainee worker was instructed to shut down the machine and, while reaching for a side stop control panel near exposed rollers, one hand and forearm became entangled in plastic strapping. As the worker tried to use the other hand, it also became caught.
The lead hand witnessed the event and stopped the machine. Co-workers used a hack saw to cut through the accumulation of strapping material and extricated the worker. The worker suffered bruising, sprains and bone fractures as well as amputation of the tip of one finger. A Ministry of Labour investigation followed.
Samuel, Son & Co., Ltd. pleaded guilty in court to failing to appoint a competent person as supervisor when it appointed the lead hand as the supervisor.
A ‘competent person’ is defined as a person who is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and its performance; is familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations that apply to the work; and has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace.
The employer had not made the lead hand familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act or the Industrial Establishments Regulation, which applied at the workplace; the lead hand was thus not a competent person as defined by law.
Samuel, Son & Co., Ltd. was fined $70,000 by Justice of the Peace Eileen Walker in Provincial Offences Court in Burlington. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.
By Pepper Parr
November 19, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Another cheque presentation; another photo op – you wonder if they are all the same and why we bother doing them.
 Cashier aisles at Fortinos told the story about the help needed and citizens responded. Making a financial contribution is hard work for the people doing the convincing to get a corporation to write a big cheque and for the people who work for that corporation – it is a big deal. Their employer gave something back to the community.
For the staff at Fortinos – all four locations in Burlington, the T-shirts that were handed out were a statement that every one of them was proud to make.
 Disaster Relief chair Ron Foxcroft on the left celebrates with BCF president Colleen Mulholland and the four Fortinos franchise owners in Burlington: Guelph Line: Joe Mangiapane; Appleby, Frank Scornaienchie; Aldershot Paul Anderson and New Street Photis Kelpis
Yesterday Fortinos proudly presented their cheque for $38,191.36 Which put the Flood Disaster Relief drive over the $900,000 level – and while the official fund raising drive has closed the Burlington Community Foundation can collect funds up to December 15th. That is the date on which the provincial government asks what they have in the bank and matches that amount of a two-for-one basis.
The drive now is to get that $900,000 up to $1 million so that there will be $3 million available for distribution.
The Fortino contribution was the result of a corporate donation which will follow and small amount collected by the cashers in each of their four locations. Those funds were collected in a very short ten day period.
The task now is to make sure those funds get into the hands of people who were un-insured or under insured. There are many families in the flood stricken parts of the city who could not buy insurance – it just isn’t available to them. And – a significant number of those people have suffered more than one flood.
This is not a situation where people were financially irresponsible – their insurance companies said no.
The provincial funding comes from the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP) for which Burlington had to apply.
The original application was actually turned down – it took a lot of telephone calls and some considerable arm twisting to get the province to change its mind. A lot of the credit for that goes to the MPP for Burlington, Eleanor McMahon.
The ODRAP program has severe limits on what it can provide money for. If a furnace was destroyed, if a washer and a dryer were destroyed – those are covered, but if you had an expensive Persian rug in the family room on the lower level the province is not going to advance funds to buy a new one. You will get money for a new rug – but you won’t be replacing that Persian rug with provincial money.
The key word in the program is relief.
The deadline for financial support applications is December 15- and that is a hard deadline. The Burlington Community Foundation has received more than 75 applications for financial support but believe there are still as many as 100 homes that qualify for support who have not yet submitted their forms. The document people are required to complete is complex but – and this is important – there are people at the BCF in place to help you.
 3100 of these cards have been mailed to those home in flood ravaged parts of the city advising residents that financial support is available but that there is a December 15th deadline. You may not have some of the information the forms ask for – don’t let hold you back. The insurance people in place have software tools that will help them figure out some of the information needed. What is critical and important is this – you must have your forms in before December 15th or you will not be able to participate in the program.
The BCF has prepared a mailing piece the city is sending out to 3100 home owners advising them of the program. Funds have been raised – the community has done a magnificent job of donating the funds for those who were flooded.
The objective now is to make sure everyone who needs help gets the help they need.
By Pepper Parr
November 19, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
Boy – did he ever bush whack the guy!
Eric Vandewall, president of the Joseph Brant Hospital strode into a city council Standing Committee meeting with great news. The company that was going to build the new hospital had been selected; the financial advisors were in place and the province was on side.
It had been quite a haul from the day that a Minister was supposed to show up with a cheque in hand got stuck in traffic and Vanderwall was left sucking his thumb.
 An architects rendering of the new entrance to the Joseph Brant Hospital which will now face the lake. The entrance will be off Lakeshore Road with the new parking lot just to the west of the hospital. Yesterday Vandewall was telling Council how far the hospital had come with the redevelopment project. Something called the Integrated Team Solutions (ITS) will design, build and finance the hospital’s redevelopment and expansion project.
EllisDon will do the actual construction; – Constructor; Fengate Capital Management – Financial Advisor; Parkin/Adamson Architects Limited – Architects in joint venture.
Vandewall was there to justifiably boast about the new seven-storey patient care tower; 172 new beds; a new Emergency Department, nine new operating rooms, a post-anaesthetic care unit, a new and expanded Cancer Clinic, expanded ambulatory care programs, a renovated level 2B Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit, expanded Diagnostic Imaging Services, expanded medical, surgical and outpatient services and a new main entrance.
 It was a sunny summer day and a provincial government minister was on her way to Burlington with what everyone thought was going to be a cheque for the hospital in her purse. She didn’t arrive and hospital president Eric Vandewall sent all his guests home. Few realize just how much Vandewall has done since he first got the funding needed to re-build a hospital that had a terrible reputation and was nowhere near the standard the public needed and expected. He had more than a fair share of stick handling to get to the point he was at Tuesday when he told Council he expected to see shovels in the ground Spring of 2015.
That’s when Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven began asking questions: Were you aware asked Craven “that the final site plan is not in yet?” Without site plan approval a building permit can’t be issued.
ITS is responsible for that was Vandewall’s response
MTO has not signed off on the interchange advised Craven. A building permit can’ be issued until MTO signs off.
Were you aware of the neighbourhood issues asked Craven; drive ways on the north side of the hospital property as well as visuals.
Craven wanted to know if Vandewall was aware of the procurement for three different designs
Craven closed his questions by reminding Vandewall that a public meeting was required and that hospital approval was un-delegated – which meant approval comes from Council – not staff.
Vandewall agreed that he and Craven should get together and talk. That is going to be some conversation.
The re-development of the hospital is the biggest project the city has on the go and while it is located in ward 1 – it is a city wide concern.
For the ward council member to bush whack the president of the hospital in public like that is very unusual to say the least.
Where is the Councillor getting his information and why did he have to put Vandewall on the spot like that?
Vandewall and his team had additional good news. The hospital foundation part of the fund raising is going very well; they have raised 65% of their goal and have $40 million in hand.
Taxpayers are putting up half of the $120 million the province said we had to raise and the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation is raising the rest. Vandewall said the hospital will open sometime in late 2018 or early 2019.
By Staff
November 16, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
They are going to call it the Saxony and it will be limited to four storeys as required by the existing zoning.
 Will the re-design the developer does wrap the Saxony around the Melodia restaurant? Daniel Mclean, vice president with Landform Development Group Inc. wrote the Neighbours of St. Luke’s Precinct and thanked them for their comments and advised them that “will formally submit our new design and application in accordance with current zoning allowances (4 storeys of condos) in the spring of 2015.
The ‘Saxony’ project will be a 4-storey classic condominium building, designed to reflect the rich and vibrant heritage of the community in the City of Burlington. There is to be no on surface parking and there will be commercial space at grade.
“Our commitment” said Mclean “is to build great buildings in great communities, and after listening to all of the comments and feedback, we are very pleased to be building in (Ward 2 – St. Luke’s Precinct) in the City of Burlington.”
The Saxony certainly looks like a fine building in the renderings that were shown.
Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward has always taken the approach that developers should meet with the community before they take an application for development to city hall.
Whenever a developer wants to build something in Burlington they arrange for what is called a per-consultation meeting with the planning department. That is when the developers explains what they want to do and the planning department tells them what they are required to do under the zoning attached to the property and the guidelines in the Official Plan.
 It will be called the Saxony and will be limited to four floors with commercial at grade level and no above ground parking. Each ward Councillor gets a list of the pre-consultations that take place every month. Thus, they know what is coming down the pipe and can, if they wish, call the developer and arrange to talk about the project. Meed Ward appears to be the only Council member who invites the developers to meet with the community.
Meed Ward relates to her ward residents much differently than any other Council member. She is younger than the others; has a much stronger command of media, especially social media than any other Council member. Ward 1 Council member Rick Craven was a radio broadcaster but at a time when media was a lot different.
Meed Ward brings a much more open and collaborative style to her job. It was both interesting and telling when she told her residents that of course she wanted their vote – but more importantly she wanted their trust. That is the message she will take to the community when she announces she is running for Mayor in 2018.
If she is able to follow through on her record to date – Burlington will be a much different city ten years down the road.
There are those in the commercial development sector that say Meed Ward drives development out of the city. She didn’t drive Landform and its Saxony project out of town.
 ADI Development is asking for a zoning change to allow 28 stories on property currently zoned for a maximum of 8. It doesn’t always work out. Meed Ward met with ADI Development to talk about their 28 storey condominium project at Martha and Lakeshore. They were not interested in meeting the community. They did what they were required to do and will follow the 180 day time frame. If they don’t have an answer from the city they will probably, as is their right, take their application to the Ontario Municipal Board, which is what they have done with the Dundas/Sutton Link2 project.
ADI wasn’t interested in working with the community – they probably knew what the reaction was going to be – it was certainly rowdy when the Martha Street proposal was presented to the community.
Landform chose to meet with the community and listen to their objections.
The big difference between the two is that Landform was asking for one additional storey; ADI wants to put up a 28 storey structure on property that is zoned for eight.
Way back in 1985 the city approved the building of a 28 storey structure on the south side of Lakeshore. It took more than 20 years to get that project to the point where there are now shovels in the ground and a sales office on the site.
Had the Bridgewater site come before the city today – how would it have been received? Mayor Goldring explains that the project is a “legacy site” – whatever that means.
Wait until the public realizes there will be just 500 feet of open space between the condominium and the hotel through which people will be able to see the lake when the project is completed.
Some legacy!
Related content:
There is a different Burlington coming your way.
By Pepper Parr
November 16, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
What will the city look like in five years?
A lot differently than it looks today.
Lakeshore Road will be much different.
 The Bridgewater development from the lake. Not a lot of space between the condominium on the right and the hotel on the left at the top of the picture. It will be a pretty small “window on the lake”.  Bridgewater from LAkeshore Road. See it as the “legacy” project that was first approved in 1985 The Bridgewater condominium should be completed in five years – however it has been in the works for more than 25 years – so one never knows. We should be able to attend a New Year’s Eve party at the Delta which will be at the bottom of John Street within five years.
Carriage Gate will have completed the Bentley on John Street.
The Saxony will have been open for a number of years.
Will ADI Developments get the 28 storey’s they want at the bottom of Lakeshore and Martha? They will get something – perhaps everything they want. A close reading of their application suggests that the only real issue is traffic and city hall people say that isn’t an issue.
Will a new city hall be on the planning boards – the city has to do something about their office space needs. The existing structure is inefficient and doesn’t have the amount of space needed to house all the employees. Finance, Legal, Purchasing and most of the Capital Development people plus the Human Resources department walk across Elgin Street to city hall several times a day.
Is Burlington ever going to come up with a solution to the Elizabeth Street parking lot?
Will there be a development on the parking lot at the top of John Street leading into the plaza on Brant Street.
And what will we see in the way of preliminary plans for the Beachway part of the waterfront?
 Lakeshore Road on the left – Old Lakeshore Road on the right. The ADI Development proposal will go up directly across from Ema’s Back Porch. There is an opportunity to do something really exciting with the properties between the two Lakeshores – but someone is going to have to pull the 18 property owners together. Not something the leadership of this Council is going to manage to do. Add to that list the parcels of land called the football – the properties between Old Lakeshore Road and Lakeshore Road. There is an incredible opportunity to do something spectacular that will be immediately east of the Bridgewater development – but the imagination and the political will are not evident in the hearts or minds of the newly elected Council. Mayrose Tyco owns a significant part of the property – where there are believed to be 18 different owners.
And of course there is then the Air Park issue – with the city pressing hard to get a site plan approved for the property. All indications are that the Air Park owners are pushing back quite hard. They recently completed the paving and widening of the runway and are adding landing lights – so someone over there who signs the cheques has a plan. It just hasn’t been shared with the city – yet.
The solution that residents arrived at with the developer for the four story condominium on Elgin and Locust suggests there is at least an opportunity for the public to be involved in the way the city grows.
Will we see the kind of community involvement with tax payers at the table for developments in other wards? Will a leopard change its spots?
 Is there a new city hall on the boards for the city? There is a report that sets out what the city has in the way of office space and what it needs. That should come to the surface the first year of this term; the city has to decide soon if it wants to renew its lease on the Simms building – across Elgin Street from city hall. Are we in for four years of same old at city hall?
The city will hire a new city manager in the next 60 days. We will know than what kind of administrative leadership we have – that will determine what gets taken to Council.
Former city manager Roman Martiuk was brought in to contain spending – but he and the Mayor parted way half way through Martiuk’ s contract.
The city brought in Jeff Fielding from London, ON. He was as much a gust of wind as he was a breath of fresh air. He had great ideas, huge plans, but didn’t stick around long enough to see any of them through.
Let’s see who the city decides to put in place to re-develop both the culture at city hall and maybe even cleaning out some of the department heads.
It is going to be interesting.
By Staff
November 16, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
It was certainly an eye sore but it wasn’t really clear who owned the land and who was responsible for its upkeep. The Conservation Authority is in there somewhere – they are the ones who are responsible for ensuring that the flow of water through creeks in Halton is words
 T he red line shows the portion of Sheldon Creek that got a solid clean up from volunteers and a corporation that cared enough to ask their staff to pitch in and clean up a mess. The call went out anyone who wanted to help clean an illegal dump site near Harvester between Appleby and Burloak. “You are invited to participate and/or share this event with your friends. The dump is adjacent to a parking lot behind 977 Century Drive. Bellwyck Medical Services had property that backed onto the creek and their staff did a large part of the work one weekend.
The rest got done by a small group of people who turned out on a crisp fall day to pick up trash and help transform about 200M of Sheldon Creek from the dumpiest section to one of the best. The group removed nearly 50 tires, half a dozen mattresses and about 20 bags of trash…
 More than 50 tires were pulled out from the creek area along with dozens of bags of trash and mattresses that were deliberately dumped. The Field and Stream Rescue Team was the biggest group to show up along with people from Friends of Sheldon Creek and Corpus Christi High School.
 This garbage could have and should have been taken to the Regional dump. While the community has volunteer groups who took on this dirty task – where was the Conservation Authority? The creeks in the Region are their responsibility.
Personal thanks went out to the individuals who climbed up and down hills and braved the muck, burs and rose thorns to help Sheldon Creek not just become more beautiful, but better habitat for resident and visiting native flora and fauna. During the event, a Great Blue Heron and a Red Tailed Hawk dropped by. Coincidence? Maybe, but the group preferred to interpret their visit as an expression of gratitude.
Matthew, Cathy, Robyn, Jon, Ainsley, Vince, Jeff, Katie, David, Gen, Shane, Brad along with others were there. This is what community is all about.
By Staff
November 15, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
 Helicopter with Santa aboard arrives at the Burlington Mall. The Ho, Ho, Ho man arrived at the Burlington Mall Saturday morning. He grabbed his bag of candy canes and headed for the store where he happily sat for hours getting his picture taken with kids on his knee and a smile on his face.
 This is Santa’s “cookie” elf -handing out cookies to the crowds awaiting Santa’s arrival. Check out the pink tool belt with the kitchen utensils. The elf learned her cooking skills at Tuck elementary school. The event is an annual thing for the Burlington Mall. Santa will be “in residence” from
10:00 am – 8:00 pm on Fridays, from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturdays and from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Sundays, starting November 15, 2014.
Once December hits and Santa and his elves have finished making toys for Christmas, he’ll be able to spend more time at his cabin.
 Santa listens carefully to make sure he gets the gift request right. His December hours are: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on Sundays.
By Pepper Parr
November 15, 2014
Burlington, ON
She does it differently.
We get to many, but not all, of the local meetings Council members hold and while they each have their own style, ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward does do something uniquely different. She listens, she coaxes answers out of people and – yes she still talks too much. But her people – and those that show up are very much her people; like her and they trust her.
 Thursday evening the community meeting was about a condominium project basically across the street from the Performing Arts Centre wrapped around what is currently the Melodia restaurant. City hall is across another one of the three streets that border this project.
Zoning for the property is four storeys – and that zoning is specific to the property. The developer wants to add an additional floor and is asking for a change in the zoning and the Official Plan.
Meed Ward tends to personally oppose this kind of change in both zoning and the Official Plan. She argues that it is not the city’s job to make changes in zoning so that a developer can gain additional density and this a higher return on their investment.
Zoning on the property:
Permits high density residential, office & commercial uses
Permits density between 51 & 185 units per hectare
Retail uses required at grade
No surface parking permitted
Min. height 2 storeys – max. 4 storeys
Other Downtown Core sites allow up to 8 storey height through rezoning.
This area has a specific policy restricting height to 4 storeys to maintain compatibility with residential uses to the north and west
Meed Ward tends to look for trade-offs – in return for the additional density she looks for some form of contribution to the city. It can be public art or an amenity from which the public will benefit.
The fifth floor in the design is set back by about three metres on each side so that it doesn’t add to the perceived height of the building. What wasn’t stated at the meeting was that the mechanical equipment will be on top of the fifth floor; adding a bit more height.
The design is both traditional and classic in looks with detailing to be done in stone and brick. There will be bay windows in each unit with balconies built into the side of the structure and not hanging out on the side of the building.
Whenever a developer asks for a change local residents bring up the old setting a “precedent” argument and developers do try to exploit that when they are looking for a change in the rules.
City planner Bruce Krushelnicki tirelessly tells people that a change made in one location does not mean the same change is going to be permitted elsewhere. Planners ask one question: Is this a good plan and if, in their judgement it is good planning , they say so in their staff report. Have they made mistakes in the past? You bet your ‘bippy’ they have – the Ghent Street development was a serious mistake that we predict history will prove to have been wrong.
The re-development would be a fine addition to the downtown part of the city. Some suggested that allowing five stories would put pressure on the single storey and two storey dwellings in the neighbourhood – and it will. Many of the properties on Locust do not make economic use of the land they site on. Some of the properties are historic in nature and have to be preserved and the Heritage Advisory committee will be asked for an opinion on their historic credibility. One of the structures used on the property that was purchased by the developer used to house the Blair Lancaster Spa – while the building is on the Registry it is hard to see much in the way of historic value to the structure. It actually looks a little shabby.
The Core District group which keeps a close eye on development in their immediate neighbourhood and everything in the ward is good at getting the troops out to oppose projects. It would be a large step forward if they moved beyond just opposing and got into some serious thinking about what they want their neighbourhood to look like 5, 10 and 20 years out.
 Ken Greenberg told Burlingtonians in 2012 that they could have much more input if development proposals brought to the city if they organized. Noted planner Ken Greenberg was in Burlington in April of 2012, as part of the Mayor’s Insight series of events – one of the better things the Mayor did in his first term of office. Greenberg explained that it is possible for the residents of a neighbourhood to set out their basic principles and invite any developer with plans to meet with them.
That is a part of what happened Thursday evening but that event was organized by the ward Councillor – the residents themselves need to take control.
The architect and the developer that met with the public Thursday evening appeared to be quite willing to accommodate the audience. They have yet to take an application to the planning department. They were convinced to meet with the residents in the community – about 50 people attended and they listened. They will now go back to their drawing boards, perhaps make some changes and submit their application. They have bought and paid for the property so they have sin in the game.
The developer said that they usually build one bedroom units but that real estate people in Burlington advised them that the market wanted two bedroom size units. One parking space for each unit and ¼ of a parking space for each unit to accommodate visitors.
 The proposed development is two blocks north of this intersection. Adding a fifth storey to the proposed building is not going to change the texture or feel of the neighbourhood. When built – the structure will add dignity and grace to the streetscape. There really wasn`t much to complain about with this project. The chatter in the Gazette`s comments section based on a piece we published telling people about the meeting had these words: One said: “I do however like the design and the extra story is stepped back nicely and does not appear to be detrimental. If I’m a resident, I’d rather be near a high-quality 5 story building, than a cheapo 4 story building. Or a parking lot that a developer is sitting on in hopes of building something big for that matter. Hopefully they can get this done whether it happens to be 4 stories or 5 stories is not really the most important issue.”
Peter Rusin, a candidate for Mayor said: “This site is actually quite suitable for an 8-storey redevelopment. There is no reason for any of the old Meed Ward crazy type of resistance; that negative philosophy increases taxes for everybody, keeps unwanted upward pressure on housing price increases for everyone, and kills downtown businesses that hope to rely on more people living in the core. I just hope the old Meed Ward mentality changes in the new term of council. I hope she does her math homework; this assignment is easy. Go to eight stories and encourage even more intensified projects; The future of Burlington depends on it.”
Another astute observer made this comment: “The main difference between Ms. Meed Ward’s point of view and Mr. Rusin’s is that the electorate supported the former and rejected the latter.
A principle of good planning is that we establish a plan and be extremely prudent about changing it. I don’t believe we owe developers the “right” to make a living.
This is a good development. It will be pricy but there will be quality sticking out of every corner. We will be lucky to get it. At least that is my take.
Related content:
What Ken Greenberg had to say about involving the community.
Initial response to the project was divided.
By Pepper Parr
November 14th, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
The end of the 100 day stretch comes to a close today. Ron Foxcroft took on the challenge of getting Burlingtonians to raise $2 million to support those people who were severely damaged by the August 4th flood.
 Anyone with the ability to listen got the Foxcroft pitch. That figure turned out to be more than the city would need – and more than we were able to raise as well. But that shouldn’t be seen as a failure on anyone’s part. A great job was done and by the end of the day the Burlington Community Foundation will release a new number.
While the “official” fund raising period comes to a close there are still major donations coming in. One of the major banks will be doing a presentation next week and there are a number of people who can and will write significant cheques now that they know every dollar they give is going to produce two more dollars from the provincial government.
The fund raising will continue, albeit on a smaller scale until December 15th. On that date – everything stops – and the BCF moves to the disbursing of the funds to those people who have submitted applications.
 Foxcroft was relentless in his drive to pull in the funds needed. There was quite a bit of his own money on the table as well.  Cheques like this just didn’t happen. It took many phone calls and a lot of persuasive language to get them written. We will tell you when this is all over which banks were at the table and which weren’t. The people of this city have done a fine job. Foxcroft has burned his candle at both ends and the people he works with at selling unique whistles want him back at his desk. The National Basket Ball Association wants to see more of him as well – and wife Marie hopes to actually have Ron at home for dinner in their house and not at some banquet. The two have not sat across from each other in their own dining room since August 18th. Light the candles Marie and set out the silver.
By Staff
November 14, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
A Burlingtonian is at least going to get a chance to carry the Pan Am Torch. We didn’t get to hold any of the Pan Am events at Sherwood Forest Park because of the mis-information that was handed out by both the city, the then Council member.
We did get to rent a brand new soccer pitch at City View Park to the soccer teams for practices but the public will not be allowed to watch any of those practices. We will be getting a pretty decent sized cheque for letting them use the space.
 And the Delta Hotel that will rise on Lakeshore Road along with a 22 and a seven storey condominium won’t be open in time for the games either.
But someone from Burlington will carry the torch through the city. And the public is going to be involved in choosing who that person is going to be.
Burlington is described as a major celebration community for the Pan Am Torch Relay and will choose a local resident to carry the Pan Am flame on behalf of the city.
The Burlington Pan Am Community Engagement Committee is accepting applications and nominations until Dec. 14. To be considered, applicants or nominators must submit a photo and a Letter of Interest explaining the connection to Burlington and what being Burlington’s community torchbearer would mean to him or her. The public will then vote on a short list of names the committee will release.
If you’re interested send your application to: www.burlington.ca/panam .
Allan Magi, the city’s executive director of capital works said: “We encourage residents who will be 13 years and older on May 30, 2015, to apply to be Burlington’s community torchbearer. “We’ll be looking to the community to help select the finalist to run for Burlington when the flame comes to the city.”
The short list of torchbearer nominees, including their submissions, will be shared at on the panam portion of the city web site.
Residents will be asked to select the community torchbearer to represent Burlington beginning Dec. 19, 2014. Voting will close on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015. The selected torchbearer will be notified in mid-January.
The relay begins in May 2015 with the traditional Aztec lighting ceremony at the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico. The Canadian journey for the flame starts with its arrival in Toronto on May 30, 2015.
It will then visit five cities in Canada, as well as 130 communities across Ontario.
By Jennifer Soukup
November 14, 2014
Burlington, ON
Being the owner of a restaurant is like a recipe:
It starts off with a bunch of ingredients that all get whisked together in a bowl and cooked into something. You have to have many components for the end product to turn out. With time comes perfection.
There’s something about walking in every morning that I love. Kind of neat that after five years I still smile to myself when I pull into the parking lot and turn down the country music.
 Soukup does not catch the fish – when she fished – well she is pointing to her most recent catch. Starting up the coffee pot and checking with the bike store next door if the mail lady dropped off mail. Then it’s a whole bunch of ordering, scheduling, paying bills and prepping, before I turn the open sign to flashing.
I believe the old saying -if you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. Cutting a 700 pound fish sure feels like work, but knowing that the customers are happy with eating wild fish makes me happy.
Making everything from scratch and without preservatives is also time consuming, but it separates our products from the rest. So I guess if you love what you do then it just feels worthwhile.
When I was 25 I bought Boston Fish & Chips. I wasn’t sure what to expect. It has been a roller-coaster of learning that’s brought me to my fifth year here.
Not to mention all of my regular customers who feel more like family. I’ve grown as an individual, and I’ve really enjoyed watching all of their families grow as well.
There’s the elderly couple who come in every Tuesday at 10:45, even though we don’t open until 11 and the man makes sure I put exactly 12 French fries on his plate. Never 11, never 13.
There are the two little girls who ride here on their bikes from around the corner to share a plate of ketchup together, because I can never see the fries.
There is this older gentleman who always tells me a joke every time he comes I always listen carefully, even though it’s always the same joke over and over.
There’s the couple who brings me tomatoes from their garden and tells me stories about their beautiful granddaughter and the trips they’ve taken.
Plus my Mom and Dad who are my biggest cheerleaders and just a phone call away to listen, offer advice and come in to help on the biggest day of my year.
Don’t know where I’d be without them. My grandma who comes to bring me fruit and tell me stories while I cut cabbage, and my other grandparents who stop by regularly.
My sister and brother and their families who come and make sure I’m not working too hard. My supportive boyfriend who always seems to make me laugh and calm me down when things get hectic; my friends who don’t get mad at me for working long hours, and being okay with me meeting them after I close.
 Jennifer uses the sign her boyfriend painted to let people know she has been successfully running Boston Fish and Chips for five years. The girls who work for me, let me take some time to myself and letting me trust them with Boston. All of these things are the things that create my recipe. Without some of these components my end product might not turn out so well.
So if you’re driving by on November 15th, we are celebrating my fifth year here. We are giving away slices of cake and if you spend $25 you’ll receive a free order of onion rings. To all of you, who continue to touch my heart over the years, thank you.
By Staff
November 13, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
 You choose your bowl, get it filled with soup, enjoy the meal at a table with friends and totter along to the Arts and Craft Sale elsewhere in the building. Soup and a Bowl is reason enough to visit the Art Gallery of Burlington – the Christmas Arts and Craft Sale is what could keep you there long after lunch.
The Soup Bowl event has been taking place for 18 years with artists from around the province contributing the bowls that are used and then taken home.
The potters get a tax receipt for each bowl they make and a free ticket to the event for every ten bowls they make.
We asked: “Do some potters contribute more than one bowl?” “Oh my gosh” responded Anne Brownell, the staffer directing the promotion of this event, “we had people who made more than 100 bowls each.” Joanne Paas, Chu Luu and Greg Marshall contributed more than 100 bowls each.
We usually need between 700 and 800 bowls – we got 1500 this year so we are set for another year.
 The table setting would put a lot of Burlington restaurants to shame. The event has always been popular. The table setting in the Shoreline Room is not that far from the way the dining room at the King Edward hotel is set up.
With a tummy filled with unique soups – it is a short walk to the north end of the AGB and an opportunity to purchase art and craft items on sale.
 The AGB Guilds put on the Christmas Arts and Craft sale at the same time as the Soup Bowl event. Artists in Burlington see this as one of the premiere events for them to market their work. Six of the AGB Guilds take part in the event – something not to be missed.
The Arts and Crafts sale runs from November 13th through to November 16th.
By Pepper Parr
November 13, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Are the natives getting restless or has the onset of colder weather given them time they didn’;t have to pay more attention to civic matters?
The Core Residents group is reminding its adherents to write their letter to the city planning deaprtmnet registering their opposition to what some are calling “that 28 storey monstrosity” ADI Developments wants to put up at the corner of Martha and Lakeshore Road.
“Tomorrow is the deadline” the group advises “for writing the city of your opposition of the ADI Developments Martha Street proposal. If you haven’t written Rosa Bustamante, please do (address below). Even a short but sweet note is critical and goes a long way. Encourage your neighbours to do the same.
“It is also time that we as a group became more visible and publicly voice our opinions” suggests Barry Imber who has been particularly good at putting some life into different initiatives. The small but very useful Farmer’s Market on John Street tucked in behind Centro on Brant Street got to where it is because of Imber. Effective guy.
 Artists rendering of the proposed 28 storey condominium ADI Developments has made an application to construct at the corner of Martha and Lakeshore Road. Burlington residents are up against a very aggressive developer. ADI has big plans for themselves with four projects in various stages of development. Modr’n on Guelph Line is nearing completion. It is a nicely designed building; fits well into the community but we know nothing about the quality ADI strives for with their projects. No one has ever lived in anything they’ve built in Burlington.
There is then the Link2 project on Dundas and Sutton that got taken to the Ontario Municipal Board by ADI Development.
The Martha Street project was announced and the Gazette learned of the ADI purchase of the Masonry Road property.
The Planning Department has advised the Gazette that the time line for the Martha Street project, which has yet to be given a name is as follows:
“The 180 day appeal period begins after the applicant has provided the municipality with “a complete application” (as defined in the Planning Act) which includes the posting of the sign on the property. We provided correspondence to the applicant that their application was deemed complete, including the posting of the sign, on September 25, 2014. By my count, that would make the 180th day following that date March 24, 2015. If a Council fails to make a decision within 180 days of receiving a complete application, an applicant can file an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board. It is my understanding that, in this case, the applicant would have grounds to file an appeal on March 25, 2015 if Council has not made a decision on or by March 24th, 2015.”
“Beyond writing the city”, urges the Core Residents Association “please continue to spread the word of this development and of the Core Residents Group itself. The website traffic has been excellent, and we have had many sign-ups for keeping in touch but we are stronger when we are all connected — we need many more.
Core Residents is on Twitter so please follow and retweet! @coreresidents
https://twitter.com/coreresidents
Email to: Rosa Bustamante, Development Planner; e-mail: rosa.bustamante@burlington.ca
phone: 905-335-7600 ext. 7811
Web: www.burlington.ca/374Martha
By Staff
November 13, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
This weekend, November 14th to 16th, the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington (JLHB) unites with generous area designers, restaurants, and businesses to bring the Annual Holiday House Tour to Hamilton-Burlington for a 32nd year.
Visitors can tour three gorgeous homes, filled with stunning décor and holiday decorating ideas, and feel good about the fact they’re helping the Junior League to improve our community.
 The 32nd Annual Junior League Holiday House Tour includes three beautiful homes in Burlington, Hamilton and Mount Hope. “You can expect lots of excitement this year. The decorators have great things planned and the homes are absolutely gorgeous!” says Raeanne Milovanovic, House Tour Chair.
Every year, generous homeowners loan their homes to the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington (JLHB) and talented design professionals transform them to showcase stunning holiday décor and entertainment ideas. The public is invited to tour and view the incredible results. This year, the tour boasts three large homes showcasing a broad range of colours and styles.
 “Often it’s the little things. Everyone can find ideas for their own home, while on the tour.” says Dianne Brown, president of the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington.
The tour runs for three days from Friday, November 14th until Sunday, November 16th. Don’t miss the chance to tour these distinctive homes and enjoy some holiday spirit.
 As the JLHB’s signature fundraiser, the 32nd Annual Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington Holiday House Tour of Distinctive Homes generates the financial resources to help the charitable organization, now in its 80th year, continue to make a lasting impact in the Hamilton-Burlington community. The JLHB’s current focus of young women affected by poverty grounds their volunteer efforts and resources in activities and partnerships across the community.
They are committed to helping women affected by poverty by enhancing their life skills and providing what the League can to help improve their chances for success.
By Pepper Parr
November 12, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Can someone really change the world with a giving heart?
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), will tell you people can, through the giving of one’s time, talent or treasure, make a significant difference.
Seven philanthropists and organizations from the AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter will be recognized for their commitment to supporting and inspiring philanthropy in their communities through the 7th Annual National Philanthropy Day (NPD) awards presentation. Two of these outstanding people are Burlington.
National Philanthropy Day® is set aside to recognize, and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy – and those people active in the philanthropic community – have made to our lives, our communities and our world. Each year, AFP honours individuals and groups who, through their hard work and dedication, have enhanced and inspired philanthropy locally and around the globe.
National Philanthropy Day is officially recognized by the Government of Canada’s National Philanthropy Day Act. This acknowledges the important role philanthropy plays in building strong communities, promoting civic engagement and improving the lives of Canadians through the work of caring individuals and charitable organizations.
“We are celebrating those who have made significant contributions to philanthropy,” explains Roger Ali, President of the AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter. “Volunteers, donors and fundraisers, and their dedication to doing good works for charities and causes within our regions is an inspiration to all of us,” he adds. “And we are part of something much broader; we share this day with some 50,000 people in more than 100 communities and around the world who are paying tribute to National Philanthropy Day in many distinct ways. I extend congratulations to all the award winners!”
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser – Susan Busby: Nominated By: Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation
Not only has Susan Busby’s personal giving been instrumental to the success of ensuring state-of-the-art health services for our community, her volunteer contributions are equally inspiring as an active and valued member of the Joseph Brant Hospital and the Foundation’s Boards. She served as Chair of Board of Directors, Volunteer Governor, member of the Ambassadors Council and Campaign Cabinet member, just to name a few.
 Susan Busby; recipient of the 2014 Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Volunteer award.
Susan is a true champion of children and youth in need. As a former teacher and principal, Susan recognized the importance of student success and achievement and dedicated her time to build the Halton Learning Foundation. Her involvement with the Nelson Youth Centres provided tremendous leadership as a tireless advocate and fundraiser. Through annual fundraisers she helped raise the profile of the organization in the community to support children’s mental health programs.
Susan exemplifies the true spirit and best qualities of our community. Her leadership and passion for engaging others to give truly represents philanthropy and the positive impact others can make in their community.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser – Ron Foxcroft; Nominated by: Hillfield Strathallen College
Affectionately known as “Mr. Hamilton”, Ron Foxcroft is a passionate advocate for causes involving children and a healthy community, as well as a highly successful entrepreneur. In Ron’s words: “Building healthy bodies and minds makes for a stronger community. Recreation leads to a lifetime of better health, self-esteem, leadership and teamwork skills.”
 Ron Foxcroft; recipient of the 2014 Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Volunteer award. Ron has a steadfast belief that anything is possible with hard work, determination and the support of dedicated volunteers. He has an unwavering commitment to his philanthropy, the Hamilton/Burlington communities, and his untiring volunteerism. Ron never hesitates to use his broad network of connections and relationships to engage others and help him achieve his goals.
Over the years, he has been committed to a broad range of local causes including: McMaster University, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hillfield Strathallan College, Mohawk College, Hamilton Community Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, McMasters Children’s Hospital and City Kidz, just to name a few. Countless individuals and organizations have benefitted from his volunteerism and he is an incredible inspiration and role model for leadership and generosity.
The above is what the Association of Fundraising professionals had to say about Busby and Foxcroft. Here’s the real skinny on those two. Susan Busby will tell you that she has a saint of a husband who has been beside her every step of the way – and then some. Marie, Ron Foxcroft’s wife will tell you that she gave up trying to keep up with Ron. She’s happy when he gets home.
You could not find two people more unlike each other than Foxcroft and Busby. Busby uses her skills as a high school principal to let people understand how something should get done. She has that remarkable ability to let people figure out what she has in mind – and then she helps them get it done.
During her various assignments at the hospital Busby had to deal with people who had very healthy egos; she dealt with those egos very effectively, a testament to her length of service to the hospital and the wider community.
Foxcroft is a little more aggressive. He twists arms – nicely – but you know your arm is being twisted and if you’ve been around Burlington at all – give in when he calls.
Ron is the kind of guy who can keep a secret but he does that a little differently than most of us. He tells you the secret and makes you promise not to pass it on – and then he holds you to that promise.
Mayor Goldring called Ron Foxcroft when he needed help with raising funds for Flood Disaster Relief. Foxcroft had cheques on the table before the end of the week and began going through his Rolodex and making calls.
He set an ambitious target and then did a number on the provincial government to ensure that they too came through with the commitment Burlington needed. MPP Ted McMeekin, responsible for the Flamborough to the west of us was also the Minister who would have to sign off on the funding.
McMeekin got the Foxcroft treatment for three solid days – the man may never be the same. But earlier this week the local MPP’s, Indira Nadoor-Harris and Eleanor McMahon announced that the provincial government would provide up to $3 million to Burlington on a two-for-one basis; for every dollar we raised the province would add two dollars.
Ron Foxcroft didn’t start making calls during the media event at which the announcement was made – but he was on the phone while driving home – a hands free phone.
Fund raising ends on Friday, the evening Foxcroft and Busby are to be recognized. Will Ron walk from table to table asking for cheques – and has he put the touch on Susan Busby yet?
Two fine people being recognized for decades of personal philanthropy – kudos to the two of them.
By Staff
November 11, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Join the Arts Burlington Council in starting off the holiday season.
They will be conducting their annual Christmas Fine Art and Craft Sale, which takes place at the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) Thursday, November 13 – Sunday, November 16.
 The six Arts Burlington guilds participating in the event include: Latow Photographers Guild, Burlington Potters Guild, Burlington Fine Arts Association, Burlington Rug Hooking Craft Guild, Burlington Hand Weavers and Spinners Guild, and the Burlington Sculptors and Woodcarvers Guild.
The guilds continue to be an integral part of the AGB (formerly The Burlington Art Centre) since its inception more than 35 years ago. As drivers of arts and culture in the community, together the Art Gallery of Burlington and Arts Burlington strengthen the cultural landscape. With objectives to develop and maintain onsite and outreach programs, creative outlets and the expansion of visual arts, both organizations require support from the community. Providing an opportunity to increase public awareness of their services, this event is an important fundraiser for Arts Burlington and the Art Gallery of Burlington.
We invite you to come and take part in gift shopping from the unique works of art provided by the six guilds. In keeping with holiday tradition, there is a special tree filled with small gift items made by the guilds. All proceeds of these specially made items will go to the Art Gallery of Burlington.
Additionally, the AGB is hosting the always well attended Soup Bowl event. For more information and tickets (get them soon!) please visit
Dates:
Thursday, November 13 – 11am-3pm
Friday, November 14 – 11am-9pm
Saturday, November 15 – 11am-4pm
Sunday, November 16 – 11am-4pm
The Place:
Art Gallery of Burlington
1333 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, Ontario
905-632-7796
By Pepper Parr
November 11, 2014
Burlington, ON
From the RCAF Awards & Citations Page
BIRCH, F/O John Oswald (J23888) – Distinguished Flying Cross – No.103 Squadron – Award effective 26 September 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November 1944. Born 1920 in Winnipeg; home in Toronto; enlisted there 21 January 1942. Trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 31 July 1942), No.12 EFTS and No.2 SFTS (graduated 19 February 1943). Commissioned 1943. Award sent by registered mail 19 December 1945.
 Those are the bare facts – set out as only a military bureaucrat could. The fill story is:
One night in July 1944 John Oswald Birch was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Stuttgart. At the commencement of the bombing run the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The starboard fin and rudder and a portion of the tail plane and elevator were shot away. The mid-upper and rear turrets were rendered unserviceable. A fuel tank was pierced whilst much damage was sustained to the control surfaces. In spite of this, Flying Officer Birch executed his attack. On the long flight home it was very difficult to maintain control and it was necessary for another member of the crew to assist by maintaining pressure on the rudder controls but an airfield was eventually reached and a safe landing effected. In most difficult circumstances, Flying Officer Birch displayed notable skill, courage and tenacity.
Part of the crew on that Lancaster bomber that night was a man named McDonald. His son Terrence contacted the Gazette asking if a comment written by John Birch might be related to the man who brought that Lancaster bomber back to London where it crash landed.
Terence G. McDonald wrote the Gazette asking:
Dear sir, I was looking up something regarding Bomber Command and I came across your article dated August 27, 2013. One of the people who commented is John Birch. I was stunned because his father and my father were on the same crew.
 My father was the wireless air gunner and when they hobbled back to England my father, after seeing the majority of crew bail out, in turn bailed out and landed in a tree in Battersea Cemetery. In my father’s memoirs he talks about J.O.
I’ve attached the story as written by my father about that night. If you can track down John Birch and give him a copy I’d appreciate it.
We put the two men together and Terence G. McDonald and John Birch began a long electronic conversation.
Birch wanted to know if Terrence has “any photos or more info re my father, they would be deeply appreciated, as my father’s pilot log book, photo binders, DFC & other service medals, and uniform along with a treasured engraved Ronson lighter with the 103 Squadron logo gifted to him by his crew, and their names engraved on the reverse side, ‘to F/L J O Birch DFC, for getting us home’ were all lost in a house fire in the early 1950’s on Indian Point, Burlington.
 Officers and crew flying in Lancaster bombers were always at great risk and there was no comfort. These were bare bones aircraft built to carry bombs and fight off attacking aircraft with machine guns in turrets. “My father, so my mother told me, was deeply moved by the gift from his crew.”
Burlington’s John Birch went on to say that: David Fell, archivist for 103 Sq Association Elshom Wolds put me in contact with one of my father’s crew still alive. I received a very personal letter, from F/O A C P Gamble DFC a few years ago, who had replaced F/S Evans as upper turret gunner sometime in August 1944. F/O Gamble was on his second tour and was considered a lucky addition to the crew. He and my father became good friends and everyone referred to my dad as J O.
Mr Gamble stated in the letter, he’d flown with many pilots and considered “good old JO was the best and most skilled pilot I had ever flown with …, I feel I owe my life and surviving the war to your father’s flying skills’
“According to Mr Fell, that night, July 28-29 1944, 103 Sq suffered the worst losses of the war, having contributed 8 aircraft to the 3rd Stuttgart raid, only 4 returned, the rest either shot down or damaged and landing elsewhere. The sister Sq also operating out of Elshom Wolds, contributed 7 Lancs, with only 4 returning.
“Fell wrote that when my dad arrived July 7th 1944 at 103 Sq, moral was quite low, for the preceding 6 months not one aircrew had survived to be rotated out at the end of their tour.
“Casualty rates, as you know, in bomber command was 54% with a statistical likelihood of 5% loss per operation. 5% x minimum 30 operations to complete a tour – well, the math didn’t work out well for the aircrews.
 At the nose of a Lancaster there was a bomb aimer and gunners just above them Birch continues in his correspondence with Terrence to say: “While I knew the entire starboard fin, rudder; controls and horizontal stabilizer were blown off, and the turrets rendered inoperable due to the loss of the hydraulics, and the fuel tank holed, I did not know that 6′ of wing was also blown off along with the bomb bay doors. Lancs could take quite a beating. Quite amazing considering the Lanc’s origin was the disastrous Manchester – but the slide rule boffins at AV Roe added 15 feet of wing to the Manchester and an extra pair of Merlins, called it the Lancaster and a legend was born.
“I do know my father was quite worried when they didn’t report back to base for 3 agonizing days as he thought he might have ordered them to their injury or deaths. My dad’s Lanc made a belly landing at White Waltham SW of London (being the closest field they could make and near out of fuel) and he had directed the non essential crew to bailout once over England, as it was a very tough landing to effect – particularly so now that I know the bomb bay doors were blown off too, leaving a 33 foot long scoop on the bottom of the aircraft. The landing gear could not be lowered.
 At the tail of the plane were two more machine guns to ward of attackers from the rear. Birch adds that “it was a good thing for both of us my dad and crew regained control and pulled PB147 out of that dive, for neither of us were yet conceived – and Lancs had such a terrible survival rate in an uncontrolled bailout.
F/O J O Birch DFC was promoted to F/L. He was a Lancaster pilot attached to 103 Squadron RAF. As was common practice RCAF and other Commonwealth crews flew together often as mix and match from across the colonies.
“We owe so much to all of they who served, and really have no idea what it was like.”
That sentiment will fill the air and the hearts of those who gather at the Burlington cenotaph this morning.
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By Staff
And the Delta Hotel that will rise on Lakeshore Road along with a 22 and a seven storey condominium won’t be open in time for the games either.
The 32nd Annual Junior League Holiday House Tour includes three beautiful homes in Burlington, Hamilton and Mount Hope. “You can expect lots of excitement this year. The decorators have great things planned and the homes are absolutely gorgeous!” says Raeanne Milovanovic, House Tour Chair.
“Often it’s the little things. Everyone can find ideas for their own home, while on the tour.” says Dianne Brown, president of the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington. 
As the JLHB’s signature fundraiser, the 32nd Annual Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington Holiday House Tour of Distinctive Homes generates the financial resources to help the charitable organization, now in its 80th year, continue to make a lasting impact in the Hamilton-Burlington community. The JLHB’s current focus of young women affected by poverty grounds their volunteer efforts and resources in activities and partnerships across the community. 
The six Arts Burlington guilds participating in the event include: Latow Photographers Guild, Burlington Potters Guild, Burlington Fine Arts Association, Burlington Rug Hooking Craft Guild, Burlington Hand Weavers and Spinners Guild, and the Burlington Sculptors and Woodcarvers Guild.
Those are the bare facts – set out as only a military bureaucrat could. The fill story is:
My father was the wireless air gunner and when they hobbled back to England my father, after seeing the majority of crew bail out, in turn bailed out and landed in a tree in Battersea Cemetery. In my father’s memoirs he talks about J.O.
