A burning issue -

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

December 16th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Back in January when the world was normal I was invited to serve as a judge of different online media for the Canadian Online Newspaper Awards organization.

The awards have been given for the past 12 years.

COPA logoI was assigned to student newspapers, a market segment close to my heart – having worked as the features editor for the Queen’s Journal when I was a student.

I had stories from three student on-line newspapers: The Signal from Kings College, Dalhousie University;The Thunderbird, University of British Columbia and the York University, Student Magazine.

The students at The Signal covered a murder trial, with a different student reporting each week.

When it came to actually doing the judging we were smack dab in the middle of a pandemic that had shut down large parts of North America – the day to day focus was on keeping a flow of needed Covid news and information to the Burlington community. Finding time to look at the entries from three university newspapers was a challenge.

I managed to get the judging done just in time for the finals to be determined.

My choice for the best article made it to the finals.

COPA story pic

It was the best piece I judged; about a subject few want to know much about. The headline was brilliant.

I was impressed with the talent and the quality of the entries. However there was one that really stood out – both because of the headline and the content – especially the subject. It wasn’t the kind of thing that I expected to read in a student newspaper.

I wrote the journalism course leader at UBC and asked for permission to re-print the piece, which is set out below.

The author, Akshay Kulkarni was born in Mysore, India, but has lived most of his life in Bengaluru. He has a BA (Hons) in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, and plans to work as a multimedia journalist when he graduates from the Master of Journalism program at UBC.

He got the idea for the piece after reading a long feature about end-of-life and how to make it sustainable. He then wondered whether aquamation, the eco-friendly body disposal method outlined in the article, was legal in British Columbia and the article arose from there.

COPA winner logoHere is a link to the story that made it to the finals. I’ll let you know how how it placed when the awards are announced in January.

CLICK HERE to read: A burning issue

 

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Long way to go to reach 5000 signatures on the petition to put Terry Fox on the new $5 bill

News 100 blueBy Staff

December 16th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There is really nothing that exciting about the statement that set out what a Legislature wants to do.

On this case – it is important.

Terry Fox has a relationship with Burlington that is unique.  He ran through hundreds of small communities – somehow his short trip through Burlington stuck. Citizens got behind the fund raising that was done each year. Burlington was always there in a big way.

A year or two ago a group of citizens got behind the creating of a marker that stands today in Spencer Smith Park for all to see.

Now there are Canadians who want to see the image of Terry Fox on the new $5 bill that is going to be created.

CLICK HERE to add your name to the petition.

Terry Fox five dollar billTony Gabriel, a Canadian Football Great liked the idea and told Craig Gardner what he would like to see done.

Gardner put Gabriel in touch with Oakville North Burlington MO Pam Damoff who arranged to have a petition created for people to sign.

The numbers have been a little on the disappointing side.  Just over 1000 signatures so far.

Burlington can do better than that.

Slip over to the petition and ask your friends and neighbours to sign with you.

Damoff and Gabriel at marker

Tony Gabriel and Pam Damoff beside the Terry Fox marker at Spencer Smith Park.

Here is the wording behind the petition.

Whereas:

Terry Fox has become a national symbol and is a true hero, universally admired for his ability to remind us of the power of hope and the possibility of dreams;

His example of grit, determination and selflessness have formed the embodiment of the modern Canadian identity;

After following extensive consultation, the Bank of Canada has submitted an eight-person short list to the Minister of Finance to select the next Canadian to be featured on the five dollars bank note; and

Terry Fox is one of the eight on the shortlist.

We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to select Terry Fox as the finalist for the next great Canadian to be honoured and featured on the back of the newly proposed five dollars bank note.

Open for signature
December 3, 2020, at 4:06 p.m. (EDT)

Closed for signature
January 2, 2021, at 4:06 p.m. (EDT)

CLICK HERE to sign the petition

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2020 Keys to the City awarded to two citizens

News 100 blueBy Staff

December 15th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Kendall Cooper and Ian Elliott have been named as the 2020 recipients of the Keys to the City.

Kendall Cooper

Kendall Cooper – multiple medal-winning hockey player

Kendall Cooper is a multiple medal-winning hockey player from the Aldershot community who, last year, received the Aldershot Honour Roll’s youth award and at age 16 was part of the gold medal winning team in Japan in Women’s Under 18 Hockey where she assisted in the gold-medal winning goal, and since then became Captain of the team for 2020 and won the silver medal as Captain.

Kendall is not only the first young person to receive Burlington’s Key to the City, she is also the first woman to do so since this program began in early 2019.

Ian Elliott

Ian Elliott – A Different Drummer Books.

Ian Elliott is the heart and soul behind our beloved local independent bookstore, A Different Drummer Books. Having worked there since 1990, Ian is now owner and helming this unique bookshop through it’s 50th year here in Burlington. With the many additional challenges businesses have faced throughout COVID-19, the continued success of a small local business is all the more meaningful.

Ian’s dedication to promoting emerging authors and engendering a love of literature in people of all ages from our community is truly remarkable. Countless community events, thoughtful reading recommendations, and quiet charitable contributions are just one of many reasons this business has survived five decades and enjoys a dedicated fanbase of loyal customers.

Key to the City

Art work by Teresa Seaton is given to the recipient.

Launched by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in 2019, the Key to the City program at the City of Burlington honours individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to our community. Whether it be through sport, philanthropy, business, arts & culture, volunteering, advocacy or leadership, the recipients of a Key to the City will have created a unique and meaningful legacy that will positively impact our community for years to come. Keys may also be given to visiting dignitaries or in recognition of our twin city relationships.

Previous Key to the City recipients include Mike ‘Beard Guy’ Taylor, City of Itabashi Japan and Gordon Schottlander.

 

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Early public response on the Council workshop not all that good.

News 100 greenBy Pepper Parr

December 15th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Workshop city Councillors went through this morning was detailed and certainly informative.

With the exception of Mayor Meed Ward and Councillor Sharman there were few penetrating questions for the consultants who are putting together an Integrated Mobility Plan that will take traffic and transit-thinking forward to 2051

trip origins

The Workshop had plenty of data in the presentation: figuring out what it meant and then what to do with it is the next step.

One Gazette reader didn’t think very much about what was heard.

“Didn’t hear much talk about Transit from the Councillors.

“God forbid we remove any traffic lanes for pedestrians or bikes.

“And now that you mention this is a plan to take us to 2051, phew, we can sit back and kick the can down the (paved) road. Congestion parking – ha!

“Let’s just stick to the ‘destination paths’ that people seem to prefer (’cause there isn’t a bloody sidewalk in sight).

“And you wonder why people don’t delegate anymore.”

We are not identifying the writer of the comments who makes several important and relevant points.

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Council workshop to hear details on a different approach to mobility

News 100 greenBy Pepper Parr

December 15th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The last council event for the year takes place this morning.

Angelo as chair

Angelo Bentivegna serving as chair during a virtual council meeting

Not surprisingly the focus of the workshop that will be chaired by ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna will be transit and how the city plans to create a system that will get people out of their cars and into some other mode of transportation.

A deeper look into the Integrated Mobility Plan is the only item on the agenda.

There was an exceptionally informative workshop a number of weeks ago that featured four speakers getting to the public via Zoom. They did some of the groundwork that is going to be needed to bring about the scale of change that is going to be necessary if people are going to be able to get around.

The Gazette will be covering the workshop.

The vision statement being used is certainly strong enough – can they make it stick and deliver on it is the challenge.

vision

A strong vision – delivering on it will be the challenge

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Police RIDE program underway -

Crime 100By Staff

December 14th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

We don’t usually publish the Impaired Driving Offences Within list the Halton Region release once every week.

sde

Police questioning drivers during a RIDE program.  One f the most effective police programs.

We found that the police do not collect or release the names of the people who were acquitted or situations where the charges were dropped.  We have had far too many people complain that we do not tell the whole story – and in a few cases found that the person charged suffered when the justice system wasn’t totally transparent.

Today we are publishing the list and asking some questions:

Are the bars not closed?

A number of those charges were laid at 9:30 am – who manages to get drunk at 9:30 and and then get behind the wheel of a car?

For those people who were charged and were acquitted – be in touch with us – we will publish that news as well.

On December 11, 2020, just before 2:00 pm, Halton Police officers responded to a citizen-initiated complaint in the area of Lakeshore Road and Locust Street in Burlington. As a result of an investigation, William Stanley (62) of Hamilton was charged with operation while impaired and blood alcohol concentration 80mgs or more, within two hours.

On December 11, 2020, just after 3:30 pm, Halton Police officers responded to a citizen-initiated complaint in the area of Third Line and Bridge Drive in Oakville. As a result of an investigation, Lynn O’Grady (57) of Burlington was charged with operation while impaired and blood alcohol concentration 80mgs or more, within two hours.

On December 12, 2020, just after 9:30 pm, Halton Police officers were conducting a R.I.D.E. initiative in the area of Walkers Line and Harvester Road in Burlington. As a result of this initiative, Aaron Baiano (35) of Welland was charged with blood alcohol concentration 80mgs or more, within two hours.

On December 13, 2020, just after 7:30 am, Halton Police officers responded to a citizen-initiated complaint in the area of Winston Churchill Boulevard and 22 Side Road in Halton Hills. As a result of an investigation, Ravjot Singh (26) of Bolton was charged with operation while impaired and blood alcohol concentration 80mgs or more, within two hours.

On December 13, 2020, just after 9:30 am, Halton Police officers responded to a citizen-initiated complaint in the area of Pinedale Avenue and Appleby Line in Burlington. As a result of an investigation, Derek Redwood (54) of Burlington was charged with operation while impaired.

On December 13, 2020, just after 10:00 pm, Halton Police officers were conducting a R.I.D.E. initiative in the area of Bronte Street North and Steeles Avenue in Milton. As a result of this initiative, Patricia Silverthorn (59) of Puslinch was charged with operation while impaired and blood alcohol concentration 80mgs or more, within two hours.

On December 13, 2020, just after 11:30 pm, Halton Police officers responded to a collision in the area of Sixth Line and Lower Base Line in Milton. As a result of an investigation, Karina Alba Espinoza (29) of Etobicoke was charged with operation while impaired and blood alcohol concentration 80mgs or more, within two hours.

The Halton Regional Police Service remains committed to road safety through prevention, education and enforcement initiatives.
Members of the public are reminded that driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is a crime in progress and to call 9-1-1 immediately to report a suspected impaired driver.

The Service’s Twitter and Facebook accounts should not be used for this purpose as they are not monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Hawthorne community digs deep and delivers for the Food Bank

News 100 redBy Staff

December 13th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They refer to it as the Hawthorne Community – made up of Hawthorne Dr., Juniper, Concord and Treminere.

Friday night the results of two weeks of local advertising using social media and whatever else was available to tell their neighbours about a local food drive.

Ward 4 Public School Board Trustee, Margo Shuttleworth, and her husband along with neighbours Colin and Trish Duncan called it a – ‘Hawthorne area light up the night’ event.

Margo - thank you

The community just showed up – with close to 3000 lbs of food.

It worked. The community brought in 2496 pounds of food items and $200 in cash.- people just came – dropped food off and went back to their homes.

It was silent and it was successful. Burlington’s communities at their very best.

Margo street lights

They light up the street – did hydro know about this?

Margo - garage

Filled the garage as well as the front lawn.

How many people took part. “No idea”, said Shuttleworth, who called the event super successful.

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Eastern parts of the city see Santa in a Fire Truck

eventsgreen 100x100By Staff

December 13, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Those that got the message and were aware – came out in small groups.

Gibbons Dec 13 1

Families gathered on the streets with the older ones running alongside to keep up.

The traffic on Twitter was heavy – so the word was being passed around.

Santa was in town – making visits to different parts of the city.

Kudos to the Parka and Recreation people for making this happen.

Use of face masks was spotty.

But people did have fun.

If a picture is worth a thousand words – here is several thousand.

Gibbobs Mon with kids on a blanket

A little warmer and it could have been a picnic.

Gibbons Dec 13 Dad with child shoulder

That child had the best view on the street.

Gibbons dec 13 kids waving

Santa had quite a welcoming crew on this street.

 

 

Gibbons Sants in the truck - close up

The old Ho Ho man himself

Gibbons Santa waves back

The snow man waves to Santa as he passes by.

Gibbons Dec 13 Staff SAnta

The message that was there for everyone to read – Stay Safe – Follow the rules.

Photography was done by Denis Gibbons who recently wrote a piece on how he thought the Canadian teams in the National Hockey League should be organized for the next season

Worth reading.

Gibbons on bringing the game back home.

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Noted Burlington sports writer takes an amusing look at how NHL games should be played starting in January

sportsgold 100x100By DENIS GIBBONS

December 11, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Nothing good occurs during a pandemic, yet some of its side effects could bring positive changes.

The NHL, for instance, has decided to create an all-Canadian division for the 2020-21 season so that players do not have to cross the U.S. border, potentially leading to a spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets will play only in their own group.

Stanley Cup BESTI’m suggesting they take things a step further and award the Stanley Cup to the champion of the Canadian division.

Only the goals scored by Canadian players should count, except those scored against Canadian goalies, which would not!

However, the goalies who surrendered those goals would issue a coupon entitling the shooter to one free penalty shot.

That shot, if successful, would count as a goal.

Canadian networks, alone, should have the rights to telecast the games. And to steal a page, in reverse, from Donald Trump’s notebook, commercials should promote just Canadian-made products.

Before the season starts in January, each of the seven Canadian clubs would be allowed to draft five Canadian-born players from the rosters of the other 24 American teams. In return, each American club losing a player would be compensated with their choice of either two Europeans or three Americans.

That is deemed to be fair market value, according to the results of the last two Olympics and last two World Cups of Hockey, all of which have been won by Canada.

The champagne, traditionally sipped out of the Cup, would be replaced by Canadian Club whiskey, for those who imbibe. Tee-totallers could use maple syrup harvested from a Canadian bush.

Let’s make this a genuine Canuck Stanley Cup final by having the final series played in Ottawa, the nation’s capital, where the Ottawa Silver Seven defeated the Dawson City Nuggets to win Lord Stanley’s mug in 1905.

Gibbons north bay nuggetsGibbons silver sevenMuch has been written about the 1905 Stanley Cup Challenge when the Silver Seven played host to the Nuggets, a team with no league that traveled 4,000 miles from the Yukon by dogsled, ship and train to compete for the Cup.

It took them a month and, naturally, exhausted, they suffered humiliating losses by scores of 9-2 and 23-2. One-eyed Frank McGee, who lost the use of his left eye during an amateur game for a local Canadian Pacific Railway team scored 14 goals for Ottawa in the second game.

Sadly, McGee was killed fighting during the First World War in France. He was among the original inductees of the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945.

Since the Dey’s Rink, which hosted the 1905 games, no longer exists, I recommend the series be played in the ornate Aberdeen Pavilion, the steel and glass structure at Lansdowne Park that was the site of the 1904 Stanley Cup challenge, also won by the Ottawa Silver Seven.

The pavilion was designated a national historic site because it is the only large-scale exhibition building in Canada surviving from the 19th century.

There are plenty of good reasons to exclude American teams from competing for the Stanley Cup.

When the Cup first was awarded to the Montreal Hockey Club in 1893, it was designated for Canadian amateur teams only. That was 24 years before the NHL even began.

Professional clubs did not become eligible to compete for the Cup, which was donated by Canada’s Governor General at the time, Lord Stanley of Preston, until 1906.

Besides Lord Stanley, who was born in England, authorized the construction of an outdoor rink on the grounds of Rideau Hall and was a benefactor of the Ottawa Hockey Club.

Two of his sons, Arthur and Algernon, were teammates of James Creighton on the Rideau Rebels team.

It was Creighton who organized the first official indoor game of hockey at the Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal in 1875.

Lord Stanley’s daughter, Isobel, participated in the first recorded women’s ice hockey match, which took place on the Rideau rink on February 10, 1891.

This old blusterball welcomes the comments of all readers of The Burlington Gazette.

Denis Gibbons, a former editor of the Burlington Post has written frequently about hockey at both a local and international level.  He learned to speak Russian at McMaster University and served as a translator during several of the international contest.

Related news story:

He was once an alter boy

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Premier to make an announcement on possible lock-downs today

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

December 12th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

UPDATE:  The Premier did not announce a lockdown for Halton Region

Sometime today Premier Ford is going to hold another media event.

Premier Doug Ford will be joined by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones and General Rick Hillier (retired), Chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force, to make an announcement.

Date:

Friday, December 11, 2020

Time:

Remarks at 3:00 p.m.
A media availability will follow, via teleconference only.

Location:

Room 247, Legislative Building
Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON

It will be one of the hardest things he has had to do – there are knowledgeable, respected medical practitioners who are saying much of the province should be put into a lock-down.

One doctor was saying – Toronto, York, Peel, Halton, Hamilton, Windsor-Essex and perhaps even Kitchener Waterloo.

Doug Ford - habd to head

Ontario Premier Doug Ford

The argument is that people are crossing regional borders making a tough situation much harder and creating situations where people who need surgery will not be able to get the critical attention they need.

This is very very serious. The announcement that a vaccine is on the way does not mean we are out of this crisis.

The Premier will speak today.

It is going to be a tough day for him.

The hope is that the Premier has the strength of character to do what appears to be needed.

This is the time for leadership, statesmanship and not political considerations.

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Freehold property listings much lower this November than a year ago

News 100 blueBy Staff

December 11th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Data and commentary from the Rocca Sisters Team sets out where they believe the Real Estate market in Burlington is going.

At the end of November, the Burlington market saw 100 freehold properties for sale – less than half as many as were active at the end of November 2019. There were 156 sales during the month of November 2020 which means that these active listings theoretically would be absorbed in just over 19 days (active listings divided by last month’s sales). Again, to put that into perspective, a balanced market would include inventory levels that would take a minimum of 120 days to absorb. What this means is, in order to achieve a balanced market, inventory levels would have to grow by at least 4 times!

During the month of November, on average, sales prices were up 13.4%, sales were up 20.2% and days on market were down 44.1% (properties sold in under 15 days, on average) as compared to November 2020. Year to date, on average, sale prices were up 14.4%, sales were up 10.1% and days on market were down 36.1% as compared to the same period in 2019. Just under ⅔ of November sales sold for the asking price or more with a list to sale ratio of 102.40.

A couple of very notable sales include a property that was listed on Irena in Alton Village. It was listed at $1,250,000 and in 3 days sold for 5% below the asking price. A property on Coventry Way was listed at $835,000 and within 6 days it sold for 3.3% below the asking price. At the other end of the spectrum, a 1033 sq. ft. bungalow on Mountain Grove was listed at $749,000, offers were held off for one week and the property sold for 20% over the asking price.

Rocca November residen data

The condominium market has its own data.

Inventory levels are slightly higher than average for this time of year, up by almost double when compared to the end of November 2019. During the month of November, sale prices were up 6.7%, price per square foot was up 1.8%, sales were up 20.8% and days on market were up 7.7%. List to sale ratio was 98.69 and about 25% of condos sold for the asking price or more. Older buildings with higher condo fees tended to take longer to sell.

Rocca condo data

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Gift of Giving Back sets up at Burlington Centre

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

December 10th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

BAgs of foodWhen the plans that worked wonderfully in the past can’t be used this year – what do you do?

You pivot and get creative.

The Gift of Giving Back, one of the most effective programs for collecting food and involving young people in the process – had ten years of success behind them. They were looking forward to another year – when BAM – COVID hit the world and everything was turned upside down.

Jean Longfield and her team at The Gift knew that food was going to be needed even more this year – they also knew that the food drives that has tonnes of food arriving at a selected high school in the city wasn’t going to be possible.

Blue bag ICONIC

Volunteers are the backbone of the people that have in the past collected tonnes of food. Above, a volunteer digs out a blue bag while the woman on the right stands by waiting to weigh the food that arrives.

Mam Bear + scaleThey needed to find a place that was easy to get to – storage space would be nice but they could get by with just enough space to hold what came in each day.

Front door to CentreBurlington Centre came through for them. (Have you noticed how often Burlington Centre has come through for those groups that are out there helping the community?)

The Gift people put together a program that would stretch out for several weeks and placed an order for hundreds of those iconic blue bags that get dropped off at houses throughout the city. People are asked to fill the bags and drop them off at the Burlington Centre.

So far it is working – there is the odd hiccup – but they seem to be able to overcome the small problems.

Hours of operation are set out below. If you don’t have a blue bag – put what you want to give in a box and drop it off.

HoursBest entrance to the Centre to get to the Gift of Giving Back is the main entrance on the Guelph Line side – lots of parking.

Walk in through the main doors – turn right when you get to the elevator and walk 50 yards or so – you can’t miss the place.

Be generous – there are a lot of people out there hurting about now.

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Council learns that Covid vaccinations will probably be done on a mass - public basis

Newsflash 100By Pepper Parr

December 10, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

When I talked to my doctor last he mentioned that I would probably get my Covid vaccination around June or July.

I fully expected to visit my doctor when I was told to and get a needle stuck in my arm.

Turns out that is probably not the way vaccinations will be done.

Is this to be "home" for anyone in Burlington on Christmas Day?

This could well be the location for some of the mass – public vaccinations.

During a Council Standing committee earlier today we learned that there will likely be mass – public vaccinations at Nelson Arena and the Haber recreation centre,

When the vaccine has arrived the public will be told where to go to be vaccinated.

City Manager Tim Commisso said he expected this would probably be a top down process; the federal government will let the provinces know when the vaccine is available and the municipalities will handle the administrative part of the mass vaccination process under the guidance of the Regional Public Health Unit.

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Burlington Green has arranged for the screening via Zoom of an important film

eventsgreen 100x100By Pepper Parr

December 10th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There are some things that you don’t want to miss watching.

The tearing down of the Berlin Wall in Germany.

President Obama speaking to the students at Notre Dame University.

There are others of course.

This evening Burlington Green has arranged for a screening of the film I am Greta. Her story is one parents will want their high school level students exposed to – great stuff.

GRETAGreta Thunberg’s international crusade to bring climate justice to the forefront is an important story, the film explore the behind-the-scenes journey about how she become a force of nature.

Registrants will be sent a confirmation email with a ZOOM link to the event.

REGISTER HERE TODAY!

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Burlington Foundation Delivers 2nd Round of Support Funding: $476,000 to 28 Charities

News 100 yellowBy Staff

December 10th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington Foundation announced it has awarded $141,000 in funding to 10 charities through the second round of the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), funded by
the Government of Canada.

Echoing the previous round, this funding supports charities who are addressing
critical needs affecting vulnerable community members in Burlington greatly impacted by COVID-19.   Through the first round, the Foundation was pleased to deliver $335,370 to 18 front-line charities serving Burlington, bringing the total funding delivered between Rounds 1 and 2 to over $476,000.

With the second wave of Covid-19 striking communities and driving an unrelenting demand for emergency relief, the second round of the ECSF has been a critical way that support has continued to flow to charities serving our most vulnerable.

Established by the Government of Canada as a $350 million fund in May, the fund
has been implemented with Community Foundations of Canada, in partnership with local foundations across the country, the Canadian Red Cross and United Way Centraide Canada.

BCF Mulholland H&S

Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO of Burlington Foundation.

“It is anticipated that one-third of charities may not survive the financial destruction of this pandemic,” says Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO of Burlington Foundation.

“That distressing potential reflects why Burlington Foundation continues to monitor community closely and is committed to bringing vital, rapid relief to our charities and the most vulnerable community members they serve.”
Charities Awarded Round 2 Funding:

Imagine Canada, an advocacy and research group that aims to strengthen the charitable sector, released a report earlier in the pandemic that vividly describes the devastating impact that Covid-19 is having on our charitable sector, with many charities struggling to stay open while having to rapidly pivot services and programs. As reported in May, 69% of charities have experienced decreased revenues with nearly three quarters of charities (73%) reporting that donations are down. In September, Imagine Canada shared that our charitable sector is expected to suffer a loss that could reach upwards of $15 billion in revenues this year.

“The staggering loss of revenues that we have experienced is likely to continue well into the immediate future – and at a time when the need for the services of many charities is on a steep rise, “says Colleen. “Since the start of this pandemic, Burlington Foundation has been honoured to partner with generous fundholders, donors and our federal government to deliver rapid relief – providing $783,540 to 65 charities working tirelessly to support
our community.

“As this challenging year comes to a close, we continue to monitor our most pressing needs and are pleased to currently have $150,000 in remaining Pandemic Response Funds for a further granting initiative early in the new year. Never has the support of community been more important than right now. Please considering giving what you can – 100% of your gift supports our local charities.”

 

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What will the students bring home with them - and what will they take back to school?

SwP thumbnail graphicBy Pepper Parr

December 9th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In a couple of weeks the kids will be coming home for the holidays.

I know of at least one student who expects to be on the plane on the 21st arriving from the Maritimes where the virus spread has been pretty limited relative to the rest of the country.

Her brother will be coming home from an Ontario university west of Burlington.

Christmas breakGiven the rules these students will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Count them – December 21st + 14 days gets them to January 2nd or third.

What are the chances of that actually happening ? These are decent people in the process of becoming adults.

They come from good families with parents who are going to want them to do the right thing.

Checking in with friends, getting together for coffee because there is nowhere they are able to scoot off to for a drink is what you do when you are home from school.

This kind of getting caught up doesn’t get done on the telephone but it does get done.

Expecting the rules to be rigidly adhered to is a huge stretch; the outcome will be a rises in the number of infections both in every town in the province and in the communities to which these students return.

Something to think about.

virus data Dec 9

How much higher will that blue line go once the students return to the universities and colleges?

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.

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Transit plans show promise - the challenge now is to deliver while facing a tough budget situation

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

December 9th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Transit was showing some very impressive ridership increases; city council was impressed – it looked as if a service that was costing the city a bundle was in the process of turning a corner.

growth forecast

Ridership was growing – senior use grew by 40% +

The new Director of Transit brought a depth of experience to the job and knew the business of moving people better than anyone the city had running that service in a decade.

Then Covid 19 became a reality and for months the transit people didn’t see a dime – transit was free so that people could get to work.

The plans to look seriously at a fleet of electric buses is underway – but the kind of money needed isn’t readily available.

The transit people and council learned during a workshop that a transit fleet could not be a combination of diesel and electric – it had to be one or the other. The cost of running the two systems side by side was prohibitive.

Stoltr - Kearns - Nisan at bus money

From the left: Councillors Stolte, Kearns and Nisan at a traditional photo op.

Then along came a grant from the federal government for six buses – all diesel – looked like a step backward.

Tuesday morning council got a look at a transit five year plan that showed promise.

A brisk, smartly delivered presentation where transit staff had most of the answers at their fingertips covered the following:

Service Strategy and delivery
Mobility Management
Customer Experience
Travel Demand Management

Sue Connor at mike

Director of Transit Sue Connors run a happy shop that is creating a service the city is going to need.

There are challenges:The first step was to get people back to work and using transit. Then determine what is involved with an electric fleet and at the same time consider if hydrogen is a possibility.

CUTRIC (The Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium had been engaged to model the transit service to determine just what would be needed were Burlington to take the electrification plunge.

The first report from CUTRIC was a disappointment, reported Director of Transit Sue Connor. The distance between the stops was a problem.

Electric buses need to be charged and the locations of those charging stations is critical – and at a million a pop there were limits as to just how many Burlington could afford.

The current fleet consists of 63 buses scheduled to grow to 73 in the next four years.

Operating the system day in – day out is job one – figuring out where the growth is going to come from and how it was going to be paid for was job two.

grid concept

Arterial routes, particularly when arranged as a grid, are easy to remember and the roads used are better-known by the wider community, reducing barriers for new customers. The September 2019 route modifications have already moved in this direction, and the plan is to move in this direction for all future services. A grid -based system also allows for convenient transfers between routes at intersections, providing greater connectivity to more destinations than a single local route could. Where gaps are left in the network, alternative service delivery options such as on-demand transit services will be explored as a more cost-effective solution.

Besides new buses – transit was going to need a second campus with a larger garage to accommodate the vehicles. They are squeezed very tight right now.

Don’t leave home without it – and don’t lose it.

Don’t leave home without it – and don’t lose it.

The fare box – something that doesn’t get used anymore (do they even have the things on buses now?) are replaced by the Presto cards.

If Mayor Meed Ward has her way they won’t be needed either. She is of the view that transit should be free.

Connors had said to Council that she was meeting with the Finance people to go through the financial challenges later in the day. In a very telling comment Meed Ward said to Sue Connors: “Regardless of what Finance does, I’ll put it there.”

Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman, who has never been a true fan of transit, has seen the writing on the wall. He said he was impressed with the data but that he was reading it a little differently than the Mayor and the rest of his council colleagues. He also said that he has seen three transit business plans – the “first two didn’t hold water”.  He is quite correct – the quality of the work delivered by consultants in the past was not very high.

Transit is going to need a lot of money.

Forcasted financial

Putting WiFi on the buses will cost $90,000 a year.

Driving the need for more buses is the fact that population growth is not being matched by any new roads – those days are basically over for Burlington. In order to get around people are going to have to use transit. The elected officials are going to have to deliver a service that is comfortable and reliable; making this happen will call for a major cultural shift.

Forecast operating

There are a lot of passengers who will use the bus at no cost.

Burlington Transit is going through a lengthy and detailed Business Plan that sets out much of what they are going to have to deal with going forward.

free seniorThe reality transit has to deal with was set out in the Business Plan:In September 2019, Burlington Transit introduced a new service model, based on a grid-based system and increased service frequency. The early results of this service enhancement showed that ridership had increased over 14 percent from September 2019 to February 2020, compared to the same time a year prior. When the pandemic shut down businesses and lock down began in March 2020, ridership dropped by 75 percent. The pandemic has identified the need to review the numbers and adjust the forecast.

Strong leadership at transit, a staff that is motivated and capable of finding creative and innovative solutions should get Burlington to the point where there is a system that people will want t use.

Can Mayor Meed Ward make it a totally free system?  And is it something she really wants to spend a lot of her political capital on is a question only she can answer.

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Objection Letter to the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) License Application for the proposed Burlington Nelson Quarry Extension

background graphic redBy Staff

December 8th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City of Burlington Community Planning Department is in receipt of the information package, dated, October 27, 2020 as circulated electronically by the proponent’s consultant planner.

The ARA package included an Agency Utility Letter, including copies of all technical reports/studies and plans related to the Application, a copy of the Notice of Application for a License (Form 1), and Notice of Public Information Session (Form 2).

The Community Planning Department is actively engaged in the review of applicable land use development applications, including amendments to the Niagara Escarpment Plan, Region of Halton Official Plan and City of Burlington Official Plan as well as the application for Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) License, as it relates to the proposed extension of the Burlington Nelson Quarry.

Quarry map

A coordinated review through a Joint Agency Review Team (JART)(established in 2020) involves cross-consultation with agency partners (including, NEC, MNRF, Halton Region and Conservation Halton) and the applications remain in the early stages of review. It should also be noted that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) cannot issue an Aggregate License without approval from the Niagara Escarpment Commission.

For these reasons, it is the opinion of the City of Burlington Community Planning Department that to review and comment on the specifics of the ARA License Application is premature given the anticipated duration of the review process and the relative early stage of analysis at this time. We therefore object to any form of ARA approval prior to a further evaluation and decision regarding land use impact, compatibility and appropriateness of the proposed development in the context of provincial and municipal (Region and City) policy.

In its initial review of the applications, City of Burlington staff and peer review consultants have also identified several areas concerning the proposal where either there has not been sufficient information or data provided; where analyses are not sufficiently coordinated with other key areas of review; or, where methodological bases of the information presented in the submitted plans, studies/reports remains undetermined or is inconsistent.

Five general theme areas of concern related to this information have been identified, as follows:

Effects on Surface Water Quantity and Quality 

Improved coordination and cross-referencing between the applicant’s various disciplines is needed to perform a holistic review and analysis of issues related to groundwater, hydrology (quality and quantity) and impacts on surface water. This includes, but is not limited to, assessment and reporting on any/all water quality issues;

Confirmation of the suitability of the analytical tools selected by the applicant to simulate the existing and proposed drainage conditions and the accuracy of modeling techniques, assumptions and interpretation of results. This may include additional QA/QC of the monitoring data collected from gauging stations and clarity on the selection of locations for the gauging stations, as the data collected at these stations is applicable to the overall study;

Further assessment by the applicant of potential impacts to the municipal infrastructure and mitigate measures (roadside ditches along Colling Road) and predicted impacts to the surface water features resulting from the proposed quarry extension is needed;

A number of hydrologic features will essentially be lost, including an existing pond within the west expansion, as a result of the proposal and additional assessment is required by the applicant to demonstrate that the lost functions are appropriately replicated in the post-development conditions;  Further review is needed by the applicant of the potential impacts to the Willoughby Creek flow regime and the effects on Medad Valley, as well as new surface water.

The conveyance features proposed within the subject lands and their impact on municipal infrastructure as a result of the expansion of quarry operations.

A mutually agreed upon Adaptive Management Plan is needed that addresses the technical comments of the Joint Agency Review Team (JART)(including a schedule for updating the plan), as are details also needed about the long-term rehabilitation plan and potential financial liabilities related to ongoing and future operations.

Natural Heritage Effects

There have been several natural heritage features with potential for impacts noted in the proponent’s submission that have been identified for further scoping within the study area.

These include provincially significant wetlands (outside of the 120 metre buffer for adjacent lands); significant wildlife habitat; significant woodlands; fish habitat (zone of influence to be confirmed); and landscape connectivity. Additional need for the evaluation of Species at Risk was also identified. The further consideration and analyses of these matters may involve the coordination and review of other technical studies and reports in the context of natural heritage, including potential and/or indirect impacts that may result from the proposed development (i.e. connections and linkages between natural heritage features, surface water features and groundwater).

Additional information is required to ensure the protection and reduced impacts of the proposed development on significant natural heritage resource areas, features and functions; particularly as it relates to mitigation and monitoring.

The assessment of long-term, cumulative impacts of future uses and long-term rehabilitation (after-use) plans may require additional clarification and data support.

Agricultural Effects and Existing Farming Practices

The Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) submitted by the applicant concludes that the permanent loss of the subject agricultural lands is inconsequential, yet the analysis is not systematic and does not examine impacts relative to pressures on the agricultural system at a broader scale (i.e. climate change, demand for settlement area boundary expansions, aggregate extraction, cemetery lands etc.), nor does it address the cumulative effect of the incremental loss of a finite resource over time;

The agricultural lands within the southern study area have been characterized in the AIA as fragmented, implying lower value/viability. However, the overlapping natural features, limited rural residential uses, and passive recreational uses within the area are generally considered compatible and complementary uses in relation to agriculture. Further, in terms of land use designation, the area is contiguously mapped as prime agricultural lands. Therefore, a comprehensive AIA is required for these lands.

The AIA notes that the average parcel sizes are indicative of smaller, ‘hobby-sized’ farms, implying lower value/viability. The PPS, 2020 does not make a distinction for ‘hobby’ farms and section 2.3.3.2 notes that “In prime agricultural areas, all types, sizes and intensities of agricultural uses and normal farm practices shall be promoted and protected in accordance with provincial standards”.

The extent of soil disturbance within the western study area is presumed as beyond rehabilitation, according to the study. Insufficient information has been provided to validate this claim.  The AIA speaks to the consideration of “another property located farther away” but does not provide any detail with respect to the evaluation of this alternative site in relation to the proposal.

The AIA notes that an expansion to an existing site is less detrimental to agriculture than a new site, based on the use of existing haul routes. Yet it does not assess the impacts associated with an intensification of the existing aggregate use, i.e. increased quarry traffic on existing haul routes, as well as the extension of the life of the quarry and the long-term disturbance to agricultural operations within the area.

The AIA notes that an open-water feature can provide benefits to the agricultural area by providing flood attenuation and fresh water for irrigation purposes, yet does not present supporting evidence identifying a need/demand for flood attenuation or irrigation within the subject lands.

Human Health (Air Quality)

A technical peer review of the applicant’s Air Quality Study, as included with the application submission is ongoing, with particular focus on matters related to methodology, findings and conclusions associated with any potential air quality impacts of the proposed quarry extension.

Operational/Coordination

The City of Burlington expresses concern with the planned future for existing industrial land uses (i.e. processing facility) on the quarry lands and the prospect of the continuation of those activities in the context of an expanded quarry operation. There has not been consistent or adequate detail pertaining to the use of the existing quarry lands for an industrial use in the event that aggregate resource extraction ceases (or is substantially reduced) on that portion of the quarry operation and its resultant conformity with applicable legislation and policy related to the Niagara Escarpment Area. It should be noted that concerns have been raised by stakeholders with respect to the timelines of the receipt, review and comment on the ARA License Application and the change in format.

A Public Information Session (PIS) required as a component of the review process.

While the City recognizes and appreciates the rigour of provincial regulation pertaining to public consultation and the restrictions on public gatherings implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19 (as documented in the August 2020 Aggregate Resources Program Bulletin: Resuming Aggregate Application Timelines and Public Consultation under the Aggregate Resources Act (Post COVID-19)), issues of public access to this process persist.

While the City Community Planning Department understands that the prescribed format for information sessions is not established through regulation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has provided guidance on alternate virtual public information sessions to facilitate verbal exchange between parties, the City Community Planning Department reasserts that maximum public disclosure and access is paramount.

At present, the format of the consultation described in the Notice of Public Information Session appears focused on a format that may solicit direct communication between the proponent and an interested individual rather than among and between the larger stakeholder community and the proponent.

A virtual public information session in a format that is widely available for a public exchange between all parties (simultaneously), and which is initiated and coordinated by the proponent, is technically possible, and should be a minimum requirement. The City of Burlington Community Planning Department appreciates the opportunity to provide comments in response to the circulation of the ARA License Application, and requests notification of any future meetings or updates on the review of this file.

The City of Burlington reserves the right to raise further issues as the review of these applications progresses.

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Public will be able to ask questions of quarry operator at a virtual meeting December 10th

News 100 greenBy Staff

December 8th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Nelson Aggregate application for licenses to expand their quarry operation in rural Burlington is getting a lot of attention.

The city of Burlington earlier today recommended the sending of a letter of objection to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry registering their objections at this time while the Region is sponsoring a Virtual meeting Thursday evening that CORE makes sound like an occasion to beat up on the quarry operators.

The meeting is to give people an opportunity to put their questions and concerns directly to Nelson and do so publicly.

The official Public Information Session with Nelson Aggregates (ZOOM Meeting) is happening this Thursday December 10th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm.

CORE in their announcement said: While this is short notice , we are grateful for the efforts of Halton Region Council (with support from their staff) who voted unanimously to contact Nelson Aggregate to schedule and support the delivery of a virtual public information session.

CORE crowd pic

Turnout for a CORE meeting on the west end site

Without their work, the public consultation required by the Aggregate Resources Act would have been limited to one-on-one telephone conversations with a Nelson aggregate representative.

Here’s the link: https://www.halton.ca/The-Region/Events/2020/Virtual-Public-Consultation-Expansion-of-Burling

Again from CORE: “This meeting is your chance to voice your opposition to Nelson Aggregate’s plans to blast two more gravel-pits out of Burlington’s escarpment DIRECTLY to representatives of Nelson Aggregate. It is SO important that there are a high number of participants at the meeting. We wouldn’t want the folks at Nelson to make the case that the community is losing interest in the ‘No Quarry’ fight. So, this coming Thursday (at supper time) plate your dinner and bring it with you to wherever you’re zooming in from…BUT please, don’t miss this meeting.

Questions will be entered in the ‘chat room’ throughout the meeting and presented to Nelson’s reps by the moderator, so if you’re shy about speaking in the public, no worries: you won’t have to do so in this zoom-meeting format.

Related news story:
City sends Ministry a letter

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Arrests and Charges Laid in Purse Thefts by Halton Police

Crime 100By Staff

December 8th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Halton Regional Police have arrested and laid charges against one male and one female in relation to a series of purse thefts in the City of Burlington and Town of Oakville.

Between August and October of 2020, these thieves targeted older adult females shopping in grocery stores and retail spaces.  These thieves waited for the victims to lose sight of their purses then proceeded to steal them before fleeing the scene.

In two of the incidents, thieves attempted to use the stolen credit cards for cash withdrawals at local banks. The estimated loss is projected to be over $10,000 including purses, cash, cell phones, key fobs and personal items.

Investigation by the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau led to the charges against the following individuals;

Zaneta STOJKOVA (39 year old female from Brampton)

  • Theft Under $5,000 (7 counts)
  • Fraud Under $5,000 (2 counts)
  • Use of Disguise with Intent
  • Breach of Probation

Rene STOJKA (39 year old male from Brampton)

  • Theft Under $5,000 (4 counts)
  • Fraud Under $5,000
  • Fail to Comply with Release Order
Purse Theftphoto

Evidence recovered by Regional Police.

On December 4th 2020, Investigators from Burlington and Oakville executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Brampton.  As a result; the following items were seized

  • 12 Purses
  • Various Items of Clothing used to Disguise
  • Various perfumes
  • 2 Cellular Telephones
  • $700.00 in Canadian, American and European Currency

Both STOJKOVA and STOJKA were held for a bail hearing.

The public is reminded to reduce their risk when shopping and only bring your driver’s licence, health card and a few financial cards. Protect your personal identification number at all times and use TAP whenever possible. Don’t let your belongings out of sight and become distracted while shopping.

Any fraudulent activity on your financial cards should be reported immediately to your bank and to police.

Crime stoppers logoAnyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Derek Gray of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Older Adult Abuse Investigator at 905-825-4747 ext. 2344.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.  “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

 

 

 

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