By Pepper Parr
October 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
He came to this country with very little money, the clothing he owned in a single suitcase and the determination to create a life for himself in Canada
Domenic Molinaro has put up more than 50 buildings in Ontario – he is the developer who lined Lakeshore Road with condominiums and is in the process of building Paradigm – a five structure project that will house 2000 people steps away from the Burlington GO station.
Spencers Landing; the Strata and the Brock are Molinaro projects clustered around Maple Avenue.
And he isn’t finished yet.
Thursday evening Domenic will be feted by his colleagues and peers at the Distinguished Entrepreneur event being hosted by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce at the Performing Arts Centre.
Vince Molinaro will speak for his Father as son Robert and daughters MaryLou and Antonella and wife Lina listen proudly.
It is civic recognition well deserved by a man with a limited education but the grit and guts to keep doing what he knew he could achieve.
Burlington is better for his efforts.
By Staff
October 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Ooops!
We erroneously told you that the Hydro Open House was on Saturday the 7th of October.
We were wrong.
Friday is a Professional development day for schools in Burlington and the |Open House is to take place on Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Our apologies
By Pepper Parr
October 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Those guys over at Burlington Hydro know how to make the system work for them.
Last Saturday the city held an Open Doors event. Dozens of places around the city opened their doors – the Fire Station, Freeman Station, and the Union Burial Grounds to name a few. Hundreds of people poured in.
How do you compete against attractions like that?
Don’t compete – put you tent up on another day.
Thinking like that explains why we pay the hydro people the big bucks.
Burlington Hydro is holding their Open House this Friday at the Hydro office on Brant Street from 10 am to 2 pm.
Activities are taking place in different locales on the property: EVs along the front – displays and exhibits in the back garage – charity BBQ, bucket rides, and equipment on the back lot. North parking lot will be used for visitor parking.
 One of the several EV’s that were available for a test drive at a recent historical auto show. Four or five EV will be available for test drives at the Burlington Hydro Open House.
The EV cars will be lined up at the front of the building.
Plug n’Drive brings 4 or 5 EVs that people will be able to test drive through the neighbourhood.
By Staff
October 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Anishinaabe speaker, educator, and musician Eddy Robinson brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the national conversation about Indigenous communities in Canada. He will be speaking at the Crawford Lake Conservation Area on Saturday, October 15, 2016 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Increasing media coverage of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Canada leaves many of us with questions about how such disparity can exist in our own country. Eddy will use his remarkable gift as a storyteller and teacher to bring this workshop to life and make the issues engaging for workshop participants.
 Crawford Lake, it is a meromictic lake meaning that it does not receive the same atmospheric disturbances as other bodies of water, so the water remains calm almost all the time. And this makes for some great photos and clear water to take a look at fish and other interesting features. A boardwalk surrounds the lake, so it is quite accessible to almost everyone.
Come early for this remarkable workshop and you can explore the 15th century reconstructed Iroquoian Village and rare meromictic lake located onsite. Explore the past and then learn about our collective present, so we can make a more inclusive future.
“Through stories and song, Eddy works towards a day when the power of knowledge, inclusiveness and sharing of First Nations cultures helps our nation and all its’ people become connected and stronger.”
Tickets for the October 15 workshop at Crawford Lake are $25 per person (plus HST), you can purchase tickets online through the event listing at www.conservationhalton.ca/events.
Eddy Robinson, Indigenous Speaker, Artist, Musician & Activist was born to the Missanabie Cree First Nation, but born and raised in Toronto. Eddy didn’t enjoy an easy childhood as an Anishinaabe youth in the big city. His father, a Residential School survivor, left the family when he was just three years old and he subsequently endured years of abuse from an alcoholic parent. It was during these early years that he was first exposed to a heritage that he now credits with saving his life.
 Eddy Robinson, Indigenous Speaker, Artist, Musician & Activist was born to the Missanabie Cree First Nation.
Eventually ending up in the care of his grandparents, Eddy found himself on the same path of violence and addiction that dominated his childhood. He credits a Catholic priest at the Native Peoples Parish in Toronto for first encouraging him to seek out his roots. He pointed Robinson to a traditional Anishinaabe Vision Quest/Fasting ceremony that would begin his journey towards sobriety.
The power of the Dewegun (Drum) has opened the door to other aspects of his culture. A member of the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCAB) Eddy established his First Nations owned and operated business Morningstar River in 2007 to address the societal need for Indigenous education and displays of authentic culture. Eddy is a noted Anishinaabe artist, musician, activist and educator, and is a member of the National Speakers Bureau.
Crawford Lake is located at the corner of Guelph Line and Conservation Road (formerly Steeles Avenue) 15 km north of the QEW, and 5 km south of the 401 in Milton. The pristine waters of Crawford Lake have drawn people to its shores for hundreds of years. The rare lake, with surrounding boardwalk, is nestled in lush forests atop the stunning Niagara Escarpment where visitors can watch soaring turkey vultures glide through the Nassagaweya Canyon.
You can step back in time and explore the 15th century Iroquoian Village that has been reconstructed on its original site at Crawford Lake. The spirits still sing in the longhouses where tools, animal hides and the smell of smoke let you experience the rich history of Ontario’s First Peoples. Crawford Lake’s Customer Service staff can be reached by telephone at 905-854-0234, ext. 221, or by e-mail, crawlake@hrca.on.ca.
By Staff
September 28, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Member of Parliament Karina Gould, suggested to the Speaker of the House of Commons yesterday that Parliament Hill follow the practice our city has of men wearing high heels as part of a statement to end violence against women.
“Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday, Halton Women’s Place held its seventh annual Hope in High Heels event in my riding of Burlington. Boys and men of all ages from 8 to 82, including our mayor, fire chief, Halton police, labour, business, and sports leaders, and my husband and my brother all slipped into a pair of hot-pink heels and strutted in solidarity with Halton Women’s Place to fight to end violence against women.
“The message is simple: we will not end violence against women and children if boys and men are not included in the conversation and part of the solution. I thank all the boys and men for their leadership and their positive role modelling to help raise awareness and funds for a heroic organization in my community that provides vital support for our most vulnerable in their time of need.
“I was thinking that the event was such a success this weekend in Burlington that maybe we should organize a Hope in High Heels on the Hill.
“Are you up for it, Mr. Speaker?”
By Staff
September 22, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It will be the photo op of photo ops.
 Tips the scales at 200,000 lbs – and they want to pull it at least 50 – by hand.
A team of people trying to move an Airbus A300 – 50 feet across the tarmac at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.
The occasion is the official kick off of the Burlington and Greater Hamilton United Way fall fund raising drive.
The Gazette plans on being there to see if this can actually be done.
 Former, now retired Burlington General Manager Kim Phillips giving it her best as she works with other staff on a United Way fund raising drive.
In past United Way drives we have seen staff at city hall tug away on a rope to move a heavy duty truck
The theme for 2016-17 is: Help us change 164,000 lives. In the past the United Way has created a fund raising target and found that they were losing sight of the real reason for being – people.
They have helped 164,000 people change their lives by being there to help when help was needed.
The United Way serves as a safety net – with that organization in place dozen of agencies through the two communities would not have the funds to give the help that is needed
 Shelves in a food bank – not exactly a supermarket is it.
That help covers the gamut from providing lunches for children on the weekend when there just isn’t a meal for them.
It includes financially supporting organizations that are on the ground, in the field delivering the support for the disadvantaged, the infirm – those down on their luck – often through no fault of their own.
Plane pulls are one way of getting some attention.
The Plane pull takes place on Saturday at the airport – make a day of it and takes the kids to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.
By Staff
September 21, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Openings, openings, openings – the Sound of Music is looking for people who can chair strong committees made up of hard working and very capable volunteers.
These are leadership opportunities.
Open Committee Chair positions include VIP, Sponsorship and Special Projects.
Join the team! See soundofmusic.ca/volunteers for information on volunteering.
Hiring, hiring, hiring!
We’re also hiring a Sponsorship Manager (full time staff position).
See the job description for more details and apply by September 26.
Does this sound like you?
The competencies and qualifications needed:
 Hundreds of volunteers make the Sound of Music Festival work – two of them mark the location for a vendor.
University degree or college certificate and 3 to 5 years of sponsorship experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Previous experience in the not for profit environment with Committee, volunteer workforce and event management required.
Proficiency at Microsoft Office programs
Superior interpersonal and communication skills are pivotal to establishing and maintaining harmonious internal & external relationships
Demonstrated experience creating and implementing sponsorship and public relations strategies
Strong organization skills and the ability to prioritize are essential to aid working to tight deadlines and multi-tasking
Can work independently with ease and be a contributing member of a team
Highly motivated individual with collaborative approach to work and proven problem solving skill especially when under pressure.
Send a cover letter and resume to hr@soundofmusic.ca, referencing the position title in the subject line. Application deadline is on or before Monday, September 26, 2016.

By Staff
September 21, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Summer will be over tomorrow – which seems to mean that the Sound of Music can put out their call for the 2017 band submissions.
The deadline is December 31, 2016.
Sound of Music Festival will book a minimum of 15 Sonicbids artists for the 2017 event, compensation is provided.
Submissions will only be accepted via Sonicbids.
More information can be found at soundofmusic.ca/band-submissions.
How did the 2016 program go?
Check out the story in pictures. Photographs courtesy of the SOM photography crew: Kris Gelder, John Gelder, Greg Gaines, Wally Graves, Doug Lapp, John Prior, Anthony DeBenedictis, Chris Langley, Robert Georgeff, Michelle Pluim, Cody Loro.
 John Street when the parking bylaw officer wasn’t around.
 Eerie look as the stage lights wash over the crowd.
 Name the band and you win a burger with two beers at Wendel Clarks. First response to winner@bgzt.ca. Include name and phone number and we will call you.
 Your Burlington from the lake.
 She is just loving it.
By Staff
September 21, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 Regional chair Gary Carr tasting honey on a farm tour.
“Agriculture is important to Halton, and Harvest Halton and the Pumpkins to Pastries Trail provide us with wonderful opportunities to showcase our local farmers, retailers, restaurants and attractions,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “These events are a great way to bring family and friends together to enjoy locally-grown food and help us support our local agricultural community and our regional economy.”
The preview Harvest Halton event kicks off the start of Halton’s popular Pumpkins to Pastries Trail, running from September 12 to October 31, 2016. Join the Trail and experience the best local cuisine, on-farm markets, specialty shops, events and attractions in Halton.
Click on the LINK to see just how many stops there are along the trail or visit: www.halton.ca/p2ptrail for the interactive online guide
 Click on the LINK above and play with this map interactively. Lots to do – and don’t forget the selfie contest.
This year’s Trail participants can also snap and win with Halton Region’s Selfie Contest. Simply snap a selfie on the Trail and post the picture on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #p2ptrail to enter for a chance to win a prize basket of fantastic local offerings.
Prizes will be awarded weekly and your picture could be featured on Halton’s trail gallery. Visit halton.ca/p2ptrail for contest rules and to view the gallery.
By Staff
September 20, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Order of Merit was created in 2000, to honour a career of exceptional service or distinctive merit displayed by the men and women of Canadian police forces. The primary focus is on exceptional merit, contributions to policing, and community development.
Last Friday the Governor General of Canada made Halton Deputy Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah a member of that Order.
 His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presided over an Order of Merit of the Police Forces investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, September 16, 2016. During the ceremony, the Governor General, who is chancellor of the Order, bestowed the honour on 1 Commander, 4 Officers and 46 Members including Deputy Chief Nishan J. Duraiappah Credit: MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall
Deputy Chief Nishan J. Duraiappah
Deputy Chief Nishan (Nish) Duraiappah was introduced to the Halton Regional Police Service as high school student in its inaugural Police Ethnic and Cultural Education Program (P.E.A.C.E.) in 1991. The experience inspired him to pursue a career in policing, and he was sworn in as a constable assigned to uniform patrol in Halton Hills in December, 1995.
Since then, Deputy Chief Duraiappah has amassed considerable operational expertise as a member of the Regional Drug & Morality Bureau, Guns & Gangs Unit, District Criminal Investigations, and with the RCMP Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit. He has also served as Operations Commander for Milton and Halton Hills, the Commander of the Office of Continuous Improvement and Strategic Management (OCISM), and the Superintendent in charge of the Chief’s Executive Office.
Duraiappah was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief in October, 2015 and now leads District Operations for all our municipalities as well as the Regional Community Mobilization Bureau, Information Technology and OCISM.
Throughout the course of his career, Deputy Chief Duraiappah has remained committed to proactive, innovative policing, and to maintaining strong relationships with the Region’s diverse, cultural and faith communities. He is also involved with several sports and hobbies, and is a volunteer board member for the Milton United Way, and a South Asian Autism Awareness Centre in the Greater Toronto Area.
Deputy Chief Duraiappah holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Toronto, and a Diploma of Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario.
Halton Regional Police Service Chief Stephen Tanner, himself a former recipient of the Order of Merit said “Deputy Chief Duraiappah is an exceptional leader and tireless community advocate who is a most deserving recipient of this prestigious award. It is my honour and pleasure to extend my congratulations to him on behalf of our Service and the people of Halton.”
Governor General David Johnston awarded the Order of Merit during a ceremony at Rideau Hall.
At the risk of being critical – could the Governor General not have buttoned up his suit jacket?
By Pepper Parr
September 20, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The original target was 2166 to beat the previous record holder. The Hospital Foundation went for 3,500 people, which they figured they would need to get their name into the Guinness World Book of Records. Then Queen’s University came up with a plan of their own and set a new record of 3,373.
The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation found they had to up their number to 3374 from the original target if they were to make it into the Guinness Book. To be on the safe side the Foundation is aiming for 4000.
 The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation plans to put 4,000 people into that orange J that starts at the pier and works its way west along the edge of Spencer Smith Park.
The record for this category in the Guinness Book of Records when the Hospital Foundation announced their plans was held by Dell Computers, who formed the slanted E in their logo with 2,166 people. “We required 2,167 people to break that record” said the Foundation in one of its initial releases.
For the safety of all participants, the first 4,000 people to register at Spencer Smith Park will be permitted to be a part of the Guinness World Records Official Attempt.
Getting that number into a single place for the ultimate photo op shouldn’t be a problem for this city . Gosh we put 12,000 into Spencer Smith Park for the Tragically Hip concert this summer and the Art Gallery of Burlington attracted 3,000 (some say the number was more than 3,500) to the fourth annual No Vacancy event.
“Join 4,000 of your closest friends and neighbours and set a Guinness World Records title” (GWR) bugled the Hospital Foundation.
 Anissa Hilborn, president of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation, finds herself continually changing her target number to get into the Guinness Book of World records. What started out as 2166 has risen to 4000 people gathered together in Spencer Smith Park.
“We’re trying to set the Guinness World Records title for the largest human letter, in the shape of the letter “J” — for Joseph Brant Hospital — to show support for the expansion and renovation project” said Anissa Hilborn, president of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation
The current record is held by Queen’s University, which formed a ‘Q’ with 3,373 people earlier this month, on September 6th. Burlington decided to up their target to 4000. And that is where they are going to have to top out they can only accommodate 4000 in the formation for safety reasons.
This all happens Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (EDT) at Spencer Smith Park. There will be all kinds of sign showing you where to go.
This event is free; participants DO NOT need a ticket. They need to register to ensure we capture their name as a participant in the world record attempt.
The Foundation decided they would not be scanning tickets, so it is a ticket-less event.
When you arrive at the park you will be able to join the formation in any area. There will NOT be assigned sections, people will be asked to enter the formation upon arrival, and will remain there until the record attempt is complete and verified by the Guinness World Records judge on site.
Water and snacks will be provided, and there will be live entertainment throughout the day including a DJ and emcee on stage to keep participants informed. There will also be food trucks and once the record is broken. All participants will get an official Guinness World Records Title Holder keepsake.
 An aerial perspective of the renovation/rebuild of the Joseph Brant Hospital scheduled to open in 2018
Can Burlington do it – BEFORE someone sets an even higher record?
By Pepper Parr
September 19, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It went well, it went very well.
The MoonGlade event put on by No Vacancy in partnership with the Art Gallery of Burlington was a huge improvement over the event last year. Shows what a curated event can be.
When Denis Longchamps, Chief Curator, added his skill set to No Vacancy’s organizational talents the city ended up with an event that can only grow. We are all winners with this one.
 The tunnel portion of Kune Hua’s installation
It is an event Burlingtonians are going to have to grow into. Among the 17 “installations” pieces the one put on by Kune Hua was by far the most popular. While it wasn’t “art” per se, it certainly attracted a lot of people.
There was a line up outside the installation even though most people didn’t know what it was until they got inside and had a conversation with Kune who talked to everyone who passed through.
 Part of the Kune Hua installation consisted of a number of tents set up – people went in and just talked to the person inside. About what? We didn’t ask – hundreds lined up.
It was described by one arts professional as something that was more philosophical than installation art – but it appealed to people.
Kune was on a high when the event came to a close; he sent a thank you out to all those involved and said: “What an incredible night! 🌸🌝 Feeling so much love 💗 and the light ✨ was certainly bright tonight. The LOVE garden was in full bloom and hundreds of people picked up the fragrance. Thank you so so much to everyone who helped make this happen from creating it, supporting it and experiencing it! It truly was a magical night.”
Jim Riley was given the space he needed for his visual installation.
One person who attended said the Art Gallery had probably never seen this many people in the place at one time before.
An added bonus for the people who went to take part in MoonGlade was the “stitched art” exhibit that was on at the same time. Unfortunately many, if not most people didn’t realize that the work was unique and one of the best shows of stitching, which is an offshoot of quilting, that will be seen in this province.
Kelly Bruton of Newfoundland had an excellent installation that called for some interaction to be fully appreciated.
 Shevon Madden’s installation.
Shevnon Madden’s installation of a wire sculpture of a horse head with all the musculature of the neck clearly delineated was quite stunning. Her visual and vocal commentary made a telling point on how we train animals.
Longchamps wanted a much more hands on approach and art that was both interactive and made a social comment. For the most part he got much of what he wanted.
What was missing was public interaction.
 The Deconstruction table – created by Kelly Bruton
Kelly Bruton had difficulty getting people to spend any time at either her destruct or reconstruct tables. The object was cut up T-shirts into strips of cloth and use the strips to make rugs.
 The reconstruction table.
What we noticed was that people flitted from one installation to another and didn’t quite know what to do when they got there.
The exception was the Kune Hua installation. No one was able to say quit why it worked – just that it did. And that can be said for everything about MoonGlade.
 It was mediation and music – which is what many wanted.
The Beer Garden went well; the Food Trucks met the need and the music was just fine.
Look for this event to be repeated next year. Kune Hua hasn’t a clue as to what he will do for a repeat. He has a full year to think that through.
By Staff
September 15, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
After nearly 25 years in business, the Reuse Centre is closing its doors for good. As the final day approaches, the Reuse Centre urges the public to visit their one-stop shop and take away whatever they can carry – free!
For the past eight weeks, the community has done their part by taking home a significant amount of inventory.
Now, the Reuse Centre invites anyone and everyone from the surrounding area to help clear out the final stock.
Any and all remaining items at the Centre are FREE. Shoppers are encouraged to come and take whatever they can carry – Reuse Centre volunteers are also happy to lend a hand or two! There are still plenty of household goods available as well as some Christmas merchandise.
If you’re a bargain hunter, do-it-yourself home renovator, shabby chic enthusiast, crafting connoisseur, repurposed furniture maker, fashion designer, or collector of unique antiquities, do not miss your chance to score FREE supplies for your projects and collections before the Reuse Centre closes on Friday, September 30, 2016.
Business owners and developers are also urged to take advantage of the remaining fixtures, which include a cash register and store shelving.
The Reuse Centre and its many dedicated volunteers would also like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their continued support and enthusiasm for waste reduction.
The Reuse Centre is open Wednesday through Friday, from noon until 4pm, Saturdays 10am until 5pm and Sundays noon to 4pm.
By Staff
September 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There is an event in this city that takes place once we are into the fall season – we show off – or rather we show our stuff.
This year, the general public will have an opportunity to see what a group of very dedicated volunteers have done with a railway station that is an important part of the city’s history – a structure that sat on cribbing and was about to be demolished and sold for kindling.
A hearty band of volunteers fought city council’s shameful inertia and found a home for the station and began the process of renovating and refurbishing the structure.
 Allan Harrington with a paint brush – an upgrade form his profession as a “bean counter” on th left. The station Master’s office and the ticket wicket on the right.
October 1st is Open House for a number of locations in the city. For Freeman Station it is the first time the public is going to be able to walk through the place and see what a local train station looked like in the very early 1900’s
They are doing a superb job – but it isn’t completed. They face two challenges – 1: to be ready for their Open House and 2: to begin to close the structure in before the cold weather sets in – all the signs are that we are going to have a beaut of a winter.
 Sitting on some “cribbing” with a sign badly in need of several coats of paint, the Freeman Station days before it was moved to its new home.
Can you help out?
They need help to clean up the baggage room and portico, to install wood siding on the back outside walls, painting both outside and inside, as well as many other jobs to get the station ready for winter and Doors Open on October 1st. Everyone at the Freeman station is a volunteer and we really could use your help.
Volunteer Work Days, September 10th, 17th and 24th
We need your help even if you are only available for a few hours with only one month before Doors Open and we want to put our best foot forward. Come on out and help us get ready, work on the station, our artifacts, and a myriad of smaller tasks to get ready for Doors Open Burlington on October 1st. Bring work gloves and wear old clothes.
 Looks a lot better today than it day 18 months ago – but it isn’t ready yet for public viewing – help out of out can.
To alert us to your skills, please email info@freemanstation.ca to let us know that you are coming.
Burlington’s Member of Parliament, Karina Gould, will be leading a public consultation on Electoral Reform at the Mainway Recreation centre in the auditorium on Saturday September 10th at 12:30.
She wants to hear what her community has to say about the changes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to deliver in the way of electoral reform. During the election campaign Trudeau said that election was the last that would be run under the First Past the Post (FPTP) process Canada has been using since Confederation. What we choose to use as an election process is now a question the public needs to answer.
By Jay Fallis
September 1, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This is the 3rd of a 3 part series on electoral reform.
I have explained the First Past the Post (FPTP) system of electing the members of the House of Commons that we use today.
I explained Mixed Member Proportional system, or MMP.
In this system, MMP, each voter receives two ballots. One is used to select the local candidate of their choice, while the other is used to select the party of their choice. The ballots selecting the local candidate are tallied up in each riding, and the candidate with the most votes wins. This is the same in our current system, except that constituencies would be bigger.
With MMP, once the candidate for the constituency is decided, the ballots, which indicate party preference, are tallied and the popular support of each party is determined.
The MMP process distributes a percentage of the seats to each political party based on the percentage of the vote they got; the problem for many people is who, which person, would sit in that seat? Would the political party give the seat to one of its members?
In this article I am going to cover two other possible electoral systems. The first is called Alternative Vote (AV); the second is called the ABC approach to electing people to our House of Commons.
Under Alternate Vote, a voter continues to vote for their local candidates. However, instead of selecting a single candidate with an X, voters order each of the candidates 1-2-3 etc., from their most preferred selection to their least preferred.
When first place selections are counted, a candidate with more than 50% of the popular vote wins. If however no candidate receives more than 50%, then the candidate with the least number of votes is eliminated. The ballots that selected the last place candidate are redistributed using the second selections. This process continues until one candidate receives more than 50% support.
 Voter turnout has often been low for the past decade; many people feel the current method of electing members to the House of Commons results in an un-representative form of government.
Although this system maintains regional representation as it exists under our current system and allows voters to cast a more accurate ballot, this system has its problems. There is a significant chance it would be advantageous for the Liberal party, as voters on each side of the ideological spectrum have a tendency to select Liberal as their second choice. This could allow Liberal candidates to win in tight ridings more often than not.
Furthermore the method for counting is complex. It would either require days to count by hand or require electronic counting systems. Either method ensures a high probability for error and would be expensive.
Finally, this system would be detrimental for independent candidates and smaller parties. Currently, it is difficult for these candidates and parties to win seats. However, introducing this system would make their advancement even more difficult. This seems unfair when considering that there can be strong independent candidates and viable small parties.
There is another approach – it is referred to as ABC – Alternative Borda Count; developed by French mathematician Charles de Borda.
It is described as easy as ABC (Alternative Borda Count). In this system voters are able to make up to 3 selections: a first, second, and third choice. If voters wish, they can choose to select only a first and second choice, or only a first choice. Each first choice selection is worth 4 points, each second choice selection worth 2 points, and each third choice selection worth 1 point. When the points are tallied and the local candidate with the most points wins.
 Members of the House of Commons have been determined by First Past the Post elections since confederation. The current government has determined it is time for a change.
Although this system does not guarantee perfect representation of votes to seats in the legislature it does represent an obvious improvement from Alternative Vote.
The first advantage is that this system is simple when compared to Alternative Vote. The calculation method and ballot can easily be explained to voters. Additionally, counting can be done relatively efficiently by hand and results could be posted on election night without the use of electronic counting.
This system maintains our country’s current regional representation. All ridings would remain as they are. However, in order to win ridings, candidates would require support from approximately 70 to 80% of the riding’s population. This is much higher than Alternative Vote which would often produce winners with just over 50% of support.
As for independent candidates and smaller parties, this system encourages their advancement. If a candidate or party receives few first place selections, but many 2nd and 3rd place selections they still have some opportunity to win. This will not mean the advancement of many, but it would mean that more independents and small party candidates have the opportunity to win.
Finally, this is a system that has the capability to be popular amongst Canadians. Although it has yet to attract the attention of reform advocates, a preliminary study has shown very high support for the system amongst the voting public. The study I refer to is a paper I did while earning my Master’s degree at the University of Toronto.
Not only does it attract those who support reform, it also attracts many who don’t, because it is simple and offers them the ability to vote as they do under the current system (by choosing to make only a first selection).
ABC is a system that meets many different needs and has the potential to bring about positive change to Canada’s political system when compared to Alternative Vote. To learn more about the ABC system or sign the petition you can go to: abcvote.ca.
I have given readers a quick overview of the different systems that are being considered. The government is now asking Canadians which system they would like to see. It’s an important decision – make a point of getting out to the public meetings and do some research.
Links:
CBC ran a very interesting piece – worth reading.
First of the 3 part series
Second of the 3 part series
Jay Fallis is a graduate of the University of Toronto where he earned a Master’s Degree that focused on electoral reform.
He writes a column for a daily newspaper in Ontario, the Orillia Packet and Times,
By Staff
August 31, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Barrie Baycats gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a taste of their own medicine to start the Intercounty Baseball League final.
Barrie scored three runs in the top of the eighth to beat Toronto 4-3 Tuesday night. The Baycats lead the best-of-seven series 1-0.
 The biggest part of the IBL championship games in the evenings will be under the lights – the crack of the bat will still sound the same.
It looked like Toronto was going to steal the opener on the road, but the Leafs, who made a habit of comebacks against London in their seven-game semi-final victory, couldn’t hold on against the defending Dominico Trophy winners.
Barrie’s Jordan Castaldo hit a three-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth for the decisive blow. Castaldo also singled and scored on Kevin Atkinson’s double in the fourth, which gave the Baycats a 1-0 lead.
Kyle DeGrace singled twice and scored once.
Jaspreet Shergill (1-0) earned the win, throwing a scoreless inning of one-hit ball without striking out or walking a batter. Adam Hawes picked up his first save of the playoffs, stranding runners on first and second with a strikeout and flyout to end the game.
Barrie starter Emilis Guerrero went seven innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits, striking out six and walking one.
For Toronto, Justin Marra’s two-run home run highlighted the Leafs’ three-run sixth inning. Jon Waltenbury added a single and RBI, while Dan Marra and Brendan Keys each had two hits.
Brett van Pelt (2-2) took the loss, giving up three runs on two hits in an inning of relief, striking out one and walking one. Toronto starter Marek Deska allowed a run on six hits in seven innings with three strikeouts and a walk.
2016 IBL playoffs
Barrie Baycats vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Barrie leads series 1-0
Game 1: Barrie 4, Toronto 3
Game 2: Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Toronto; 7:30 pm
Game 3: Saturday, Sept. 3 at Barrie; 7 pm
Game 4: Sunday, Sept. 4 at Toronto; 2 pm
Game 5: Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Barrie; 7:30 pm
* Game 6: Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Toronto; 7:30 pm
* Game 7: Thursday, Sept. 8 at Barrie; 7:30 pm*
* — If necessary
By Pepper Parr
August 31st, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Conservation Authority is going through a change – they are calling it a metamorphosis which they define as a “biological process of transformation, differentiation and growth that many species go through as they transition from one life stage to the next.
That is a mouthful.
With a new CAO in place, Conservation Halton, now wants to hear from the public – they want feedback on their strategic plan which includes their Promise, Purpose, Ambition, Guiding Principles and Themes, that frame their priorities and commitment to the environment, communities and customers.
Tucked into that plan are the Key Objectives, Key Enablers and Key Service Targets. These are the changes that Conservation Halton wants to make as an organization and the goals that we will work toward.
They won’t get much in the way of disagreement on any of the above – what they are getting however is a wry look from a public that feels it was not listened to during the reign of the previous CAO.
Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens.
Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science based programs and services.
 Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer of Conservation Halton.
Hassaan Basit wants to transform Conservation Halton. Vice chair John Vice sees it becoming “a modern organization known in the community for innovation, collaboration, efficiency and service delivery.” They want to position Conservation Halton to deliver effective natural resource management, ultimately leading to improved well-being of our communities.”
“A crucial part of this Metamorphosis is for us to listen to people we serve in the community and find out ideas and thoughts they may have on how we can achieve this transformation. This is why we have embarked on a multi-faceted public engagement between now and the end of September where we hope to connect with people in different ways,” John Vice continues.
The planned public engagement give significant depth to the phrase “multi-faceted public engagement”; there is hardly a base they don’t cover.
 What happens to the watershed in Burlington is job #1 for the Conservation Authority. There are 16 creeks that the Authority keeps a constant eye on – daily.
“Owing to our unique position and technical expertise in local watershed science, conservation authorities play a critical role in helping achieve a number of provincial and municipal goals and objectives related to natural resource management, preserving natural and cultural assets, green infrastructure, sustainability and climate change,” says Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer of Conservation Halton. “As we mark our 60th anniversary later this year and look back at the role conservation authorities have played in the province, it is a reminder of the need to constantly evolve.”
“Conservation authorities respond to natural resource management needs and challenges, even when they change, evolve and intensify, as they have since the Conservation Authorities Act was created. We anticipate that these needs and challenges will continue to change over time, so we must have the strategic agility to continue to adapt,” Hassaan Basit continues.
There are five ways for people to engage with Conservation Halton on Metamorphosis.
1. Attend a Public Open House
The Conservation Authority will be hosting two open houses, where members of the community will have the opportunity to learn more about our strategic directions, comment on our strategic priorities and share ideas for initiatives. Community members interested in attending one or both of the public open houses are asked to register here.
Tuesday September 13
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Conservation Halton Office
2596 Britannia Road, Burlington
Saturday, September 17
10:00 – 12:00 PM
Crawford Lake Longhouse
3115 Conservation Road, Milton
2. Have Your Say in a Survey
We have also created a series of short surveys, which we hope will help us understand the issues that are most important to our community and collect ideas for initiatives regarding these issues. The four survey areas are Sustainable Communities, Environmental Conservation, Climate Change and Outdoor Recreation. Each survey should only take a couple of minutes and responses will be used to shape many of our priorities and efforts. The surveys can be found here.
3. #chlistens on Facebook and Twitter
There will also be many opportunities to engage with us on social media. We will be hosting three open thread discussions on Facebook on September 9, 16 and 23 at 2:00 PM and two live chats on Twitter on September 21 and 28 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Look out for the #chlistens hashtag and tune in to chat with us about conservation, climate change and sustainability.
4. Share Your Lunch and #tableyourthoughts
Keep an eye out in the parks for our bright, painted picnic tables! Each picnic table has two chalkboards with the phrase “Conservation to me is…” written on them and park visitors are encouraged to complete the sentence, take a photo of their response and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #tableyourthoughts. It is our hope that this campaign will inspire real conversations around environmental conservation, climate change, sustainable communities and outdoor recreation.
5. Email Us
Comments can also be sent to web@hrca.on.ca with “Metamorphosis” as the subject line.
 Tucked away in a building that needs some serious upgrades – the staff work at monitoring the watersheds – all 16 of them – and running an extensive educational program and at the same time working at developing the tourism potential of some of the their properties.
Conservation Halton staff will also be meeting with key community stakeholders, including our municipal partners, environmental organizations, recreational groups, builders, developers and other members of the business community, in the coming weeks.
For those who live north of Dundas and tried to get permits to do some work on their property all this is close to exciting. The proof of course is in the pudding – but it does look pretty enticing.
Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens.
Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science based programs and services.
By Staff
August 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Intercounty Baseball League today announced the schedule for the 2016 championship final series between the defending champion Barrie Baycats and Toronto Maple Leafs. Barrie finished the regular season in third place while Toronto finished fifth.
Barrie won the season series between the two teams, 5-1.
IBL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FOR THE DOMINICO TROPHY (Best of Seven Series)
GAME 1 – Tuesday August 30 at Barrie 7:30 pm
GAME 2 – Wednesday August 31 at Toronto 7:30 pm
GAME 3 – Saturday September 3 at Barrie 7 pm
GAME 4 – Sunday September 4 at Toronto 2 pm
GAME 5 – Tuesday September 6 at Barrie 7:30 pm
* GAME 6 – Wednesday September 7 at Toronto 7:30 pm
* GAME 7 – Thursday September 8 at Barrie 7:30 pm*
* If necessary
Don’t expect the Barrie Baycats to take the championship for the third consecutive year – they are up against the Toronto Maple Leafs – THE scrappiest team in the league this year. They do not go down easily.
By Staff
August 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
By gosh and by golly there is another paid holiday coming up for all of us – and that includes those tireless workers at city hall.
A number of the city’s administrative services will be closed Monday, Sept. 5, 2016 for the Civic Holiday.
 There might be a couple of very conscientious bureaucrats putting in a couple of hours during the holiday weekend – there are more of them you think.
City Hall: Will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5, reopening on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities: Activities and customer service hours at city pools, arenas and community centres vary over the holiday weekend. Please visit www.burlington.ca/calendar for a complete listing of weekend drop-in program times and www.burlington.ca/servicehours for hours at customer service locations.
Burlington Transit and Handi-Van: On Monday, Sept. 5, Burlington Transit will operate a holiday service and the downtown Transit Terminal will be closed. Regular service resumes Tuesday, Sept. 6. The administration offices are closed on Monday, Sept. 5 and will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 6. Call 905-639-0550 or visit www.burlingtontransit.ca for schedule information.
Roads and Parks Maintenance: The administrative office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5, and will reopen on Monday, Sept. 6. Only emergency service will be provided.
Halton Court Services: Provincial Offences Courts in Milton and Burlington will be closed Monday, Sept. 5.
Parking: Free parking is available in the downtown core, on the street, municipal lots and the parking garage on weekends and holidays.
NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.
 On the left – that is the Premier of our province flipping those Fearman’s ribs at a recent Rib Fest, she told a Gazette reporter that she also knows how to make an apple pie.
Rib Fest takes place get dates – make some time to chomp of those ribs and enjoy the day with friends.

By Pepper Parr
August 29, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
“We will make every vote count.” That was one of the election promises made when the country decided it had had enough of Stephen Harper and elected Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister.
“We are committed to ensuring that 2015 will be the last federal election conducted under the first-past-the-post voting system”, he said
 Then Liberal leader Justin Trudeau drops his vote in the ballot box as his daughter Ella-Grace and son Xavier look on.
And added that: “We will convene an all-party Parliamentary committee to review a wide variety of reforms, such as ranked ballots, proportional representation, mandatory voting, and online voting.”
“This committee will deliver its recommendations to Parliament. Within 18 months of forming government, we will introduce legislation to enact electoral reform.”
And that is what is behind a community meeting Burlington Member of Parliament Karina Gould is holding on Saturday September 10th at the Mainway Recreation Centre in the auditorium beginning at 12:30 and running until 3:00 pm
The government created an all-party committee on electoral reform.
The Government’s main objective is to replace first-past-the-post with a system that will deliver better governments for all Canadians and asks the committee to focus on five key principles to get this done:
The link between voter intention and election results;
How to foster civility in politics and increase voter participation;
Steps to strengthen inclusiveness and accessibility;
Ways to safeguard the integrity of our voting system; and,
Taking into account local representation.
That is what the town hall meetings, which are being held across the country by at least all the Liberal Members of Parliament, are going to be about.
This is complex stuff; rife with the potential for “unintended consequences”.
Elections are about power and the right to govern want gets done with the public purse.
Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, the Gazette will publish a three part series on what the issues are; what the opportunities are as a background to understanding of what the issues are.
What are the options? In a series of articles Jay Fallis, a University of Toronto student who recently completed a Master’s degree in political science sets out some of the possible options. His three part series will begin tomorrow.
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