November 24th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Some time ago a new online newspaper was created. Former ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven was a contributor. When we dug a little we learned that Rick Goldring was the person behind the creation of what is known as the Burlington News.
The following lengthy article on the Waterfront Hotel, is certainly detailed and both interesting and relevant to those who follow local politics.
There is no byline on the article.
Expect Rick Goldring to run for the office of Mayor in 2022. At this point, it certainly looks like he is positioning himself for a run against Mayor Meed Ward.
It has been confirmed: an application has been received by the City of Burlington proposing the redevelopment of the Waterfront Hotel, a 30- and 35-storey development to replace the existing hotel.
This application will now be considered following the usual planning process and is just one of the seven developments that remain to be considered using the city’s in-force Official Plan and policies in place prior to the approval of Regional Official Plan Amendment 48 (ROPA 48).
 Its days are numbered – what replaces the hotel is the issue. There are a number of options. The Waterfront Hotel Study began in earnest several years ago, spanned two different mayors and has yet to be completed.
A little background to provide some context: in 2005 and 2006, the city approached the landowner to consider redevelopment of the Waterfront Hotel site (municipally known as 2020 Lakeshore Road). This was in response to a series of reports in 2005 and 2006 that considered the redevelopment of these lands and the important role they play in the downtown and the waterfront. City staff and the landowner at that time explored the advancement of a joint planning study process. A beginning of a planning review framework for the redevelopment of the site was developed and approved by council in fall 2006.
On February 23, 2015, council approved the terms of reference for the Waterfront Hotel Lands Planning Study, which is a comprehensive land-use and urban design study focused on the subject site and surrounding lands, including Spencer Smith Park. The Waterfront Hotel Planning Study was publicly launched, beginning with a pair of visioning workshops, in May 2017.
 The boundary for the study and the boundary of the hotel property. The subject site’s significance was affirmed at the Planning and Development Committee meeting of November 28, 2017, evidenced by several delegations that presented a varied set of interests and development concepts. Since that time, staff, with support from the project consultants from the Planning Partnership that were hired by the City of Burlington, has undertaken additional consultation with stakeholders. This additional consultation was done in response to council’s direction to continue a dialogue with the developer/landowner Vrancor Group and local citizens group Plan B. Additionally, input has been collected from the public at large through a second online survey regarding the emerging redevelopment concepts.
Two committees were set up to administer the Waterfront Hotel Planning Study. A steering committee was formed to oversee the consulting team to ensure steady progress and to discuss any questions that might arise. A stakeholder advisory committee consisting of other key city departments was established, including the mayor, Ward 2 councillor, the landowner, representatives from Halton Region, the Burlington Downtown Business Association, and two citizen representatives.
City staff built upon the consultation work done through the three community workshops that included (a total of six sessions) the Planning and Development Committee meeting held on November 28, 2017, to consider all of the work that had been completed and the significant contributions from the Vrancor and the Plan B citizen group.
Despite extensive engagement opportunities, a clear consensus on direction had not yet been achieved.
The work completed to date through the Waterfront Hotel Planning Study has been funded 100% by the landowner, controlled and administered by the City of Burlington.
All of this occurred prior to the last municipal election and understandably the staff report in June 2018 resulted in staff being directed to continue some background work over the upcoming months and in early 2019, re-start the process during the new term of council.
Following the election and with a new mayor and council in place, the Waterfront Hotel Study ground to a halt.
 John Taylor, centre, ward 3 Councillor at the time talks to Linda Davies (right) owner of the leading condo sales operation in the city. Deedee Davies is on the left. Since the election in October 2018, the redevelopment study faced delay after delay as our new mayor and council implemented an Interim Control By- Law, including the Waterfront Hotel study area, and focused their attention on re-examining the Official Plan, in particular, the downtown policies.
Despite imposing an Interim Control By-Law (ICBL) that temporarily froze any development in the Waterfront Hotel study area, the lands were not included as part of that study. Council was also clear the Waterfront Hotel Study would not be within the scope of work happening as part of the re-examination of the adopted Official Plan.
Why council chose not to consider the Waterfront Hotel as part of either study has never been made clear, nor has council explained why they chose not to restart the Waterfront Hotel Study to further engage residents and build on the work already completed.
 The hotel xxx One possible explanation for excluding the Waterfront Hotel from the re-examination of the adopted Official Plan is found in a staff report from 2019, where they advise the mayor and council, stating: “Given the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in place with the owner of this property in order to complete a study to respond to an existing Official Plan policy, it would not be appropriate to include this site within the scope of work proposed and would impact the ability to deliver the project by March 2020.”
A staff report was due back to the Planning and Development Committee in Q2 2020 with an augmented work plan, including details on timelines, a new public engagement plan, and any additional budget required to support the work. However, that report was further delayed to Q4 2020.
Council’s delay of almost two years after the pause for the 2018 election resulted in a letter, dated Sept. 28, 2020, from the legal representatives of the Waterfront Hotel. The mayor and council were advised that further delays were no longer acceptable, and they intended to complete the study independently and seek approvals of their redevelopment plans.
The following are excerpts from that letter: “However, our client has concerns with the proposed implementation of this intensification potential. In particular, the ongoing delay in planning for the Property is of serious concern and can no longer be accepted by our client. The Property has not been included within the scope of review related to the new official plan, despite our client having invested approximately two hundred and fifty thousand dollars over five years ago to assist the City in determining the appropriate form of redevelopment for the Property. It would appear that this study is now further delayed with a report on a proposed revise action plan suggested for Q4 2020.” ([Lawyer] David Bronskill.) “This is unacceptable to our client. We can no longer wait for the City and our client’s intention is to proceed to finalize the study on its own and submit an application to secure approvals for the Property in an expedited fashion.” (David Bronskill.)
2020 gave way to 2021 and the Waterfront Hotel Study remained in limbo until Sep 8, 2021, when the owners moved the process forward and hosted a pre-application meeting to share their vision of the redevelopment of the existing hotel.
 The public was stunned when it learned that there would be two towers: 30 and 35 stories The city has not specified an exact date, however, applications have been submitted to the city proposing a development of two towers, 30 and 35 storeys. These applications were submitted prior to Nov. 10, 2021, and prior to the approval of Regional Official Plan Amendment 48.
November 10, 2021, is a relevant date as it was the date that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, officially approved Regional Official Plan Amendment 48 (ROPA 48), establishing the cut-off date for applications to be considered using the existing policies and for new applications moving forward. Not an unusual decision, Burlington council established a cut-off date for development applications when they approved the Interim Control By-Law.
The mayor and council have now advised they are expecting a staff report in Q1 of 2022 that should provide the work plan, including details on timelines, a new public engagement plan, and any additional budget required to support the work. Essentially the same report that was expected and delayed since Q2 of 2020, almost two years ago.
After the progress and extensive public engagement in 2017–18, the study was paused during the election in 2018 and never restarted and won’t be until sometime in 2022.
When restarted, the study is now complicated as the focus within the study area (the Waterfront Hotel) has a proposed development working its way through the planning process.
To further complicate the study and consideration of the proposal, 2022 is a municipal election year, when traditionally, decisions of this magnitude or even less contentious decisions are delayed, kicked down the road.
This mayor and council are no different, however, they should be careful not to forfeit the city’s right to make planning decisions by not meeting their regulatory obligations on what is arguably the city’s most important and significant waterfront property. That has happened far too often — count the appeals at the Ontario Land Tribunal that are funded by Burlington taxpayers because of council’s failure to make a decision.
The conversation regarding the Waterfront Hotel Study has changed and will include the applications for a 30- and 35-storey development. Has council’s three-year delay to restart the Waterfront Hotel Study resulted in a missed opportunity for the city and residents to influence the outcome?
Editor’s comment: You can thank me later, Rick, for the boost to your readership
 By Staff
November 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It is time to enjoy one of the real delights of living in Burlington.
The Festival of Lights launches officially on Friday. As the darkness of a late November afternoon settles on the city, lights come on at Spencer Smith Park illuminating the “sculptures” set up all along the park.
The photographs in this article are what the designs look like in the daytime.
At night they are a true delight.
 At night they look like they are dancing to the music.
 You can’t hear the sounds of the propellers – but you can imagine it.  Reindeer get replaced for the Santa trip to Burlington
Just the place to take the kids to the park and wander from one design to another and then be off for a hot chocolate to ward off the evening chill.
 The trees are all lit up making the park look like a forest.
 By Ryan O’Dowd: Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
November 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Interviews with downtown Burlington business owners as the holiday market approaches suggests there are distinctly different views and some concern over any impact the event will have on downtown core merchants.
 Many business owners seemed in the dark about the specifics of the 4-day holiday market running from December 9th to December 12th, either because they didn’t have time to keep up with things (they were too busy struggling to keep the doors open) or resulting from an absence of communication by the Burlington Downtown Business Association(BDBA).
The common response from business owners whether they were enthusiastic or skeptical about the event was that they hoped the event would prove prosperous as the hard times they’d fallen on in the pandemic remained.
Many were optimistic the market would increase traffic in the downtown core, others concerned about facing direct competition.
 Joelle’s store front – one of the stronger retail operations on Brant Street Joelle Goddard-Cooling, owner of Joelle’s, said busy-ness kept her from participating in BDBA matters. Joelle said she had spoken to Brian Dean of the BDBA, early in the process but elected to focus on her store.
 Joelle Godard Cooling: probably the best retail marketer in the city. “It would be difficult to participate, to go and haul something over there would be a little tricky,” Joelle said “but hopefully it brings more people downtown.”
Several business owners spoke of the onus being placed on the retailer to set up booths at the market.
Joelle wishes she was more involved with the discussions but the holiday season traffic made it difficult to do so. She suggested if she wanted to know more about the market she could have and there wasn’t an issue with transparency from the BDBA, but acknowledged she would have had to devote time she didn’t have to participate if she wanted input.
“We always want the downtown to flourish, I certainly talked to Brian in the beginning and I felt…” Joelle paused, “I maybe would have commented if I didn’t agree, but I’m not sure if I agree with the market or not. So I have no comment.”
Jason Pepetone, the owner of Centro Garden, found that he too had difficulty keeping up with existing demands as a reason for declining participation in the holiday market.
Pepetone was asked to be a vendor but is dealing with enough staff for day-to-day operations. “I guess it’s a good problem to have,” he said of the demand being placed on his business. In addition to staffing issues, Centro Garden is dealing with supply delays.
 Centro Market: one of the more interesting places on Brant Street for the casual shopper. “We’re not participating in the market. I’ve heard bits and pieces. But we’re dealing with shipments coming in late. I’m in Toronto picking up stuff that’s supposed to be delivered here. We’re dealing with the same supply chain issues as everyone else,” he said.
Pepetone wasn’t concerned about the potential competition and thought the holiday market directing foot traffic could pay dividends for his operation.
“They did something similar years ago in the Village Square, it’s a nice atmosphere. I could see it as competition but that’s never hurt me.”
Shirley, the owner of the Knitter’s Boutique, felt like setting up at the holiday market would have been redundant, her storefront at 431 Pearl Street ( it opened this week) will be right in the thick of the market. The Knitter’s Boutique borders the 402-420 Martha St Parking Lot which is entirely fenced off and under construction, a project Shirley said the city is assuring her will be completed ahead of the December 9th market.
Shirley is looking forward to the project’s completion to assist with traffic outside her location. One day she showed up to find a fence around her store, to her relief the city quickly removed it
“I noticed before they started the construction that the pathway, (the Elgin Promenade) was packed with people. I couldn’t believe the number of people walking! And there was like a gazillion dogs so, in true entrepreneurial fashion Shirley immediately got into knitting dog sweaters and got them in the window. Because it’s just amazing how many dogs there are.
“I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s gonna be huge for businesses and I love the vibe of downtown Burlington. I think there’s a lot of action here and this spot is kind of perfect for it. I’ve told people about the market and they’re spreading the word, it’s going to be so nice because it’s outdoors people can come together and shop without worrying about capacity limits.”
 Waves is located in the Village Square – yards away from the Holiday Market location. Caitlin McGillivray, owner of Waves in the Village, didn’t receive any more than a flyer informing her about the market. Caitlin would have participated in some capacity and is concerned the Village Square will be forgotten about by the marketplace. Caitlin said if someone came around to inquire from BDBA they could have at least contributed something for a gift bag so if people left without checking in to Waves in the Village they would know they were there.
“I’m concerned that we’re gonna have a lot of people down here and they’re not going to be redirected into the Village because a lot of people don’t know the Village exists. So I’m afraid they’re going to go through the parking lot and then they’re just going to go to their car and leave. People should be redirected into this area to help some of the businesses that are in here as well,” said McGillivray.
 The Agora Market Place: One of those gems you come across in Burlington. Located in the Village Square Ali Ucar, owner of the Agora Marketplace, is participating in the holiday market and hopes it will provide a much-needed boost for his business. The John Street gift shop owner opened during the pandemic and was hamstrung introducing his shop to the public by the frequent lockdowns.
Ucar is paying a $50 fee to participate and is responsible for bringing his own tent and table. Ucar has tried marketing and social media and isn’t sure where to go from here, he is hopeful the holiday market spreads awareness.
There is a responsibility burden on the BDBA for the marketplace to infuse the downtown core with an influx of shoppers this holiday season. The event must benefit not only partnering businesses but all local retailers in the downtown core who lacked the time, resources or information to participate.
The Burlington Downtown website says the marketplace aims to revitalize the downtown core just in time for the holiday season. Here’s hoping that goal comes to fruition lest the BDBA receive a few lumps of coal from their clients this holiday season.
 The parking lot will be filled with people for four days in December. The Poacher at one end and Dickens at the other. The Burlington Holiday Market is being run with support from the Sound of Music and will feature choirs, interactive community art features, and advent-style community displays.
The event kicks off Thursday, December 9th from 4 pm to 10 pm, runs from 11 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 11 am to 7 pm on Sunday.
By Staff
November 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s 5th Annual Festival of Trees will be sparking yuletide joy in patrons who visit BPAC until December 18th.
 For the fifth year the open spaces at the Performing Arts Centre have been dotted with Christmas trees that were auctioned off. Pre-lit artificial Christmas trees, generously donated by Canadian Tire Burlington Stores and sponsored by local businesses, will light up BPAC’s Lobby for 4 weeks – until their silent auction ‘winners’ take them home for the holidays.
 Canadian Tire antique truck brought the Christmas trees to the Performing Arts Centre Toy Drive
During the Festival of Trees, new toys will be accepted to be distributed to those in need. Please drop off unused toys to the Canadian Tire classic pick-up truck in the BPAC lobby.
BPAC’s Festival of Trees Silent Auction
You have the chance to take home one or more of the beautifully decorated trees by entering the Silent Auction. Simply view the trees in-person and place your bid. All proceeds support the Burlington Performing Arts Centre – no bid is too generous!
Tree bidding ends on Saturday, December 18 at 4pm.
Minimum bid for trees is $10.
 Winners will be contacted by email and/or phone and can pick up trees on Monday Dec 20 and Tuesday Dec 21. Entrants must consent to signing up for the BPAC mailing list to be eligible.
Viewing Times
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun: 12pm to 4pm
+ One hour prior to performances
There was an error in identifying the location of the Holiday Market scheduled for December 9th to 12th.
Our apologies to everyone.
The location is alongside the Elgin Promenade.
 By Staff
November 22nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
From the Rocca Sisters – another record breaking average sale price of $1,377,436. for residential homes.
Although we all continue to see the rise in values, it has become less shocking and more expected due to the continued market conditions.
We still continue to see hundreds of less properties active compared to last Fall. During the month of October properties sold for 111.46% of the listed price, a just over 3% increase over last month and in an average of 8 days (compared to 9 in September).
Inventory continues to be historically low and a chronic challenge in our marketplace for buyers. The lack of supply and strong demand has continued to drive prices and piqued many potential sellers’ interest.
Condominium market:
Condos continue to be the big talk around town! The average price paid for a condo apartment unit in October was $784,715, up again this month from $704,000 in September. Condo apartments sold for 103.87% of the listed price up from last month of 101.46% Average days on market have remained more or less consistent at 14 days versus 15 days last month. Inventory levels continue to drive the prices, as well as demand and the fact that people are having to adjust their options based on affordability and for some people that means a condo. Taking the opportunity to downsize now would be reaping the benefits of both worlds!
 By Pepper Parr
November 22nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Getting the plans for a Holiday Market off the ground and into the minds of the public was a little awkward and far less than transparent – but they are closer to liftoff – which is December 9th to 12th – all to take place in a parking lot.
The event is free – the opportunity is to see what merchants in the area have to offer. The idea was patterned after the immensely successful German Christmas markets: Burlington wanted one of its own and after more than a year of thinking about it and sifting through various ideas, Brian Dean, Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) and Peter Van Dyk thought they had an idea that could fly.
The Holiday Market will fill the space in this parking lot. This is the view looking east. It was to be an event supported in a big way with sponsorships. The initial effort to land a major bank didn’t work out.
Sponsors as of November 18:
Cogeco
Desjardins
PV & V Insurance
SB Partners
Core Development Group
Rick Burgess of Frederikse Law
With the Poacher on the west end and The Dickens on the eastern end there will be no problems for those looking for an Adult Libation The list of vendors is growing. Some of those set out below will not be present for all four days – a schedule will be posted on the website stating which vendors will be present on which days.
Joseph Tassoni
Bodega Wellness
Do + Dare Undie Co. Ltd.
Miss Bailey Brown
ODDSpot
The Handmade House
Agora Marketplace
La Crème de la Crème
Burlington Downtown Business Association & Tourism Burlington
Water’s Edge Salon & Spa
Omi’s Sweet Treats
Pop Balloons Pop
Wheat Queens & Pretty Things
Wicker Blues
Your Local Boulanger
Ash Designs
Backed By Bees
Bu Candles
Candles and Palms
3 Girls x Curated Goods
French Lunch
Get It While It’s Hot
Ivy + Soy
Kelso Lavender
Musical acts will be confirmed closer to December 9. At this point there are several choirs lined up.
The Holiday market people are working with Sound of Music to determine if some of the talent they work with can be available.
Noise was a concern – no assurances at that level.
There was mention of alcohol being available. Talks with the people at The Poacher didn’t go very far – they apparently had some liability issues.
This is an evolving initiative with a lot of unknowns and great aspirations.
The web site for the event
Hours of operation:
Thursday December 9: 4 pm-10 pm
Friday, December 10 and Saturday, December 11: 11 am-11 pm
Sunday, December 12: 11 am – 7 pm
By Ryan O’Dowd: Local Initiative Journalism Reporter
November 22, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
About 50 people gathered in downtown Burlington to join Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns, on a walkabout through new development sites on a chilly Saturday afternoon. The story she had to tell was dismal.
Early in the event Kearns outlined what the tour was and wasn’t. It certainly wasn’t: an optimistic growth story but rather that of a city trying to keep its vision of a downtown intact.
 “I want to be clear” said Kearns, “about what this is and what this isn’t. I want you to be able to visualize and have a contextual sense of what these developments mean for you, the way that you will live here, and what you would rather see or like to see. What I cannot do is completely stop them.”
Much of Saturday’s walking tour consisted of Kearns contextualizing city decisions. She discussed the Urban Growth Center (UGC) designation in the downtown core, saying it did its job to direct investments and infrastructure to downtown, but is no longer needed.
The city worked for some time to move the UGC north to the Burlington GO station area and have the Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) designation removed from the bus terminal on John Street.
The Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing agreed and on November 10th issued a statement saying the UGC boundary would be moved . Kearns stated the city couldn’t request the change in UGC boundaries until they had an approved Official Plan. The altered boundary came disastrously late for many of city council’s ambitions to limit high rise development.
Kearns suggested council would have only been able to get the altered UGC designation moved at their first opportunity by approving the official plan tabled in 2018, one the newly elected council could not align themselves with. (Editor: we’re not at all sure that statement is correct.)
The authority to approve a boundary change rested with the Minister; when he agreed to the change he also grandfathered seven developments; five of which were in the downtown core.
The walk around was a tour of what many saw as the damage to a dream and a close to total evisceration of an Official Plan.
Kearns stressed she was there to explain the framework in which the city has to operate with the Ontario Land Tribunal(OLT), which continuously make decisions the city doesn’t want, making it difficult for the municipal administration to usher in their planning vision.
 Kearns at the site of the ADI development. It was the first to break through above the 25 storey level. “The MTSA designation given to the bus terminal on John Street was the same as that given at Union Station and Pearson Airport. I don’t know about you guys but the John Street terminal is not Union Station. It’s warm and it has a toilet but it is not Union Station.
“What that did was allow a 26-storey tower using the argument that with the John Street bus terminal being an MTSA a 26 storey tower was appropriate. So of course 26-storeys made sense. Well, what happens is when you have 26-storeys there, every single application that follows will say, ‘well look this is absolutely applicable’,” said Kearns.
Kearns made it clear the city is not averse to growth, they know it needs to happen, but they are looking for something more compact and sensible than what the OLT has been permitting.
 Ground zero – Lakeshore and Brant – entrance to Spencer Smith Park and the location of a development that will have two towers: one at 30 and the other at 35 storeys Stopping at 2069-2079 Lakeshore Rd. and 383-385 Pearl St., Kearns said a recent OLT decision is emblematic of the direction development is taking.
“We lost big time at the tribunal,” said Kearns.
The city wanted to develop a 17-storey building on the land but begrudgingly settled for a cutoff of 22-storeys only for the OLT to decide on a 29-storey building. The OLT refused to recognize the city’s plans and threw out years of work and background information.
“That’s it. So everything people said, if anybody from here remembers a very cold blustery December day at the art gallery where everyone put up their hands to say they were against the development, all of that is forgotten. And the only thing that’s heard is the lawyers and the technical experts on the day with the rules in place on the day.”
It was the kind of sobering refrain heard during the chilly walkaround of a changing city. At one point some in the crowd asked: how someone got appointed to the OLT, Kearns joked “I’m sure they won’t be asking me anytime soon.” The citizen mumbled, “there’s a lot of us here.” And there were lots of them, some fifty all told. But Kearns’ walkabout felt less like a rallying call than an autopsy of Burlington’s existing downtown core.
There were few calls to action, no signs of optimism, just an exacerbated, if passionate, Kearns telling Burlington she and the rest of City Council did everything they could.
The city is continuing to spend tax dollars looking through its options with external lawyers for reconsideration or a judicial review
“It matters to the community that we’re getting at least close to what the council can stomach, and closer to the Official Plan which is the vision for downtown, then what the Tribunal is handing us. We think it is very disheartening. I will say I will put it more than anybody else. I think it is very very disheartening that the adjudicators did not recognize the work that we have done on the Official Plan. So while the bus station was a major deciding factor to the 26-storey building next to it, they suddenly didn’t look at that anymore. But then they were like, ‘oh, let’s just use no plan.’ So it’s really difficult to try to play cat and mouse and keep catching up to whatever reasons are being used to undermine our local planning,“ said Kearns.
Congestion concerns and Lakeshore Road access were raised by some in attendance, there were scarce murmurs of the developments potentially buoying downtown retailers but overall the crowd shared Kearns concern. Kearns didn’t field many questions, she said she couldn’t due to time constraints. However, one wonders if after the described dealings with the tribunal if the councilor and the city writ large aren’t left with more questions than answers themselves.
 Kearns walkabout stopped at ten development locations in the downtown core, they are as follows:
2020 Lakeshore Rd. Which is in the pre-application phase. It will use a proposed two tall buildings(35-storeys and 30-storeys, as well as a 5-storey podium). It will be used for retail, commercial, and residential space.
Core Development-2093, 2097, 2102 Old Lakeshore td., 2096, 2100 Lakeshore Rd. The application is under appeal. The application is for a 27-storey building consisting of commercial and residential space.
2107 Old Lakeshore Rd. & 2119 Lakeshore Rd. Old Lakeshore Rd. and 2119 Lakeshore Rd. The application is under appeal. The space will be used for a 27-storey building including retail, commercial, and residential space.
2069-2079 Lakeshore Rd. and 383-385 Pearl St. reached an OLT decision. The 29-storey building will host commercial, retail, and residential space.
374 Martha St. The building is under construction. It will be a 26-storey condominium with residential and commercial space.
2085 Pine St. The application is under appeal. It will be an 11-storey building consisting of commercial space, office units, and residential space.
407 Martha St. The application is under appeal. It will be used for an 11-storey residential building.
2082, 2086 and 2090 James St. The location is subject to Site Plan Approval. It will host a 13-storey residential apartment.
409 Brant St. A formal Site Plan Application is being awaited. It will be an 18-storey residential building.
421 Brant St. The unit is under construction. It will be a 23-storey residential, office, and retail building.
 By Staff
November 22, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington will feature Heidi von der Gathen of Air and Earth Design on Saturday, November 27 from 12 to 3 PM.
 Heidi von der Gathen Heidi will share more about her practice and demonstrate the Keum Boo technique she uses to fuse gold embellishments to the silver in her jewellery.
Air & Earth Design is the contemporary jewellery brand designed by artist, Heidi von der Gathen. Hand-crafted, organic inspired elements combined with clean lines and unique finishes gives Heidi’s jewellery a chic and contemporary edge.
These timeless pieces that describe style rather than fashion, can be worn for years. Powerful beauty. Here is jewellery designed for women that are comfortable with themselves and enjoy creating their own, unique and personal statement.
 By Staff
November 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Emmet caught the Giving Back bug early in life.
 Emmett at his kitchen counter He had decided that he could make cookies, sell them and donate the proceeds to people who needed the money.
His first venture into the cookie business got him a chance to sit behind the wheel of a fire truck after giving Fire Chief Karen Roach a box of his treats.
He set out on a bigger venture the second time – he wanted to raise $1000 for the Halton Women’s Shelter.
 Emmett and the Fire Chief Today, November 22nd, is the last day to place cookie orders. If you have already ordered, Emmett is delighted. He has already reached his target – but would like to do more.
That’s Giving Back.
You can follow Emmett’s cooking journey.
On youtube: http://youtube.com/emmettmakes
On instagram: http://instagram/emmettmakes
Previous news story:
Young people and neat ideas
By Staff
November 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
ALDERSHOT IS CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS…….
Annual Village Tree Lighting – Saturday, Nov. 20 – 3 to 6pm when the tree will be lit. Come early to look around and hear St. Matthew’s Bell Choir at 4:30 & 5:30; Enchorus Children’s Choir; Outdoor Vendor Market; Santa & Friends; Hot Chocolate & Snacks, and pre-book a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride at www.aldershotbia.com To help your neighbours bring non-perishable food items to the Cram-a-Cruiser Food Drive.
 By Staff
November 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Breaking News
The Gazette has learned from a usually reliable source that Santa has arranged to visit Burlington on Saturday and Sunday – the 4th and 5th of December.
Our sources sent us a map of the route Santa is expected to take.
The reindeer aren’t available this year – the Santa workshop team didn’t think it was safe for them to be out without wearing masks – they couldn’t find anything that would fit the reindeer.
Santa was able to get some help from the Burlington Fire department who will drive Santa around the city.
We expect to get more detailed information from the elves as we get closer to the arrival dates.
Stay tuned.
By Staff
November 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Tim Hortons is picking up the tab for free swimming and skating on the PA Day, Nov. 26
 Tim Hortons has also made a contribution to the Skate Lending Program which will be coming to the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond when it is opened later this year.
During the PA Day there will be four hours of free swimming and four and a half hours of skating on Nov. 26
 It will be a fun time – but you do have to register. During the winter break, there will be more than 20 hours of free swimming and 74 hours of skating for residents.
For all days and activities, pre-registration is required and registration opens 25-hours in advance for residents and 2 hours for non-residents and all persons 12 years and older will require proof of vaccination and must complete the screening at burlington.ca/screening.
For more information on dates and times and to register, visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
 By Ray Rivers
November 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
After 26 annual conferences of the parties the world community is no closer to halting or even decreasing global warming. The COP spectacle is one of delegates gathering with false hopes and promises of reducing our global carbon footprint, even as that footprint continues to expand without a foreseeable end. After a quarter of a century of trying to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) it may be time to admit that it’s not going to happen without a miracle, and that our’s is indeed a dystopian future.
 The Prime Minister attended – did Canada make an impact? COP has become another one of those events where everyone wants to be – youth, indigenous peoples, disappearing Pacific islanders, government bureaucrats and mandarins, environmental organizations, and even the oil companies. It’s another venue to claim everything and get nothing and a chance to get a grant from the rich countries. These extravaganzas have become little more than an annual reunion for the attendees – see you all same time again next year.
I’ve attended a few of these COP meetings, once representing Pollution Probe back in 1998 and caucusing among the environmental groups. There had been a lot of enthusiasm back then. The Kyoto protocol had just been negotiated and the USA, the world largest historical greenhouse gas emitter, was leading the effort. Bill Clinton and Al Gore had helped craft a Kyoto protocol calling for enforceable emission targets with significant financial penalties for those signatory nations who found themselves out of compliance. It was a significant first step.
But by 2003, when I represented Clean Air Canada as part of the business community, that enthusiasm had been replaced by pessimism. GW Bush added to his legacy as America’s worst president ever, and his violations of human rights, by pulling the US out of Kyoto.
American delegates were seen disrupting the proceedings and the halls of the conference were cluttered with oil company representatives making their pitches that climate change was just another hoax.
 COP26 had more lobbyists taking part than registered delegates. The people who are going to have to live with a climate that is not going to be kind were out in force. Were they heard? Once the Americans scuttled the Kyoto deal there was little appetite for the rest of the world to continue, though Europe and even Canada did for a time. Stephen Harper, whose earlier views on global warming had placed him firmly in the denial camp, pulled Canada out of the treaty once he had gained a majority. And he did this, ironically, just as Canada came close to meeting its Kyoto commitment thanks to Ontario’s phase-out of coal.
COP 26 in Glasgow last week was an almost abject failure on so many counts. Despite pleas for climate action by host Boris Johnson, the world’s leaders have settled for business as usual. And that means greenhouse gas emissions are increasing globally instead of declining and will reach their second highest level this year, despite the pandemic.
Fossil fuels are the main culprit and emissions from burning coal the most egregious insult to our climate. India and China came to the rescue of the nasty coal – refusing to allow the term ‘phase out’ to be used in the final communique. China plans to peak its coal use somewhere around 2030 and India sometime later.
Coal still provides almost 40% of the world’s electricity. Yet 40 nations, including Canada, have committed to entirely phase out coal for electricity by 2030. But China, Japan, India, and the United States, which together account of over 75 percent of global coal use have refused to commit to that goal.
 We continue to fail them – how might they react in the years ahead? Some 20 countries and institutions are promising to end direct international public finance for unabated coal, oil, and gas and to prioritize financing for clean energy by the end of 2022. In addition to international financing, Canada provides the highest subsidies for fossil fuel development among all G7 nations. A group calling itself the ‘Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance’ (BOGA) including Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Greenland, Ireland, Sweden, Wales, and the Canadian province (nation) of Quebec committed to taking “concrete steps” to reduce oil and gas extraction.
Perhaps the biggest sign of failure was when the US and China (whose leader hadn’t even bothered attending), announced that they would take the conversation on emission reduction off-line. Gas lighting, double speak, or just an excuse to get out of the room, that bilateral approach is unlikely to amount to anything. China and the USA have to get over unfair trade practices, industrial espionage and Taiwan before they could have a civil discussion on climate change. And China, with the second largest global economy still maintains the façade of calling itself an undeveloped nation.
COP 26 wasn’t a complete waste of time, there were locally sourced ‘sustainable’ sandwiches for the delegates, despite the three hour hybrid/gas guzzler delivery drive from Aberdeen. But this COP will not help the planet keep its temperature rising beyond what scientists have identified as the critical 1.5 degree C temperature increase over the pre-industrial period.
Global net GHG emissions from human activity would have to decline by about 45% from 2010 levels to 2030 in order for us to meet that goal.
Canada’s new climate plan comes close to that goal, but after all, it’s just another plan. This year’s heat dome and the river of rain climate-bomb, which knocked British Columbians into climate reality, occurred when the global temperature was only 1.1 degree C above pre-industrial levels. And the science community tells us that these kinds of climatic effects will only get worse – Ontario may be next.
If not COP, then what can we do? Concerned individuals could always help by consuming less red meat; making their next car an EV (electric vehicle) and converting their appliances to electricity, but the heavy lifting has to come from governments with their regulatory powers.
For example the federal government has committed to banning the sale of new gasoline powered automobiles by 2035, it has mandated the carbon tax, provides incentives to buy an EV, promised new caps on gas emissions and the phase out of coal for electricity by at least 2030. The previous Ontario government phased-out coal and started a program of renewable energy.
The world’s leaders once hoped that the Montreal Protocol, which saw a mostly successful cooperative global effort to eliminate ozone depleting substances, would serve as a model for action on global warming. They created the IPCC (international Panel on Climate Change) which has done a truly amazing job identifying the crisis and what we need to do about it. But none of that matters if the political leaders at those COPs won’t step up and do the right things for the sake of humanity.
 Coal is used to generate whatever it is the facility produces. Some politicians have mused that it may be time to reform global trade rules in favour of protecting the planet’s climate. I recall having a conversation with US officials, back in 1997, who were proposing tariffs on imports from nations with lower environmental standards than the US – sort of levelling the playing field. Conservative leader Erin O’Toole seemed to want to open the door to that kind of thing in his last election platform.
A massive boycott of Chinese-manufactured exports, for example, might help bring President Xi to his senses. We simply can’t wait till 2030 to begin phasing out coal. If the diplomacy of COP doesn’t work, then maybe it is time for a more forceful approach.
Political journalist Rex Murphy, who is as close to a climate change denier as they come, suggested in a tongue-in-cheek opinion piece that maybe it’s time for net zero COP meetings. In fact, looking at the failure of the COP process to reduce, let alone stabilize our carbon footprint, he may have a point.
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
What is COP – Greta Has Spoken – COP 26 Text –
Harper’s Climate Denying History – Ford Lower Gas Prices –
Rex Murphy –
By Ryan O’Dowd: Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
November 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Giant Tile hosted a grand opening event for their Burlington location at 1515 North Service Road. Thursday evening.
The location specializes in contemporary designer lighting, home automation, kitchen and bath fixtures, porcelain, and quartz slabs, and flooring.
 Giant Tile offering a full range of home improvement and upgrade products. The first of two “opening” events was focused on the home renovation industry who got a look at the sleek new location; meet the staff and the owners.
Tile Giant opens to the public tomorrow Friday morning, and will feature a weekend barbeque from Friday to Sunday (running from 10 am to 5 pm each day). All are welcome to the barbeque where Tile Giant will be running a 20% off storewide sale during the balance of the weekend.
Ashfaq Shaikh, a co-owner of Tile Giant, touted the new location’s showroom concept as unique in Canada. He suggested Tile Giant is one of few professional design centers in North America for business to business and retail customers.
 Located at 1515 North Service Road close to the Costco Centre. “People think of design centers as more for furniture but I think before the furniture that the tiles, the lights, home automation, and plumbing are very important. We tie all of that together in the design center.”
Tile Giant has a location in Vaughan: Shaikh said he sees “Burlington as one of the fastest-growing markets. Burlington is the center of Oakville, Milton, Hamilton, and a lot of new developments in the GTA just outside of Toronto. This is a great central location, close to the QEW, close to Costco, and close to IKEA – we are a business hub,” said Shaikh.
The founder of Tile Giant, Agostino Gotto, was called out of semi-retirement to help his successors with the launch of the store. Gotto cited the Godfather to joke about his attempted retirement, “just when I thought I was out they pulled me back in.” Gotto was excited to see the fruits of his labour flourish.
“Let’s just say I wish I was twenty years younger, that should tell you how it’s going,” said Gotto.
Tile Giant is working on developing other locations throughout Canada and plotting expansion into the United States. It is not hard to see why Gotto wished his younger self remained as the hands-on owner of the newest enterprise. Though he didn’t rule out being pulled back into the business again, saying he was game for “no more than five more store openings” with a laugh.
Cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres were served by Life is an Event catering. Staff and investors were thanked in speeches by the co-owners and with food and drink.
 Fully staffed – ready to serve Tile Market had no problems attracting staff to their new location, they are fully staffed, and are excited to kick off their operation just in time for the Christmas season, their busiest time of the year.
Tile Giant’s products reflect the upscale contemporary vibe they are after. The company says they have a range of products for every budget. The company’s website allows visitors to book a design consultation online and has a visualization feature that shows off their different products in household room mockups.
The ownership board opted out of a group photo at their new location and suggested the beautiful ladies at the party, involved in varying degrees with Tile Giant, pose for the Gazette instead. It’s hard to argue with that business acumen.
By Staff
November 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario College of Family Physicians announces an Award of Excellence given to Burlington family physician Dr. Jennifer Kwan.
 Dr. Jennifer Kwan The College of Family Physicians of Canada Awards of Excellence recognize family doctors for exceptional achievement within the past 24 months in the specialty of family medicine. Nominations are made by peers or the public and are submitted to the provincial chapter of which the nominee is a member.
“These doctors have demonstrated tremendous leadership, dedication and service to their communities – Dr. Kwan, especially through her advocacy and public education on COVID-19.
Dr. Kwan exemplifies the vital role family physicians play across Ontario as clinicians, advocates, teachers, and researchers
 Dr. Kwan at her work station. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Jennifer Kwan has become a household name, known for the public health data she disseminated daily via Twitter (@jkwan_md). For more than a year and a half, she has presented information in a simple, transparent graphical format, making her Twitter feed a go-to resource for many. Physicians and the public alike find reliable data about COVID cases, testing, hospitalizations, vaccinations, trends over time, and more—enabling Ontarians to see how our behaviours were shaping the pandemic.
At a crucial point of the pandemic, Dr. Kwan led projects to provide health facilities with needed personal protective equipment (PPE). That included building an online portal to facilitate PPE donations and, as a director of the Halton Region Chinese Canadian Association, helping to coordinate the donation of more than 5,000 masks and other PPE to local physicians’ offices and care providers at a time when these were scarce. Dr. Kwan was also an early advocate for public masking and helped found the grassroots volunteer group, Masks4Canada, whose efforts contributed to Canada’s eventual adoption of a masking policy.
Faced with threats and insults from naysayers on social media, Dr. Kwan has persevered in sharing reliable information, which she believes empowers Ontarians to understand their own health. She has appeared on media programs to promote public health messages and help Ontarians understand how the pandemic is affecting them. It should come as no surprise, then, that she is highly respected among infectious disease and other colleagues: Her nomination for the Award of Excellence was signed by over 70 physicians in all different specialties from across the province.
“Dr. Kwan has been nothing short of a powerhouse during the pandemic,” said Dr. Gina Eom, University of Toronto. “She has been an inspirational leader, and physicians all across the province have appreciated her work which she has undertaken on her own mission, without any financial or academic incentive.”
 By Pepper Parr
November 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Information is a little like water: it has its own way of finding the direction in which it wants to flow.
 Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Steve Clark We learn a bit more about what took place and how the Minister of Municipal Affairs did the dirty to the city when he announced the Official move of the Urban Growth Centre and the removal of the MTSA designation to the bus terminal and then added that he was grandfathering seven developments that were within the older Urban Growth Boundary.
That kind of takes the wind out of the Mayor’s sails.
But the woman who won public office on the promise to be transparent and accountable hasn’t been able to make use of those skill sets.
And that promise made during her first election in 2010 when she told a group of her supporters that she wanted their votes but more importantly she wanted their trust.
She got the votes – hard to see where she delivered on the trust part.
We have learned that November 10th was when the decision the Minister made became final. That would suggest that there were ongoing conversations – if they were negotiations – what did Burlington get?
Gazette readers are asking what the city is getting other than the Mayor’s spin that, as one reader put it, goes like this: “Look what I have done, oh, by the way it was too late to stop the high-rise development that will destroy the waterfront”
Ward 2 Councillor Kearns told a resident that she “didn’t receive the actual decision until late on the 11th, then needed some clarity, then the weekend, over to Monday to ensure Council had a chance to review before release.
To be fair to Kearns she did make some rather pithy comments that were part of the media release the city put out. She said:
 Ward 2 City Councillor Lisa Kearns “The Minister’s decision may help reduce the long-term development pressure on existing infrastructure and neighbourhoods. On behalf of our residents, I believe there is good reason for concern about the excessive applications already underway. This decision doesn’t fully support the thoughtful and considered conversations we have had to preserve the character of downtown and welcome responsible growth. I understood us to be working towards the same outcome; should the Minister’s decision fail to address this transition issue, it could result in intense pressure for incompatible change.”
Every member of council sat on their hands over this one. How accountable the voters will expect them to be is anyone’s guess.
 By Pepper Parr
November 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
We now know a little bit more about the developments that have been grandfathered by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and will proceed through the Ontario Land Tribunal process. If past appeals are any example, they will be approved at that level.
Five years from now Burlington will be a much different city.
A closer look at what has been grandfathered and what they want to build is now possible even though city hall and the Office of the Mayor haven’t had much to say.
 It is a different skyline. The degree to which it will change the small, local feel that many people have of Burlington is something that will work itself out if these two towers go up. The Waterfront Hotel site, even though not yet at the application stage has been grandfathered.
The Core Development that runs from one side of the football to the other – from Lakeshore Road on the north to Old Lakeshore Road on the south has been grandfathered.
The development planned for the eastern end of the football, one of the Carriage Gate developments has also been grandfathered.
 This is the structure that will sit right next to Joe Dogs. How that hospitality operation will operate is something that they are certainly thinking really hard about. The development that would be next to Joe Dogs on Brant street – put forward as a 30 storey building has been grandfather as has 407 Martha – a building that is very close to Rambo Creek where part of the retaining wall has been described as not all that safe.
2085 Pine, a property that has changed hands a number of times and been before council with different suggestions on just how much height there could be and at the same time preserve a heritage building at the front of the property – that, too, is at the OLT.
The land between Old Lakeshore Road and Lakeshore Road, known as the football because of its shape was at one time described by former Toronto Mayor David Crombie as a jewel we should not let get away on us.
It became a jewel that developers realized needed a bit of polishing up and then sold off as a very desirable high end property that would never have a building put up between it and the lake.
Somewhere in the last ten years the city was never able to come up with a plan that would secure that land and make it more public space.
 The CORE Development takes up all the land between Old Lakeshore Road and Lakeshore Road in the centre of the football area. The plan is to keep the popular but expensive restaurant that has been on the site for a long time.  The Carriage Gate people see this development as the eastern gateway into the city. Old Lakeshore Road is to the left with Lakeshore Road to the right. With the grandfathering in place all the planners are left with is the south side of Old Lakeshore Road: Top of bank rules limit what can be done on that land. The heritage designation Emma’s Back Porch has, will limit what can be done with that property.
Once we are out of the pandemic we can expect someone to lease Emma’s and get it back into operation. Not sure how pleasant a local it will be with all the construction that will be taking place.
 The triangle shaped property will be where Carriage Gate puts up their 25+ tower – they see it as the eastern gateway to the city. The property to the immediate left is where the CORE development will be built. To the left of that is parking across from Emma’s Back Porch which is owned by 2084 Lakeshore Holdings Ltd. They also own the small parking lot to the east of Emma’s. On the western tip of the football the property is owned by a trust – we’ve yet to learn who the beneficiary is of that trust. What does all this leave the city with? Is there nothing more in the way of options?
The pandemic has changed the way citizens can communicate with the elected leadership and that elected leadership hasn’t done all that much to find ways to hear what citizens have to say.
The Office of the Mayor has seen this as an opportunity to put her spin on what has taken place.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Staff
November 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Update from the City of Burlington on Minister Clark’s decision on Burlington’s Downtown Growth
On Nov. 10, 2021, the City of Burlington received official notification of the boundary adjustment of the City’s Urban Growth Centre (UGC) designation from the Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The Minister also confirmed the removal of the Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) designation in the downtown.
This marks an important step in Burlington’s effort to stop the over-development of its historic downtown. The removal of the MTSA designation and boundary adjustment of the UGC takes effect immediately and applies to all new applications. This will help control overdevelopment moving forward.
 A 3D rendering of some of the development planned, some approved and under construction in and around the the two Lakeshore Roads. However, the Minister chose to grandfather seven applications that were submitted prior to November 10, 2021 from the UGC boundary adjustment and the City is seeking additional clarification on how to proceed.
The changes announced by the Minister were the result of City Council asking the Minister to adjust the UGC boundary and remove the MTSA designation based on Council’s vision for the downtown. As part of the process, the City was required to work with the Region of Halton to make these changes through a Regional Official Plan Amendment (ROPA). The ROPA process involved extensive work and collaboration between the City and Region and consultation with the public.
The immediate adjustment of the UGC boundary and the removal of the MTSA designation will complement provincial transit investments and contribute to the development of sustainable, transit-oriented complete communities in Burlington. These provincial actions also send a clear signal that the scale and intensity of recent development activity in Burlington’s historic downtown was driven by misuse and reliance on the UGC and MTSA and was not sustainable given on-the-ground realities of physical and social infrastructure.
 The football is the land between Lakeshore Road and Old Lakeshore Road where intensive development is planned. Five of the seven applications located in Burlington’s downtown are before the Ontario Lands Tribunal and the City will strongly advocate that the tribunal take into account the City’s vision for the downtown and the new changes brought in by the Provincial Government.
 This is the development Carriage Gate wants to build on the eastern end of the football properties The City will defend at every opportunity the vision that this Council has set out and worked tirelessly to have included in the Region’s official plan amendment (ROPA 48). We will encourage proponents of those applications to revaluate their projects given the updated provincial policies.
City of Burlington Council and staff will continue to work with the Hon. Jane McKenna and Minister Clark to see that the pace and scale of development in downtown Burlington is appropriate given the wishes of residents and the availability of infrastructure needed to support it.
This progress is the result of City Council and staff working over the last three years to define the vision for the downtown and see it enshrined in local, regional, and provincial planning policy; this work was done by engaging residents and local businesses who provided clear feedback to Council that the downtown is not the place for large-scale development.
Background
- On Aug. 24, 2020, Burlington City Council unanimously approved requesting the Region of Halton through its Municipal Comprehensive Review of the Regional Official Plan (MCR), to adjust the boundary of the Downtown Urban Growth Centre (UGC) to generally align with the lands in proximity to the Burlington GO Station, and to remove the Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) designation from the Downtown.
- In 2020, the City of Burlington received a joint letter from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Ministry of Transportation stating that the Region of Halton, working together with the City of Burlington, can remove the identification of a mobility hub and the MTSA designation in Downtown Burlington.
- The Interim Control By-law Land Use Study focused on assessing the role and function of the downtown bus terminal and the Burlington GO station as MTSAs, and scoped re-examination of Official Plan policies that focused on the Downtown.
- The Mobility Hubs Study started in 2017-2018 and focused on area-specific planning work for the three GO Station areas: the Aldershot GO, Burlington GO and Appleby GO Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs). At that time, the City gathered feedback through visioning, public engagement and technical studies. From there, precinct plans were drafted for each study area around the Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby GO Stations.
 Mayor speaking at an event from Spencer Smith Park: How much of the waterfront area is she going to be able to salvage from the Minister’s statement? Mayor Marianne Meed Ward siad in a prepared statement that: “Burlington’s Council was elected with a clear mandate to stop overdevelopment, and we will continue to do everything within our power to do so. The adjustment of the boundaries of the UGC and the MTSA are a victory for good planning in Burlington. However, implementation issues still remain to be resolved. The Minister’s decision that the policies apply only to new applications presents a greater challenge to achieving our vision for downtown with the applications already in. But we remain undaunted in our efforts to keep advocating for the best planning outcome for our community. We thank the Minister and our MPP, Hon. Jane McKenna, for their support on this important work to date, and look forward to their continued support as we seek to achieve the community’s vision for development downtown on all applications before us.”
 Lisa Kearns: Is the Councillor for the ward that is facing just about all of the contentious development on the same page as the Mayor Councillor Lisa Kearns, Ward 2 added to the Mayor’s statement with one of her own, saying: “The Minister’s decision may help reduce the long-term development pressure on existing infrastructure and neighbourhoods. On behalf of our residents, I believe there is good reason for concern about the excessive applications already underway. This decision doesn’t fully support the thoughtful and considered conversations we have had to preserve the character of downtown and welcome responsible growth. I understood us to be working towards the same outcome; should the Minister’s decision fail to address this transition issue, it could result in intense pressure for incompatible change.”
By Staff
November 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It has come to this.
Three year olds getting their first look at what kindergarten has to offer them in a virtual Zoom setting.
Is this the best that creative minds can do?
Appears not.
In a media release the Halton District School Board said:
Starting school is a big step for children and parents/guardians, and the Halton District School Board wants to make that transition as smooth as possible. This fall, the HDSB is welcoming future students and their families to a virtual Kindergarten experience at kindergarten.hdsb.ca to learn more about making the first school experience a happy one.
 Clip from a video introducing three year olds to kindergarten. Where is the grass? This is a muddy yard.  Is the correct answer to every question: Why? Due to current public health restrictions, traditional in-person Kindergarten Open Houses are not possible this year. Instead, we have created a virtual experience for three-year olds and their families.
At kindergarten.hdsb.ca, three-year olds can explore a Kindergarten classroom to see what their future classroom might look like next September. There are videos to watch, pictures to view and fun activities for kids.
Parents/guardians can learn about the Kindergarten program at the HDSB, play-based learning, community resources in Halton and before-and-after school care. Families can also sign-up to receive a welcome package from the HDSB including a free children’s book.
Registration for Kindergarten begins in January 2022 and will be by appointment only (in-person and/or virtual) through the school your child will attend.
Further information will be shared in the new year.
To begin Kindergarten in September 2022, children must be four years old by Dec. 31, 2022 for Year 1 Kindergarten and must be five years old by Dec. 31, 2022 for Year 2 Kindergarten.
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