 By Staff
March 4th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is blessed with some of the best geography in the world; on family day hundreds of people showed up to walk amongst the Trumpeter Swans and watch these beautiful creatures strut about.
It was our pleasure to sponsor a photo contest and a delight to report on the event. We got this idea off the ground in less than three days – working with the Trumpeter Swan Coalition was a pleasure” said Gazette Publisher Pepper Parr.
The Trumpeter Swan Coalition did the judging and is pleased to announce the winners of the Family Day photography contest. The photos were taken on February 18th during the annual Meet the Trumpeters event at LaSalle Park in Burlington hosted this year by the Ontariogreen and BurlingtonGreen, in conjunction with The Coalition and the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Group.
 First place prize went to Amanda Kerr for “Beauty and Grace”. “There were so many beautiful photos submitted it was almost impossible to select just three,” said Liz Benneian. In the end, the Coalition chose photos that were very different from each other and that highlighted varying aspects of the Trumpeters and their winter habitat. Altogether 65 photos were submitted by 24 photographers.
The 1st place winner was a photo by Amanda Kerr called “Beauty and Grace”. Captured in the moment as two Trumpeters display, this photo expresses the beauty and grace of the swans at home within both the natural and man-made environment of Hamilton Harbour. Kerr’s winning photograph will be framed and presented to the City of Burlington.
Amanda is an animal nutritionist at the University of Guelph where she earned both a Bachelors and a Master degree. She is currently employed at the university. Amanda has been a serious photographer for just over a year. She used Cannon body with Sigma telephoto lens. She opened her lens at 55.6 and used a shutter speed of 1/4000th’
Prior to getting some heavy duty equipment Amanda was a point and shoot photographer. Her weekends are out hiking and looking for that just right photo opportunity.
 Cathy Rowcliffe – Iceberg Harbour The 2nd place winner is a photo by Cathy Rowcliffe called “Safe Harbour”. It is a beautiful wide shot, with great depth of field that illustrates what a wonderful winter habitat the harbour at Lasalle Park is, not only for Trumpeter Swans, but for ducks, geese and all manner of water birds.
Cathy is a Burlington resident who has been taking pictures for a number of years. She loves getting out with her grandson and her camera.
 Mary Lyn Hopper – Swans over Hamilton The 3rd place winner is a photo by Mary Lyn Hopper called “Despite everything, they persevere”. This photo demonstrates the resilience of nature, and of the Trumpeter Swans in particular, who have fought their way back from the brink of extinction and have managed to survive despite human’s continuing assaults on the environment.
The Coalition also gave special recognition to photographer Jennifer Howard’s stunningly beautiful photo of two swans at the snow-covered lake’s edge called “Snow Birds”.
 Jennifer Howard – Snow Birds A sampling of the many other photos submitted will be showcased on the Trumpeter Swan Coalition’s Facebook page and in the Gazette in the weeks ahead.
The Gazette intends to sponsor the Family Day Trumpeter Swan Photo Contest for the next five years. Gazette Publisher Parr said: “Community is what people do where they live. Watching hundreds of people mingling with the swans and hearing the story about how this close to extinct species of birds was saved is what gives the city a large part of its character.“
“The Coalition thanks our partners and sponsors and especially all those who came out to enjoy LaSalle Park and learn more about this important over-wintering habitat for Trumpeter Swans and many other kinds of wildlife,” said Benneian. “LaSalle Park is a very special place and critical to the survival of the Trumpeter Swans that have made a comeback from near extinction. Having such a wonderful place in its own backyard is a real bonus for Burlington.”
 By Staff
February 28th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is pleased to launch a new youth mural project. Lead by professional artists, youth will get a hands-on opportunity to make a mural that will be unveiled as part of Youth Week (May 2019).
The city is looking for youth ages 14 – 18 to help create a mural that will be part of the City of Burlington’s public art collection.
Workshops
• Youth participants are invited to attend one of 3 meetings on their area to learn more.
• Each meeting is 2-3 hours long and includes a dinner break (food and refreshments provided)
• The meeting includes hands-on art making activities; each participant will take home their own graffiti art inspired poster
• The workshops will take place at the following locations:
Meeting 1 Burlington Seniors’ Centre, 2285 New St. Tuesday, March 19 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Meeting 2 Haber Community Centre, 3040 Tim Dobbie Dr. Wednesday, March 21 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Meeting 3 Mountainside Community Centre, 2205 Mount Forest Dr. Thursday, March 22 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Attend any ONE meeting to meet the Artist and discuss the project. Dinner provided.
Project team meeting: Week of April 1-5, Student Theatre Centre 2131 Prospect St. – exact date and time TBD
Production: April 15-30 unveiling and launch Saturday, May 4, during National Youth Week.
How to Participate:
RSVP to rainer.noack@burlington.ca
About the Artists
Jimmy Baptiste is a youth educator/facilitator, graphic artist, curator and muralist raised in Montreal, Quebec. His aim is to develop and provide his clients a unique approach to education through the arts. He promotes the use of murals as graffiti vandalism deterrent, engages people of all ages in positive skill-building experiences while simultaneously supporting local arts and culture, and enhancing a neighbourhood’s beauty for residents and visitors.
In 2015, Jimmy received the P. Lantz Bursary as an artist-in-residency from the Department of Integrated Studies and Education (D.I.S.E) of McGill University in Montreal. He as collaborated with various organisations like Mikw Chyiam as artist in residency in first nation communities, A’Shop, Under Pressure Graffiti Festival branding, Cossette Media and the Educational Program of Place des Arts in Montreal.
Hans Schmitter is a US born, Montreal-based artist with over 20 years experience with spray can art and graphic design. He has worked on countless commercial projects and painted hundreds of murals, large and small, in many locations around the world. He has worked as a solo artist and in collaboration with other artist and team members, in every capacity, from assistant to creative director
 By Staff
February 27th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
For the Harry Potter fans – this is one you don’t want to miss – a Triwizard Trivia Tournament
It will be a Remembrance of Potters Past – The Books – The Movies – Fantastic Beasts
 A clip from which film? Better know if you want tto score well at the Triwizard Trivia Tournament. Are you wild about Harry? How well do you know the Wondrous World of Wizardry?
Take part in the Triwizard Trivia Tournament (in Muggle disguise or Hogwarts robes) and find out.
Prizes will be awarded to winners of individual tournaments; and a Grand Prize given to the highest scorer overall.
Sharpen your quills, mount your Firebolts and apparate over to A Different Drummer Books for an afternoon of fun and revelations.
 The properly dressed Tournament attendee. Takes place Sunday March 10 – 1pm at
A Different Drummer Books, 513 Locust Street Burlington
Admission Free
Please Register – 905 639 0925 ~ diffdrum@mac.com
Participating wizards should be younger than 139 (or thereabouts) and older than 12 (or thereabouts).
Admission granted with a donation of non-perishable food items for The Compassion Society of Halton.
Let’s fill the cauldron!
 By Pepper Parr
February 27th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Brant Inn – most of the population of the city couldn’t tell you what it is, where it was or anything about the period of time when it was one of the swingiest places in the province.
People came by train and car by the thousands to take in a show.
 There once was a different Burlington. The town jumped. All that is left is a plaque on the northern edge of Spender Smith Park and, if you look closely, some of the pilings at the water’s edge when the deck of the Inn stretched into the lake.
The story of the Brant Inn is being brought to the Performing Arts stage March 19th for a single performance.
 It was the place to be when it was well managed. Show Producer Franklin Penny, described as “… a showman, a fine musician, a singer with great chops, and astonishingly, a nice guy. It doesn’t get any better than that!” is the man behind the show that will feature Sophisticated Swing, an Award-Winning 17-piece Big Band with some of the finest musicians in the Golden Horseshoe and beyond.
Roy Wilson, a former editor of the Burlington Gazette (the print version – not our on line publication) will be the Master of Ceremonies.
 “…continual ministrations” that’s what physicians did in those days. The event is touted as a “terrific tribute to the legendary Brant Inn, the many artists who played there, and the famous big bands that many thousands danced to in the ‘Sky Club’.
Take advantage of the Early Bird and Group ticket prices now on sale!
Ticket prices:
Early Bird Pricing (Nov. 1 – Feb. 28):
Regular: $48.50 (Includes Fees + Tax)
Seniors (60+): $42.50 (Includes Fees + Tax)
Regular Pricing (starts Mar. 1):
Regular: $52.50 (Includes Fees + Tax)
Seniors (60+): $46.50 (Includes Fees + Tax)
Group Rate
Regular: $42 (Includes Fees + Tax)
Available for groups of 8 or more. Please call the Box Office at: (905) 681-6000.
 By Staff
February 25th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Once again Burlington’s Best nomination deadline has been extended – this time to March 7
 In an announcement from city hall the public is advised that those wishing to nominate a fellow resident for a Burlington’s Best Award can now do so until Thursday, March 7, 2018. The original deadline has been extended by seven days.
Visit burlington.ca/best to nominate someone deserving of civic recognition for their hard work, compassion and dedication.
Nomination forms can be completed online at burlington.ca/best or by picking up a nomination form at the Clerks Department at City Hall, 426 Brant St.
Related news story:
Nomination categories for Burlington’s BEST
 By Pepper Parr
February 24th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The deadline for what has been an annual event for the past 53 years is February 28th. The city asks the citizens to nominate people they feel have served the city well in eight categories.
 The 2017 winners pose with their awards. From left to right: Kim Moss (Community Service), Addison Wood (Junior), Ron Danielsen, on behalf of Friends of Freeman Station (Heritage), Mae Radford (Senior), Osob Adus (Citizen of the Year), Mayor Rick Goldring, Bill Murray (Accessibility), Teresa Seaton (Arts Person), Gloria Reid (Environmental) The eight categories are:
Citizen of the Year
A person whose volunteer activity has made a significant and sustained contribution to the vibrancy and well being of the Burlington community in 2018.
Junior Citizen of the Year
A youth, 14-18 years of age who has made a significant contribution to the Burlington community in 2018.
Senior Person of the Year
A person, 55 years or older who has made a significant contribution to the Burlington Community and/or advocated on behalf of seniors in 2018.
Environmental Award
An individual or group that improved and/or protects Burlington’s environment in 2018.
Arts Person of the Year
An individual who has contributed to the arts in Burlington as an artist, patron or advocate including but not limited to, visual arts, media arts, musical arts, performing arts and literary arts in 2018.
Community Service Award
An individual or group whose volunteer activity has contributed to the betterment of the Burlington community in 2018.
Heritage Award
An individual or group who has demonstrated a commitment to the preservation of Burlington’s heritage, and has volunteered their time in an effort to support the preservation of Burlington’s heritage in 2018.
Accessibility Award
An individual, organization or business who have made significant contributions to increase access and participation of people with disabilities in the Burlington community in 2018.
In the past the city has stretched the nomination date – the uptake on the part of the citizens wasn’t as robust as it could have been.
Many have used their being named one of the Best as a launch for a political career. There have been some abuses: wives have nominated husbands; mothers have nominated sons
This, the 53rd event is reported to be the last.
Gazette sources have advised that the program will come to an en this year.
Established in February 1965 as the Civic Recognition Committee it may have outlived its usefulness.
What isn’t clear is – who made the decision to end the program?
 By Staff
February 23rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
We are going to get through this winter.
 The people at the Art Gallery are so certain that we will they have announced “ officially “ that Spring + Summer Program Registration opens Wednesday, March 13!
You can register online at agb.life/springsummer2019 , by phone at (905) 632-7796, or in person at our Brock Lobby Front Desk!
The people who pump out the news at the AGB have said that: “If you heard that registration was starting on another date, ignore those rumours! In order to give you the best registration experience possible, we moved the time. We’re so sorry for any inconvenience this change may cause!
 By Pepper Parr
February 22nd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette keeps hearing about problems at the Seniors’ Centre on New Street. For the most part they are small niggling little issues but when collected together they suggest there is a deeper issue.
 Seniors’ Centre staff showing their concern for the comfort and safety of people who use the facility. Do the staff really care about the people they are supposed to be serving?
These are seniors; the people who have paid their dues and have the right to quality time and more than just a measure of dignity.
The week was registration week – the Gazette published a news report on some of the problems that were being experienced with the registration process and the impact a change in the way programs are paid for was having on some people.
Earlier today we were sent a photograph of a sign that had been set up outside the entrance door advising: For your comfort and safety please do not line up outdoors.
The doors should be opened as early as possible so that the seniors can be both safe and comfortable.
There is a care taker in the building – he could unlock the doors and people could wait in the auditorium.
People get to the Centre as early as possible so they can obtain a number and be in the registration line based on the number they hold. These people want to take courses – many of them that are exercise classes. They want to remain healthy and active – but the staff seem to want them to stand out in the cold.
Burlington is a city that talks about the way it cares for its citizens but refuses to open the doors to a public building so that older people can get inside and stay out of the chilly if not downright cold weather.
What is wrong with these people?
Related news story:
Empathy appears to be in short supply as Seniors’ Centre
 By Staff
February 22nd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
If music played on a piano is something you enjoy – and if that music is classical at its very best – mark March 10th on your calendar and log into the Performing Arts Centre web site to book tickets.
 Gryphon Trio: Piano, with Strings Attached Throughout the 2018/19 season, BPAC is celebrating The Piano, presenting a four-concert series showcasing this magnificent instrument in distinct piano presentations, with some of Canada’s keyboard masters. GRYPHON TRIO: Piano, with Strings Attached is the latest installment in the concert series.
One of the most accomplished piano groups in the country, described as Canada’s foremost Piano Trio will be on stage at BPAC for a 1:00 p.m. and a 7:00 pm performance that will include:
Haydn’s Piano Trio in G Minor, Beethoven’s Piano Trio in E-flat Major, and after intermission, they will be joined by a guest violist to perform Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, one of the quintessential Romantic piano chamber works.
Throughout the 2018/19 season, BPAC is celebrating The Piano, presenting a four-concert series showcasing this magnificent instrument in distinct piano presentations, with some of Canada’s keyboard masters. GRYPHON TRIO: Piano, with Strings Attached is the latest installment in this poignant concert series.
 Gryphon Trio in concert: Roman Borys, Annalee Patipatanakoon, and Jamie Parker. The multiple JUNO-winning Gryphon Trio returns to Burlington to perform chamber piano masterpieces. This year, the Gryphon Trio celebrated its milestone 25th anniversary. Throughout their history, they have firmly established themselves as one of the world’s preeminent piano trios, garnering acclaim and impressing international audiences with its highly refined, dynamic and memorable performances.
The trio is made up of Roman Borys, Annalee Patipatanakoon, and Jamie Parker. Roman is the Artistic and Executive Director of the Ottawa Chamber Music Society, Annalee and Jamie serve as OCMS’s Artistic Advisors in addition to their responsibilities at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, where Jamie is the Rupert E Edwards Chair in Piano Performance and Annalee is the Associate Professor of Violin and Head of Strings.
GRYPHON TRIO: Piano, with Strings Attached
Sunday, March 10, 2019, 1:00pm & 7:00pm
Main Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, ON, L7S 1T7
Tickets:
$49 Regular
$44 Member
Group pricing available
*All prices include tax and fees.
To Purchase Tickets:
Online: www.burlingtonpac.ca
Over the Phone: 905.681.6000
In Person: Monday – Saturday, 12:00pm -4:00pm, or 1 hour before the show
 By Staff
February 21st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Registration for both 2019 Spring and Summer recreation programs opens February 23, 2019 for Adults 19+ and 55+. People can register for both programs at 9 a.m., doors will open at 7:30 a.m. for early arrivals.
Registration is available online at burlington.ca/play, in-person at Burlington Seniors Centre, Tansley Woods and Brant Hills Community Centres, or City Hall. Non-residents will be able to register on March 1, 2019.
 The Spring/Summer Live and Play guide, featuring listings for city recreation, sport and culture programs is available online on the City of Burlington website. Printed copies of the guide are available at City Recreation Facilities, City Hall and the Burlington Public Libraries.
The spring session programs begin April 1 and the summer programs will begin on July 8.
Following registration day, in-person registration is available at any customer service location. A listing of locations and hours is available at burlington.ca/servicehours.
For those choosing to register for both spring and summer programs, the option for a deferred payment for summer registration is available. Customers can access this payment option by registering in-person.
 Senior citizen former Mayor Rick Goldring signs up as a member at the Senior’s Centre. Today was program registration day. The City of Burlington would also like to remind residents financial help is available through the Recreational Fee Assistance program for those that qualify.
Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreational programs.
Fee Assistance can be used for:
• Registered Programs
• Drop-In Programs
• Passes and Memberships
One Gazette reader explained that at a class at the Seniors’ Centre “we were told that the City had decided that moving forward there will be only 2 registration periods. This will start with the February 23rd Registration.
How this will work is as follows: On February 23rd seniors will be registering for programs. Seniors will be able to register for the spring session and/ or the summer session. Some of the classes have very limited space availability and if they don’t register for both in February chances are they won’t get into the class in the summer.
For some residents having to pay for both the spring and summer session could be problematic. We were also told that if the Senior’s membership to the Centre expired before the end of the last class the computer would basically kick them out and they will not be registered in the course. So it would mean that the senior has to pay for both sets of sessions plus the membership fee. Also the City is holding their money for months before completing the session.
We were also told that for those seniors who come into the centre to register, if they could not pay for everything at once arrangements could be made.
What about those seniors that register at home online – they do not have this option of spacing out their payment? More seniors register online, why should this option not be made available to them?
For those seniors who are away ( snowbirds) how will they know that the summer registration starts on February 23rd.
The reader made the point that “once again decisions seem to be made that are not discussed in advance with those who are most affected by these changes.”
 “Parks and Rec tried to make seniors bring their own equipment for Pilates (like large Pilate balls and bands) starting in the Spring and only when this came to light and reported on did Parks & Rec back down.
There appear to be a number of administrative level issues within Parks and Recreation when it comes to how the Seniors’ programs are managed. The issue seems to be at the leadership level – staff do not appear to be very empathetic to the issues seniors face.
By Staff
February 20th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
If you were one of the several hundred people who spent some time on Family Day – Monday at LaSalle Park and you took some pictures you think are pretty good – make a point of entering them in the photo contest.
More details in the attached news story. Deadline for entries is 10:00 pp.m., Friday February 22nd.
Send your entries to
swans@bgzt.ca
Details on photo contest sponsored by the Gazette in partnership with the Trumpeter Swan Coalition.
Trumpeter swans take center stage at LaSalle Park on Family Day.
There were some very good pictures taken – one of the many is set out below.
 This picture was taken by a Gazette staff photographer.
 By Pepper Parr
February 21st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Just how does the city budget get created and passed and what do the members of council do to ensure that tax payers are getting value for money?
Staff in the Finance department present a draft budget to city council
That draft is the result of a process that has each department putting together their budgets which gets vetted by a team that consists of senior staff, the Director of Finance and the city manager.
The public get to delegate on the draft budget.There was email feedback, there was a telephone town hall, the city made use of its Get Involved service that lets people say what they think on various issues. And then there was that button-holing that politicians have to live with from residents who want something for their special interest or community.
Members of Council inevitably have questions – with the current five new members of Council there is not only a steep learning curve but also a lot of questions that are often specific to their wards.
The following is a list of some of the questions individual council members asked. The name of the council member who posed the question is not provided – unfortunately.
Service: Recreation
Question: Securing Sponsorship Funds by Naming Corporate Assets
Who is responsible for generating sponsorship funds through the naming of corporate assets?
 The Haber Law Group got naming rights to the Recreation Centre in Alton for 20 years – paid millions. Response: To date, naming opportunities have been done on a project by project basis with Parks and Recreation staff usually taking the lead. A sponsorship package is approved by council and potential sponsors are sought. Most recently the city was successful in securing a naming opportunity for the Haber Recreation Center; unsuccessful in securing a sponsor for the renovated Nelson Outdoor Pool.
Funds secured are placed in a reserve to support future capital renewal of the asset that was named. There have been differences of opinion on whether the city should secure sponsorship for the overall name of an asset, with there being more comfort with naming components within an asset.
A review of the corporate sponsorship policy will be undertaken later in 2019, early 2020
 It was Regional budget dollars that paid for the re-build of New Street. Infrastructure no matter who pays – in the end it is coming out of your pocket. Question: What would be the impact on the overall 20-year asset management plan if the increase in the infrastructure renewal levy was decreased to 1% instead of 1.25% for this year, and what is that amount worth?
Response: A 0.25% decrease would reduce $400,000 of funding to the capital program in 2019 and $8 million of funding over the next 20 years ($24 million over the 60-year Asset Management Plan). $4 million of projects would need to be removed from the 10-year capital budget and forecast.
The capital projects impacted by the reduction risk higher costs in the future to complete and additional costs by the way of minor maintenance expenditures until the work can be done. The projects timing in the capital program is based on assessed condition, warranting the required work, deferring work can impact the resident’s experience and derived quality with the asset.
Question: Provide a list of statutory and discretionary development charge exemptions and a list of ineligible services.
Response: List of statutory and discretionary development charge exemptions and list of ineligible services:
The Development Charges Act along with regulation O.Reg. 82/98 provides legislated statutory development charge exemptions for the following:
• Industrial building expansions up to 50% of the gross floor area
• Intensification within existing residential developments with up to 2 additional dwelling units permitted within existing low-density dwellings and 1 additional dwelling unit permitted within medium and high-density dwellings
• Municipalities (City and Region)
• Board of Education and local board, as defined in the Education Act
The City’s existing DC by-law (46-2014) also provides non-statutory exemptions from payment of development charges with respect to:
• Hospital, excluding any portion of the lands, building or structures occupied by the tenant of the hospital
• A place of worship
• Conservation authority
• Seasonal structure and temporary venues
• Parking garages
• Agricultural uses
• Canopy (structure with one or no walls, ie. Gas pump islands)
Ineligible services:
In accordance with the Development Charges Act and O. Reg 82/98, a development charge by-law may not impose development charges to pay for increased capital costs, prescribed as ineligible service listed below:
• Cultural or entertainment facilities, including museums, theatres and art galleries
• Tourism facilities, including convention centres,
• Acquisition of land for parks, including woodlots
• Hospitals, as defined in the Public Hospitals Act
• Landfill sites and services
• Facilities and services for the incineration of waste
• Headquarters for general administration of municipalities and local boards
• Lands for parks, includes land for woodlots and land because it is environmentally sensitive
Project: Funding for Capital Projects from Parks and Recreation Reserve Funds
Question: How are the reserve funds managed and what amount of funding is coming from them for capital projects?
Response: The Parks and Recreation Department utilizes reserve funds to partially support capital initiatives for the repair and renewal of facilities and associated program amenities/enhancements in the Organized Sport Support, Recreation and Culture service areas.
 Angela Coughlan Pool Reserve Funds related to facilities and programs are funded by a 5% surcharge place on user fees. Funds from these Reserve Funds are used to offset a portion of capital costs related to repair, renewal and enhancement of facilities and programs in the asset type, for example; surcharges collected at Angela Coughlan Pool would be placed in the “Pools” Reserve Fund and used for pools asset renewal projects.
Projects presented through the capital budget that are funded or partially funded through Reserve Funds illustrate details as such under the budget summary.
Service: Municipal Law Enforcement (additional By-law Enforcement
Question: Bylaw: getting from 6 (proposed budget) to 8: I understand Parks and Recreation have a parks enforcement office, and parking enforcement is also separate from bylaw. Can we redeploy a parks and rec, and a parking officer to bylaw to bring the total bylaw complement to 8 officers? Or redeploy one officer from animal control to bylaw to achieve one of the 2.
Response: Parks and Recreation have Park Ambassadors who work with sports groups on proper park etiquette and problem-solving issues (lights on, lights off etc). These are part- time staff who work in summer months.
Parking Enforcement is contracted out to a 3rd party provider (Core Commissionaires) and the enforcement officers are not City employees.
Moving an animal enforcement officer would result in service reductions to customers and Animal Control Enforcement overall. This would impact the work the animal enforcement officers do on investigations, ticketing, and coyote management (as examples).
Service: Road and Sidewalk Maintenance
 Would this stretch of sidewalk qualify? Question: What would be the cost of plowing the pathway at Brant Hills Community Centre? Are there any other locations not currently maintained in the winter?
Response: The additional cost to maintain this pathway is minimal and could be accommodated however there are significant safety concerns during freeze/thaw conditions given the hilly nature of the pathway.
There is a further 57 km of footpaths not in the road allowance that are not maintained in the winter. To maintain all of these pathways in the winter would require significant resources including additional staffing and capital equipment.
Given the significant amount of work and resources required to partially implement the new minimum maintenance standards on sidewalks adding additional footpaths is not recommended at this time.
Service: Transit
 What would free transit cost the city? Question: What is the cost to provide seniors with free transit between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm Monday to Friday?
Response: The estimated cost is $300,000 for conventional transit and $60,000 for para-transit service.
Service: Recreation
Question: What expansion have we done to the pickleball program to address demand?
Response: We have been successful at obtaining grant funding to support a program expansion at various locations throughout the city. To date, we have also considered partnering to maintain this program expansion as well as looking to convert outdoor tennis courts, in specific target areas, to outdoor pickleball courts. Funding ends after this year. To date, all program expansions have had to be funded by grants which is not sustainable.
Service: Recreation and Organized Sports
Question: Have we been able to meet the community need in terms of fee assistance and other similar type requests?
Response: To date, we are able to meet the demand we receive through the various funds available such as Community Matching Fund, Fee Waiver and Fee assistance programs. Financial assistance is supported in part by the tax base and also by external funders / donors.
Service: Local Boards
 Performing Arts Centre get a substantial subsidy. Question: What savings would be achieved by holding the boards and Committees to 1.5% across the board instead of 2%?
Response: The total savings of reducing the city’s contribution to the local boards to a 1.5% increase instead of a 2% increase would be $75,457 as detailed below:
Service: Corporate Expenditures (VDRF)
Question: Can the provision to VDRF (Vehicle Depreciation Reserve Fund) be reduced? Showing a $402K increase.
Response: The Vehicle Depreciation Reserve Fund is used to fund the replacement of the city’s Fleet vehicles (excluding conventional buses). The policy approved in 2018 is to increase the provision by 4% annually. In addition, $270,000 of tax supported funding previously required for debt charge repayment (see $500k reduction in debt charges) was restated to support the Handi-van renewal requirements. Handi-vans were previously replaced using funding from gas taxes.
Service: General – HR Budget Summary
Question: Why is HR up 7.1%? Is this the head count increase?
Response: 7.1% HR increase includes business case requests as well as the base budget. Base budget increase is 4.8% and when you exclude the regulatory/contractual obligations as well as the 2 staff for Halton Hills fire communications and the road patroller that is funded by the Region, the base budget increase for HR is 3%.
Question: What is the total amount of budget reductions required to get the increase to 2.99%?
Response: $1.6 million of on-going savings would be required to reduce the proposed budget from 3.99% to 2.99%.
The challenge for this new city council is determining what will be cut? Will this council focus on projects in their wards or will they take a longer term approach and structure the budget to ensure that the public gets value for the money spent.
We will report on that debate which takes place today.
 The seven members of city council who sit in this renovated council chamber will decide just what your tax bill is going to amount to.
By Pepper Parr
February 19th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The weather was great!
 Michael Jones talks to Liz Benneian about the turnout for Family Day – it was great. It had been a tough weekend weather-wise but it changed for Family Day and particularly for those who took the opportunity to gather at LaSalle Park and watch the Trumpeter swans and walk among them.
 People walked about the swans while those with impressive camera equipment were clicking away. The swans were at one point on the very edge of extinction and in some communities they are still at risk.
 At feeding time the birds cluster and poke away at the food. The birds with light brown colouring are younger birds. But at LaSalle Park on Monday they were out there for all to see. Liz Benneian stood at the entrance telling anyone who would give her two minutes more than they ever thought they would know about the swans and the problems and victories that the Trumpeter Swan Coalition have experienced.
The Gazette sponsored a photo contest with the Coalition. There wasn’t very much in the way of lead time but at the end of the day there were more than a dozen entries with more to come.
There are some stunning pictures that will be shared once the judges have done their job.
 Liz Benneian uses every opportunity she gets to tell the swan story. The Coalition shares the waterfront space with the Marina – that relationship gets stiff from time to time. With changes on city council there appears to be a much better relationship coming to the surface.
 A swan about to take flight. The public participation was good – and the people on hand to tell the swan story were exceptionally well informed.
 They mate for life and swim around in pairs much of the time. Is there a lesson here for the rest of us?  The swans gather in a small cove at the eastern end of the waterfront park.
By Larisa Wong
February 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
One of the most popular social media platforms is Snapchat. It has grow in popularity ever since launching and it is particularly a hit with young adults and teens. If you use Snapchat, then you probably see many emojis, but do you actually know what they are and what each one means? Don’t worry because the rest of this article will go into more depth about what they are and what some of them mean.
What Are Snapchat Emojis
Snapchat emojis tracks the way you and your friends on the platform interact with one another. The emojis that show up on your friends tab can be affected by various factors, such as how often you and your friend send one another snaps, the length of time you’ve been friends and other users you interact with. These are the main factors.
Think of Snapchat emojis as other emojis that are commonly used on social media sites, but they are slightly unique.
What Do They Mean
Here is what the most popular emojis mean:
 The Baby Face– Do you see this emoji? If so, then you’ve just added someone new to your Snapchat’s friends list. If you just joined Snapchat, then this emoji will be shown frequently. Think of the baby face emoji symbolizing that you are brand new to the site or that you have new friends on Snapchat, if that makes sense.
The Birthday Cake Emoji– If the birthday cake emoji pops up near one of your friends as you’re scrolling your list, then you can probably guess what it means. If not, it means it’s their birthday. When a person signs up to Snapchat, they provide their date of birth and on that date is when the emoji will appear near their name. Don’t forget to wish them a happy birthday if you notice this emoji near their name.
Fire– Have you been snapping with a friend for at least three days in a row? If so, then you’ll see the fire emoji on your list. The number next to the flame will represent how many days your streak is. If it’s four days, then the number for will be next to the fire emoji.
Hourglass– This emoji means that your streak is about to end with the person that it is next to. All you have to do is send them a quick snap. After you do this, your streak will continue, but do remember that chatting along won’t keep the streak going. This is why you’ll want to take snap selfies via the selfie camera.
Grimace– The grimace emoji appears when you share a best friend with the friend that the emoji is showing next to. It indicates that the person interacts quite a bit with the friend you interact with regularly. The more you interact with specific users, the more likely you’ll end up seeing the grimace emoji appearing.
 The Smile Emoji- This emoji means the users is one of your good friends because of how frequently you interact with them. It also means they send you many snaps and so do you, but it does not indicate they are your number one best friend. The more active you are on Snapchat, the more of a chance you have of spotting this emoji.
The 100– This is one of the best emojis on Snapchat. Make sure you take a screenshot of it if you come across it because it means that you are on a huge streak. To be more specific, it means your streak with a specific person has hit the 100 day mark, which is quite impressive.
Purple Zodiac Sign– When you click on a user’s name to view their profile and you see a purple Zodiac sign near them, it means they have entered their birthday. The Zodiac symbol for that month shows up. If you ever get curious about who has entered their date of birth and what their Zodiac symbol is, then click on people’s profile.
Gold Heart- The gold heart emoji indicates that you and the person are best friends on Snapchat. It means you have sent this person many snaps and they have done the same. In fact, it means you’ve sent them the most and they’ve sent you the most.
 Sunglasses– The sunglasses emoji means you and the person share a close friend. A close friend does not mean they are one of your best friends, but it is a user who sends you snaps on a regular basis. Don’t be surprised to see this emoji pop up regularly as you become a more frequent user of the platform.
Now you know what Snapchat emojis are. You also have an idea of what some of them mean. With that said, if you’re not using emojis on Snapchat, then you should start.
Larisa Wong is a recognized expert on the use and meaning of emojis She works out of the Murcia region of Spain which borders on the Mediterranean Sea.
Related link:
More on the Snapchat people.
By Pepper Parr
February 15th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The city has plans to upgrade the look and feel of civic square and they are asking artists who have an interest in making the city a nice place to live to submit their ideas.
Upgrading the Civic Square has been one of those things the city hasn’t asked the citizens of the city to chime in on. They will get a chance to get their views in between May 13th and 27th.
 The flag poles will be moved further up Brant Street opening up Civic Square. The overall design has been determined and artists are being asked to come up with some ideas on what kind of shading there should be and what it could look like.
The competition closes on March 15th – for those that are artists there is all the detail you will want right here.
There is a fee of $115,000 for the artist(s) chosen to do the job.
In the two diagrams that follow the city sets out what will be put where in terms of the flag poles – the six are going to be upgraded to eight.
There will be additional furniture and some tidying up around the fountain.
The objective is to create a shade structure(s) to complement planned upgrades to the small gathering place in front of City Hall.
The creation and installation of the artwork is a two phase process. First phase is a look at what has come in in the way of ideas; phase two will be narrowing down to a short list of artists who will be asked to provide a preliminary art work concept.
The city describes Civic Square as a small yet vital gathering space located in the heart of downtown Burlington and acts as the front entrance to City Hall. In addition to providing residents and visitors a space to stop and rest, Civic Square is also home to a variety of arts and culture events.
Civic Square will be undergoing a renewal project to improve the quality of Civic Square as an extension of Burlington’s downtown main street. The primary objectives are to improve accessibility and overall character and to better support the community and local downtown businesses.
o Addition of lighting and moveable seating,
o Replacement of existing clay brick pavements and drainage system,
o Overall grade to be raised to eliminate steps and improve accessibility,
o Perimeter concrete planter/seat walls to remain but seat caps will be replaced,
o Addition of new trees, moveable planters and other plantings,
o Relocate existing flagpoles and adding two (2) more for a total of eight (8),
o Existing clock and decorative water fountain to remain in place.
In the instructions to the artists we learn that: “The overhead shade structure(s) will be installed on the south side of Civic Square. Ideally, this shade structure should be comprised of two to three (2-3) separate canopies, each supported by an independent foundation. The shade structure(s) will complement other site amenities including the concrete planter/seat wall, moveable seating, lighting and custom paving to create a space that is welcoming and open to pedestrians. It is anticipated that these amenities will further encourage the casual use of the space.”
Under a separate tendering process, the City will procure the contracted construction for Civic Square and Brant Street renewal in June so that on-site work can begin in late June.
The Civic Square tender project will not include the construction of the shade structure however it will include a lump sum cash allowance for the construction of the shade structure footings. The cost for the construction of the footings is not part of the $115,000 for this commission, as it will be paid for out of the construction budget for the Civic Square Project.
The contractor for the Civic Square project is anticipated to be complete and off-site by end of September. The artist will be expected to install the shade structure in October/November 2019.
Estimated Project Timeline (2019)
By Pepper Parr
February 15th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a quiet but very successful evening for ACCOB – the Arts and Cultural Council of Burlington. It was their second Annual General Meeting – something many weren’t certain was ever going to take place eight years ago.
The first seed that grew into what exists today was put into the ground when Trevor Copp delegated at city council saying he wanted to be able to work in the city he lives in. Copp is a performing artist.
City council heard what Copp was saying and over time funding was found to do some research and create a plan. Much of the research was done by an admittedly well qualified researcher who is based in Hamilton.
 Arts people in the city took part in many Cultural Action Plan sessions when they were organized as as an Arts and Culture Collective. The early phase hard work has paid off. A plan was put in place, ACCOB was formed and over time they were able to convince the city that they needed support within city hall. Funds were found for a culture manager who over a period of time was given funds to add a half time support staffer.
The organization has a bank account with money in it and is now ready to take the next step and create a Strategic Plan.
 Bernadette Ward, the Executive Director of the Oakville Arts Council ACCOB brought in a guest speaker, Bernadette Ward, the Executive Director of the Oakville Arts Council – an organization that has been operational since 2004.
There normally isn’t much in the way of questions after an AGM – unless there are a lot of concerns and complaints. There were a lot of very good questions at the Tuesday evening AGM.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman with Angela Pappariza, Manager Culture for the city of Burlington. Paul Sharman made an appearance – he is probably the member of council who will prove to be their strongest supporter. Sharman is a council member who actually buys a ticket and attends events at the Performing Arts Centre. Ask him for comment on an opera and chances are you will learn far more than you expected.
Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan may well turn out to be a strong arts advocate as well; his parents met each other at the Student Theatre
 Cheryl Goldring with some of the art her husband hung in his office. Cheryl Goldring, an accomplished artist in her own right, told the audience that she is in the process of putting together a fund raiser for the Performing Arts Centre in early April – she expects to involve something in the order of twenty different performing artists.
Sounds a little like the Blue Jeans Festival that was put on at BPAC in its early years. Her husband played the piano, admitting that he had missed several of the piano classes while Mike Wallace danced to the Gene Kelly tune Dancing in the Rain.
Goldring had a lot of questions for Ward, the Oakville Arts Council Executive Director – look for something from her in the months ahead. She can now make more of her profile as an artist and bring about a stronger appreciation and a better response to the arts in this city.
 ACCOB president Tim Park with Kim Verral. Tim Park was returned as President and is serving as Treasurer until they can find someone to do the numbers work.
The task for the year ahead is to put together a strategic plan and work at maintaining their visibility in the community. The web site has been upgraded,they have money in the bank, they are now recognized by the city as the group that will serve a critical role in the building more capacity for the arts community. They also now have a strong working relationship with the Performing Arts Centre.
 By Staff
February 15th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
LaSalle Park in Burlington is home to the largest over-wintering population of Trumpeter Swans in Ontario.
 On Family Day, Monday, February 18 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. members of the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Group and the Trumpeter Swan Coalition will be on hand to introduce you to these magnificent birds that have fought their way back from extinction with the help of a group of dedicated volunteers.
Hear the Trumpeter Swans’ amazing stories and learn more about them from the team of women who band and tag the birds.
Bring your camera and take part on the photo contest. More details HERE
The event is free. All ages welcome.
The event will be held along the shoreline of LaSalle Park 831 LaSalle Park Road. Booths will be set up near the boat launch. Banders and taggers will be working in the beach area.
The pictures are awesome – they are really beautiful creatures and Burlington is home to hundreds of them.
The Trumpeter Swan Coalition in Burlington is committed to protecting the birds and their habitat – something that hasn’t always been easy in Burlington.
The Coalition is holding a gathering of those who want to observe and learn more about the birds on Family day at LaSalle Park.
The Gazette has partnered with the Collation to hold a photo contest.
There will be first, second, and third cash prizes of $100; $50 and $25.
Anyone can enter a photograph.
Two requirements:
The photograph has to be taken at LaSalle Park and it has to be taken on Family Day Monday, February 18, 2019
The event: Trumpeter Swan Day at LaSalle Park
11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
No pets please.
You submit your photograph in a digital format to:
swans@bgzt.ca
 Please provide:
Your full name
Email address
Telephone number
Every photo sent in will be acknowledged.
Winners will be announced by the Trumpeter Swan Coalition in about a week after Family Day.
Updates will be published in the Gazette and on the Trumpeter Swan Facebook page.
 By Staff
February 12, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
In a statement released today from the Office of the Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said:
Our city has lost another highly-regarded leader of our community with the passing of Robert Douglas
“Bob” Brechin. He died on January 25th after a long struggle with Parkinson’s and Cancer.
 Robert Douglas “Bob” Brechin. A known family man and civic-minded career-man of 40 years at Dofasco, Mr. Brechin also served as an Alderman for Burlington City Council for 19 years, between 1978-1997, and was elected as a Halton Regional Councillor serving between 1991-97.
His work with Dofasco provided Mr. Brechin with a career that spanned accounting, sales, and international marketing and time as the director of a Canadian tin plate recycling council.
In addition to an illustrious career, Mr. Brechin was very active in the community, getting involved with the Hamilton and District Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Manufacturing Association in Exports, Canadian Exporters’ Association, Society of Management Accountants, and the Niagara Escarpment Committee in a variety of committee chair and board member functions.
He also volunteered his time with the St. Raphael Parish and Burlington Reuse Centre, as well as joined board and fundraising activities for the Hamilton/Burlington YMCA, United Way of Burlington, Hamilton- Wentworth, Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Burlington Art Centre, LACAC (now known as Heritage Burlington) and the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.
Mr. Brechin will be greatly missed by the residents of this city and all those he impacted through his service to the community and region.
On behalf of Burlington City Council, I want to express our gratitude for Mr. Brechin’s service to our city over the years and send my deepest condolences to Mr. Brechin’s wife of 67 years, Edith, his family and friends.
 By Staff
February 10th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
  Poverty is not a popular coffee shop conversation; we have it but we don’t talk about it. This social behavior on the part of Burlingtonians is a combination of “see no evil” and the ostrich with its head in the sand.
 The reality is that – there rare poor people in Burlington and the New Democrats talk about it. The Progressive |Conservatives talk about ensuring that everyone can get a job but keep the minimum wage so low that some people need two job to get by.
MPP Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas) is going to be in Burlington on Tuesday, February 12th to give a talk on the Ontario NDP’s efforts to fight poverty.
Ted Hildebrandt (Director of Social Planning at Community Development Halton) will also be speaking about the face of poverty in our region, and particularly the hidden face of poverty in Burlington.
The evening will start off with a simple pasta dinner – no charge to attend and it is open to anyone interested in making Ontario a better place to live, regardless of political affiliation.
The event is from 6pm to 8pm February 12th at the auditorium in Central Arena.
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