 By Staff
March 25, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
The Halton Regional Police Service is reaching out to the public to assist in identifying a suspect involved in a bank robbery.
Just after 10:30 am this morning, Tuesday March 25th, 2014, a lone male entered the CIBC Bank at 575 Brant Street and demanded cash.
No weapons were seen on the suspect or observed by bank employees. No one was injured.
The suspect was given a quantity of cash and he subsequently left the bank last seen walking northbound on Brant Street.
 Suspected bank robber at the tellers wicket. No one was injured – cash was taken. Suspect Description:
Male, white
40 to 50 years of age
Approximately 5’10” to 5’11″”
Large build, 200 lbs
Wearing blue jeans and a black hoodie underneath a plaid coat, dark sunglasses and a black ski mask with a baseball cap.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective John Ophoven, 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext 2343
 Bank robbery suspect captured on security camera walking towards the tellers. Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting ‘Tip201’ with your message to 274637(crimes).
This is the second bank robbery in Burlington within the last three months. In January the Bank of Montreal was held up by a lone male bandit. Police dogs were brought in but the scent was gone. No arrest was made yet for that robbery.
Background links:
BMO on Brant Street robbed in January.
 By Staff
March 21, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
In the early morning hours of March 21st 2014, The Halton Regional Police, Burlington Strategic Support Team (SST), concluded a drug trafficking investigation that resulted in three arrests and the execution of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a Burlington residence
Seized as a result of the Investigation:
323 grams of marihuana (approximately 11.39 ounces/ 0.71 pounds),
1/2 gram of Cocaine,
The drugs have an estimated street value of $2600.00.
The following persons have been charged:
Gary DEAN (22 yrs) of Brant Street in Burlington (Held for Bail)
- Trafficking a controlled substance (marihuana)
- Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of a controlled substance (Cocaine)
- Breach of Probation
- Breach of Recognizance
Colleen MCCAIG (24 yrs) of New Street in Burlington (Released on Promise to Appear in Milton Court on April 29th 2014)
- Trafficking a controlled substance (marihuana)
- Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of a controlled substance (Cocaine)
James VAN VIEGEN (27 yrs) of East 42nd Street in Hamilton (Released on Promise to Appear in Milton Court on April 22nd 2014)
- Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) under 30 grams
- Breach of Probation
Investigators remind the public to utilize Crime Stoppers to report any illegal drug, gun or gang activity at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637(crimes)
 By Pepper Parr
March 19, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
They are at it again.
The graphics on the email certainly look real enough. Anyone doing business with the CIBC might well be fooled enough to click on the link that they say you need to use to ensure that your account card is not de-activated.
 Looks official enough. But this is a total and complete hoax. It’s a hoax – we got the message – but we don’t have an account with CIBC.
There are some people who will respond to this – and they will give out personal details – that’s where the problem begins.
Are we not close to the point where there can be some form of policing to handle stuff like this?
 By Staff
March 18, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Tax time approaching and those who choose to steal instead of work for a living have found that they can often fool people into giving them information which they then use to take your money from you.
The Halton Regional Police are advising the public of a scam involving fraudulent communications mimicking the Canada Revenue Agency.
 The message frequently looks like this. This is not the way the government communicates with you. Ignore it – don’t even click on any of the links. You might get an email that looks like it comes from the Canada Revenue Agency telling you there has been a mistake or a reassessment and that they are owed a refund. They are then asked to provide detailed personal information telling you it is required to process the refund. They will ask for full name, address, date of birth and social insurance number. They might ask you to provide personal banking or credit card information. The moment you give them this information they can begin pretending they are you and start taking your money.
Fraudsters have gone even further, telephoning individuals directly, stating that they owe back taxes in the amount of thousands of dollars and threatening them with arrest or deportation if they are not paid immediately.
The CRA does not request personal information of any kind by email and has a formal process in place for those who owe taxes and would never demand cash payment immediately.
Halton Police encourages individuals who receive such communications to take a moment and consider the following:
Are you expecting a refund from the CRA?
Does this sound too good to be true?
Why would the CRA be asking me for personal information that they would already have on file?
Are you confident that you know who is asking for the information?
Your best protection is to avoid taking immediate action and contact the CRA directly to confirm if in fact you are owed a refund or are required to make a payment.
Anyone with information on this scam can contact Halton Police Fraud Investigators at 905-825-4747 ext. 8739 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
March 17, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
The Regional police have both a sense of humour and a message they will be handing out this evening. Single piece of paper printed on both sides. Set out below id a preview of what they are going to distribute.
 If the message isn’t obvious – the police provide details.  Now that wasn’t hard to understand was it?
 By Staff
March 14, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Halton Regional Police Officers in Burlington have arrested a man in connection to a series of liquor thefts from LCBO Stores in Burlington and Oakville.
Between February 13th and March 3rd 2014, Neil MACMILLAN (30 Yrs) of Oakville, attended numerous L.C.B.O. Stores where he stole a variety of liquor totaling approximately $3,950.
On March 3rd 2014, an astute LCBO employee recognized MACMILLAN from a previous theft and called police. MACMILLAN left the LCBO prior to police arrival however he was located a short time later exiting a neighbouring Metro Store where he was arrested and found to have a quantity of packaged meat which he had just stolen worth $201.
MACMILLAN was held for bail charged with theft under $5,000 (11 Counts) and breach of Probation (33 Counts).
 By Staff
March 13, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
The wheels of justice grind slowly in Canada but it is usually fully served.
On June 13th 2011, two assailants entered Don Deez Clothing Limited at 390 Martha Street in Burlington, one of which was armed with a handgun.
The lone employee struggled with one of the assailants before breaking free and fleeing down some stairs located at the back of the store when a gunshot was heard.
The assailants fled the store however a trail of blood led police to the location of some stolen clothing and the involved firearm which had been discarded in some bushes.
Investigators determined that one of the assailants sustained a gunshot during the robbery attempt and that person was eventually identified as Jamar Andre FRANCIS (25 yrs) of Silverstone Dr. in Etobicoke. He was ultimately arrested and charged with Robbery Using a Firearm.
FRANCIS was found guilty and on March 7th 2014, he was sentenced to a jail term of 6-years however he will receive credit for the time already spent in custody.
The second assailant has yet to be identified. It will be tough for Francis to get parole as long as he keeps the name of his partner to himself.
Anyone with information that can identify the second assailant is encouraged to call 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 X2343 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
March 13, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
It looked as if it was like getting caught up on the paper work. Detective Eric Schwab, Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau, took a crew from the Oakville District Strategic Support Team , in conjunction with the 2 District Offender Manager, and proactively sought out individuals in the Oakville area who were the subject of outstanding arrest warrants. Over the course of this initiative three Criminal Code warrants were executed, eight individuals were arrested, and seven were charged with a total of 18 criminal offences.
If this pro-activity worked that well in Oakville – can Burlington be far behind. Some of your less than savoury friends might be leaving town for a while.
Between March 10th and 12th, 2014 the following individuals were arrested, and are facing the corresponding criminal charges:
Frances BOWLES (48 years old, of Oakville)
Charged with Assault, Mischief Under $5,000, and Fail to Appear for Court. She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on March 28th.
Dustin ZITA (23 years old, of Oakville)
Charged with Unlawfully at Large, Obstruct Police, Breach of Probation (4 Counts). He has already pled guilty to these charges and is currently being held in custody.
Natalie WATSON (19 years old, of Oakville)
Charged with Obstruct Police. She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on April 14th.
Alan FORREST (51 years old, of Mississauga)
Charged with Fail to Appear for Court, Fail to Appear for Prints, Theft Under $5,000 (2 Counts), Breach of Probation. He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on March 13th.
Justin HOWITT (27 years old, of Oakville)
Charged with Theft Under $5,000, and Fail to Appear for Court. He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on April 15th.
Christopher TELFORD (28 years old, of Mississauga)
Charged with Breach of Probation and Fail to Appear for Court. He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on March 25th.
Mary WHALEN (54 years old, of Oakville)
Charged with Breach of Probation. She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on March 13th.
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-TIPS (8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting ‘Tip201’ with your message to 274637(crimes).
 By Staff
March 10, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
On Saturday March 8, 2014 at approximately 2:40AM, a male victim was walking eastbound on Lakeshore Road in Burlington passing the Burlington Art Centre on the North side walk. Three unknown male suspects proceeded westbound towards the victim; one of the suspects made a derogatory comment to the victim and proceeded to punch the victim in the face area causing the victim to fall to the ground. The second male suspect then punched the victim in the facial area as the victim attempted to get to his feet. The suspects proceeded westbound on Lakeshore Road. The victim sustained minor injuries.
The suspects are described as follows:
Suspect #1- Male, Caucasian, approximately 30 years of age, 6’0 tall, heavy-set, brown hair, brown chin straps and goatee, wearing a dark-colored pea jacket.
Suspect #2- Male, Caucasian, approximately 30 years of age, 6’0 tall, thin build, short red/orange hair, wearing a dark-colored pea jacket.
Suspect #3- Male, Caucasian, approximately 30 years of age, 5’8 tall, thin build wearing a dark baseball hat in a backwards fashion, and a black ski jacket with white stripes on the arms.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Julie Powers, 3 district Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 X2323
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
March 10, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
On Saturday March 8th 2014, a salesman working for National Home Services was going door to door in the area of Riverside Drive in Burlington, trying to get residents to switch their hot water tank services.
At about 12:30 pm, the salesman was invited into a residence where he talked to the female homeowner. After some discussion, the homeowner decided not to switch services and the salesman left.
Shortly after, the female homeowner and one of two her children departed the residence to do errands, leaving her 11-year-old daughter alone in the home.
Just after her mother left the residence, the 11-year-old heard someone knocking on the door and as she went to answer it, she noticed the door was opening so she went upstairs to retrieve a phone.
As she returned downstairs, the same salesman approached the 11-year-old child on a landing where he asked if her parents were home, her name and how old she was. After she answered the questions, the salesman placed one hand on the girl’s shoulder and another over her mouth then told her not to scream and he wouldn’t hurt her. When the salesman removed his hand from her mouth, she seized an opportunity to escape and ran unharmed from the home to a neighbour where police were called.
The salesman fled the residence but was quickly arrested by police a short distance away and held for bail.
Arrested:
Daniel WIGHT (19 yrs.) of Birchmount Rd. in Toronto
Charges:
- Break, enter and commit assault
- Forcible confinement
- Uttering threats
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
March 7, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Back in February there was a collision at Appleby and New Street involving three vehicles. Two of the involved vehicles remained at the scene however a third vehicle fled the area.
Witness provided police with enough information for them to later identify the fleeing vehicle which was later reported stolen by the owner. This vehicle was recovered the following day a short distance from the accident location.
Arrested:
Zabiuhalla AZIZULLA (20 yrs) of Nottingham Avenue in Burlington (Released on a Promise to Appear in Milton Court on April 2nd 2014)
Charges:
Failing to Stop at the Scene of an Accident (S. 252 C.C.)
- Obstruct Peace Officer (S. 129(a) C.C.)
If you can add to the information the police already have contact Detective Constable Trasmundi – 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at (905)825-4747 ext. 233
 By Staff
March 7, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
A company engaged in garbage removal and hauling, and a supervisor have been found guilty of failing to ensure the safety of a worker who fell off a roof. The company was fined $75,000 and the supervisor has been sentenced to 45 days in jail. A company representative has also been fined $2,000 for obstructing a Ministry of Labour investigation.
The incidence took place in October of 2008, when workers were sent to an address to remove shingles from a one-storey bungalow. One of the workers was tossing loose shingles from the roof toward a bin and stepped back, then slipped. The worker rolled off the roof of the house and landed on a walkway. The injury resulted in permanent paralysis of the lower body. A Ministry of Labour investigation followed the incident.
 No safety harness for these workers. You can get sent to jail for that in Ontario. The injured worker testified to not being trained in the use of fall protection equipment, nor was any such equipment provided in the company-supplied truck used for transportation to and from the job site. As well, the worker indicated that the practice for payment for work was cash and that work was provided on an on-call basis. The worker identified J.R. Contracting Property Services as the employer and Teisha (Tina) Lootawan as the supervisor.
The court determined that the worker was an employee under the definition of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and that J.R. Contracting Property Services was the employer. The court also determined that Lootawan was a supervisor under the OHSA. As such, she failed as a supervisor to ensure that a worker wore protective devices as required by law, and failed as a supervisor to take the reasonable precaution of ensuring that an adequate form of fall protection was provided where a worker is exposed to a fall hazard of more than three metres.
As the Ministry of Labour investigation proceeded, the company was requested to provide documentation that included employment and telephone records. A company representative, Andrew Joshua Haniff – who accepted the call from the Meadowvale Road homeowner requesting the company’s services – attended a meeting on December 23, 2008, but refused to answer any of the inspector’s questions. He was convicted by the court of obstructing an inspector.
The jail sentence and fines were imposed by Justice of the Peace Mary A. Ross Hendriks. The court heard seven days of testimony over 2011 and 2012; judgment was passed April 18, 2013.
The investigation, the court case and the decision point to the responsibility corporations and their senior staff have for the safety of their workers.
 By Pepper Parr
March 5, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
It is hard to be plain old basic police work. Halton regional Police clearly know that if it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck then it is probably a duck.
Back in August 2013, there were a number of daytime residential break and taking place in the City.
Police identified a suspect responsible for the entries however he avoided capture by fleeing to another Province.
Then there were a series of similar entries in January 2014: members of the Halton Regional Police – 3 District C.I.B.- Residential Crime Team figured this one out real quick. He’s back they said to each other and quickly arrested the suspect who was now back in Ontario.
Investigators confirmed the suspect had returned to Ontario and during the evening of March 4th 2014, the suspect was located at a London area hotel where he was arrested along with a female acquaintance who had been assisting the suspect in his efforts to evade arrest.
John Stewart MACKINNON (40 yrs) (Held for Bail)
- Break, Enter & Theft (Three Counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Shannon Lee Margaret CAIN (32 yrs) of Sann Rd. in Beamsville (Released on a Promise to Appear in Milton Court on April 2nd 2014)
A sense of satisfaction prevailed at 3 District C.I.B.- Residential Crime Team room on Southampton Drive. They got another one.
Anyone with information to assist in the above investigation can contact Det. Bale – 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at (905)825-4747 ext. 2312
Police also remind the public to utilize Crime Stoppers to report any illegal activity at 1 800 222-TIPS (8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637(crimes).
For additional information about community concerns in Burlington, follow us on Twitter @HRPSBurl or for the latest crime data, news releases and general information, visit the Service’s website www.haltonpolice.ca
 By Staff
March 4, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
What is believed to be a black Dodge Ram 1500 struck a pedestrian crossing Brant St near Birch Ave in downtown Burlington. The victim suffered facial fractures.
The driver of the vehicle was described by witnesses as a white male, 30-40 years of age wearing a suit. There were possibly two other people in the suspect vehicle. No licence plate was obtained and the extent of the damage to the truck is unknown.
The incident took place at about 2:55am. The Halton Regional Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the driver of a hit and run vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Halton Police at 905-825-4747 ext 2305 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477)
 By Staff
March 4, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
On Monday March 3rd, 2014, shortly after 2:30pm, Halton Regional Police were requested to attend and assist with an investigation involving a School Bus and a pedestrian in The City of Burlington.
This is going to get messy – there aren’t that many school bus companies around.
A 64-year-old female pedestrian, was observed walking south on Dynes Road at Woodward Avenue. As she was crossing at that intersection, she was struck by what witnesses described as a short school bus. The bus failed to remain at the scene, leaving the injured pedestrian in the traveled portion of the roadway. The pedestrian was transported to hospital with life threatening injuries.
Halton Regional Police Collision Reconstruction Unit attended and assumed control of this investigation. Any persons that may have witnessed the victim in the area of the incident prior to the collision, or the collision itself, are asked to contact Halton Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, Detective Constable Chris Heffernan at 905-825-4747 ext. 5420
 By Staff
February 24, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Very early this morning I Halton Regional Police, Burlington Strategic Support Team (SST), concluded a drug trafficking investigation that resulted in five arrests and the execution of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a Burlington residence.
Seized as a result of the Investigation:
• $14,800.00 in cash
• 720 grams of marihuana (approximately 25.40 ounces/ 1.58 pounds),
• 10 grams of Cocaine,
• 20 grams of hashish
• 6 ecstasy pills
The drugs have an estimated street value of over $53,000.00.
The following persons have been charged:
Christopher JONES (29 yrs) of Ghent Avenue in Burlington (Held for Bail)
• Trafficking in a controlled substance (marihuana)
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana)( for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
• Breach of Probation
Minhea KANG (35 yrs) of Ghent Avenue in Burlington (Released on Promise to Appear in Milton Court on March 18th 2014)
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
Alexander MORRIS (24 yrs) of Brock Avenue in Burlington (Held for Bail)
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (hashish) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (Ecstasy)
David VEINO (22 yrs) of Cavendish Drive in Burlington (Released on Promise to Appear in Milton Court on March 25th 2014)
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (hashish) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (Ecstasy)
Alexander KELLAR (23 yrs) of Mount Royal Avenue in Burlington (Released on Promise to Appear in Milton Court on March 25th 2014)
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (hashish) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (Ecstasy)
Investigators remind the public to utilize Crime Stoppers to report any illegal drug, gun or gang activity at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637(crimes)
This was not a small drug operation.
 By Staff
February 24, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
It went on for quite a while – between December 2013 and February 2014, but the Regional police were able to apprehend and charge a Hamilton resident for inappropriate touching.
The accused person had been going to the Silver City Cineplex Cinema located at 1250 Brant Street in Burlington where he engaged in inappropriate and unwanted contact with at least three different women. These incidents were later reported to Police.
The accused has been arrested and charged with the following offenses:
ACCUSED:
William DEJONG, 56, of Hamilton Ontario is charged with:
Mischief – Interfere with person in lawful use, enjoyment of property (three counts)
The Halton Regional Police Service believe that Mr. DeJong may have had similar contact with additional women at this theatre during this time period and urge victims to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at (905) 825-4747 extension 2316.
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Pepper Parr
February 19, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
There was just the one delegation at city council last night – had to do with the re-naming of Southampton Boulevard to Constable Henshaw Boulevard
Ben Carman asked Council to name some other city asset after the long serving police officer who died in 2010 of natural causes while on duty.
Councillor Lancaster took exception to some of the comments made by Carman and asked if she had not call the Carman residence on three occasions. She had indeed replied Ben Carman – the calls came after a recommendation had been made by the Standing committee. Carman had expected to be able to speak to his council member before the recommendation was made. He isn’t the first person to complain about the level of access to the ward 6 member of council.
 What was Southampton will become Constable Henshaw Boulevard. Council didn’t get to hear why the residents really didn’t want the name change.
Lancaster, who has had problems with constituents groups in the past, appears to be upping her game now that we are in an election year and stressing that she does get back to people. It should be noted though that Lancaster has yet to file her nomination papers, although she has said publicly that she intends to run again for the ward 6 seat which includes the Headon Forest community that Southampton.
It was difficult to fully understand what the opposition within the Headon Forest community was with the renaming of the street. Ben Carman and his wife Susan talked after the council meeting about the difficulty they and their neighbours have had with the administration at the Southampton police station.
There was a time said Carman when the relationship with the police detachment was very good but it has deteriorated. By way of example he commented on the use of heavy equipment to move snow around the police parking lot – at 11:30 at night. When calls were made to complain about the noise Carman felt he was treated poorly and being told that the police can do what they want and don’t have to comply with noise bylaws didn’t do much for his view of the way police and community should be working together.
 It would appear that the Headon Forest community haven’t taken to the idea of renaming Southampton after a police officer because the relationship with the detachment isn’t all that good to begin with. Sounds as if there is a little too much arrogance within the detachment.
During his delegation Carman made no comment on the apparent friction between the police detachment that is on Southampton and the community. But that appears to be what the problem really is. Lancaster of course knew nothing of this – because she didn’t succeed in getting back to the resident before the discussion on the issue took place at the Standing committee.
Councillor Craven, who represents the city on the Police Services Board might want to give Ben and Susan Carman a call and learn a little bit more about a community that appears to have a problem with its local police.
Lancaster will have a problem with Craven crossing into her ward – tough – this is an issue that needs attention.
Background links:
Residents don’t support street name change.
Council goes with what the police association members want.
Lancaster and communications skills.
 By Pepper Parr
February 1, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
In April 2013 Burlington resident Denise Davy spoke as a delegation at the city’s Community Services Committee, urging the city to take responsibility for the safety of pedestrians at railway crossings. City Council directed staff to consult with community stakeholders to research rail safety.
 This was the situation in Burlington before Denise Davey delegated to city council for a change. A rail line safety and awareness stakeholder committee was formed to bring the various groups together to review the issue and develop strategies to prevent rail line deaths. The committee included representatives fromGO Transit, CN, VIA Rail, CP, COAST, ROCK, Canadian Mental Health Association, theNorth Halton Mental Health Clinic, Halton Police, Region of Halton Public Works, Transport Canada and theTransportation Safety Board. The review resulted in a number of short-term strategies and long-term opportunities.
 Today there is appropriate fencing and protocols in place to ensure that the city tells the GO people and other authorities that the fence has been breached. It was not quite this easy when Denise Davey first took on the task of making the railway tracks safer by blocking crossing that were not properly secured. Davey’s son, Ryan, was 18 when he was killed by a train in March of 1998. Here is how she tells her story:
“Many more people have been killed by trains going through Halton since then and the numbers over the last year have increased at an alarming rate. In a six-month period, from August 2012 to February 2013, six people were killed, including a 23-year-old Hamilton man.
“That’s a huge increase from previous years and it speaks to the need for better safety measures to prevent further deaths. The area of major concern is along Fairview and Cumberland where many people have been killed by trains.
“It’s wide open and also extremely close to one of the busiest shopping plazas in Burlington. Although there are “Danger” signs posted, the well-worn footpath is a testament to how few people heed them. The same problem exists with the tracks that run between Appleby Line and Burloak, by Sherwood Forest Park.
“Not only are there openings in the fence by the park, but in many areas the bottom part of the fence has been pulled up where people have obviously crawled under. Finding out who is responsible for safety along the tracks was so difficult, however, that even after several calls to rail officials, I’m not completely clear on it.
“Indeed, it seemed even rail officials weren’t clear on it. Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board were quick to deflect all blame for any deaths or injuries and talk about the public’s responsibility.
“And there is truth in that. The public needs to be responsible around the tracks. But at some point, the people who run the trains also need to take some responsibility. I can think of several stories I’ve covered as a reporter in which a person was killed crossing the street illegally but a stoplight was later put in place to prevent further deaths or injuries.
“Not only are rail officials quick to deflect blame, they’re tight-lipped when it comes to statistics on train-related fatalities and injuries. After several calls to the GO media folks I was told they don’t have statistics on the number of people who have been killed by GO trains along the Halton tracks.
“How can it be?” I asked the GO spokesperson, “You’re telling me that you don’t know how many people have been killed by the service you run?” I was quickly put on hold then told I needed to talk to someone else. I never got the number from GO.
“I was eventually told by Halton police (who told me earlier they didn’t have the numbers) that five of the six recent deaths in Halton were a result of GO trains.
“I will be talking to members of Burlington city council about changes I think need to be made to areas along the tracks. They include fencing, surveillance cameras, motion sensitive lighting and noise barriers, the same type you see along the QEW in Grimsby.
“I figure if they’re deemed important enough to buffer noise for residents who live close to the highway, they should be considered important enough to save a life.”
 Will the sign make a difference? If it doesn’t – well we tried. But if it does – that is a victory. Denise Davey deserves great credit for her efforts. Keep her in mind when it comes to selecting Burlington`s Best. It was an uphill fight for a long period of time but at a city council meeting in January Bruce Zvaniga, director of transportation services said: “The various stakeholders came to the table prepared to discuss and make changes,” said Zvaniga, and “I would like to thank them for their responsiveness, action and commitment to safety.”
The committee has already put in place a number of short-term strategies, including:
A communication protocol where city staff share information with rail operators regarding fence damage and footpaths near the rail line. Rail operators are also to share information with roads and parks maintenance staff regarding fence damage on city-owned properties
Rail operator “high rail” reviews that exchange information about identified outcomes
City fencing improvements in five different locations where chain fences will be installed
Rail line safety and awareness in 11 public schools and seven catholic schools as part of the schools’ safety awareness programs and under the leadership of Operation Lifesaver
Site specific strategies have been implemented by GO Transit and the Canadian Mental Health Association
“I am very proud of the work done by the stakeholder committee,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “ The committee has created a set of best practices for the entire country. If what we have set in motion can save one life, than it has well be worth it.”
An annual stakeholder review process is now in place. The stakeholder group will meet each year to look at the outcomes of previous strategies, identify possible new strategies and discuss long-term opportunities. In 2014, the committee will invite the Catholic and public school boards to participate.
Somewhere along the way the woman who had lost a child to a rail line accident got forgotten as all the bureaucrats who should have been on top of this issue from the beginning did nothing until Denise Davey delegated.
The power of one person with a voice and the courage of their convictions is immense and magnificent.
Background links:
City staff directed to start asking questions.
Three deaths in seven months.
Parent wants better rail line safety – death level intolerable.
 By Staff
January 28, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
The police are moving up the food chain. Last week a number of high school students were arrested and charged as Young Offenders.
On Tuesday, the Drug, Gun and Gang Unit executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a Burlington residence where a large quantity of drugs and cash was seized:
80.9 grams of cocaine
242 pills of MDMA (Ecstasy)
2.6 grams of MDMA (Ecstasy
33.1 grams of Crystalized Methamphetamine
40 mL of GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid)
269.3 grams of Dextrose (Cutting Agent)
Packaging material
Digital Scales
$8,830.00 Currency
3 Cellular phones
 Police charged Stephen LANE (38 years of age) with the following offences and held him for a bail hearing.
1. Trafficking a Controlled Substance – Cocaine
2. Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
3. Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – MDMA
4. Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Crystal Methamphetamine
5. Possession of a Controlled Substance – GHB
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