 By Staff
November 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
COVID has changed everything.
 If you think the changes it has made in your life – think for a moment about the changes it has made in the medical community.
The Joseph Brant Hospital talks about the impact the virus has had on their operations:
COVID-19 has changed our lives in immeasurable ways. From physical distancing to face coverings and social bubbles to self-isolation it has been a year unlike any other.
And despite it all, our collective appreciation for your support of Joseph Brant Hospital has been consistent through it all.
We are pleased to share the impact your support has had in our COVID-19 Impact Report.
 By Pepper Parr
November 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gift of Giving Back – remember those people – the ones who worked with high school students and families to gather tonnes of foods – they filled school gymnasiums year after year – then COVID knocked the wheels off the work they do.
 Well – COVID wasn’t going to stop this crowd – they announced today a Help Us Feed Kids: Holiday Food Drive that will run from December 3rd to December 20th.
 The Barracudas – check in and making sure the weight of the food is put on the scoreboard. They are excited about how they figured out a way to meet what is these days a very different situation.
They are inviting our young Community Champions to help them safely collect non-perishable food items and bring them to the Burlington Centre where they will host a Food Drive Headquarters located by the Food Court.
They are also providing an opportunity for high school students to collect volunteer hours. There is more to this 2020 COVID initiative – additional announcements in the coming days.
 The van was packed – can they do this in 2020? The Gift of Giving Back Website
This page provides detailed information about the Holiday Food Drive as well as how high school students can collect volunteer hours.
While this pandemic has closed the Gift of Giving Back doors it has not prevented them from hosting their usual “November High School Gym Extravaganza”, it will not prevent them from continuing to empower our youth to compassionately give back. “We truly appreciate your support.”
By Staff
November 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Food Bank, which by the way doesn’t get a dime from the city or as much as a nickel from the Regional government which handles social issues, has run into a situation that is new for them.
“We’ve NEVER had to purchase food at this time of year before and now it’s just another new norm,” said Scot Cameron.
The local food drives make a difference.
 Upwards of 30 households a day get a food delivery from the Food Bank “Just looking at our recent stats, and comparing this year’s food donations to the last couple of years. We felt that since we have missed out on all of the annual (larger) food drives that our numbers must be much lower however, in fact, we’ve realized even more donations this year than ever before.
“We just didn’t see it because our supplies have been going out just as fast as we get them in the door. In the past we would see neatly placed and stocked up shelves ready to go around this time of year. And of course we are helping a greater number of people now.
“All of the smaller, local drives have had an immense effect on what we are doing here. You really are making a difference when families need it most. Even if you are just dropping off a bag at your local grocery store or fire hall, it makes a huge difference right now.
“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
November 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Figuring out what to do with the time we have on our hands is going to be a bit of a challenge for some people.
The Burlington Amateur Radio Club sent us a note saying – Hello – we’re here!
They report that there is a surging interest in Amateur Radio all over the world.
 Yathiraj Chintagunta Today’s Amateur Radio is not what their grandfather’s ham radio was all about. The Burlington Amateur Radio Club (BARC) offers an on-line course which became particularly interesting to Yathiraj Chintagunta who was stranded in Dubai unable to return to his home in Mississauga. His “handle” is now VE3GYP.
Amateur radio is a fascinating hobby that frequently becomes essential for people in some parts of the world when there is a disaster and normal forms of communication are not available.
If you’re at all interested get in touch with Rod Clifton, ve3iso@gmail.com • 905-335-0267 or Hugh McCully, Education Director.
 By Pepper Parr
November 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
November is seen as the time when we think more seriously about veterans from the wars we have fought.
 The space to be named Veteran Square Yesterday City Council accepted a request from the Burlington Legion to name the area to the immediate north of City Hall on Brant Street where the Cenotaph is located and forever call the space Veterans Square.
There will be signage on the location with the new name.
Bob Ankrett spoke for the Legion and mentioned something this reporter didn’t know – that there are two Vimy Ridge oak trees on the site.
During the discussion Council talked in terms of using the word veteran to apply to first responders in the future as well
 By Staff
November 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The very popular Tim Horton’s Free Skate program lost the donut maker’s sponsorship and, due to Covid rules, rink time was limited to 10 people on an ice pad for an hour, was what residents were looking at.
 Tim Horton’s advised the city today that they would now sponsor the 65 skate sessions. Expect the number of sessions to increase now that the sponsorship is back in place.
The Tim Horton’s people were concerned with the number of people who would be on the ice pad at the same time. With that issue resolved they were back at the table.
This Covid world has everything changing often.
You will have to register for one of those time slots. They will be spread around the different rinks in the city
 By Staff
November 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The core mandate of Conservation Authorities across the province is being threatened by an item that was included in a Budget Bill, Budget bill issues do not require public comment. The changes will be debated in the Legislature only.
Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan and Mayor Meed Ward sent a memorandum to their Council colleagues.
It is worth a wider audience.
The attached resolution is in response to changes made by the provincial government to the Conservation Authorities Act and Planning Act.
Despite not being related to budget issues, it has been added into the budget bill. As a result, there is no requirement for public comment. Nevertheless, we must make our voice heard.There are numerous unacceptable changes. In summary:
Developers will now be able to bypass conservation authorities
 Escarpment is a large part of what defines the city. The permitting process ensures development does not occur in flood hazard areas and that our creeks, valleys and wetlands are not adversely impacted. Permits will be allowed to be approved by the province directly rather than through conservation authorities.
RESULT: less protections for the community and environment, and increased risk to public safety.
Parks could be threatened
Under the new legislation the ministry could set fees or other limits on non-mandatory programs and services.
RESULT: Conservation Halton’s ability to provide important recreational, educational, and employment opportunities that allow our community to interact with conservation will be significantly diminished. All of these opportunities are provided at no cost to taxpayers and benefit all recreation users in the area.
Governance of Conservation Halton will be undermined, potentially politicizing the body
The changes demand that board members represent their municipalities rather than acting in the best interests of Conservation Halton (against all board best practices).
 RESULT: Conservation Halton could be politicized as board members would be expected to promote their municipalities’ interests which sometimes conflict with the best interest of Conservation Halton. The directors carry out their fiduciary responsibilities, guide strategy, approve policies in support of our provincial and municipal responsibilities and track performance. They ensure CH makes decisions with integrity, based solely on our responsibilities and remains apolitical, yet innovative and solution oriented. That could all be lost as we will be obliged to act otherwise according to the draft legislation.
Hamstringing science and conservation protections
The legislation creates new workarounds to undermine conservation authorities.
 This is the rural Burlington residents want to keep – walking trails and quiet countryside. RESULT: Independent science-based decisions in the interest of the community will be significantly limited; our wetlands, valleys, and water will be at risk; the ability to remedy violations that put our environment and communities in danger will be minimized.
Conservation Halton’s mission is to help protect the natural environment, from lake to escarpment, for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future residents. Supporting our natural heritage benefits human, ecological, and economic health. We inherited our natural spaces from the generations before us and will pass them on to our children and future generations.
Our duty as stewards is what continues to inspire us to use science to study and inform us about climate change impacts to our communities and mitigation strategies. Make no mistake, all of this is at risk through this legislation.
 By Staff
November 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON,, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service has made a number of arrests in relation to a stolen property investigation in Burlington.
 Since August of 2020, various LCBO and Metro grocery stores throughout the City of Burlington and the Town of Oakville have been targeted by thieves.
The Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau began investigating the individuals responsible for stealing alcohol from these locations. Investigation revealed that the stolen alcohol was then sold for profit.
Investigation by the Burlington Risk Mitigation Team and Street Crime Unit has led to charges against the following individuals;
Victor KARANIKOLOV (42 years old from Mississauga)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Trafficking Over $5000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Trafficking Under $5000
- Trafficking Contraband Tobacco
Cory MOWERS (50 years old from Mississauga)
- Trafficking Property Obtained by Crime
- Theft Under $5000 (3 counts)
- Fail to Comply Release Order
Suzanne GRIMES (42 years old from Mississauga)
- Trafficking Property Obtained by Crime
- Theft Under $5000 (2 counts)
- Fail to Comply Release Order
On November 20th 2020, Halton Police executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Mississauga. As a result; the following items were seized:
- Approximately $50,000 in stolen property (electronics, alcohol, personal care products, tools, clothing)
- Anti-Theft Alarm Tags
- 43 cartons of contraband cigarettes
- 2 sets of magnetic keys used to remove alarm tags
- 2 cellular telephones
- 1 laptop
- $2570.00 cash
Mowers was held pending a court appearance in Milton.
Karanikolov and Grimes have been released from custody on an undertaking.
Anyone with information in regards to this investigation is asked to contact Acting Detective Kelly Blore of the 3 District Risk Mitigation Team at 905-825-4747 ext. 2306.
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.
Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
began investigating the individuals responsible for stealing alcohol from these locations.
Investigation revealed that the stolen alcohol was then sold for profit.
Investigation by the Burlington Risk Mitigation Team and Street Crime Unit has led to charges against the following individuals;
Victor KARANIKOLOV (42 years old from Mississauga)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Trafficking Over $5000
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Trafficking Under $5000
• Trafficking Contraband Tobacco
Cory MOWERS (50 years old from Mississauga)
• Trafficking Property Obtained by Crime
• Theft Under $5000 (3 counts)
• Fail to Comply Release Order
Suzanne GRIMES (42 years old from Mississauga)
• Trafficking Property Obtained by Crime
• Theft Under $5000 (2 counts)
• Fail to Comply Release Order
On November 20th 2020, Halton Police executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Mississauga. As a result; the following items were seized:
• Approximately $50,000 in stolen property (electronics, alcohol, personal care products, tools, clothing)
• Anti-Theft Alarm Tags
• 43 cartons of contraband cigarettes
• 2 sets of magnetic keys used to remove alarm tags
• 2 cellular telephones
• 1 laptop
• $2570.00 cash
Mowers was held pending a court appearance in Milton.
Karanikolov and Grimes have been released from custody on an undertaking.
Anyone with information in regards to this investigation is asked to contact Acting Detective Kelly Blore of the 3 District Risk Mitigation Team at 905-825-4747 ext. 2306.
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.
Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Staff
November 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
There is beauty within all that snow.
The small path of red – the Canadian flag – waiting for a whiff of wind to flutter.
Getting outside, making a snow man with immediate family and the people in your bubble is Staying Safe.
 By Staff
November 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
That almost balmy weather we all enjoyed has been replaced by the winter that is part of our DNA.
At the same time parts of the city are lit up to help celebrate a Festive Season that will soon be upon us.
 Locomotive at Freeman station – waiting for a caboose to be attached. Photo by Allan Harrington
Freeman Station has a Lit Loco on display at their site on Fairview. This creation has about 4,000 lamps with chasers to give it a sense of movement.
Grand Trunk is spelled out in letters for the Grand Trunk Railway who built the Burlington Junction Station in 1906.
Friends of Freeman Station is run by volunteers and relies on donations.
If the group can capture a total of $500 in donations on line by November 27 2020, a lit up red caboose will be installed along with the existing Locomotive and Coal Car.
 BTTB sentries standing guard at Spencer Smith Park. Lakeshore Road at Brant now has the Burlington Teen Tour Band back on duty as sentries at Spencer Smith Park. Great for an early evening get out for some fresh air event. This is the 25th Festival of Lights.
Running now through to January 8, 2021 – it’s FREE and visitors can walk among the displays.
The Freeman lights and those at Spencer Smith are all the result of volunteer efforts.
Royal Botanical Gardens opened up their winter wonderland with the Hendrie Garden bursting with lights.
The Royal Botanical Gardens colourful outdoor stroll along the the pathway tells us how plants like mistletoe and ivy are part of the yule season, along with cinnamon and mint giving us festive flavours.
Not just plants, but local winter animals are part of the whole nature package.
 Hendrie Garden at the RBG – a winter wonderland.  It isn’t all outdoors at the RBG. A big TV projection screen TV outside shows a short movie with a “Mouse” but it’s NOT Mickey.
Wednesdays to Sundays, Nov 18 to Dec 23. Additional Dates: Dec 27-30, Jan 2, 3 5 to 10 p.m
Admission fee for non-members, and everyone must wear a mask and maintain social distancing
 By Pepper Parr
November 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The news that there was a Covid19 outbreak in part of the Joseph Brant Hospital earlier this week has resulted in some people cancelling their medical procedures.
The hospital Chief of Staff, Dr. Ian Preyra, said in a video message that the hospital is doing everything possible to keep everyone safe.
Some patients are starting to cancel or delay their medical procedures, which can pose a serious risk to their health. The hospital “would like to assure our community that our hospital is still safe to visit and we continue to perform surgical and out-patient clinical care, including urgent, life-saving procedures and other emergency care.”
There was no word on the condition of those who contracted Covid19.
Related news story:
Covid19 outbreak at hospital
By Staff
November 19th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Your help is needed!
November 22nd 11am-1pm
Burlington Food Bank one day Neighbourhood Covid-19:FOOD DRIVE at 21 locations & counting!
Covid-safe Porch Drop off of non-perishable food, gift card or monetary donations at any of the neighbourhood porch drop offs to help support the many in our community who are in need.
If you think you can help – and be part of this event be in touch with either:
Chania Allen chania@razmataz.ca or Lisa Kearns <Lisa.Kearns@burlington.ca>
In April, this event brought in 2.2 TONS of food and over $1000 in donations. Let’s try to do even better in preparation for the holidays.
Covid-safe Porch Drop off of non-perishable food, gift card or monetary donations at any of the neighbourhood porch drop offs to help support the many in our community who are in need.
Here are the current Top Ten Most Needed Items:
(will update as required)
Canned Meat (Ham, Turkey, Chicken)
Rice (1kg or 2kg sizes)
Peanut Butter
Nut Free school lunch snacks
Canned Tomatoes
Shampoo, Deodorant, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
Hot Cereal (Oatmeal/Porridge Single Servings)
Canned Fruit
Large Soup (Ready To Eat)
Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, Sauces)
 Your help is needed! November 22nd 11am-1pm – Burlington Food Bank one day Neighbourhood Covid-19:FOOD DRIVE at 21 locations & counting!
At the same time: 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
November 19th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Was it raw greed or just plain dumb responses? Something in the order of $1.3 million was involved.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Regional Fraud Unit has completed a three year investigation into a Ponzi scheme operating in the region that defrauded victims out of approximately 1.3 million dollars.
Victims of this fraud transferred money believing that they were investing in a legitimate stock market investment program.
Victims initially received small returns from funds obtained by new investors. This type of fraud is commonly referred to as a ‘Ponzi Scheme’. Money invested by victims was then used for the personal and financial gain of the accused.
Police have arrested and charged Francesco Perre (AKA Frank Perre), 56 years of age of Burlington.
Perre has been charged with six counts of fraud over $5000 and misappropriation of funds. He is scheduled to appear in court in Milton on December 23, 2020.
Police believe there may be additional victims of this fraud and would encourage them to contact Detective Constable Garry Hans of the Regional Fraud Unit at 905 825 4747 ext. 8742.
The HRPS encourages members of the public to conduct due diligence prior to making investments and to be wary of investments that sound too good to be true.
By Pepper Parr
November 19th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It was the day for the Regional Council to hear delegations on the five reports that were background for the current Review of the Official Plan.
The papers were serious stuff; well written, very well illustrated. The community has said it wishes it had had more time to review and prepare comments. But that window has closed.
Curt Benson, told Regional Council that there had been more than 200 written reports sent to his office on the papers.
The delegations covered three areas: farming, climate change
In late January perhaps February the Region will be releasing four growth concept and waiting 100 days for responses and community engagement.
That will be followed by a preferred concept probably in the Fall of 2021.
The Region is moving on two levels that are attached to each other at the same time.
 The two bottom circles relate to the Burlington MTSA and UGC issues. While part of the Regional Official Plan they will be processed separately and then wrapped into the Region’s OP The Burlington MTSA and Urban Growth Centre (UGC) issues are being dealt with separately but are still a part of the Regional Official Plan Review.
Whatever decision gets made on the MTSA and UGC from a Burlington perspective will be included in the next version of the Official Plan that is released.
There will be a Statutory meeting on the Regional Official Plan in the fall of 2021.
The expectation is that the MTSA in Burlington will be removed.
The focus for the Regional Planning department is:
What has been heard to date?
Did we hear you?
Is this what you are saying?
The listening exercise is an ongoing process.
The delegations started with remarks from Sofina Foods which operates 11 pork processing plants in Canada and maintain that they cannot keep up with the demand for pork from the market which they export around the world.
They have major plans to develop and expand the Fearman’s operation on Harvester Road and Appleby Line and are concerned that the boundary in place for the Appleby Line GO station (which was at one time called a hub but is now an MTSA.
The Sofina spokesperson said there are 150 family farms within a three hour drive of the plant that meet some of the need but that in the not too distant future they want to expand that operation.
The question is – will an even bigger food processing operation fit into that part of Burlington?
Sofina wants to be certain that they are part of the economic development of Burlington. They are a major employer and the demand for pork grows steadily.
What was interesting was that the several people who talked about the problems the farming community has none made any mention of the part that Sofina play in the agricultural sector.
We learned that close to half the agricultural land is believed to be owned by interest other than induvial farmers; that most of the land is being banked by the development community.
The agricultural community wants a ban on the conversation of agricultural land.
Climate change was the base of close to half of the delegations – these were for the most part coming from community based organizations who advocate and lobby for more in the way of climate change efforts.
 Vanessa Warren, delegates with conviction, passionate and firmer grip on the facts that the vast majority of the Regional Councillors. Vanessa Warren, who always delegates with conviction, passionate and firmer grip on the facts that the vast majority of the Regional Councillors said that the framework the agricultural sector has to work within cannot be fixed, “we have to bring it down”.
Warren said that a farmer can grow turnips but that they cannot process those turnips on their land under the current conditions.
Agricultural Tourism was said to need some help. Prince Edward County has figured out how that can be done very effectively – Halton isn’t there yet.
The Evergreen development that is in Burlington with the Oakville border on the other side of the road at Tremaine and Dundas was described by Burlington Mayor Meed Ward as the poster boy of the developer’s world.
 The Evergreen development would go through two phases with employment offices fronting onto the street on the east side. They must be blushing at the corporate offices in Milton. That project started in 2007 and will consist of 1945 residences whenever it is completed.
 The land assembly has been in the works for some time. Whatever development plans there are have yet to hit city hall. with the Aldershot GO station a very short walk away the land is primed for growth. The IBI Group representative brought forward concerns with a property development that includes abutting lands owned by four different corporations that is on the west side of Waterdown Road – north side of Plains Road.
They are looking for employment land conversions that would occur simultaneously with MTSA delineation, through phased ROPA.
There is much more to learn about this development.
It is big with the Emshie interests and St. Mary’s Cement involved.
The Station West development that is underway now with a number of units occupied. When completed Station West will become a community unto itself and will need services and access to good retail.
Aldershot has wanted some strong retail – this development just might bring it to their doorstep.
The Development plans for the east side of Waterdown are inching forward. Solid Gold, Aldershot’s ongoing embarrassment, is planned as the site for a decent coffee shop and a small supermarket if the ward Councillor can convince the Solid Gold owner that it can be made to work.
What the area is not going to have is very much in the way of parkland in the immediate area. LaSalle Park to the south is a decent walk away. It will be under considerable pressure.
The swimming pool at Aldershot high school will see increased pressure.
There were no clashes, no major points being made by the bigger interests. For the most part they weren’t involved in the virtual event
The Regional Clerk was pressed to keep all the balls in the air – he pulled it off. Chair Carr thought Graham Milne might have a future as an air traffic controller in Chicago.
By Pepper Parr
November 19th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON’
It was a one hour virtual meeting with about 35 people taking part – at least five were city staff.
City Clerk Kevin Arjoon explained the basics of what City Advisory Committees are all about. He listed most of the committees.
The Cycling Committee needs 14 new members – that seems very high unless all the previous members all left at the same time.
 Members of the Community Engagement Team do a debrief after their Council Workshop session. Chris Walker is in the center. The closing date for new applications is November 27th – that closing date has been extended in the past – expect it to be extended again this year.
The intention is to announce the appointments at a Council meeting in January or February.
Arjoon is a big fan of citizen advisory committees – he has seen them work well in the five different municipalities where he has served as Clerk.
However, shortly before Arjoon arrived in Burlington a report from citizens on problems with the way the Advisory committees were created was debated at a City Standing Committee.
It was a lengthy report with perhaps too much data. It has one central point: that was set out in a Historical Note.
 It was a major piece of work for the citizens – didn’t get past the printing machine. Historical Note
This report and its recommendations represent the fourth occasion on which citizens have been asked to provide advice to council on Advisory Committee reform, beginning in 1997.
On each occasion, while the recommendations have differed since 1997, the initial conclusions were similar. Advisory committees far too often did not work as intended and were not properly integrated into the decision-making process.
Poor structure, poor terms of reference, misunderstandings, lack of relevant training, and selection methods open to influence all worked to undermine the role advisory committees should have in establishing citizen voices with appropriate input at the centre of City Hall.
We therefore encourage council to adopt our recommendations, recognizing the very longstanding need for change and the ongoing need for flexible, collaborative and insightful resident voices as trusted partners at City Hall and with staff and Council.
Until the issues set out in the Advisory Committee review Team are resolved Citizen Engagement will be less than robust.
 By Staff
November 18th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Port Nelson United Church had to cancel their Mirth and Music event; the Burlington Performing Arts Centre has had to close for the 28 days they are going to be in the Red zone of the provinces colour coded behaviour chart.
 Tammy Fox, Executive Director explains: “We’ve been forced to cancel all live performances while we are in this 28 day ‘red zone’.
“It’s disappointing, but fortunately we’ve been here before this time around we are much better prepared to cope.”
All isn’t lost for the Performing Arts people. The huge wreaths that go up each year in the windows will be up next week, the huge tree on the plaza area will go up and the Festival of Trees will take place – limited however to just ten sponsored trees.
They will be up on the 25th
“We will get through this!” said Fox.
Related news story:
Festival of the Trees
By Staff
November 18th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Application for a 16th cannabis retail store in Burlington WAS received by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario: Written comments are due to Province by Dec. 2
Nova Cannabis proposes to locate at 1235 Fairview St. The application does meet the City of Burlington Council approved guidelines.
Written comments about the proposed location will be received by the AGCO until Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020 and may be submitted online at www.agco.ca/iAGCO.
The AGCO will accept submissions from:
• A resident of the municipality in which the proposed store is located
• The municipality representing the area in which the proposed store is located and/or its upper-tier municipality.
Comments submitted to the AGCO should relate to the following matters of public interest:
• Protecting public health and safety
• Protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis
• Preventing illicit activities in relation to cannabis
After Dec. 2, the AGCO will consider all written comments and available information to decide whether the application for the proposed store location will be approved.
Currently there are ten licensed cannabis retail stores in Burlington since the ACGO moved to an open licensing system for cannabis retail store applications earlier this year. The ten stores include:
• Relm Cannabis Co. 4031 Fairview St. Suite 103
• Corner Cannabis 3007 New St.
• The Hunny Pot Cannabis Co. 1505 Guelph Line, Unit 3-4
• Friendly Stranger Plains Road 1025 and 1059 Plains Rd. E., Unit 3
• Pioneer Cannabis Co. 1200 Brant St., Unit B-004
• mihi 3500 Dundas St., Unit A1B
• Canna Cabana Burlington 2400 Guelph Line, Unit 2
• Welcome Cannabis 1401 Plains Rd., Unit 5
• Spiritleaf 3295 Fairview St.
• Canada Buds 1860 Appleby Line, Unit 11B
Five additional cannabis retail stores are under review by the AGCO and one is out for comment, including this one.
Sixteen cannabis stores gives a whole different view of the statement: Burlington is ranked as Canada’s best community and best place to raise a family. It is a City where people, nature and businesses thrive. As residents continue to rediscover many of their favourite spaces and activities in the city, City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19. The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority.
Quick Facts
• On Jan. 14, 2019, Burlington City Council voted to allow the operation of retail cannabis stores in Burlington
• On Apr. 1, 2019, the first round of brick and mortar, privately-operated retail cannabis stores opened across the province
• The AGCO is licensing and enforcing regulations related to retail cannabis stores in Ontario
• The ACGO introduced an open licensing system for cannabis retail stores in January 2020. On March 2, 2020, the ACGO began accepting store authorization applications.
• The provincial requirement for a cannabis retail store is 150 metres from schools (as defined by the Education Act), as per the provincial regulations. The City of Burlington guideline for a cannabis retail store is 500 metres from schools
The existence of th retail operations doesn’t appear to have resulted in fewer drug busts>
Related news stories.
Arrests and drug seizures
Brass knuckles, switch blade and drugs – arrest made
 By Ray Rivers
November 18th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Will we soon be known as the peacock province? A province of many colours, political ones that is.
Rumour is that there may be a new provincial party on the horizon, the Blue party. And why not? There is already a Green Party, Liberals have always been identified as reds and the NDP orange.
So what does this mean for the governing Doug Ford provincial Tories? They are supposed to be the blue party, claiming to be descendants from the former premier Bill Davis’ Big Blue Machine. Heck Mr. Ford even started turning our licence plates blue.
 Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalio But Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalios doesn’t think Ford’s crowd is blue enough. She was kicked out of Doug Ford’s caucus last July for refusing to support his Bill 195, the so-called emergency law on COVID. She knew this so-called emergency legislation was just a power grab by Ford so he could ram his retro agenda down our throats.
Being able to act without challenge is every tyrant’s dream. Not that I’d call our PM a tyrant, but Mr. Trudeau tried something similar in Ottawa, only to be stopped by an observant media and an wide-awake opposition party. Not so in Toronto. An Act to enact the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Re-sponse to COVID-19) Act, 2020 allows the government of Premier Doug Ford to extend or amend emergency orders a month at a time for up to two years without consulting the legislature.
For Karahalios this was an “unnecessary overreach” taking away “the legislature’s ability to vote on the use of extraordinary emergency powers on Ontarians for the next year… Bill 195 essentially silences every single Ontario MPP on the most important issue facing our legislature today”.
 A government that attempt to stiff nurses usually regrets the decision. The Nurses Association (ONA) and other labour organizations are upset to say the least. The premier has given himself the power to override existing labour legislation and collective agreements. It is no secret that Mr. Ford regards organized labour as the enemy, but antagonizing Ontario’s front line work-ers in this time of the COVID epidemic is totally uncalled for. One might think that America’s Mr. Trump had shifted his residence into the premier’s office at Queen’s Park.
Well except that Karahlios doesn’t think Ford is far enough to the right. She thinks he’s not blue enough to represent real conservative-minded voters like her – claiming Ford has moved to the political left and is now in common territory with the other main Ontario parties. So one has to wonder what it takes to make one a real conservative.
Was it the deficit? Conservatives have long opposed budgetary deficits, except when they get into office, as was the case with former PM Mulroney. And even Mr. Harper ran record deficits during 2009-2011 period in an effort to stimulate a recessionary economy. So would it be fair to attack Mr. Ford’s record setting COVID deficit and use that to boot him out of the conservative club.
 The issue for Doug Ford has always been money. And surely Ford qualifies when it comes to tax cuts for the wealthiest, perhaps the most common of currencies among conservatives. His carefully camouflaged middle income tax cuts have turned out to be a Trojan horse, as predicted, and a bonanza for the wealthiest. The provincial Financial Accountability Office (FAO) has calculated that Doug Ford’s tax breaks are benefiting Ontario’s highest earners. “The top 20 per cent, with incomes over $123,400, are getting 43 per cent of tax benefits, including 75 per cent of deductions, which adds up to over $7 billion every year.”
When it comes to the environment the ultra conservative former PM, Mr. Harper, pulled Canada out of the international Kyoto agreement on climate change and pursued a fossil fuel agenda as Conservative PM. If that is real conservatism then Mr. Ford certainly qualifies as well, having mothballed almost all of Ontario’s emission reduction programs including renewable energy projects. Further he has sued the federal government over imposition of the national carbon tax.
And now the second shoe is dropping as he moves to further please the land development and other business lobbies who seem to have captured his attention. Ford’s most recent retro-legislative initiative, Bill 229, attacks the historical role of conservation authorities in land use planning, one of their primary purposes since their establishment back in 1946, by then PC Premier George Drew. What could be more conservative than conservation?
So it’s uncertain just where and how far Karahalios would like to see Mr. Ford go to prove he is a real conservative? He is already on a clear path to eliminate everything represented by the word progressive in Progressive Conservative. Ford has turned the clock back three or four decades in many regards and especially the environment. And that will create a headache for the next government which will have to clean up the mess.
Perhaps there is more to this story? After all it is no secret that Belinda’s husband, Jim Karahalios, a long time deep Tory, had tried on more than one occasion to become a party president for either/both the federal and provincial parties, only to be foiled by some kind of alleged intra-party conspiracy. It’s easy to see how that can make one bitter and twisted.
In fact he sued the federal party at one point and won. And of course, there is no better way to win friends and influence people than with a law suit. So perhaps this plan to hatch a new Blue party is a case of sour grapes, or even revenge to draw right wing voters away from Mr. Ford’s party. Splitting the right even more beyond the Heritage, Libertarian, Family Coalition fringe party platforms might be a more serious threat.
And unlike these two bit political efforts, the Blue’s would have a seat in the house (Cambridge) at least until the next election. And Jim, who was the creative genius behind ‘Axe the Tax’ anti-carbon tax campaign, presumably is qualified in Belinda’s mind and has the chops to help her lead her new Blue party.
It could happen. After all, Preston Manning’s Reform Party grew almost overnight to become Her Maj-esty’s Loyal Opposition after a lot of conservatives felt Kim Campbell wasn’t quite blue enough for them. It was an act of courage to stand apart from the familiar crowd of mindless desk-thumping seals at Queens Park and speak up when something stinks. And on that note she deserves a vote of appreciation.
 Ray Rivers writes regularly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links
Blue Party – Nurses Association – FAO – Bill 229 –
By Pepper Parr
November 18th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
In a letter from Regional Director of Planning Curt Benson to Burlington’s Director of Planning, Heather MacDonald, he told her that:
 With the proposed modifications to the New Official Plan described above, and identified in Attachment #1, I am of the opinion that the City of Burlington New Official Plan conforms to, or does not conflict with,the Regional Official Plan, is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement 2020, and conforms to, or does not conflict with,the applicable Provincial Plans and policies.
The letter covers a number of issues but the gist of it all is that what city council asked of the Region it is going to get.
Just another step in this city council meeting a large large part of its election mandate.
Much more to follow, There is a 360+ page document to be waded through.
 By Staff
November 17th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Robert Missen announced yesterday that the November 21st Mirth and Music concert until has been postponed. Halton County is now under a red alert.
Missen, the man who put the show together and was going to perform as well, said “As soon as we can reschedule it we will do so, patrons will of course have first refusal for future tickets.
Related news story:
Mirth and Music to be heard at Port Nelson United Church
|
|
