By Pepper Parr
January 3, 2014, Burlington, ON.
It was just after 1:30 pm. I was driving up John Street into the Plaza on Brant that is home to Joe Dogs when I spotted a police cruiser with its light flashing stopped in the parking lot behind the Bank of Montreal, just south of Eatalia on Brant.
I glanced to the far end of the parking lot and saw an unmarked cruiser in the drive coming in off Brant Street. Police had clearly blocked access to the bank parking lot.
I made a fast U-turn and parked my car – illegally – and grabbed my camera. There was no movement. The police officer didn’t have much to say. It was cold and I had very light foot wear on – so after standing around for 10 minutes I got back into my car drove in the parking lot and slipped into the Scotia Bank where I had an account, took out some cash and headed down Brant Street where I saw five policed vehicles, sirens blaring, come to a screeching halt in the middle of Brant where all kinds of police officers piled out. Officers went to the trunks of the vehicles and grabbed weapons while the officer from the canine unit let the dog out of the van.
 Dog from the canine unit had a little personal business to take care of before picking up a scent and chasing down a bank robber. The dog had a little personal business to take care of first before he was led to the side of the bank to pick up a scent – and then they were off.
 Two “beefy police officers following the German shepherd at the rear of Joe Dogs on Brant Street looking for the bank robber. The canine officer, two of the beefiest police officers I have seen in some time and a very young, nervous looking officer with a sub-machine gun following rapidly behind the dog who was leading through a city parking lot east of John Street, then back to Joe Dogs where he was sniffing away.
 Police stand by as German shepherd picks up scent of suspected bank robber outside Bank of Montreal branch on Brant Street. Then back to the bank parking lot and eventually back down John Street towards Caroline. I got the sense that whatever the dog was looking for wasn’t going to be found.
And the man, who had entered the bank at about 1:30, according to the police report was not apprehended.
Police reported that on Friday, January 3, 2014, at about 1:30pm, a lone male suspect entered the Bank of Montreal at 519 Brant St in Burlington where he indicated he had a weapon and demanded cash.
The suspect made off with a quantity of cash and fled in an unknown direction.
The suspect is described as: Male, white, 6’4-6’5, early 30’s, clean-shaven, wearing beige pants, a blue hooded winter jacket, dark toque over top of a baseball cap and sunglasses.
 By Staff
Burlington, ON December 31, 2013.
Not sure how these two managed to get together – but if ever there was a natural relationship – this had to be it.
The Region issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert starting Wednesday, January 1 and is expected to last for two days. The alert gets issued when temperatures are expected to fall below -15 degrees Celsius – without wind-chill.
 Give them a call – they ca keep you out of a lot of trouble and ensure the safety of others on the road. One day in September 1984, as Jean Marie DeKonick was driving and listening to a radio show about the serious problems caused by impaired driving he came up with an idea: he’d get his swimming team to offer motorists who had a few drinks to drive them home in their own vehicle.
Today, more than 100 organizations across Canada benefit from the proceeds of the Operation Red Nose campaign. Each year, between $1,200,000 and $1,300,000 are redistributed to non-profit youth organizations and/or amateur sports organizations.
From the very beginning, Operation Red Nose adopted a philosophy that enabled it to gain the trust and respect of the population. The organization does not encourage nor condone those who choose to have a drink. Instead, the message « DON’T DRIVE IF YOU ARE IMPAIRED» is conveyed in a humorous and non-judgemental way. Operation Red Nose’s preventive approach is a wonderful complement to the more repressive measures of the law.
Great idea – if your red nose is the result of the colder weather, bundle up and walk a little faster. If the red nose is the result of more alcohol than the police want you to consume – check into the Red Nose Operation.
They are operational from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am. 905-634-6665
 December 30, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. It doesn’t take the identity thieves and the bank scammers very long to find a new angle.
 This is what the email message looked like. The language used gives this one away – as well as the country code in the url. Yesterday emails began going out advising you that the government had a tax refund for you – all you had to do was fill in a form and the dollars would flow your way.
 If you had good email security software in place you would have gotten this message. If you didn’t – you would have gotten a form that looked like the kind of thing a government agency might have sent out and had you filled in the form someone who wants to steal your money would have had the kind of information needed to do just that.
If it looks to good to be true – that’s because it probably is too good to be true.
This email message was sent out to tens of thousands of unsuspecting people with Canadian email addresses. Where did they get the name? That is a tougher question to answer.
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 December 19, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. Police are asking the public for the public’s assistance in identifying a man who interacted with two children on Spruce Avenue near Goodram Drive, on December 17, 2013 at 3:20 p.m. Two children were walking home from school when a man approached on foot and engaged them in conversation. During the brief interaction the man offered to give them a ride home, which they refused.
 The man was described as: white, 55-60 years of age, 5’10”, average build and short greyish hair. He wore a toque, dark puffy waist-length jacket, brown pants and was carrying a small pink backpack with black zippers over his shoulder.
Anyone with information concerning the identity of the individual involved is asked to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 x2315, Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-TIPS(8477), through the website or by texting ‘Tip201’ with your message to 274637(crimes).
 December 14, 2013
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. The Halton Regional Police Services board has released the Draft of the 2014-2020. The Police Service, in cooperation with the Police Services Board is in the process of undertaking a review of its goals and objectives for the next three years. These goals are important as they guide the service in the delivery of services that are vital in maintaining the safety of the residents of Halton.
The the public are encouraged to have a say on what they feel is important by contacting Keith Moore, Senior Planner at 905-825-4747 ext. 4830 or by email at Keith.Moore@haltonpolice.ca
The material is organized into four themes with a series of points listed under each theme. Unfortunately, there is no comment on any of the points. The draft consists of a list of things the police plan to do during the next four years.
Community safety, Outreach and collaboration, Organizational capacity and Organizational excellence
Under Community Safety the Board lists:
 Identity theft and bank scams are a continuing public threat. HAlton Regional Police have led a number of successful multi-jurisdictional investigations. Ensure that Halton maintains the lowest overall crime rate and Crime Severity Index of any comparable-sized community in Canada.
Deter criminal activity— strengthen crime prevention, community policing and safety initiatives – and relentlessly pursue criminals.
Improve crime clearance rates.
Focus on key areas of concern to the community; traffic safety and enforcement, growth in illegal drug activity, gangs and organized crime,assaults and sexual assaults, domestic violence, youth and young adult crime, victimization of seniors/youth/children, technology-based crimes (e.g. Cyber-bullying; internet financial crimes and fraud). , monitoring and tracking of offenders, hate crimes and human trafficking.
Engage and mobilize the community to collaboratively share responsibility for keeping our region safe.
Establish and practice leading-edge emergency preparedness measures, including ongoing business continuity during emergencies and special events.
Under Outreach and Collaboration the board lists:
 The police are out at hundreds of community events. Build public awareness of and trust/confidence in the Halton Regional Police Service and policing in general.
Educate the public about safety and security issues through an inclusive approach that respects the diverse composition of our community.
Reduce the fear of crime — help those who live, work and play in Halton to feel even safer.
Define and clearly communicate the areas for which the Halton Regional Police Service is responsible.
Strengthen communication and community dialogue (e.g. using social and other media).
Collaborate with our communities in the prevention and solving of crime – and contribute to overall safety and wellbeing.
Strengthen relationships with youth and diverse communities to establish a solid foundation leading to improved understanding of policing, recruitment opportunities and other policing initiatives.
Continue to strengthen working relationships and information exchange with other law enforcement agencies.
Under Organizational Capacity the Board lists:
 There are community police stations throughout the Region. Police appear to want a new headquarters building as well. Ensure that police resources and funding responsibly address operational requirements and changing demographics.
Enhance the use of police analytics to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization.
Be the leaders in the application of new technologies and maximize innovation, responsiveness, outreach and service delivery.
Ensure that all employees are well-trained and well equipped in accordance with provincial requirements and in areas of emerging concern — and that support of the front line remains paramount.
Strengthen police ability to effectively address situations of elevated risk (e.g. mental health-related incidents).
Embrace human resource best practices and customize them in support of: employee recruitment/retention, diversity, career development, succession planning, performance management, and positive labour relations.
Strengthen employee understanding of the Halton Regional Police Service and its initiatives, and secure support for future strategic directions.
Ensure that police facilities adequately meet current and future needs.
Under Organizational Excellence the Board lists:
 Do the police deliver the service the public needs? The RIDE program is a proven service. Ensure that the Halton Regional Police Service demonstrates the highest levels of ethical and professional standards.
Strengthen service delivery and positive interactions with the community.
Ensure that our Police Service is an employer of choice for both uniform and civilian positions.
Strengthen employee motivation and engagement — foster a sense of employee pride and high job satisfaction, and a belief in the value of individual contribution.
Ensure that our police service culture emphasizes respect, responsibility, accountability,relationships and results.
Meet or exceed all current and future provincially mandated police service requirements.
Be the leader in identifying and implementing innovative policing practice
What is the Police Services Board telling us? Is this list a collection of clichés and self-serving statements? Is the Board, which oversees policing in the Region, calling the people who police the community to account?
Government services employ people to communicate with the public. Major corporations have public relations departments that are in place to tell their story to the public. These are companies that are in business – they are there for the most part to make a profit for their shareholders which are often large pension groups.
Public services are considerably different. They are in place to SERVE the public and to seek the advice of the public they serve.
This DRAFT plan for the next three years is the first step in the process of making their plans public.
Let us see how the public reacts to the document.
The following data for the fiscal year 2011 puts who the police serve and what the public pays for that service into perspective.
There are 178,232 households in the Region
The police budget for 2011 amounted to $116.4 million.
There were 629 men and women in uniform .
There were 282 civilian people working for the police service.
Calls to the police for service amounted to: (2009): 124,503; (2010): 129,971; (2011): 128,202.
The annual cost to each person in the Region for the police service we get amounted to: (2009): $224.66;(2010): $225.83 and (2011): $236.08
 December 13, 2013
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. As part of the mandate of the Human Trafficking and Vice Unit and in partnership with the Canadian Border Services Agency and By-Law Enforcement Officers from Burlington, Oakville and Milton, several Halton businesses were visited on December 11, 2013 and inspected for municipal By-law infractions.
 It’s certainly not show business. The following businesses were found to be in violation of by-laws specific to their industry and as a result received Provincial Offences Notices and/or had the business licence revoked:
Accu Green Health – 774 Brant Street, Burlington – licence revoked
Cara Studio – 4180 Morris Drive, Burlington – Notice of Violation to be served on owner and charges pending
Body & Sole – 550 Ontario Street, Milton – closed operating no valid licence
Mary Gold – 43 Main Street South, Campbellville – Closed operating unlicenced, charge issued
Tai Chi – 2544 Speers Road, Oakville – issued zoning notice for closure, charge issued
Ivy Spa – 119 North Service Road East, Oakville – issued zoning notice for closure, 2 charges issued
The Human Trafficking and Vice Unit is responsible for all human trafficking investigations (both domestic and international – including but not limited to the sex trade, forced labour or domestic servitude), all prostitution investigation (including street prostitution, escort services and disorderly houses – common-bawdy houses), all adult entertainment premises investigations (including commercial massage parlours), all gaming related investigations and all liquor license premises investigations.
Anyone wanting to provide confidential information or tips related to suspected human trafficking is asked to contact 905 825-4747 x8723, via email at HTVICE@haltonpolice.ca or anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-TIPS(8477) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com.
If you are a victim of human trafficking, dial 9-1-1 or contact the Chrysalis Anti-Human Trafficking Network for free, confidential telephone trauma counselling and referrals for anyone who has been trafficked or exploited at 1-866-528-7109.
 December 3, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. A male resident of the city managed to get himself arrested twice on child pornography charges.
Police executed w search warrant on November 5th at a Burlington residence and seized a number of computers and data storage devices were seized.. The accused was held for a bail hearing.
The November arrest was the result of a three-month investigation by members of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
Subsequent investigation resulted in the accused being re-arrested on December 3rd and again held for a bail hearing.
ACCUSED: Cody FISHER, 22 yrs of Burlington
CHARGES: Possession of Child Pornography (two counts), Make Available Child Pornography, Luring a Child, Breach of Probation (two counts)
The Internet Child Exploitation Unit has earned a world-wide reputation for being able to ferret out the web site and data servers that hold pornography. If you have any information that you think may help – don’t be shy – Call Crime Stoppers.
By Staff
December 1, 2013
Burlington, ON. Halton Regional Police, Burlington-3 District Strategic Support Team, executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence on Ross Street in the City of Burlington.
- There goes the Christmas money – and how are the people higher up the drug food chain going to get paid with all the money gone?
The warrant was as a result of a drug trafficking investigation. Seized as a result of the warrant and subsequent arrest was;
• $11,100.00 dollars,
• 1307 grams of marihuana (approximately 46.7 ounces/ 2.87 pounds ),
• 4 grams of Cocaine,
• 8 grams of Methamphetamine
• 1 gram of MDMA.
• a digital scale,
• cellular phones
• and packaging material
The drugs have an approximate street value of over $14,000.00.
The accused, Maxwell FOLKES-KAIZER- 24 years of Burlington, was located inside the premise and was subsequently arrested.
FOLKES-KAIZER was charged with:
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a Controlled Substance and, four counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance
He is to appear in Milton Court on January 7, 2014.
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)
 November 29, 2013
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. It was the 25th Anniversary celebration for Crime Stoppers in Canada. Lots of people from the police community taking the decent sized audience through the statistics and telling us about the role Crime Stoppers plays.
Carolyn Wallace spoke on behalf of Burlington MP Mike Wallace – she was as good a speaker as her husband, perhaps a bit better.
 Halton Regional police chief Stephen Tanner The chief of police spoke and then introduced a tall, dark-haired, attractive willowy woman who quietly said she was Sharlene Bosma. The room was suddenly quiet, almost tight.
“It was seven months ago” explained Sharlene “that my husband left the house never to be seen by any of us again.
 Sharlene Bosma with friends after her remarks to Halton Crime Stoppers. “I knew about Crime Stoppers,” she said, “I had seen it on TV but it was never a service you expect to use. I knew about the tips people could send in to Crime Stoppers.”
“We were so numb that first few days – we were desperate but we didn’t know what to do. The house became Command Central and then, quite quickly, there were all these posters put out by Crime Stoppers.
“Family and hundreds of friends were around the house” she continued – pausing several times, working hard to keep it together.
“We had no idea how many calls there were. At one point the police email service was overloaded and Crime Stoppers was able to fill the gap.”
“We were so desperate – waiting and waiting.”
“Never underestimate” she said “the value of family, friends and neighbours.” Each pause was a painful effort to keep it together.
“The terrible things people do to each other” brought the hearts of all of us in the room to our throats.
“Things like this” she continued, “never happen to us”
“Then it did”
 Small smiles were possible And at that point most of the people in the room were about to lose it as we heard an incredibly strong human being lower her head and say “Thank you”.
The applause was both significant and sustained. The people in the room were law enforcement types. Tough people who deal with the worst day in day out. Dennis Farr, a former Halton intelligence officer and an accomplished interrogator was there along with former Halton Chief of Police Gary Crowley
Cal Millar, former head of Crime Stoppers in Halton was on hand along with the new police officer servicing as police liaison with the organization.
The audience had heard the statistics about the vital role Crime Stoppers plats in keeping the community safe.
Claire Gibbon, a Crime Stoppers board member, talked about when her home had been burglarized and how Crime Stoppers helps us “keep one another safe.”
To date for 2013 Crime Stoppers was responsible for 1011 arrests and 2035 clearances. A clearance is a crime for which there was no suspect but found later to have been committed by a person under arrest.
The fact and the figures mattered but what I think most people took away was the strength and the beauty with which Sharlene Bosma presented herself and the thanks she gave “for stepping in when I needed you most.”
 November 22, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. A police raid that took place on the November 21, 2013 was reported immediately by the police. A raid that took place on November 15th 2013, where members of the Integrated Drug, Gun & Gang Unit, along with the 3 District Strategic Support Team, executed 2 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants in Burlington, was not publicly reported until today. Why the delay?
 District 3 police have been busy. Drug raids on the 15th and the 21st of November seized almost $100,000 in cash and a lot of drugs. Probably because the two are linked together. As a result of the November 15th raid, police seized:
9 ounces of cocaine,
$75,000 cash,
8 grams of marihuana, and
3 grams of psilocybin (commonly known as magic mushrooms).
The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $14,500.
Hardeep KALAR (41 years of age) of Burlington was charged with Trafficking a Controlled Substance (cocaine) and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine).
Keith CLARK (27 years of age) of Burlington was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine), and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marihuana and Psilocybin).
Carly PATRY (23 years of age) of Burlington was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine), and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marihuana and Psilocybin).
Stjepan BROZIC (44 years of age) of Freelton was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).
Hardeep KALAR was held for bail and later released on November 19th 2013 on a Recognizance of Bail, while the three other parties were released on Promises to Appear on November 16th 2013.
It will be interesting to see how this case and the raids conducted yesterday work their way through the criminal courts.
 November 22, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. Ouch – that hurt.
 Whenever there is an opportunity to tell, or better yet, show the public what the police are doing to protect us – there is a photo-op. Shown is what the police were able to seize during a recent drug bust. If you look through pat drug/crime stories you can probably trace which lower level dealer was nabbed, squeezed a bit and gave up the name of the supplier. Tough business to have any friends in. On November 21st 2013, members of The Integrated Drug, Gun & Gang Unit executed two Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants in Burlington yesterday and scooped up $105,000 in cash and the following:
3.75 ounces of cocaine,
500 OxyContin tablets,
2 grams of crystal methamphetamine,
7 grams of marihuana, and
0.5 grams powder MDMA (ecstasy).
Andrew HATTON (33 years of age) was charged with:
1. Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)
2. Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (oxycodone)
3. Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana)
4. Possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine)
5. Possession of proceeds of crime
Mr. Hatton was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
 November 13, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. Regional police are continuing their investigation of what they are calling an attempted murder at an apartment building in the east end of the city at 5220 Lakeshore Road.
A 9-1-1 call came in from a young girl at 8:35 pm Tuesday.
 Police have charged a resident of this apartment complex with attempted murder; weapon is believed to have been a knife. Halton Police attended an apartment at 5220 Lakeshore Road, Burlington in response to a 9-1-1 call from a young girl. When police arrived they located the caller in a common hallway and found a teenaged girl suffering from stab wounds in a nearby apartment. She was transported to an area hospital for medical intervention and remains under observation.
A 32-year-old woman, who is known to the victim, was taken into custody at the scene and will be charged with Attempted Murder.
A police presence at the scene will be maintained throughout the day as detectives continue their investigation into this incident.
Anyone with information that would assist in this investigation is asked to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 x2315, 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).
 UPDATE TO ORIGINAL STORY.
November 10th, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. The Regional police are still looking for the “victim” of what they say was Aggravated Assault, Forcible Confinement, Forcible Entry that is reported to have taken place at the Motel 6 on the North Service Road in Burlington.
The victim, who police have not identified, but is said to go by the “handle” was, according to police stabbed in an incident that took place November 9th 2013 at approximately 11:20am.
Nothing has been found and area hospitals have been canvassed.
A young black male, believed to have been stabbed in the torso, fled the Motel 6 on the North Service Road, a little before noon on Saturday. Believed to be bleeding and wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants, black shoes with white soles and a dark red sports style jacket.
Mid 20’s, skinny build, 160 lbs., short black hair in an Afro style the victim was last seen on foot. Police do not know if the male victim got into a vehicle.
Thought to be using the “handle” Jay or Jay Love
Three adult males, between the ages of 20 to 31 years have arrested and subsequently charged with the following offences: Aggravated Assault, Forcible Confinement, Forcible Entry, Weapons Dangerous, Robbery and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.
Going to be tough to make most of those charges stick if there isn’t a victim and whoever was stabbed in the torso clearly doesn’t want to be found
Anyone with information is requested to contact Halton Regional Police – 30 Division – and to speak to the on duty Staff Sergeant at 905-878-5511 ext. 2310, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477,) www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or text “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes.)
 November 9, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. The police have suspects – they just don’t have a victim.
A young black male, believed to have been stabbed in the torso, fled the Motel 6 ON THE North Service Road, a little before noon today. Believed to be bleeding and wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants, black shoes with white soles and a dark red sports style jacket.
Mid 20’s, skinny build, 160 lbs, short black hair in an Afro style the victim was last seen on foot. Police do not know if the male victim got into a vehicle.
Thought to be using the “handle” Jay or Jay Love
Whatever the differences between the victim and those apprehended – they aren’t going to settle it with the police in the room.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS REQUESTED TO CONTACT HALTON REGIONAL POLICE 30 DIVISION S/SGT AT 905-878-5511 EXT 2310 OR Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or text “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 November 8, 2013
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. It was chump change as far as the drug business goes. Just another link in the drug trade food chain. The Halton Regional Police, Burlington-3 District Strategic Support Team, executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence on Prospect Street.
These search warrants are obtained from a Justice of the Peace who reads an affidavit the police have prepared explaining why they believe they should be given the right to enter an property and search for whatever they have convinced the Justice of the Peace is there.
Every police force has a couple of JP’s (Justices of the Peace) they can always call upon to get the warrant they need. This particular warrant was the result of a short drug investigation and the arrest of persons that had purchased drugs from the accused. The police arrested someone in possession of drugs, squeezed him (or her) a bi and got the name of the dealer. A bit of observation and bingo – there is enough evidence to swear that affidavit which the JP buys into and the warrant is issued and the search takes place
All this happened on November 7, 2013. Seized as a result of the warrant and subsequent arrests was;
798 grams of marihuana (approximately 28.5 ounces or 1.78 pounds )
7 grams of Psilocybin (approx 1/4 Ounce),
67 grams (over a 2 ounces) of Cocaine,
128 grams of Cannabis resin (commonly known as hash oil),
$1325.00 in cash.
 Tools of the trade: scale to measure out the purchase and cell phones to keep in touch with the client list. A digital scale, a couple of cellular phones (customer list on at least one of those – will that list lead to additional arrests?) and packaging material. They make it sound as if this guy gift wrapped what he was selling. This was almost a small drug pharmacy for those whose needs could be met in the middle of the night.
The accused, Ryan HORECHKA-23 years of Burlington, was located inside the premise and was subsequently arrested.
HORECHKA was charged with Trafficking a Controlled Substance and four counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and released on a Promise to Appear with certain drug conditions. He is to appear in Milton Court on December 3, 2013.
Another small operator who was given up by a client. It should be interesting when those two are in the same court room with one testifying against the other.
If you wonder why the police go to all this bother and why so much tax money is spent on court cases – pause and think about the mess the city of Toronto is in. Rob Ford got his drugs from dealers who put envelopes in his vehicle or met him in dark places.
The police have never managed to get all the drugs off the street – there is just far too much money in that business for it to ever be eradicated. And there are too many of us who want access to the stuff.
Are some drugs basically the same as alcohol? Do we want drugs sold over the counter just the way Scotch and Rum are now sold? Picking up a bottle of fine 15-year-old single malt is one of the pleasures of life – at least for me it is. Am I going to be able to at some point drive to the equivalent of an LCBO and by my prime, smartly packaged marijuana? Justin Trudeau thinks we should be able to do that – heck we’re already buying the stuff from people who meet in dark corners and don’t want you to know where they live.
The stuff never worked for me. I’m happy to enjoy a glass of good wine or better yet a can of really good Belgian beer with a wedge of Stilton cheese and some crisp English crackers. But we each have our favourites – don’t we?
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)
 October 31, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. A 4:00 am break-in at a Dequincy Crescent home woke the residents who found themselves staring at a male intruder who said he was armed. The resident later told police they did not actually see a weapon.
The intruder proceeded to search the house and took a quantity of cash, alcohol, jewellery and two firearms: a 12 gauge shotgun and a .22 calibre rifle. The male was last seen leaving the residence on foot.
Investigation revealed that the male suspect had forced entry to the house through the front door. The homeowners were uninjured and called Halton Regional Police.
The suspect is described as male, white, 20-30 years of age, 5’7″-6’0″ tall, thin build with light brown hair.
The suspect is described as male, white, 20-30 years of age, 5’7″-6’0″ tall, thin build with light brown hair.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Three District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext 2315, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or text “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 October 18, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. A pile of clothing sitting on sand at the Beachway Park led Halton Regional Police to begin an investigation and a search in the immediate area.
 Clothing was found in a pile in Beachway Park – police searched land and water – no body recovered and no missing report filed. Along with clothing there was some personal property as well but nothing to identify the owner.
The call came into the police at approximately 10:30 a.m. this morning. The clothing was identified as that of a male.
Officers immediately began a search of the shoreline and called in the Halton Regional Police marine unit to search the lake. They were assisted by members of the Burlington Fire Department, the Hamilton Marine Unit, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Halton Police K9 Unit.
At this time, the land search has been concluded but the search of the Lake is continuing. A body has not been recovered and there is no missing persons report.
 October 14, 2013
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. James Ziegler, a 24 year resident of St. Paul Street was one of four people who delegated at a city council committee meeting speaking in favour of the city retaining the land it owns along the edge of the lake between Market and St. Paul Streets.
Ziegler is a detail person, he tends to look at the information put in front of him and interact with it rather than react to it.
After delegating and listening to what he thought were very short-sighted views he sent Councillor Sharman (Ward 5) a note which we set out below along with Sharman`s replies.
I’m writing with regard to Water Street properties and the recent committee meeting on this matter. I’m disappointed the committee’s motion on this matter and intend to provide additional comments and new information to support the merits of a Water Street walkway. Considering the nature of your questions it appears you may have a rather fixed view point and the valuation of this land. By your questions you appeared to be less interesting in considering an alternate point view and more seeking to elicit comments that would support a predetermined position. I believe there was a deficiency in objective facts on the matter and trust that you will listen to these with an open mind.
 You and your colleagues have chosen a short-sighted solution disregarding the need of future generations in Burlington for an expedient answer. I believe you have been bullied by the threat litigation and very narrow minded comments from the landowners. This does not represent the value of a potential park to the general community.
Should the council choose to sell this land, they are acting against several layers of adopted policy and I believe there are grounds for a class action lawsuit on the matter. A course of action I will participate in.
I was appalled by some of the comments of the landowners and some committee members. These statements demonstrated a sour attitude to the general population and lack of faith in the people in our community.
 James Ziegler presented a graphic that illustrated where a paved pathway could be built and the proximity of a pathway to the three houses that abut property currently owned by the city. The property consists of three parcels: road allowances on each end and the old Water Street road in the centre. The city has voted, in principle, to sell the land in the middle. Reason for doing so appears to be financial and some legal history that the city does not want to talk about. This is a sad reflection of the community I live in. Councillor Mead Ward was the sole voice thinking of the value to the public at large about this matter. The paternalistic and condescending comments form Mr. Dennison and Mr. Taylor were a very poor display of public governance. In particular Mr. Dennison pacing the floor behind the chairs as Councillor Ward spoke to her motion could not have demonstrated any more clearly how he was fixated with his position and not willing to listen to any contrary idea. I don’t frequent the proceedings of council but was expecting better. (To be fair to Councillor Dennison, he frequently gets up and paces behind his chair – shouldn’t be seen as a reflection on what is being said or who is speaking.)
There were other citizens in the room for the committee meeting on Oct. 2 who did not rise to speak however they spoke to me afterwards and expressed their displeasure in the tone and attitude of the committee members.
Regarding the merits of a connected pathway, people on a run, walk or bike ride are far less likely to go out to a dead-end requiring them to turn around and follow back to the original line of travel. How many times on a run or walk have you chosen to back track on your route? Likely never or only when circumstances such as a closed path forced you to.
The cavalier comments regarding safety and potential malevolent behavior of some irresponsible people, made by the members and landowners were exaggerations intended to manipulate the argument based on fear. No evidence was presented to support these claims. Yet they appeared to be a significant factor in the decision. Applying the same criteria and comments made by the members most parks or large portions of parks in Burlington and in the Province should be closed to the public. There is no logic or facts to support these arguments. The police that I have talked to on this matter do not see this as a significant security problem. In fact the opposite is more likely true, a short walkway is safer and easier to manage than a dead-end. I have also talked to planners and landscape architects on this matter. The committee decision flies against progressive good community planning.
On the mater of parking for the area, this was a red herring, It completely missed the point, It is a walking pathway. I will present the council a map showing the populations served by the Water Street walkway, within a 1 km range. To suggest we (several thousand people, many in apartments and without cars) have ample opportunity to drive to Spencer Smith park or to crowd into the 50 usable feet of lake edge at Nelson Park to see the lake is akin to the Marie-Antoinette comment, “let them eat cake” People, the general population, need local access to the lake within walking distance of their homes.
I believe you and your colleges have grossly undervalued the significance of adding over 400 lineal feet of public access to the lake, compared to the existing 55 lineal feet of accessible frontage at Nelson park. You and others referred to this as excessive to put two parks between 3 houses. This is misleading to make a measure of scale by counting the three houses. I’m sure you will agree the three houses are much larger than the average size house and lot size in the Burlington core. A better measure would be to look at the real dimensions.
Please reflect on the real motive why you voted against the Water Street walkway and take another look at the matter. As I said at the committee, consider this generation and the next three generations that can enjoy the Water Street walkway. Consider what kind of city you are contributing to. The Vision in this regard should be thought of in terms of many decades not the short term fiscal issues. At the very least leave the land available to a future council with a greater vision for the public welfare. This I use in the true sense of the word, faring well in mind body and spirit.
James Ziegler
 Sharman, the Councillor for Ward 5 responded with: Mr. Zeigler: Thank you for your email. I appreciate your thoughtful and considered argument. I am curious to hear how you feel about Ms. Meed Ward’s position on not acquiring the properties on the Beachway for park, and perhaps even selling vacant lots to private owners? The fact is that there are inconsistencies in all of the arguments, that is normal because the devil is in the details.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman is usually very direct, tends to want to see data that is verifiable and expects to get his way. I understand the higher level motives behind your argument, and in principle I agree. In my experience, in theory everything is practical, in practice it is not. Water Street needs to be resolved now, punting the decision to a future time is simply not helpful. We have parks we don’t maintain. And while I would love to have a path along the waterfront, the properties with riparian rights in the area of Water Street will not allow for further extension of such a pathway.
 Councillor Sharman with Councilor Blair Lancaster. Sharman has dug himself into an ideological argument that he probably cannot get out of. Lancaster liked the sound of leasing the land and might be convinced to change her vote. Each opportunity is evaluated on its own merits. The Water Street properties do not need to kept by the City just to satisfy a higher level ideology. The City policy is clear about acquisition of waterfront property when it is practical and logical to do so. Your view and that of Ms. Meed Ward versus the views of 5 of my colleagues and I are different. It happens.
 Sharman is an avid cyclist. Were he to cycle through the pathway Ziegler proposes he would in all likelihood pause along the path and marvel at the view and tell himself – this is why I am a city Councillor of this city. Besides, I am concerned that the location is so obscure that very few people will actually benefit, apart from the malcontent youth. The proposal is to have two parkettes and to maintain the existing park 200 yards away. That will work quite fine. The City does not need to spend a pile of money to satisfy just a few people. We have bigger matters to address.
Paul
Ziegler probably took in a deep breath after the Sharman response but soldiered on and replied with:
Dear Councillor Sharman: Thank you for your reply. I’ve forwarded your comments to my neighbours. I don’t consider this a matter of ideology, for myself and my neighbours and our families it is a very practical matter. This in not in the realm of conceptual notions. It would be an aspect of many people’s daily lives.
I hope we will be able to convince you that this walkway will be a significant contribution with the potential to be enjoyed by many. I see that you have some challenges to appreciate the importance of creating a 400 ft. walkway. It will be linked to the walk along Lakeshore and the fact that adjacent lands will not be available makes it all the more important to create portions that are accessible.
You may not be a frequent walker or runner so you may not appreciate the value of a linked pathway. I hope my friends and neighbours will help to change your opinion.
James Ziegler.
Later in the weekend Ziegler passed along several of the graphic illustrations he plans to use during his delegation on Tuesday evening.
 There are an estimated 4500 people within a 100 metre radius of the pathway James Ziegler proposes be created along the edge of the lake between Market and St. Paul Street. He then takes on the view that there aren’t that many people in the immediate area who would use the pathway parkette that is proposed and provides a graph to make his point.
Ziegler and his neighbours realize that they face a steep uphill battle. Meed Ward is close to despondent – she just doesn’t see a 4-3 in favour of keeping the land or leasing it. She would need three more votes – the Mayor is a possible, Lancaster is a possible as well. Craven would rather die than vote with Meed Ward and both Taylor and Dennison see the revenue that a sale would being and they want those dollars for infrastructure work.
 Several council members went on about the amount of park space on the eastern side of the city. The Water street property is one of the few areas where parkland can be created. The western side of the city has much more park space. Will these arguments make a difference?
 October 12, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. Police need more information to solve hit and run incident that took place Thursday afternoon when an 85-year-old Burlington woman was struck by a vehicle while walking across the parking lot at the Lakeside Plaza located on Lakeshore Road between Kenwood Avenue and Hampton Heath Road in Burlington.
The collision occurred within the parking lot north of the main Lakeshore Road entrance in the southbound lane. The vehicle failed to remain at the scene of the collision.
The impact caused the pedestrian to hit her head off the ground causing serious head injuries. The female was initially taken to Joseph Brant Hospital but was later transferred to a trauma centre where she is in serious but stable condition.
Police are seeking information from any witnesses to the collision, or witnesses that came to the aid of the injured pedestrian. Witnesses can call the Halton Regional Police Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905-825-4747 ext 5065, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (Crimes).
 September 27, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. Halton Regional Police responded to an assault call at a Motel in the City of Burlington where a female victim reported to police that she had been assaulted by a Brondon Curtis HENRY (28 years of age). The victim suffered minor injuries to her face, for which she received medical treatment.
Further investigation revealed that HENRY had been forcing the victim to provide sexual services (prostitution) for which he was financially benefiting.
Brandon Curtis HENRY a Toronto resident has been charged with the following criminal offences:
Assault (two counts)
Human Trafficking
Benefiting From Trafficking a Person
Exploitation For The Purpose of Trafficking a Person
Procuring To Become a Prostitute
HENRY was held for a bail hearing and will appear in court on September 28th 2013 in the City of Hamilton.
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