 By Pepper Parr
January 4th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Levees were once a large part of the way the social side of Ontario worked.
The Lt Governor held a New Year’s Day Levee at Queen’s Park every year; it was a command performance for anyone that mattered.
They were not partisan events – politicians of almost every political stripe were welcome. In the 40’s, 50’s and 50’s the Communist Party members weren’t exactly welcome but other than that – it was the community getting together at its very best.
 Karina Gould at one of her New Year’s Day Levees, congratulating a couple who recently became Canadian citizens Burlington MP Karina Gould teamed up with then Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon to hold a Levee at the Art Gallery. At the time the then Mayor didn’t take part in the event.
The military types showed up in their blue blazers with medals on their chests.
Some of the Guilds that work out of the Art Gallery were in the room doing their hooking or their carving.
The event reminded us of a note we got several months ago from a Terry Wilson who used to deliver the Spectator on Delaware Street.
Wilson was commenting on the way Delaware Street gets closed down on Halloween saying:
“I collected many Halloween treats up and down this street, 60 years ago. My paper route ran all the way from the Lakeshore to New Street. 35 Cents a week as I remember for the Spec delivered to your door. I had about 40 customers who would all pay me in coins.
“One day, while collecting from Mrs. Jupp, at 391, my weighed down pants fell down! She giggled, and got me some binder twine to use as a belt, so I could continue on my way.
“Burlington was such a wonderful town then, you knew mostly every one, if not by name, by seeing them about town. It was another time.
It certainly was.
Municipalities across the province held a levee and any community that had an Armoury was certain to have a well-attended event where the toasts were frequent.
The idea of a New Year’s Day Levee fell out of favour.
 Jane McKenna, Burlington MPP This year Karina Gould is holding her Levee on January 6th at the Art Gallery between 1 and 4 pm – she isn’t being joined by our MPP, Jane McKenna, which is unfortunate.
McKenna is holding her own Levee on January 12th at her Constituency office on Brock Street. Takes place from 1-4 pm on the Saturday.
We asked Mayor Meed Ward if she had any plans for a Levee and she said she wasn’t able to get that on to her schedule this year but expected to do something in 2020. She did add that Burlington has held an annual New Years event at Tansley Woods for a number of years.
 The more recent levees have been packed events – and the speeches, with an exception or two, were fun and mercifully short. Burlington happens to be a city where every political leadership level, except for the Region, is led by a woman.
There was an opportunity for the three woman to join forces and put on a single event that would have all the political stripes in the one room to share, celebrate and toast what has been achieved in the past and what can be done in the future.
Perhaps 2020 will see a different form of cooperation between the political leadership. Something to look forward to – let’s not miss another opportunity to show who we really are
 By Staff
January 1st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
What kind of a year is it going to be?
A number of resident offered their thoughts for the year – perhaps they were wishes.
Don Baxter, who at one point was the Economic Development Officer for Burlington offered two suggestions. He is a little shy when it comes to cameras – thus no photo.
My two suggestions are simple; and if they get these two right, then all else eventually falls in place.
First, you cannot have functioning democracy if you do not have freedom of the press. So many great articles have recently been written about freedom of the press because of the brutal slaying of Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi. Anything I could say would pale in comparison. How does Burlington expect to be a responsive if people are not provided with different perspectives? Sure, Pepper, you sometimes get things wrong; but now, the City Hall version of the truth is a mollycoddled newsletter.
 This is what people want in Burlington. Most of these trees are on city property. Should there be a bylaw to protect trees like this on public property? Second, All I really want for Christmas is a coherent tree policy that is actually implemented in 2019; in other words, stops dithering and just do it. For 5 years we have been pushing this rock up a hill? Why?
When working with the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, for example, members freely and efficiently steal policies from one another to get the job done – they do not try to break new ground every time, only when it is competitively necessary. So, steal a needed policy, make sure all departments understand Council’s intent, and then, work together as a team.
Implementation of a tree policy would start with a review and increased understanding of the official plan tree policies, and then, implementation of a coherent tree policy involving many department including planning, building, tree, legal, budget, finance, and hydro folks working with the Mayor and CAO to regulate tree-cutting and tree-planting on both public and private lands – finding reasons to save trees, not cut them down. This dynamic (read – not silo) will eventually build the corporate culture, and staff will begin to feel good because they are doing good things.
After each municipal election, it is like the start of Maple Leaf hockey season – they have great players, and you have a faint hope the team will make the play-offs; but then, the team never really gels. The job for our new Mayor, and CAO (once she is hired), is to be responsible for a corporate culture aimed at getting things done. There is a saying, “culture eats strategy for breakfast”, everyday. The last Council and senior staff put a lot of effort and research into a 25 year strategic plan that resulted in “dynamic inaction”.
Not original – but just do it!
 Ron Foxcroft Ron Foxcroft, who was made a Member of the Order of Canada in December took a serious note as well:
On a serious note
The Provincial government must tackle a growing and serious problem that is over the highway gridlock in and out of Burlington to and from the GTA
It is effecting commerce, trade and everyday enjoyment of lives. Burlington people who do not work in Burlington are worn out spending 3 plus hours a day in traffic
Kudos to all political parties over the past 30 years for their strategic planning to enhance public transit
Not everybody can reach their home or employment by public transit so solving over the highway gridlock must commence in 2019
IGNORE is NOT A SOLUTION. Enough talk. Let’s have an action plan as our Provincial and City resolution for 2019. Smart people live in Burlington. Let smart people be smart, and work on this problem with government. Let’s establish a sense of urgency.
In an ideal world it would be nice to live and work in Burlington. That is a dream for many but not realistic.
Burlington is a good City. Let’s make it great and solve over the highway gridlock in and out of our City.
 Roland Tanner Roland Tanner, a candidate for the ward 2 city council seat painted a bigger picture saying:
The biggest stories in 2019 are likely to come from the province, not Burlington City Hall.
There are rumours of amalgamation being on the premier’s agenda, and we must hope that the fatal damage this would do to the PC’s electoral position in Burlington will keep it off the table here. The premier may have a strong electoral mandate, but he should remember that nobody voted for a reduction in local democracy on June 6th.
The first full budget of the new government will also have enormous implications for what was intended to be Phase 2 development at Jo Brant, Burlington Transit and our local schools.
At City Hall I hope 2019 will see the new council be courageous in it’s approach to change. I’d like to see Councillors going back to the 2010 Shape Burlington Report and adopting overlooked recommendations, but also taking the opportunity to go beyond that document.
If Council wants to establish Burlington as a City that listens, it should embark on a complete overhaul of citizen advisory committees and make them the primary tools for citizen engagement. The committees should have an independent appointments process, they should be properly funded, given a remit to reach out and engage the public and measure public opinion, and their recommendations should be accorded a level of respect equal to staff recommendations.
It would then be the job of Councillors to vote for solutions which combine staff expertise, strategic planning, and public preferences. Building rigorous citizen engagement into City Hall processes would prevent any future Council from simply choosing to ignore the voice of residents.
The Gazette is now wide open to whatever you have in the way of ideas and predictions for what is going to be a tumultuous year. Hang on!
And Happy New Year.
There will be major changes for the Gazette and nice changes for the publisher.
By Staff
December 28th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Central Arena is now 50 years old.
The milestone was marked by a Tim Horton’s Free Holiday Skate , speeches, the sharing of a cake and getting your picture taken on a Zamboni.
 Gordon Lightfoot gave the first concert performed at the Central arena. The first official concert at Central Arena had Gordon Lightfoot; the last large concert performed was the Ramones in the 80’s
• Finland, Russia, Czech Republic and Sweden minor leagues teams played at the Golden Horseshoe and Friendship Games at Central Arena
• Original staff consisted of five full-time Operations staff. Wages were approximately $1.75 per hour
• Part time wages were $2 per hour in 1972
 Wrestler Whipper Billy Watson; in his day one of the greats! • Wrestlers Whipper Billy Watson, Dewey Robertson, the Love Brothers and Haystack Calhoun performed at Central Arena
• Famous figure skaters who performed at Central Arena include Don Jackson, Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz, Isabelle Brasseur and Lloyd Eisler, Brian Orser, Barbara Underhill and Paul Martini, Gary Beacom, Toller Cranston, Marie-France Dubreiul and Patrice Lauzon
 Wayne Gretzky, packed Central Arena in 1970 – something he did throughout his career, • The most spectators in attendance at Central Arena was in 1970. It was standing room only for 2300 spectators who came to watch nine-year-old Wayne Gretzky, playing for Brantford, in the Golden Horseshoe Hockey Tournament.
• It was not uncommon for the hockey teams to skate around the rink to clear up the fog, before starting their game. Today, there are large dehumidification units and better insulation in our arenas to minimize fog and condensation.
The question that popped into our minds was: Why did the city stop putting on concerts at the arena?
 By Pepper Parr
December 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The shopping is done. The family is gathered to celebrate and enjoy the company of each other.
The Book of Isiah has a line that sets out the day for the Christian community.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 By Staff
December 25th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 There is a Christmas story and there is a Christmas story.
Both are beautiful. One shaped the world we live in today. The other tickles the imaginations and dreams of little girls and boys who trust totally what they are told by their parents.
Today, the children will be up early wanting to get to the Christmas tree and open the gifts. Police officers will be driving to some homes and delivering gifts to households that do not enjoy the benefits of a rich economy.
Count your blessings.
And enjoy the delight, joy and surprise in the eyes and smiles of those who just know that Santa visited their house.
Try too – to remind them what Christmas is really about.
By Pepper Parr
December 22nd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 This is both a Burlington and a Hamilton story.
A Membership in the Order of Canada is going to arrive locally.
Not allowed to say anything official – the news is embargoed until the 27th.
Richly deserved.
The Gazette will report in detail on the 27th.
 By Staff
December 22, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Hard to believe but Conservation Halton announced that Glen Eden will open Saturday, weather permitting at 8:30 am.
The Ridge Chair, Updraft Chair, Caterpillar Carpet and Little Dipper Carpet will be running, which should service ten runs, including some terrain park features.
 Some of the Glen Eden runs For a limited time, Glen Eden will also be offering a promotional lift ticket price of $30 to reflect the limited terrain. Once the remainder of the lifts and runs are open, lift tickets will return to regular rates. It is anticipated that this could happen as early as Boxing Day.
Also, as a gift to pass holders, Glen Eden will be accepting all passes on December 22, 23 and 24! Glen Eden will be closed on December 25 for Christmas and then open on Boxing Day, at which point regular pass access will apply.
“Our snowmaking team has been working around the clock to get the hill ready,” said Gene Matthews, Director, Parks and Recreation. “We are excited to start the 2018/19 season and we look forward to seeing visitors on the hills learning to ski or snowboard, out enjoying some runs with family and friends or throwing it down in the terrain park.”
The terrain park is where a lot of the action happens at Glen Eden. During peak season, Nighthawk and Falcon have upwards of 40 of the most progressive features. The terrain park is the perfect place to push your limits, improve your skills and keep things fun. There’s no better place to hang out after school or work and you won’t find a community like Glen Eden at any other hill. It’s the most fun you can have on 240 vertical feet.
 View from the to at Glen Eden Glen Eden is also a great place to get your start and prepare for even bigger adventures with lesson programs for all ages and skill levels—whether you have a little one starting out on skis or a big kid ready to hit the terrain park. There are two Christmas Camps during the holidays. Camp 1 starts on December 27 and Camp 2 starts January 2, 2019. Group lesson programs start on Boxing Day. There are also private and semi-private options available. For more information, please visit the Glen Eden website at www.gleneden.on.ca or call Visitor Services at 905-878-5011, ext. 1221.
New Year’s Eve Ski and Dine – December 31
Come celebrate the new year with Glen Eden! The New Year’s Eve Ski & Dine package includes one lift ticket and dinner. Guests can pick up their lift ticket at the Visitor Centre any time during open hours to enjoy a full day of skiing and snowboarding. Dinner, featuring lasagna (vegetarian option available) with salad, dessert and soft drinks, will be served in the West Lodge at 6 pm. There will also be a roaring fireplace and s’mores kits provided after dinner. Please note that Glen Eden will close at the regular time. This is a family event intended for an early New Year’s celebration. Reservations for this event are required by December 28, 2018.
 Learning how to use a snowboard. Discover Skiing and Snowboarding
Discover Skiing and Snowboarding is a beginner lesson program that starts this weekend. During the season, Discover is offered on weekends, holidays, and March Break from 9 am to 4 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm on non-holiday weeknights. The snow pros at Glen Eden will help you learn the basics of equipment, stopping and turning to get you should be ready for the big hills. Discover is available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless you are booking a large group. For groups of 20 or more people, please call 905-878-5011, ext. 1278, at least one week in advance.
Glen Eden is operated by Conservation Halton, and is located on Kelso Road, near Tremaine Road and Highway 401; a 20 minute drive from Mississauga, Burlington and Hamilton. Glen Eden is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., except for December 25, when it will be closed for Christmas. For more information, please visit the Glen Eden website at www.gleneden.on.ca.
By Staff
December 21st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A number of City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for the holidays on Monday, December 24, 2018, reopening Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019.
Activities and customer service hours at city pools, arenas and community centres vary over the holidays. Please visit burlington.ca/play for a complete listing of program times and burlington.ca/servicehours for hours at customer service locations.
Burlington Transit and Handi-Van
The Downtown Transit Terminal is open Dec. 24, 27 to 31. It will be closed December 25 and 26, 2018, as well as Jan. 1, 2019. Handi-Van live phone booking is available December 24, 27 and 28.
The Downtown Terminal and Handi-Van live phone booking will be closed December. 25 and 26, 2018 and Jan. 1, 2019.
Handi-Van booking online is always available at burlingtontransit.ca.
For holiday and real-time schedule information, visit burlingtontransit.ca.
Date Transit service schedule/hours
December 24 Weekday schedule ending at approximately 8 p.m.
December 25 Holiday schedule
December 26 Saturday schedule
December 27 to 30 Regular schedules
December 31 Weekday schedule with the last Route 50, 51 and 52 buses leaving the Burlington GO station at 12:55 a.m.
January 1 Transit Holiday schedule
The Burlington Transit administration offices will be closed on December 24, 2018 and will reopen on Jan. 2, 2019. Call 905-639-0550 or visit www.burlingtontransit.ca for more information.
Animal Shelter and Control
The Animal Shelter will be closed from December 24 to 26 and 30, 2018 and Jan. 1, 2019. On December 31, the shelter will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
For more information or to report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal.
Roads, Parks and Forestry
The administrative office will be closed on Monday, December 24, 2018, reopening on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. Only small removal of snow? and urgent services will be provided.
Halton Court Services
Provincial Offences Courts in Milton and Burlington will be closed from December 24 to27, 2018 and January 1, 2019.
PLEASE NOTE: The Milton POA Court will close on Thursday, January 17 and the Burlington POA Court will close on Thursday, January 31 to move to the new Halton POA Courthouse opening on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Parking
Free parking is available in the downtown core in municipal lots, on-street and the parking garage during the month of December and on Jan. 1, 2019. There is a maximum of three hours for on-street parking spaces.
NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking during December or on statutory holidays.
Do you have family and friends visiting for the holidays? A reminder that there is no parking on city streets overnight between 1 and 6 a.m. Exemptions to allow overnight parking on city streets may be obtained by calling 905-335-7844 or visiting www.burlington.ca/parking.
By Staff
December 21st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 What would a pile with 27, 797 pairs of socks look like? Leslie Bullock reports that “thanks to the 800 associates and ReMax Real Estate staff members, across 16 offices, a record setting 27,797 pairs of socks were packed into seven trucks and delivered to the Good Shepherd yesterday to be delivered to the homeless across Ontario.
Bullock adds that over 20% of medical problems experienced by homeless people are related to foot care. Since walking is the primary form of transportation for the homeless, clean socks help promote good foot care and enable them to better access food, shelter, medical and housing services.
By Staff
December 29th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Starting on Monday, January 7, 2019, Burlington residents will have library hours that fit their life.
Responding to community input during the Library’s 2016-2020 planning cycle, Burlington Public Library Board put better library open hours as a top priority.
 “During our conversations, we heard how much everyone loves their library but would like different hours,” says Brian Kenny, Chair, Burlington Public Library Board. “So, we made a commitment to find out what hours our customers want and make it happen.”
Earlier in 2018, library staff reviewed customer use patterns and borrowing trends, and examined the library service hours of neighbouring and comparable libraries and cities. The community was consulted by way of a public survey that resulted in input from 2,661 Burlington residents about their preferred library hours of operation.
Kenny notes that residents clearly want more locations to be open Sundays and evenings. “We are so pleased to be able to start off the new year with library service hours that reflect our community’s preferences,” says Kenny. “And it’s a gratifying legacy of our volunteer Board as we wrap up our four-year term representing the voice of local citizens.”
NEW 2019 open hours (excluding holiday closures)
January 7 to July 6 & September 2 to December 31
 * July 7 to September 1: All branches are CLOSED Sundays.
 Lita Barrie, Chief Executive Officer, Burlington Public Library Lita Barrie, Chief Executive Officer, Burlington Public Library, said she is absolutely “thrilled to offer library service hours that better fit the lives of our community members so that the library is open when they need us the most. Of course, we are always open 24/7 for access to our digital collections and resources at www.bpl.on.ca.”
By Pepper Parr
December 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
We spent millions building the Performing Arts Centre. It came in “on time” and “on budget”.
Official ground breaking took place in March of 2009; The Burlington Performing Arts Centre opened its doors in the autumn of 2011.
It has been through a number of Executive Directors and gets about three quarters of a million in funding from the city. That works out to a subsidy of about $6.80 for each of the 110,000 us attended an event at The Centre. Nothing wrong with that number.
The Centre has done some research and report that 110,000+ people visited The Burlington Performing Arts Centre over the past year.
The organization is looking at how they impact the arts community in Burlington.
 The Performing Arts report card – they wrote it themselves. Here is what they report:
BPAC’s VISION: to take a leadership role in community cultural development
BPAC offered 5 free cultural sensitivity training workshops to members of the community at large, on topics ranging from Indigenous Relations to Muslim Heritage and Black History. 61 free educational and performing arts workshops were offered to local citizens and youth. 28 educational performances were presented to a total of 13,360 local students and teachers. BPAC becomes the first performing arts centre in Canada to designate a Legacy Space, in our ongoing commitment to Truth & Reconciliation.
BPAC’s MISSION: to be Burlington’s social and cultural ‘hub’
14 free performances were presented to the community. 178 citizens volunteered their time at BPAC. BPAC’s first-ever Cultural Diversity Festival results in a 2018 Culture Days award for ‘Best Hub’.
 The Centre has a strong core group that lines up for ticket purchases when a new season is announced. BPAC’s GOAL: to nurture and support local cultural partners
57 local artists and arts organizations were presented by BPAC in our curated programming offerings, and $27,275 in performance fees were paid to these artists and organizations. BPAC donated almost $50K in rental space and technical services to 22 local artists and community organizations. 142 complimentary tickets, with a combined value of $6,182 were donated to local community organizations to further their own fundraising efforts. BPAC’s first annual Festival of Trees raised over $3K, which was used to support three presentations by local artists and arts organizations.
From an economic impact perspective, we know that The Burlington Performing Arts Centre contributes to the economic vitality of Downtown Burlington and the City. 75% of BPAC patrons spent money supporting local restaurants in combination with a visit to BPAC, and an average of $2.1 million in the Burlington community before or after a performance.
Calculating the spin off benefits, people having dinner before an event or dropping into a local spot for a drink after the play is far from a science; the numbers seem to get a little fatter each time they are handed out. However, there is no denying that there is a significant spin off.
The problem area, and it is being worked on, is getting the smaller theatre groups in the city to use the space. Those smaller groups find they cannot afford the rental fee structure the Centre has which is the result of high Centre overhead.
There is always going to be a place for the church basement groups and those small but dedicated drama groups that create a place for local talent to perform and grow.
 Ilene Elkaim, on the right, talking to a patron during the announcement of a new season. There are some concerns over the governance model that is being used. There is a need for some fresh blood; currently the Chairmanship of the Board, which is an arms length corporation that runs the program out of a building the city owns, gets passed back and forth between the Chair and the Vice Chair – not healthy.
The Gazette is aware of people who are eminently qualified to serve on the board who were not taken up,
 Performing Arts Centre Executive Director, Tammy Fox The current Executive Director, Tammy Fox is working diligently to include the Sound of Music Festival in more of what takes place at The Centre. The SoM will eventually submit to the charms of the Executive Director who has experience on both sides of the entertainment business. She ran an arts agency that booked well known groups into various venues across the country and has run venues – she understands the issues that each side has.
Related news story:
Tammy Fox – Executive Director at the Performing Arts Centre.
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 By Staff
December 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The following revised Santa 5k race route and road closures.
 Santa 5k Road Closures, 6 to 11 a.m.
Brant Street, from Ontario Street to Elgin Street
James Street, from John Street to Brant Street
Road Closures, 8:30 to 11 a.m.
Lakeshore Road, from Elizabeth Street to Maple Avenue
Burlington Avenue, from Lakeshore Road to Elgin Street
Elgin Street, from Nelson Avenue to Burlington Avenue
Nelson Avenue, from Elgin Street to Lakeshore Road
Brant Street, from Ontario Street to Lakeshore Road
Route Supervision
• Halton Regional Police Service will direct traffic at major intersections and event marshals will help runners and motorists at multi-residential driveways and on side streets
• Event notices were delivered to all residences, religious centres and businesses affected by the event
Questions
If you have any questions about the road closures or traffic control, please contact the City of Burlington event liaison at 905-335-7600, ext. 7201.
By Pepper Parr
December 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
We are not yet into winter – but the Sound of Music folks want you to plan for the summer and take a look at the headliner they have signed up for the 40th anniversary.
They have announced that the first co-headliner for the 2019 Kick-Off Concert will be BUSH who are celebrating 25 years since the debut of their multi-platinum album ’16 Stone’.
 BUSH to be part of the headline events for the start of the Sound of Music 2019 Kick Off event. Free concerts part of the SoM begin on June 13th. In an enthusiastic set of statements the SoM Executive Director, Myles D. Rusak said: “This truly is an exciting time for the Festival. Our goal is to see not only the Festival itself grow; but the entire entity that is the Sound of Music.
“Our kick-off generates critical resources that will allow us to realize this vision and in turn better support the Arts Community at large. You are going to see some amazing announcements and new initiatives to celebrate our 40th anniversary which in turn will pave the way for the next chapter that is the Sound of Music.”
The one day kick-off concert takes place five days before we open the proverbial doors to Canada’s Largest Free Music Festival -June 13-16, 2019.
Tickets are on sale now. Grab your tickets before Tier 1 quantities sell out. Prices will go up when Tier 2 pricing kicks in.
• ADULT $60
• YOUTH $25
• VIP $95
• FrontRow $95
The Kick off events, usually all ticketed events takes place five days earlier.
The Festival is currently recruiting for volunteers.
Visit soundofmusic.ca/volunteers if you are interested in applying.
By Staff
December 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The city is making some upgrades to Civic Square, the space to the south of city hall.
The budget for this project is $600,000.
Many of the improvements planned for the space are required to improve things like accessibility, safety and convenience.
 How much longer will this view last. The city held an on-line survey that was poorly promoted and the results of that survey have yet to be made public.
With the plans either approved or being appealed to the Land Planning Appeal Tribunal there could be two 24 storey towers across the street from city hall five years from now.
Expect to see a more extensive and vigorous public debate on what happens to Civic Square.
By Staff
December 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Just where can a cannabis store be located?
 What started out as a way for smokers to cut down on their nicotine intake has turned into another carcinogenic drug that younger people have taken up. The province has published very detailed rules and regulations that determine what can be placed where – those regulations may not serve the interests and values of the city.
Council will debate and determine if they want to permit the opening of cannabis retail outlets in the city. The city has a survey taking place on line now. CLICK here to access that survey.
The online survey is open to Burlington residents until Thursday, December 13.
The Ontario Cannabis Store website is the only legal option for purchasing recreational cannabis. It follows strict rules set by the federal government.
The government is also moving forward with a tightly regulated private retail model for cannabis that will launch by April 1, 2019. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is the provincial regulator authorized to grant store licences. The Ontario Cannabis Store will be the exclusive wholesaler to these stores. Private stores will be introduced with strict controls to safeguard children and youth and combat the illegal market.
 School exclusion zones for ward 1,2,4 and 5  School exclusion zones for wards 3 and 6
Where you cannot smoke or vape cannabis
Indoors
You cannot smoke or vape cannabis in:
indoor common areas in condos, apartment buildings and university/college residences
enclosed public places and enclosed work places
non-designated guest rooms in hotels, motels and inns
Schools and places where children gather
You cannot smoke or vape cannabis:
at school, on school grounds, and all public areas within 20m of these grounds
on children’s playgrounds and public areas within 20m of playgrounds
in child care centres, or where an early years program is provided
in places where home child care is provided — even if children aren’t present
Hospitals, hospices, care homes and other facilities
You cannot smoke or vape cannabis:
within 9m from the entrance or exit of hospitals (public/private), psychiatric facilities, long-term care homes, independent health facilities
on outdoor grounds of hospitals (public/private) and psychiatric facilities
in non-controlled areas in long-term care homes, certain retirement homes, provincially-funded supportive housing, designated psychiatric or veterans’ facilities, and residential hospices
Publicly owned spaces
You cannot smoke or vape cannabis in publicly-owned sport fields (not including golf courses), nearby spectator areas and public areas within 20m of these areas.
Vehicles and boats
You cannot consume cannabis (smoking, vaping, eating) in a vehicle or boat that is being driven or is at risk of being put into motion.
Other outdoor areas
You cannot smoke or vape cannabis:
in restaurants and on bar patios and public areas within 9m of a patio
on outdoor grounds of specified Ontario government office buildings
in reserved seating areas at outdoor sports and entertainment locations
on grounds of community recreational facilities, and public areas within 20m of those grounds
in sheltered outdoor areas with a roof and more than two walls which the public or employees frequent, or are invited to (e.g. a bus shelter)
 Police now have serious penalties they can impose – on the spot. Have taxi money with you. serious penalties
Cannabis – driving icon Driving
Driving impaired by cannabis is illegal and dangerous. Cannabis, like many other drugs, slows your reaction time and increases your chances of being in a collision.
If a police officer finds that you are impaired by any drug, including cannabis, you will face serious penalties, including:
an immediate licence suspension
financial penalties
possible vehicle impoundment
possible criminal record
possible jail time
Police officers have tests to determine if you are impaired and are now also authorized to use oral fluid screening devices at roadside to help enforce the law.
By Staff
December 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is set for winter fun with the launch of its Neighbourhood Rink program, the opening of Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington and dedicated locations for tobogganing.
Neighbourhood Rinks
The Neighbourhood Rink program is back for a fourth year and encourages neighbours to come together to maintain a natural outdoor ice rink in their local park.
City staff will install boards for ice pads in various parks throughout Burlington that will be maintained by neighbourhood volunteer groups. The rinks are open to the public and free to use. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact skating@burlington.ca. The deadline to apply for a rink is Dec. 31, 2018.
 The outdoor ice at Rotary Centennial Pond is scheduled to open on Saturday, Dec. 8, weather conditions permitting. Located at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington, the pond hosts nearly 9,000 skaters each year. The rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and skating is free. On Christmas Eve, the rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and then closed for Christmas Day.
Skating Lending Program
The city is asking residents to donate gently used skates they no longer need. These skate donations will be used for the lending program at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, which began in 2016. The skate lending program is available weekends and school holidays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Skate donations can be dropped off at city pools, arenas and community centres.
For up-to-date information on ice conditions at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, please call 905-335-7600, ext. 8587. To learn more about the pond’s features and rules, visit, burlington.ca/pond.
 Sliding in Lowville park Tobogganing
The city has designated six areas in the city that are safe for tobogganing. They include:
• LaSalle Park, east of the parking lot
• Tyandaga Park at hole number four on the west slope
• Central Park on the hill northwest of the community garden
• Brant Hills Park, southwest of the tennis courts
• Nelson Park on the east side of park, north of the Centennial bike path
• Lowville Park on the hill at the southwest end of park.
Get outside and enjoy the many parks, outdoor spaces, play fields and recreational play experiences that support active living and a healthy lifestyle for all ages, abilities and cultures.
 By Staff
December 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Due to a mechanical issue Centennial Pool is closed Wednesday, Dec. 5 and the morning of Thursday, Dec. 6. The following swims have been cancelled:
Wednesday, Dec. 5 2018
Water Running 10-11am
Aquafit 10am-11am
Adult 55 Plus Lap Swim 11am-Noon
Lap Swim Noon – 1:30pm
Thursday Dec. 6 2018
Lap Swim 6:00-9:00am
Water Running 9:00-11:00am
Swim Training 11:00- noon
Service will resume at 12 noon on Thursday.
By Staff
December 4th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
City hall is asking residents to share their thoughts about whether bricks and mortar stores selling cannabis should be allowed to operate in the city.
 The provincial government has given municipalities in Ontario a one-time offer to opt out of having cannabis stores in their communities. The deadline to make this decision is Jan. 22, 2019.
A number of municipalities have already said they will not permit these retail locations in their communities: Richmond Hill and Markham are examples.
To help gather the community’s input, a town hall, hosted by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at Burlington Performing Arts Centre from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The city has also launched an online survey at www.getinvolvedburlington.ca, open to Burlington residents until Thursday, December 13.
CLICK on to register and take the survey about cannabis retail stores in Burlington.
 Mayor Meed Ward said during an exclusive interview with the Gazette that she was taken by surprise by some of the views she heard about cannabis retail outlets. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: “I support opting in to stores to give residents access to this product, eliminate the black market, and receive some government funding to assist with enforcement. However, there are many factors to consider before making any decision and I recognize there are a variety of views in the community. We want you to bring your questions, concerns, and opinions on this issue for an informative, interactive discussion.”
There are several new council members who have said they do not think the city should permit retail locations. Ward 4 Council member Shawna Stolte has said she does not approve but added that she wanted to hear what others had to say.
Mary Lou Tanner, Deputy City Manager said Burlington City Council will consider a report on December 17, and vote on whether to opt in or opt out of hosting retail cannabis stores in Burlington. Ahead of that decision, the city wants to hear what residents have to say about locating cannabis retail stores in our city. We want to provide Council with as much information as possible in making their decision.”
Quick Facts
• On Oct. 17, 2018, recreational cannabis was legalized by the federal government of Canada.
• Currently, in Ontario, the only place to legally purchase cannabis is online from the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS).
• By April 2019, it is anticipated that brick and mortar, privately-operated retail cannabis stores will be operational across the province.
• Under the provincial regulations that guide the startup of private cannabis stores, retail locations can:
• be open between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• be located at least 150 metres away from schools
• operate in any commercial or retail areas in the city with no maximum on the number of stores permitted within a municipality.
• Municipalities that opt in to allow retail stores will not have the option to opt out later and will receive funding to assist with the legalization of cannabis.
• Municipalities that choose to not allow retails stores may opt in later but will not be eligible for funding.
By Pepper Parr
December 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Last week the Gazette published a story about changes some seniors called us about with the exercise classes at the Senior’s Centre. There is a link to the news story at the bottom of the page.
The city sent the Gazette a response – statement this morning setting out their position. That response – statement is set out below:
 Rob Axiak, Manager of Recreation Services. “My name is Rob Axiak and I am the Manager of Recreation Services for the City. I would first like to apologize for any misinformation that may be out there that has resulted in this article and subsequent commentary. We are looking to send out more accurate information regarding personal equipment for fitness classes over the next two weeks.
Prior to information going, please rest assure that equipment will always be provided by the city for our fitness programs. It was never our intention to remove equipment and to force individuals to bring their own. Some who currently participate had expressed an interest in bringing their own equipment to programs for a variety of personal reasons. We fully support this and encourage anyone who would prefer to bring their own equipment to please feel welcome in doing so.
For those who prefer to have the convenience of using city issued equipment readily available onsite, well that is perfectly acceptable too!
Our goal is to remove any barriers to participation and provide individuals with options based on your own personal preference. Hope that clarifies and thank you for your ongoing interest and participation!”
A source the Gazette takes as reliable, who has asked not to be identified, said when she read the news story she went to the Customer Service desk at the Seniors’ Centre and asked what the policy was and was told that “this is what is going to happen”.
Our source asked the customer service to confirm that information with staff in the offices behind the Customer Service counter. “It took a while but the Customer service person did return and said the policy will be going into effect in the Spring and that people will have to bring their own equipment.”
Axiak appears to be saying that people participating in the exercise classes can bring their own equipment if they wish and that equipment will still be available at no cost to those people taking classes.
Our source said “this is how the Parks and Recreation people operate. Rather than make a clear statement that they publish, they float a trial balloon and wait to see what there is in the way of reaction. If there is no negative feedback it becomes policy.
“Staff don’t take responsibility for the mistakes they make.”
The city has either shifted their position or people taking the exercises did not fully understand the city’s position. Classes were informed by people delivering the exercise classes. Those people are not full time city employees involved in setting policy – they are contract people delivering a service.
Link to the original news story:
By Staff
December 1st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s a weather dependent event.
When it rains – even a light drizzle the crowds are smaller.
When it snows the mood in Civic Square is different.
When the weather is what we got Friday evening the annual Candlelight Stroll is a total delight.
 The line up for the free burgers ran along Brant street up to the Cenotaph. The lineup for the free burgers stretch from outside the door to city hall around to the Cenotaph further up Brant Street.
This year we had two Mayors on the podium – Mayor Goldring doing his last formal act as the outgoing Mayor and Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor Elect, talking to the audience that packed the Civic Square with the confidence and energy that got her to where she is today.
Strollers with children were all over the place while the older kids were scooting about with small fixtures that glowed in the dark attached to their coats.
Brian Dean, Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association, organizer of the event, was buzzing about checking in with people grateful that the weather worked.
 Candles to light the way and add a sense of occasion to the evening. Candles were available to the Strollers to light the way and add a sense of occasion to the evening.
The Stroll had six stations along a route that started at city hall, along James Street, a place that in five years will have two 24 storey towers on either side of the James Brant intersection- continues to Elizabeth for a stop at Village Square where Victorian Carollers performed – then on to the Pearl and Pine Retirement Home where the Poacher Ukulele Band performed then down to Lakeshore Coffee House where the Glad Tidings Kids Choir perfumed.
 Town Crier Dave Vollick poses for pictures. Then across Brant street to the entrance to the Park – in five years will we see a new Waterfront Hotel soaring 30 storeys in to the sky and shuffled to the eat allowing for a wider open space to the park?. Hot Maple Taffy and Carols by the St. John Elementary Catholic School.
The Stroll ended at the Gazebo where the Burlington Concert band performed and people munched on popcorn provided by Cogeco.
An evening that was enjoyed by the hundreds that took part.
People also got a chance to have their picture taken with the city’s Town crier.
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