 By Ray Rivers
February 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In even the darkest days of our lives, and 2020 has been the darkest I can remember, there are some silver linings. For example, on-line sales have never been better. Naturally, Amazon is the first thing we think of but other companies have also done well in this area.
While searching out a source of respirators on-line, I located a company selling Canadian made n95 surgical masks for less than $5 each. Mikhail Moore, a Vancouver engineer got together with some like-minded entrepreneurs and health specialists from McMaster University to design and manufacture respirators last summer. And in a matter of months he had ramped up a manufacturing facility and was turning out a million Vitacore face masks a month, including the highly effective n95 which had been in short supply only a few months earlier.
 Purely Canadian One problem Mr. Moore encountered was that Canada doesn’t even have standards for respirators. We simply adopt the US NIOSH standard, but for a Canadian that means one can only get certification if the product is manufactured in the USA. So Vitacore had to work with the National Research Council and Health Canada in order to obtain an interim certification order to meet the US standard.
Canada is apparently nearly self-sufficient in PPE now, according to the PM. But that doesn’t answer the question about why we were so unprepared at the beginning of the pandemic. Following the SARS outbreak two decades ago, Dr. Teresa Tam, currently Canada’s chief public health officer, authored the Canadian manual on pandemics. That included a call for a 16 week stockpile of personal protection equipment (PPE) in order to cover potentially two waves of a pandemic in this country.
But over the years, and over the last two governments, the stockpile had diminished. Then, in early February last year, the health minister shipped the last 16 tonnes of PPE to China to help them with their COVID fight. The government obviously believed the risk of an outbreak here was minimal. And for that reason neither did they initially close the border to prevent travellers from China and elsewhere bringing the virus with them.
And then a month or so later our hospitals were becoming overwhelmed and long term care was in such a mess that the army had to be called in. And, of course, the PPE we all needed was in critically short supply. Our traditional supply from the US had been blocked by Donald Trump. The hapless bureaucracy at Health Canada ignored offers by companies like Honeywell to send us masks from their factory in Mexico. And shipments from China had to be discarded as unsafe.
So health care workers re-used their disposable masks, and made their own cloth ones, or got sick, and possibly infected even more people in the community. And Dr. Tam shamelessly delivered a barrage of mixed messages about masks, including her initial comments that people were safer without one, as health officials everywhere debated what should have been obvious.
 The Atlanta based Centre for Disease Control provides information and specifications for PPE. And unfortunately it wasn’t just about PPE. Canada’s entire record on this epidemic is abysmal. Whether it’s the federal government failing to secure our borders from day one or the provincial premiers lessening restrictions too soon. And now the question is whether these jurisdictions can get us vaccinated before another variant shows up and possibly renders the vaccine irrelevant.
Australia has announced that they will be manufacturing their own AstraZeneca vaccine and therefore have more control over its supply than we do. Of course, the Aussies, with near zero COVID transmission, don’t have to be in a hurry. Still, at least we Canadians now have affordable Canadian-made face masks. And if we used them we should be able to protect ourselves and our children, at least until the vaccines do arrive and get jabbed into our arms.
 Face masks coming off the Vitacore production line. Vitacore has already moved forward to develop an even more efficient n99 mask and is anticipating the potential export of their products. The company is also embarking on a timely recycling program for used/soiled PPE in cooperation with McMaster University. They are setting up drop-off stations in Vancouver and will be sanitizing and palletizing the material for reuse in road building.
And another silver lining when we consider all the money the governments have been spilling, is that Vitacore has not needed federal or provincial subsidies to make their business model work. I wonder whether Vitacore president Mikhail Moore has ever thought about running for public office. We certainly could use some of those leadership skills.
 Ray Rivers, born in Ontario earned an economics degree at the University of Western Ontario and a Master’s degree in economics at the University of Ottawa. His 25 year stint with the federal government included time with Environment, Fisheries and Oceans, Agriculture and the Post office. Rivers is active in his community; has run for municipal and provincial office.
Background links:
Vitacore – PPE for China – Canada’s PPE –
Turning Down Masks – Government Mess – Standards –
Nearly Self-Sufficient – Canada’s Plan –
CAN95 Respirator – Health Canada Authorized – 30 Units/Box
 By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Sometime between now and the end of August the Halton District School Board trustees are expected to decide on who the next Director of Education will be.
 Stuart Miller, current Director of Education, to retire in August. Stuart Miller has served as the Director for the past five years. He submitted his resignation to the Board late last year.
Every member of the Board of Trustees will serve on the Selection Committee where the objective is to reach a consensus.
There are at least two of the current roster of Superintendents, (both female) that are certainly qualified.
 Grebenc, (left) and Miller have worked well together Consultants are being brought in to guide and direct the trustees through the process.
Board Chair Andrea Grebenc will Chair the Selection Committee, the vice chair of the Board Tracey, Ehl Harrison, will serve as vice chair.
 By Staff
February 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The schools may not have been as open as parents would have liked but the bills still have to be paid – which means putting together a budget.
Getting that job done is going to be a challenge for both the Staff and the trustees. Doing things virtual is not fun – ask any classroom teacher.
 Halton District School Board values input from parents/guardians, members of the community, staff and students concerning the development of the 2021-2022 budget.
Individuals are encouraged to provide input on budget priorities for the upcoming school year online – a questionnaire can be found on the Halton District School Board’s website at www.hdsb.ca. Input must be received by March 5, 2021.
Before providing input, individuals are encouraged to review the Board’s Multi-Year Plan 2020-2024,
Special Education Plan and Operational Plan. A key objective of the annual budget process is to align the Halton District School Board’s financial resources with these important documents.
Community members are also able to delegate to the Board of Trustees. Please follow the Delegation
By-law posted on the Halton District School Board website (found under the ‘Our Board’ tab).
 By Staff
February 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We have had a lot to say about the Burlington Food Bank – as publishers it is one of those stories that just doesn’t stop giving.
Sometime it’s same old, same old – people collecting food to help out but from time to time there is a twist.
 Julie & James Neal along with their son Emmett and friends, Jamie Kozub from the Burlington Dads and TJ Tobin worked the Palmer – Tansley community.
There was one of the rather nice short videos – never more than two minutes – done by Scot Cameron that celebrated the more than $7,500 that was collected.
The Neal’s started a bottle drive 4 weekends ago and after the first weekend, they had raised $733. Soon afterwards they began sharing the event on social media, going door to door in the neighbourhood with flyers, and then some friends started to help out.
Barra Fion and Gator Teds then lent their cube van to the bottle drive when they realized the team were going back n forth so often with their empties.
Julie posted results to date and other media helped out with some promotion. They ended up with $4,000 in the last weekend adding to a grand total of 2,070 lbs of food along with $8,015 from bottle returns/donations.
In Julie’s words, this event brought a full community together, Palmer-Tansley Woods, to make it happen.
The really beautiful part was the last couple of seconds of the video – a hand reach is from the left side of the screen.
Take a look. The Video
That’s what your city is really all about.
“If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you live in Burlington, we are here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.”
By Staff
February 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The new provincial plan will ensure people are getting the right supports at the right time.
In an announcement last week the province said it is now “working with its municipal partners to better connect people to the supports they need as the next step in the province’s plan to modernize the delivery of social assistance. As part of its plan, frontline workers will have more time to focus on connecting clients with supports such as job-readiness programs, housing, childcare, skills training, and mental health services. At the same time, the province will gradually take on more program administration to make it easier for people to navigate the system.”
 Welfare and social services for Halton are administered at the Regional level, however the impact could be significant.
“Ontario is facing deep economic challenges brought on by COVID-19,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Our government is taking action by developing a sustainable social assistance program that takes the administrative burden off local front-line workers, so they can spend more time helping their clients connect to community supports that will get them ready for jobs.”
“As part of the Recovery and Renewal Plan announced last fall, the province worked with municipalities to design a Vision for Social Assistance Transformation to ensure people are getting the right supports at the right time so they can re-enter the workforce. The vision outlines plans for a new social assistance delivery model that allows frontline workers to focus on results for people rather than paperwork. Based on a 2018 study, caseworkers spent approximately a quarter of their day – about 400 hours a year – filing and organizing paperwork.”
Under the new delivery model:
• The province will focus on overseeing social assistance applications and payments making it quick and easy for people to access the system while safeguarding program integrity. Currently, 47 agencies at the municipal/District Social Services Administration Board level co-fund and manage delivery of social assistance in Ontario.
• Municipal partners will use their expertise to deliver person-centred casework and knowledge of local supports to help people get back to work and access supports to stabilize their lives such as housing and health care.
In acknowledgement of the unique needs and priorities of First Nations communities, the Ontario government will continue working with First Nations partners towards a separate plan to renew social assistance for First Nations communities.
“Ontario finds itself at a significant crossroad,” said Minister Smith. “We must continue our work to renew the social assistance system during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the province’s economic recovery and helping the people of Ontario find financial independence and stability. Our plan for a transformed social assistance system will help us achieve that.”
Work on social assistance reform is already underway and will be phased in over the next several years. The province continues to build on this work which includes centralized intake and prototyping a streamlined applications process to continue to free up staff time so they can focus on client support.
Sounds great in principle – let’s see how the Regions react to the program.
Right now the Regions are up to their ears coping with a massive vaccination program that has been plagued with delivery problems.
By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The irony of it all.
The province puts everyone in a lock down mode – restaurants are closed – no place to go – nothing to do but get out for long walks.
The lockdown gets lifted – and then the snow begins to fall and it keeps falling.
 Traffic will move on the major highways – getting out of the driveway will be the challenge The only thing one can do is find the shovel and begin moving the stuff.
 No picnic today There is an upside – today is also Shrove Tuesday, a Christian celebration marking 40 days before Lent. The day is celebrated by serving pancakes.
Probably the best thing you can do today – pancakes, maple syrup and butter – with 15 cm + of snow.
About as Canadian as you are going to get today.
 By Pepper Parr,
February 15th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
I learned this morning that sometime soon – which probably means sometime in March, the Priority list that sets out who is going to be vaccinated, and when, is going to be updated and this time will include all those who are over 80 years of age.
 That caught my attention because I fall into that category.
When do I go to get my needle – don’t know.
Where will I go? – don’t know.
How do I find out – not sure. Spent way too much time wading through the Halton Public Health web site. Lots of information but nothing that relates to my situation.
When I go – what do I need to take with me? I assume my OHIIP card – anything else? Don’t know.
Will I be given something that confirms I have been vaccinated? Hope so – want to put it on a T shirt.
There just has to be a better way to communicate with an anxious public.
By Staff
February 13th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The condo market saw a significant increase in both sales and sale prices during the month of January.
Sale prices increased by 8.2%, price per square foot increased by 15.7% and sales increased by 27% as compared to January 2020.
This segment was so strong that for the first time ever, we saw more than a third of the listings sell for over the asking price. Inventory was at a fairly average level at the end of January, slightly lower than usual.
With the increased demand that we are seeing in this sector it’s likely that we will continue to see these properties sell in competition. During the month of January, condo apartments sold for 100.67% of the listing price and in under 30 days, on average.
The Rocca Sisters Team report that “the market is very hot right now and we have lots of buyer clients who are looking for that perfect home.
 Data on the condominium market for 2020 – rate of growth impressive.
 By Staff
February 13th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The real estate sales results for January can only be described as stupefying. According to a report released by The Rocca Sister Team: “The average price paid for a freehold property during the month of January was $1,315,069 as compared to $1,006,343 in January 2020. The logical expectation with that kind of increase is that sales would be down significantly but they were not. In fact, during the month of January, we saw 3% more sales then we did in January 2020.
 Penn Drive, the street where some of the hottest real estate transactions took place. The houses shown are not necessarily the homes sold at record prices. “During the month of January we saw properties that had been listed for the better part of last year re-listed and selling for considerably more than the original asking price. We saw a property on Penn Drive that was listed for $1,189,000 sell for over $1.5 million. Just days later, another property was listed on Penn, an unremarkable 1669 sq.ft. raised ranch at $1,289,000 sold for $1,652,000.
A Royale model in the Orchard (just over 1900 sq. ft. and a single car garage) listed at $974,900 sold for $1,203,131 and with over 30 offers. A property on Canterbury was listed at $1,349,000 and that very same day accepted a bully offer that was almost $200,000 over the asking price, this just days after another property on Canterbury listed for $1,550,000 and sold for $1,801,000. These are but a few of the unimaginable lengths buyers would go to in order to secure property ownership in our trading area.
It will come as no surprise, therefore, that properties sold for, on average, 106.41% of the listing price and in under 20 days. Inventory levels continued to be at historic lows (at least as far back as we can dig!) with only 60 freehold active listings at the end of January as compared to the 5 year average of 192 listings, down 68%.
The data and the report came from the offices of the Rocca Sisters Team
 By Adam Lumb
February 15th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The legal gambling age in Canada is determined by province. This means how old you need to be to gamble depends on where you live. However, it can also depend on what type of gambling you are partaking in. For example, there might be different minimum ages based on if you’re playing a casino game of chance or buying a lottery ticket.
In Ontario, the rules are strictly applied based on the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporate Act, 1999. This law has made the legal gambling age for Ontario residents clear for different gambling types. Let’s take a look.
Casino age in Ontario
You must be 19 years of age or older to play casino games of chance in Ontario. This includes slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and other game types. In fact, you must be 19 years of age or older to even go to a gaming premises like a casino, unless you are there for employment.
 Playing slots on line can be fun – exciting. Just know your limit Upon entering a casino in Ontario, you may be asked for a government-issued identification document featuring a photo to verify how old you are. This is a common practice at gambling premises across the province. If you are 21 years of age or younger, two identification documents may be needed.
Of course, there are a few other entry requirements that you need to satisfy as well. For example, you cannot appear intoxicated, nor can you be self-excluded from playing at the premises.
How old to play casino online in Ontario?
You must be 19 years of age or older to play at online casinos in Ontario. In recent years, playing online has become more and more popular across the country. There are lots of new Canadian online casinos launching that provide a fun and new experience.
However, the age requirement for Ontario players remains the same.
You will need to create a new account at these sites using your personal information. Make sure that what you provide is accurate.
Your account needs to be verified which will often require an identification document featuring a photo and your age to be uploaded.
If you are lucky enough to win, you may be asked for further verification documents when you request a withdrawal. Online casinos must follow strict anti-money laundering policies and other rules to comply with their licence obligations. Therefore, submitting the correct personal information when you sign up is very important.
Age to buy lottery tickets in Ontario
You must be 18 years of age or older to buy lottery tickets in Ontario. There’s a variety of different lotteries that are drawn over a week. You must buy your tickets before the deadline to be eligible.
Lottery retailers may ask for a government-issued identification document featuring a photo to verify how old you are. Any retailer caught selling lottery tickets to underage people can face significant fines.
You can claim lottery prizes lower than $1,000 at a retailer. Prizes under $50,000 must be claimed via mail, while anything from $50,000 or above must be claimed at the OLG Prize Centre in person.
Make sure to check your tickets to see if you have won. There have been several occasions when a winning ticket totalling millions of dollars has not been produced. However, many lottery tickets remain valid for several months after the draw so the prizes can be claimed.
Keep gambling fun
No matter how old you are, gambling is meant to be fun. Never gamble what you cannot afford to lose and be mindful of your activity.
If you think you are starting to lose control, ConnexOntario can help. There’s a variety of resources that they can help you to find and access in Ontario.
By Staff
February 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is transitioning twenty-seven public health regions out of the shutdown and into a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework
“The health and safety of Ontarians remains our number one priority. While we are cautiously and gradually transitioning some regions out of shutdown, with the risk of new variants this is not a reopening or a return to normal,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
 “Until vaccines are widely available, It remains critical that all individuals and families continue to adhere to public health measures and stay home as much as possible to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.”
Based on a general improvement in trends of key indicators, including lower transmission of COVID-19, improving hospital capacity, and available public health capacity to conduct rapid case and contact management, the following public health regions will be moving back to the Framework on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. and will no longer be subject to the Stay-at-Home order:
Grey-Lockdown:
· Niagara Region Public Health
Red-Control:
· Chatham-Kent Public Health;
· City of Hamilton Public Health Services;
· Durham Region Health Department;
 Nothing in the Region will be able to open up – maybe next week. · Halton Region Public Health: includes Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills;
· Middlesex-London Health Unit;
· Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services;
· Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit;
· Southwestern Public Health;
· Thunder Bay District Health Unit;
· Wellington-Dufferin Guelph Public Health; and
· Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Orange-Restrict:
· Brant County Health Unit;
· Eastern Ontario Health Unit;
· Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit;
· Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit;
· Huron Perth Public Health;
· Lambton Public Health;
· Ottawa Public Health;
· Porcupine Health Unit; and
· Public Health Sudbury and Districts.
Yellow-Protect:
· Algoma Public Health;
· Grey Bruce Health Unit;
· Northwestern Health Unit; and
· Peterborough Public Health.
Green-Prevent:
· Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; and
· Timiskaming Health Unit.
After returning to the Framework, public health regions will stay in their level for at least two weeks at which time, the government will assess the impact of public health and workplace safety measures to determine if the region should stay where they are or be moved to a different level.
Visitor restrictions for long-term care homes will once again apply to those homes in the public health regions that are in the Orange-Restrict level or higher. In addition, long-term care homes must implement enhanced testing requirements.
Recognizing the risk posed by new variants to the province’s pandemic response, Ontario is introducing an “emergency brake” to allow the Chief Medical Officer of Health, in consultation with the local medical officer of health, to immediately advise moving a region into Grey-Lockdown to interrupt transmission.
Local medical officers of health also have the ability to issue Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, to target specific transmission risks in the community.
“While the trends in public health indicators are heading in the right direction, we still have work to do,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Everyone is strongly advised to continue staying at home, avoid social gatherings, only travel between regions for essential purposes, and limit close contacts to your household or those you live with.”
What does level Red mean?
 By Pepper Parr
February 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It is the Year of the Ox and an occasion when the Burlington Redleaf Cultural group can strut their stuff.
The pandemic does limit what they can do. However there is a lengthy video that displays the depth, energy and talent within the Chinese Community. The video is long – but if the concept and practice of diverse respect means anything – give it a look.
Another,very different look at Chinese cultural organizations is offered in Claws of the Panda by Jonathan Manthorrpe, a highly regarded journalist with fifty years of experience around the world
The organization describes their purpose:
Working together with people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and ages, we will enhance the quality of life in our community by creating opportunities to develop meaningful relationships, provide stimulating social events and promote healthy lifestyles.
The main focus of our service will be for newcomers to Canada, as they need the most support in transitioning to their new life. This includes social, health, recreation and education support.
 Members of the RedLeaf Cultural organization pose with the Mayor and the Councillor for Ward 2. Costumes are lovely – where are the masks? The picture is said to be “pre-covid”
By Staff
February 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington has declared a Snow Event. To allow snow removal equipment room to clear roads safely and quickly, all on-street parking has been suspended until 24-hours after the event has been declared over.
During a snow event when accumulation is more than 5 cm, road clearing updates can be found by visiting burlington.ca/snow. Snow Control Update subscribers will receive emails at 9 a.m., 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. about the status of snow removal.
 This is what a snow day looks like. Snow Clearing Service Levels
• Primary and Secondary roads begin to be cleared when snow reaches 5 cm of accumulation.
• Residential roads begin to be cleared when snow reaches 7.5 cm of accumulation. Residential roads are not maintained to bare pavement. They are plowed only after a snow accumulation of 7.5 cm has fallen in a single event. Sand is applied to enhance traction, as required.
• All sidewalks are plowed and salted and sanded, if icy within 48 hours of snow fall.
• All roads will be cleared 24-hours after the snowfall has ended.
• For all roads, sidewalks and select pathways, clearing may take longer if more than 12 cm has fallen.
Please be patient as our crews work to clear the busiest streets first.
• The City is not responsible for clearing windrows left on driveways when the plow passes. If you think you will need help clearing the windrow, please make arrangements such as speaking with your neighbours, family members or hire a contractor.
Parking During the Winter
When a snow event is declared, there is no parking on any city streets until 24-hours after the snow event has been declared over. The City thanks residents for their cooperation to move their vehicles off city streets to help with snow clearing operations. Residents who park their cars on streets blocking snow removal could be faced with a $120 parking ticket or be towed.
All existing parking exemptions are also cancelled during snow events.
By Pepper Parr
February 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Communications people at City Hall provide a service that amounts to a listing of events taking place during the week ahead. It is published every Thursday and usually consists of meeting notices. Members of Council sometimes place an event they are holding on the list.
The Gazette scans the list – there is a lot of stuff going on – and noticed that the list released yesterday had three notices for basically the same thing but at different times.
The meetings were intended for the residents of ward 6.
 Meeting number 1` – about the budget  Meeting number 2 – about the budget  Meeting number 3 – about the budget
 Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna We thought this was a clerical error and brought it to the attention of Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director, Corporate Communications & Engagement who got back to us and confirmed that the Councillor’s office has scheduled three Zoom meetings to talk about the budget.
The events run for between an hour and an hour and a half. It is a big budget with some critical issues. The Mayor wants to keep the tax increase to less than 4%.
Angelo Bentivegna is a Councillor who watches the pennies and has grown to the point where he can disagree with the Mayor
The residents of ward 6, and any one else who wants to listen will get a chance to see how well their Councillor understands the budget he is going to vote on.
 By Staff
February 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The province has not cancelled the March Break – they did push t back to April 12 to 16.
Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Education, issued the following statement regarding March break:
 Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Education, “In support of our collective efforts to keep schools safe, we are postponing March break until April 12-16, 2021.
This decision was made with the best advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and public health officials, including consultations with many local Medical Officers of Health.
“Many students have been learning remotely since the start of 2021. It is critical we follow public health advice to protect schools and avoid a repeat of the concerning spike in youth-related cases over the winter break, when students and staff were out of schools for a prolonged period of time. We are taking this precaution based on advice from health experts, including the province’s Science Table and the Chief Medical Officer of Health, to help protect against the emerging COVID-19 variants of concern.
“We appreciate the hard work of students and staff in the education sector and I want to be clear: March break is being postponed, not cancelled. To keep schools open, we must keep them free of COVID-19. The actions announced today serve to limit opportunities for congregation – while reaffirming the evidence that schools are safe for students. By continuing to follow public health advice, and by introducing additional safety measures and more testing, we are supporting our collective efforts to keep COVID-19 from entering our schools.
“With respect to travel, our government’s position on this is unchanged. Ontarians should refrain from travelling, particularly given the increase in new variants that pose a direct risk to our country. Please stay at home as much as possible and continue following the direction of public health officials so that we can keep schools open and protect our seniors, frontline health workers and all families.
“These decisions – based on the advice of medical experts – are never easy, but they are necessary to keep Ontario families safe.”
By Staff
February 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Its good news for someone.
Terrible news in three weeks when the lottery ticket expires.
TICKET WORTH $1 MILLION UNCLAIMED IN BURLINGTON
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation announced today that there are two weeks left to claim a LOTTO MAX MAXMILLIONS prize worth $1 million from the Tuesday, February 25, 2020 LOTTO MAX draw.
The winning selection for this MAXMILLIONS prize was 06 – 13 – 14 – 17 – 31 – 34 – 50 and the winning ticket was sold in Burlington.
Players must match all seven numbers to win a MAXMILLIONS prize. Players have one year from the draw date to claim their prize.
The owner(s) of this ticket should fill in the back portion, sign it and contact the OLG Support Centre at 1-800-387-0098.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020 LOTTO MAX draw. The winning selection for this MAXMILLIONS prize was 06 – 13 – 14 – 17 – 31 – 34 – 50 and the winning ticket was sold in Burlington.
Players must match all seven numbers to win a MAXMILLIONS prize. Players have one year from the draw date to claim their prize.
The owner(s) of this ticket should fill in the back portion, sign it and contact the OLG Support Centre at 1-800-387-0098.
Will this news have thousands going through purses, wallets, the pockets of coats they haven’t worn for some time.
Someone thought there was a chance – and there was. Lets see if the ticket comes to the surface.
By Pepper Parr
February 11, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Another survey –
This one about how we are going to engage during the balance of this pandemic and after it has come to an end.
You can access that document HERE
 The city wants your bright ideas Michelle Dwyer, Manager of Engagement and Volunteers is one of the leads on the city’s efforts to communicate with a population that seldom goes beyond 30% turnout when it comes to municipal elections. .
With that kind of public response the hope of holding the city bureaucracy accountable, is less than realistic. The idea of a vigorous, vibrant community response on major issues is equivalent to one of those 25 watt light bulbs
They do their best with what they have.
We learned from a long time reader, a citizen who has been deeply involved at various levels of citizen engagement that the City is undertaking a “future of engagement” design initiative recognizing the impact of the CoVid pandemic. Many of you will already have been otherwise informed about this important opportunity.
 Michelle Dwyer, facilitating a virtual Town Hall meeting. It went reasonably well – but there was something missing. Dwyer asks people to feel free to share with your list of Burlington contacts, that we have a project that they may be interested in. It is the Engaging During and After COVID-19 survey and poll https://www.getinvolvedburlington.ca/yourinput. Below is a description of the engagement opportunity. The survey closes on Feb 19th.
As per the City of Burlington’s Community Engagement Charter, engaging the community on issues that affect their lives and their city is a key component of democratic society. Public involvement encourages participation, actions and personal responsibility.
The goal of engagement is to lead to more informed and, therefore, better decision-making.
In an email Dwyer sent out to everyone she knows she highlighted what has been done in the past and what they hope to get done going forward.
COVID-19 has forced everyone to pivot, and engaging with the community is no exception. The City, in order to continue to get input from the community is/has:
 Michelle Dwyer, second from the left, engages a group at a public meeting where people could meet without having to wear a mask. hosting virtual public and council meetings, workshops and town halls
telephone town halls
online surveys
used the engagement platform, Get Involved Burlington for surveys, polling, mapping, ideas and discussion forums
Looking to the future, the City would like to gather your ideas as to how we can continue to safely engage with the community once in-person opportunities are allowed. We’d also like to know the types of topics you’re interested in.
By Pepper Parr
February 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The current lockdown and Stay-at-Home order will continue to apply to 28 public health regions, including Halton Region until Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
For Toronto, Peel and York regions, it is proposed that the Stay-at-Home order will continue to apply until Monday, February 22, 2021.
Changes to retail
The government has updated the Framework to allow for a safer approach to retail. Limited in-person shopping in Grey-Lockdown zones will be permitted with public health and safety measures, such as limiting capacity to 25% in most retail settings. In addition, public health and safety measures in retail settings will be strengthened for other levels of the Framework.
Individuals will also be required to wear a face covering and maintain physical distance when indoors in a business, with limited exceptions.. Businesses are encouraged to review the COVID-19 Response Framework for sector-specific public health and workplace safety measures and public health advice.
The pressure on the province to re-open the economy has been intense. The Retail Council of Canada had its membership send thousands of letters to the Office of the Premier.
This government is a pro-business operation – it goes every grain of who they are to force small businesses to shut down.
Many are of the view that the number of new infections reported daily is just not low enough and the risk isn’t worth the benefit.
Should the infection numbers spike again – and the province is forced into yet another shut down, the response from the public will be severe.
Advocates for the front line workers want to see paid sick days for those people who have to work and put themselves and their families at risk when they report for work.
The evidence and the science seems to tell us that this virus can be brought to heel – but that we are going to have to hang tight and wait this out.
That doesn’t appear to be what the current government is prepared to do.
‘Emergency Brake’ System
Recognizing the risk posed by new variants to the province’s pandemic response, Ontario is introducing an “emergency brake” to allow for immediate action if a public health unit region experiences rapid acceleration in COVID-19 transmission or if its health care system risks becoming overwhelmed.
If this occurs, the Chief Medical Officer of Health, in consultation with the local medical officer of health, may advise immediately moving a region into Grey-Lockdown to interrupt transmission.
 The province has created a colour code system to advise people what the status is in each of the Regional Health Units. For Halton that means we rely upon the decision made by the Public Health Unit. .
By Staff
February 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Convicted: Cogent Power Inc., a manufacturer of transmission equipment for distribution of electrical energy was fined $90,000 when a worker was injured after becoming caught in moving machinery which had not been equipped with a guard or other device to prevent access to a pinch point, as required by law.
Location of Workplace: The company’s manufacturing plant located at its Laurentian Drive head office location in Burlington.
The offence too place on May 22, 2019 with a conviction of February 5, 2021.
Penalty Imposed:
• Following a guilty plea in provincial offences court in Burlington, Cogent Inc. was fined $90,000 by Justice of the Peace Jean Carter; Crown Counsel Line Forestier.
• The court also 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.
Background:
• On May 22, 2019, a worker was training another worker on how to operate a forming machine known as the Former #5. The Former #5 is a four-piston hydraulic table press with four dies. This equipment is used to form products known as ’rounds’ which are used in the electrical energy sector.
• The Former #5 is normally operated by a single worker who stands at the control panel located on the east side of the equipment. That side of the equipment is equipped with a light curtain to protect the operator. When a light curtain is interrupted, the machine stops and cannot be activated until the worker leaves the hazardous envelope and the light curtain is restored.
• While the trainee was operating the controls at the east side, the trainer noticed an issue with the product being formed and proceeded to the west side of the machine to inspect the product while it remained in the Former. The four dies were extended and secure against the product. The trainer then accidentally dropped a glove into the area.
• When the trainer reached out to retrieve the glove, the dies were inadvertently released by the trainee, and the trainer was caught in a pinch point between the moving south die and its housing, causing injury. The trainer was transported to the hospital for medical attention.
• The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development conducted an investigation and concluded the west side of the Former #5, where workers had access, was not equipped with a guard or device to prevent a worker from being caught or pinched between moving parts.
• The defendant failed to ensure the west side of the equipment was equipped with a guard or a device of some kind to prevent access to the pinch point created when the dies were in movement. As such, the defendant failed to comply with section 25 of the Industrial Establishments Regulation (Regulation 851) and thereby did violate section 25(1)(c) of the Occupati onal Health and Safety Act.
 Ron Harper chats with assembly workers Tim Vaughn and Elvis Agard. PHOTO: RODNEY DAW Cogent Power Inc., earned the 2015 Ontario Export Award for Leadership. Their growth to continued. As the demand and use of electrical energy increases, North America’s supply infrastructure is due for some modernizing. The need for creative solutions to make transmission and distribution more efficient has never been greater.
As one of the largest producers of toroidal cores in North America, Cogent is well positioned to take advantage of this expanding market. Already exporting to the US and Mexico – in addition to sales to BC Hydro and Quebec Hydro – the company is becoming the go-to manufacturer for utilities across the continent.
How did it get to this point?
“We had lots of challenges and it didn’t happen overnight,” says Ron Harper from Cogent’s Burlington head office.
The company’s roots go back to the early 1980s when Bob Brigs started an electrical steel product company. Supplier Dofasco was nearby, as were sea ports to reach customers. By 2002 the company, then called Cormag Inc., became Cogent Power Inc. The following year, Cogent moved into the Burlington headquarters and plant. In 2004, the company closed its plants in Monterrey, Mexico and Bridgeport, Conn. and consolidated everything in Burlington where Cogent manufactures transformer cores for electrical utilities.
“That could be anything from a core the size of a wedding ring to a toroidal core that is 2,000 plus pounds that we’ll ship in logs to go into power generation. Everything is custom,” says Matt Stimac, Cogent’s manager of engineering and quality.
With government legislation throughout North America driving electrical utilities and transformer manufacturers to come up with innovative ways to increase efficiencies, Cogent also makes amorphous metal distribution transformer cores. They can achieve a 70% reduction in no-load loss. This means the electricity that enters the transformer isn’t lost before being transferred to the home, office, or institution using it.
By Staff
February 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s a bit of a grind but something Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte has gotten into doing every Friday – taking the van and touring the ward to pick up any Food Offerings that have been left out for her to take to the Food Bank.
A number of weeks ago Stolte realized (it was her aha moment) that while driving around the ward to check in on what was happening she could also be picking up food donations and truck them over to the Food Bank.
She sent out a note, asked the Gazette if we would help out and delivered her first collection which amounted to 443 lbs of Food and $500 in cash. “In just under 2 hours during my regular tour of the ward I had the pleasure of dropping by 33 participating households.”
The second round took place last weekend. To date, reports Stolte, “we have collected 856 pounds of food and hundreds of dollars in cash donations!
 Those single door step donations create the flow of food needed to take care of those that need a hand up. Results from the first week of the Stolte initiative. Cash donations can be made directly to the Burlington Food Bank website and will automatically receive a tax receipt provided a full name and address are provided and please comment for your donation to be included in the Ward 4 Friday Food Drives so we can add your generous donation to our Ward 4 Grand Total!
Together we can keep the shelves at the Burlington Food Bank stocked and help our community through this challenging time.
Please spread the word to your Ward 4 friends and neighbours and have them register for pickup at
ward4@burlington.ca.
“I will be offering this safe, contact-free pickup every Friday.”
The following is a list of the Top Ten Most Needed Items this week:
Canned Meat (Ham, Turkey, Chicken)
Large Juice (1L Tetra or Cans)
Rice (1kg or 2kg sizes)
Peanut Butter
Cookies
Canned Tomatoes
Shampoo, Deodorant, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
Hot Cereal (Oatmeal/Porridge Single Servings)
Canned Fruit
Large Soup (Ready To Eat)
Thank you and stay well,
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