 By Staff
May 30th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The results of the 2018 Canada Road Safety Week (CRSW) Enforcement initiative was nothing to be proud of – from May 15-21, 2018, the Halton Regional Police Service conducted heightened traffic enforcement on area roadways. Officers focused on what has become known as the ‘Big 3’ road safety issues: aggressive driving, distracted driving and impaired operation – by alcohol and/or drug.
During the Safety Week, which included the Victoria Day Long Weekend, Halton Regional Police Service officers laid a total of 2,538 charges and warnings related to all forms of driving offences.
The top charges laid were as follows:
1. Speeding, Careless Driving and Stunt Driving (1,381 charges);
2. Documentary infractions-licencing and insurance (210 charges);
3. Fail to Yield (202 charges);
4. Cell phone- electronic devices (146 charges); and
5. Seatbelts (20 charges)
 The total number of charges laid represents a 22 per cent increase over the number of charges laid during the 2017 CRSW campaign and a 33 per cent increase over the number of charges laid during the 2016 CRSW campaign.
As part of CRSW enforcement, Halton Police conducted a variety of proactive initiatives, including R.I.D.E., to specifically address the ongoing concern of motorists choosing to drive while impaired, whether by alcohol and/or by drug.
The following results were obtained:
• 13 drivers were charged with driving while ability impaired and/or driving over 80mgs or Fail/Refuse to provide sample which resulted in criminal charges, an immediate licence suspension and vehicle impoundment (compared with 14 in 2017)
• 1 driver was charged with impaired by drug or Fail/Refuse to provide sample, which resulted in criminal charges, an immediate licence suspension and vehicle impoundment (compared with 3 in 2017)
• 13 drivers were found to be driving in the alcohol warn range, with roadside breath testing resulting in 3/7/30-day roadside suspensions (compared with 23 in 2017)
Of note, 3 of the 13 motorists who had their licence suspended for a warn range alcohol reading had their licence previously suspended for the same offence.
If you observe a vehicle being operated in a manner which places you or anyone else in danger, please call 9-1-1 for an immediate police response.
 By Pepper Parr
May 29th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It wasn’t a debate in the full sense of that word but it was an opportunity for a full house at the Central High School Auditorium to hear what four candidates for provincial office had to say.
 Andrew Drummond and Jane McKenna – he could be first – she might be last The biggest surprise of the evening, there were several, was how well Andrew Drummond, the NDP candidate came across. Little has been heard from Drummond before Monday evening. He did say that at one point he was a young Conservative.
 New Democratic candidate Andrew Drummond He set out the NDP platform clearly and concisely. What was clear was that the New Democrats were prepared to tax more and spend more to improve the quality of life for the average person. The phrase “tax a little more” was heard often.
Pharmacare, dental care, more long term care beds, a better affordable housing policy. The quality of life was going to be better for the average person. Those who are truly poor will be able to live decent lives with dignity.
Drummond described Burlington as a wealthy community and Ontario as a province that can handle more in the way of taxation to improve the quality of life; Change for the Better or We can do better.
Drummond was very relaxed – he knew his file and was able to speak directly to his audience.
Paying for it all – he didn’t offer much in the way of explanation.
Vince Fiorito, the Green Party candidate, chose to refer to a binder that he had with all his briefing notes. Reading hurriedly due to the tight time limits, which the moderator was very strict about, made it difficult to keep up with what the Greens had to say.
Fiorito did however have the best line of the night. He said that many people are having difficulty making a decision and trying to figure out which was the better of two evils. Fiorito pointed out that choosing the best of two evils is still choosing an evil and said that there was nothing evil about the Greens.
 Progressive Conservative candidate Jane McKenna Jane McKenna tended to fall back on the Progressive Conservative party line. On the couple of occasions when she used the phrase “make Ontario Great Again” there was an audible groan from the audience.
Dorothy Borovich was the moderator, and mentioned that this was the sixth time she had served in that capacity. There was no nonsense with Dorothy at the podium. It was a typical polite Burlington event.
Eleanor McMahon, the incumbent had all her numbers at the end of her finger tips. She was supported by a solid team and didn’t apologize for the way she did her job.
Fiorito brought up the issue of multi-national corporations that draw water from municipal well, put it in plastic bottles and sell it – creating mountains of plastic waste. All the candidates agreed that what Nestle was doing was “atrocious”; that f they were going to be taking a public resource they should at least pay a fair rate – but not one of the candidates was able to point to a policy that there party had.
 Liberal candidate and incumbent Eleanor McMahon McMahon certainly had a command of the data but appeared a little hesitant at times. It was evident that the Liberals know they are under the gun and fighting to hold the office they have.
McKenna frequently fell back on the party line which had McMahon rolling her eyeballs and shaking her head. McKenna didn’t point to anything specific she had done when she was the Member of the Legislature for Burlington; saying that she was part of the Opposition.
To the best of our knowledge McKenna didn’t introduce any bills.
The dead heat polling numbers at the leadership level was the 800 lb. gorilla in the room. What the audience wanted to know was: what were the different candidates going to do for the citizens.
Education, the hospital and the environment were top of the line issues. Fiorito wanted everyone to remember that the condition of the environment is something “we created” and his focus was on doing everything possible to “save the planet” – and he didn’t get any argument on that point – neither did he get a burst of applause; not that Dorothy would have permitted it.
On the occasions when there was real applause it was clear that McMahon owned the room.
The closing of two of the city’ seven high schools didn’t get as much attention as one would have thought. The problem the Tyandaga community has with the Meridian Brick works got glossed over. Their license was up to date – what more was there to say.
 Maureen Weinburger – CFUW It was a solid presentation of just where the candidates stood. Andrew Drummond made the most important point – choose the candidate that represents your values.
Fiorito asked that people not vote strategically – If you are a Green – vote as a Green.
The Canadian Federation of University have been doing these information sessions for years – the hope is that they continue to do so. They reflect the civility of the city – good on them.
By Staff
May 28th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Heather MacDonald is going to be the new Director of City Building effective June 25, 2018. In the past the position was known as the Director of Planning
 Heather MacDonald appointed the Director of City Building. MacDonald is currently the acting Vice President, Project Planning in Planning and Development at Metrolinx.
Previously, MacDonald has worked at the City of Brampton where she was Interim Commissioner, Planning and Development Services and at the City of Mississauga where she held series of progressive roles in human resources and planning, including Director, Policy Planning; Director, Organizational Wellness; and Director, Strategic Housing Initiatives.
MacDonald is a Registered Professional Planner and Certified Human Resources Leader. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo and is a graduate of the Executive Program at Queen’s University and the Advanced Human Resources Studies program at the University of Toronto.
Bill Janssen, Burlington’s current acting Director of City Building will remain in the role until June 22, 2018.
City manager James Ridge is fleshing out his leadership team. The former Director of Planning, Mary Lou Tanner was made the Deputy City Manager. Ridge reports that: “After a comprehensive recruiting competition, the city is pleased to have Heather MacDonald who will serve as the new Director of City Building. Heather is “an accomplished veteran in the public sector with broad expertise in the municipal environment. As Burlington’s population continues to grow, Heather’s leadership skills and municipal knowledge will play a valuable role in guiding the city’s long-term planning vision, as set out by the new Official Plan.”
Bill Janssen gets thanked for “his guidance in leading the Department of City Building over the last six months, including the adoption of Burlington’s new Official Plan.”
 By Staff
May 28th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington is presenting the second AGB Ceramics Residency exhibition featuring the work of 2017/18 resident Karla Rivera.
 Karla Rivera, Always Between the Fine Line, 2017. With access to fully equipped studios, the residency allows artists to build their portfolio with diverse projects that support the Gallery’s programming. It provides the artist with the opportunity to teach in community and studio programs, and to present new work in a solo exhibition in the RBC Gallery.
Karla Rivera is a ceramic artist born and raised in Mexico City. After some travelling, she moved to Hamilton, Ontario. She started to listen to her artistic voice and got involved in the world of ceramics.
In 2015 she got a Ceramics Diploma from Sheridan College in the Craft and Design Program. In 2016 she got the position of Artist in residence in the Art Gallery of Burlington. While this happened she was chosen to participate in the Fusion program Creative Direction.
 Rivera Red Dot vase Rivera’s work consists of functional and sculptural ceramics. She is interested in the forms that make the connections between the structures of nature such as the shape of an island, and the emotional states of the human mind trying to interpret and project them.
The public reception takes place June 1 at the AGB – RBC Gallery from 6pm-9pm
 By Pepper Parr
May 28th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
How many people in Burlington watched the last debate before the provincial election on June 7th? Who knows?
The election result is certainly going to be pivotal for the province. The choice is not an easy one. The Liberals have more than worn out their welcome.
 Small audience – significant debate, which no one actually won. Burlington resident puts the question to the candidates. Doug Ford doesn’t appear to be holding on to the massive support he had when the race started. It was hard to see anything new in his message Sunday evening – he stuck to a script that was a combination of being simplistic and fear mongering.
Andrea Horwath was strong and stood up well to both Kathleen Wynne and Doug Ford.
There is a risk with voting in a New Democratic government – we have been down that road before as Ford put it. However, it would appear that not as many people want to go down the road Ford is urging us to do with his simplistic statements. He seems to have become as good as Wynne became with the spending.
 Martin Badger – Burlington resident. The bright spot – the first question asked by members of the public who made up the debate audience came from Martin Badger, a 19 year old Burlington resident voting for the first time who asked: How do you plan to pay for the plans you have?
He got good answers. Was he satisfied with the answers?
That’s the question people across the province are going to ask themselves – which of the three political parties do you think can solve the problems?
Tough question!
By Pepper Parr
May 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A request – it was actually more like a plea, from Trevor Copp more than five years ago for changes in the way culture is seen as part of the fabric of the city and the way it was funded, has developed some roots.
ACCOB, – Arts & Culture Council of Burlington, was formed, studies were done on what the public wanted in the way of culture and how that public was interacting with the cultural offerings.
 Teresa Seaton, organizer of the Art in Action Tour, thinks through a response at one of the Cultural Action Plan sessions. She is one of 250 people organized as an Arts and Culture Collective in Burlington. Money was put into surveys and the development of a Cultural Action Plan.
The manager of cultural services was taken out of the Parks and Recreation department and tucked under the wing of one of the General Managers the city had at the time.
 Angela Paparizo in conversation with Trevor Copp during the unveiling of the Spiral Stella outside the Performing Arts Centre. When a new Director of Planning was brought in – Culture got put into her job description.
The Arts were getting attention and a little bit of money and there were some interesting initiatives that had been in place for some time. The Art Studio Tour done each fall continues, they give a scholarship each year.
The AGB offers solid programs for children; the school board has hundreds of students in music classes, the art that we see from the elementary schools shows some promise.
But Burlington as an arts destination – not yet.
Sound of Music draws thousands as does Rib Fest.
The Performing Arts Centre has become a stop along the way for many of the touring shows.
 Everyone wanted their picture taken with the Walt Rickli sculpture – then it was taken out of the Courtyard, put n storage where it appears to remain. The Art Gallery took possession of a fine piece of sculpture that came out of the Walt Rickli Studio then was quickly put it in storage with a comment that a suitable location had yet to be determined. The funds that brought the Rickli sculpture to the AGB resulted in the Courtyard being named the Dan Lawrie Family Courtyard.
The Lowville Festival was created – they are now in their fourth year. It is an idea that has yet to find is place.
Trevor Copp put together a very successful and popular outdoor Shakespearian Festival at the RGB Rock Garden that has a following but has yet to achieve consistent success.
ACCOB was able to get the city to put real dollars on the table and to convince the city that ACCOB would play a significant role in how some of the public money was used.
There is now a BPAC / ACCOB Community Studio Theatre Initiative – a new funding opportunity for community artists and arts & culture organizations to help offset the costs associated with renting The Centre’s Community Studio Theatre.
Funds for this new initiative are raised through the Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s Annual Festival of Trees, the first of which took place in November and December 2017. Funds raised will be used to cover the base rent of the BPAC Community Studio Theatre for 4 days in 2018.
Burlington has a number of artists who work quietly and as effectively as they can on their own – looking for opportunities to promote themselves and from time to time sell a piece of their work.
The city does have groups that found their footing and have gone on to fame: The Spoons and Walk off the Earth are two examples. There are others.
Somewhere out there the leadership that is needed to galvanize a community, influence both a city administration and those elected to office that the arts are more than a nice to have, has yet to surface. A vibrant arts community is an economic force – the arts draw traffic.
Right now the city has a collection of silos – each with their own plan and agenda
The Tourism people have not yet found an effective way to promote the arts effectively.
 Rendering of the Transformed Joseph Brant Museum site. What impact the transformation of the Joseph Brant Museum is going to have is an unknown at this point in time. The museum board has said little – not even a “great things are to come” statement. The confidence needed to believe that great things are possible is not part of the way the city sees itself at this point in time. It will need direction that the Museums of Burlington have yet to experience. Could the transformed museum be the catalyst that is needed?
Only time will tell us that.
For the time being – celebrate that ACCOB can celebrate a first anniversary.
Salt with Pepper is the opinion, musing and reflections of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette.
 By Staff
May 26th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There is more than one side to a story.
Gary Parker a Deyncourt Drive wrote us saying:
I received the accompanying note from one of my neighbours this Friday afternoon. He was out and about and observed a situation that is all too common in our downtown. He also noted that he had issues finding a parking spot. And this as he points out of course is today’s world without the level of intensification our new OP will allow.
Interestingly in the justification section of the Wellings Consultants report that seeks approval for the high rise tower at 409 Brant is a quote from its traffic consultant. It suggests that some traffic issues might emerge as a result of this development and the city might want to consider a restrictions on left hand turns off of Brant Street to Elgin. That will surely solve the congestion problem eh?
Instead of being a place of vibrancy that attracts Burlington citizens downtown what we are creating is a place to be avoided! This will be the legacy of a city council and a planning department that ignores the wishes of the people.
The note from the neighbour, who has the same first name, said:
There currently is no better argument to re-think downtown intensification than today.
Lakeshore has been gridlocked since 3:30 this afternoon and currently Brant St. is now backed up to almost Smith’s.
No one is going anywhere fast and that is without the planned 5 high rise towers being in play.
G
Jack Dennison, the ward 4 incumbent seeking re-election added to the discussion:
There was an accident on the QEW west bound. There was an accident on the North bound skyway. The ramp to the Niagara QEW is now closed for an extended period. The cut through traffic was at a peak.
Jack
Gary Parker shot back with:
And that’s the point Jack. Problems like this happen with regularity and with the growth of the commuter population in the Niagara region the frequency of these issues will only increase. Now add in what you guys have approved and you have a perfect storm scenario. However I suppose that by then things will be so bad that the Lakeshore / downtown route won’t be a viable option for these commuters. Maybe that’s the missing genius component of your plan?
Traffic is clearly going to be an ongoing debate that will keep the October municipal election interesting.
 By Pepper Parr
May 26th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
“Spring is finally in the air and that’s not the only fresh change on the horizon, Ward 4 has a new face on the scene by way of Shawna Stolte.” With that the woman prepared to run against long time incumbent Jack Dennison has her hat in the ring.
The Gazette is going to be “municipal light” at least until we know who the next Premier is going to be. That race is proving to be a bit of a stunner. Our political correspondent weighed in on that in his column earlier today.
 Jack Dennison – ward 4 incumbent Stolte is pretty direct when she says: “I am running in Ward 4 with the goal of replacing veteran Councillor Jack Dennison, who has sat on city council for the past 24 years. Jack has enjoyed a long run with the city council. I’m sure whomever replaces him on city council will appreciate the wealth of experience he has to offer, but Burlington is changing as a city and I know that the people of this community are looking for change, transparency and a new direction for city council.”
 Shawna Stolte – 2018 candidate for ward 4 Stolte adds that she has been “fascinated with our city council process over the past few years, have attended city council meeting regularly, have educated myself on many issues and concerns regarding Burlington as a strong, sustainable city and feel we, as a community, can and should do better. I’m passionate about citizen empowerment and community development. I believe in a ‘bottom-up’ rather than a ‘top-down’ approach, starting with the principle that in any community there is a wealth of knowledge and experience which can be channeled into collective action to achieve the community’s desired goals. The citizens of Burlington have great ideas and want their voices heard and respected at City Hall. The responsibility of a City Councillor is to amplify the voices of the community they represent, and I am committed to doing just that.”
Stolte has her web site in place – We were impressed at the detail on what she wants to get done. Many candidates talk in platitudes and seldom set out measurable objectives – she doesn’t mince her words.
Worth watching – www.stolte4ward4.ca
 Carol Gottlob – 2014 candidate for ward 4 In 2014 Carol Gottlob, an unknown took on Dennison and got 35% of the vote with a really skinny campaign team. Gottlob has said she is waiting until the end of June before she decides if she will run again. Were she to decide to run that would split the opposing voters and allow the 22 year incumbent to remain in office.
Gottlob has had three years to put together a stronger team and build the foundation on which she could raise the funds it takes to win an election. She did neither.
Another possible candidate for ward 5
There might be a candidate for the ward 5 seat. A credible individual who is working on the campaign for one of the provincial legislature seats will wait until the 7th before declaring.
With Councillors Taylor and Craven deciding to make the 2014 their last run for municipal office – there is the sense that a new wind is in the air.
The Gazette will focus on the municipal election campaigns – there is five months before the ballots are cast – once the provincial race comes to a close. It will be pivotal.
 By Staff
May 26th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 It’s shredding day.
The opportunity to take all those sensitive documents to a shredding machine and have them safely destroyed and an occasion to support the Halton unit of Crime Stoppers.
The shredding beast will be at the M.M. Robinson high school parking lot.
 
 By Staff
May 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Thousands pour into Spencer Smith Park every Labour Day weekend to chow down on ribs smoked by some of the best ribbers on the continent. It is Ribfest time.
 If you looked around there was still some sitting room. The weather was close to perfect and the music was good – great way to bring a summer to a close. It has been happening in Burlington for more than 22 years. John and Bob Penning got it off the ground and it has hummed along beautifully ever since.
 John Thorpe and Bob Penning – the two guys who got the biggest RibFest in the province off the ground 23 years ago. They raise a lot money and pump it right back into the community with the focus on their youth programs, especially our Student Awards.
The gala dinner at which the awards will be announced takes place on June 12th where 17 awards totalling $71,000 will be handed out along with 10 academic awards of $3,500 each, 4 athletic awards of $3,500 each, 2 leap forward awards of $3,500 each and a Post Grad Research award of $15,000.
That is a very impressive achievement. The Gazette will report on who the remarkable young people are receiving these awards.
 Dave and Lisa Wilson took home a cheque for more than $25,000 lat year at Ribfest – their share of the 50/50 draw. Last year Rotary introduced a 50/50 ticket draw – it proved to be very successful – one of the long time ribbers won the draw and took home a cheque for.
 By Ray Rivers
May 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
“They said, ‘Doug Ford came to our house, signed me up and paid,’” said Eastwood. “It is a swipe against democracy when you can just come in and buy memberships and then put people in, give people a (PIN number) and tell them, ‘This is who you’re voting for.’” (National Post – May 23, 2018)
At the midway point in Ontario’s election the Liberals are heading for the backbench despite the conventional wisdom that governments don’t get voted out when the economy is strong. Still it makes one wonder because a quick look at what the party leaders are promising shows precious little variance among them. They are all running deficits, for example. And why does everyone seem to dislike Kathleen Wynne?
 She was short a billion on the first draft of her budget – fessed up to the error and moved on. The public went along with her. Mr. Ford would kill Ontario’s carbon tax and the NDP would buy back Hydro One eventually. Other than that, the differences are generally more of a degree unless one reads much further between the lines. The NDP is the only party to actually have a proper platform at this stage, notwithstanding that it originally came with a billion plus dollar hole in it.
The Liberals are running on the record and their spring budget, which was loaded with at least as many social goodies as the NDP. And Doug Ford, the instant party leader with barely three months under his belt is shooting from the hip – promising everything to everybody yet saying he’ll wait until he sees the books. And if he looked he’d see that the books are already there – they have never been more transparent.
 A believable factor has crept into the Ford campaign. Can he get back? Ford’s accumulated spending and tax cuts swamp the deficit plans of the other two parties yet he is the only one promising to eliminate the deficit as early as his second year in power. Estimates of his ever-springing promises run as high as $16 billion more than the other party leaders combined. But while promising to spend money like the proverbial drunken sailor he is also promising as yet undetermined ‘efficiency’ cuts of some $6 billion in his first year.
So it is little wonder that his credibility is tumbling, almost as fast as his poll numbers. The only way he could deliver on his promises is if he wore a cape and changed in a phone booth – whatever that is. The polls were predicting a Tory majority government almost two years ago, even before former leader Patrick Brown brought down his red-Tory campaign platform.
They kept getting better even after Brown was unceremoniously dumped because of some sexual allegations, and replaced with the unlikely, and mostly unliked, Ford. But then Ford started talking and suddenly it hit people – this man could be our next premier.
We all know that Doug’s brother, the late Mayor Rob, was a lovable clown and his almost daily antics made international headlines. Suddenly Toronto became famous and on every evening talk show which prompted our ever-jealous neighbours to act. They were not about to play second fiddle when it came to buffoonery. Toronto was having way too much fun and so they elected Donald Trump – Rob Ford without the crack.
But Doug is not his brother, even though they were close and Doug played alter ego for his younger brother while he was mayor. In fact Doug seems way too serious, almost humourless or perhaps just scared shirtless, finding his ambition has taken him out of his depth and into the deep end of the pool wearing only cement shoes.
 Parts of the background that have never been fully explained. His tough straight-shooting talk sounds like a carryover from earlier days when he was alleged to be a drug dealing boss, accusations which he has never properly refuted. Or it may be a reflection of a man who would do anything to win, promise anything and break the rules to get his way, as in Ford’s recent vote-buying scandal.
This election will come down to personalities. Wynne can’t shake the image of a cold and distant demeanour, and rightfully or not people are tired of her governance and want a change. Mr. Ford might be a nice fellow, his mother adores him, but then mothers always do. But he is an unknown commodity in this area and his almost Soprano-like family history raises real questions about his integrity, ethics, morality and respect for the rule of law.
Andrea Horwath has the warmest presence of any of the leaders. Her honest and forthright response to the math error in her original platform has won her points, even as it hurt her measure of competence. And in this election style and trust have become the most important factors and, for a public raised in the age of television, personality wins every time.
Few people thought the NDP would ever come this close to winning in Ontario after the Bob Rae experience. But younger voters have forgotten that episode and Rachael Notley’s win in mostly hostile Alberta, and her respectable performance to date, should give the NDP hope. Of course BC’s Horgan and federal party leader Mr. Singh do Horwath no favours in their dogged determination to undermine Canada’s constitutional peace.
 Andrea Horwath – looking and sounding a lot more positive. And the centre-left Liberal/NDP split makes it a challenge for Horwath to win without significant strategic voting. So Ford is still the favourite, leaving Ontario voters to decide whether they want to see Horwath or Ford in their own faces every time they turn on the evening news. The televised debate this Sunday evening will be worth watching. This has suddenly become a much more interesting race than when it started out.
 Wow! Few thought the polling results would look anything like this when the election was called two weeks ago.
xx
Ray Rivers writes regularly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Ford Buying Membership Votes – NDP Making Gains – Election Promises –
Deficits – Tories Tied –
 By Staff
May 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
On Wednesday and Thursday members the Halton Regional Police Service 30 Division – District Response Team, organized a multi–agency Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Safety Inspection and Enforcement campaign at various locations in Burlington.
 Almost one third of the commercial motor vehicle inspections failed. The HRPS partnered with the O.P.P., MTO and the College of Trades. The results of the combined efforts are as follows:
• Total CMV’s Inspected 127
• Total CMV’s taken out of service 37 (29% failure rate)
• Total Charges Laid 133
The results of the two-day commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspection and enforcement campaign indicates that commercial motor vehicle operators, who travel on our roadways or through our region each day, need to be more diligent in complying to rules and regulations.
The Burlington CMV Strategy has been developed to address road safety, education and enforcement priorities involving commercial motor vehicles.
This CMV campaign has been identified and implemented in conjunction with the Halton Regional Police Service – Burlington Road Safety Strategy (BRSS). The BRSS was designed to improve the safety on our roadways for all road users.
 By Staff
May 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington’s city council now has a Code of Good Governance along with a document that sets out how compliance with the Code of Good Governance will be managed.
The Compliance code sets out how members of Burlington’s city council have agreed to handle situations when the behaviour does not meet the Code of Good Governance. The the consequences are set out below.
Both are published for the record – the story as to how the document came to exist and the dancing around that took place during the debate that went on for more than an hour and a half during a day time committee meeting has yet to be written. We will write that story in due course.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF GOOD GOVERNANCE
Members of Council shall adhere to the provisions of the Code of Good Governance. The Municipal Act, 2001 authorizes Council, where it has received a report by its Integrity Commissioner that, in his or her opinion, there has been a violation of those elements of the Code subject to complaint, may impose either of the following penalties:
• A reprimand;
• Suspension of the remuneration paid to the member in respect of his or her services as a member of Council or a local board, as the case may be, for a period of up to 90 days.
The Integrity Commissioner may also recommend that Council impose any of the following sanctions where there has been a breach of policy, separately established but referenced in this Code:
• Written or verbal public apology;
• Return of property or reimbursement of its value or of monies spent;
• Removal from membership of a committee; and
• Removal as chair of a committee.
Complaint of a Violation of this Code
Any individual that has reasonable grounds to believe that a Member has breached this Code, may file a complaint with the City Clerk.
The Integrity Commissioner shall be responsible for investigating such complaints and if the parties are in agreement, the complaint may be resolved by way of mediation.
If either party does not participate in the mediation process, if the complaint is not resolved through this process, or the matter is not appropriate for referral to mediation, the Integrity Commissioner shall assume responsibility for investigating the complaint in accordance with the procedures established by Council.
In the case of a complaint of discrimination or harassment, the complainant may file a complaint directly to the Human Resources Department under the City of Burlington Respect in the Workplace Policy. The complainant will also be advised of his or her right to advance an application to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
Procedure – Informal Complaint
Any individual who has identified or witnessed behaviour or activity by a member that appears to be in contravention of the Code may address their concerns informally with the member directly. Individuals are encouraged to use this process before initiating a formal complaint, however it is not a requirement to do so before initiating a formal complaint. Informal complaints can be pursued in the following manner:
1. Advise the member that their behaviour or activity contravenes the Code.
2. Encourage the member to stop the prohibited behaviour or activity.
3. If applicable, confirm to the member your satisfaction, or dissatisfaction with his or her response to the concern identified.
4. Keep a written record of the incidents including dates, times, locations, other persons present, and any other relevant information, including steps taken to resolve the matter.
5. If not satisfied with the response received through the informal process, an individual may proceed with a formal complaint through the Integrity Commissioner.
Procedure – Formal Complaint
Any individual who has identified or witnessed behaviour or activity by a member that appears to be in contravention of the Code may address their concerns through the formal complaint process set out below.
1. All formal complaints must be made using the Complaints Form prepared by the City Clerk and/or Integrity Commissioner and shall be dated and signed by the Complainant.
2. The complaint must include an explanation as to why the issue raised may be a contravention of the Code and any evidence in support of the allegation must be included with the Complaints Form.
3. Any witnesses in support of the allegation must be identified on the Complaint Form.
4. The Complaint Form must include the name of the member alleged to have breached the Code, the section of the Code allegedly contravened, the date, time and location of the alleged contravention and any other information as required on the Complaint Form.
5. The complaint shall be filed with the Clerk who shall confirm that the required information is complete. The Clerk will forward the complaint form to the Integrity Commissioner who will determine whether the matter is, on its face, a complaint with respect to non-compliance with the Code and not covered by other legislation or policies.
6. The Integrity Commissioner may request additional information from the complainant.
Response of Integrity Commissioner of Complaint outside Jurisdiction
If the complaint received by the Integrity Commissioner is deemed not to be a complaint with respect to non-compliance with the Code, the Integrity Commissioner shall advise the complainant in writing as follows:
Criminal Matter – if the complaint is an allegation of a criminal nature consistent with the Criminal Code of Canada, the complainant shall be advised that pursuit of such an allegation must be made through the Halton Police Services.
Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy – if the complaint is more appropriately addressed under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the complainant shall be referred to the Clerk to have the matter reviewed under the Act.
If the matter is covered by other policies or legislation, the complainant will be advised to proceed in a manner as considered appropriate by the Integrity Commissioner.
Refusal to Conduct an Investigation
If upon review of a complaint, the Integrity Commissioner is of the opinion that the complaint is frivolous, vexatious or not made in good faith, or that there are no or insufficient grounds for an investigation, the Integrity Commissioner will not conduct an investigation and shall communicate this position in writing to the complainant and the member identified in the Complaint Form.
Opportunity for Resolution
If at any time, following the receipt of a formal complaint or during the investigation process, the Integrity Commissioner believes that an opportunity to resolve the matter may be successfully pursued without a formal investigation, and both the complainant and the member agree, efforts may be made to achieve an informal resolution.
Investigation
If the Integrity Commissioner determines that a formal investigation is required he or she shall proceed in the following manner, subject to the Integrity Commissioner’s ability to elect to exercise the powers of a commissioner under Parts I and II of the Public Inquiries Act:
• The Integrity Commissioner shall provide a copy of the complaint and any supporting materials to the member whose conduct is in question with a request that a written response to the allegation be provided to the Integrity Commissioner within ten days.
• The Integrity Commissioner shall provide a copy of the response provided by the member to the complainant with a request for a written reply within ten days.
• If necessary, after reviewing submitted materials, the Integrity Commissioner may speak to anyone, access and examine any other documents or electronic materials, and may enter any City work location relevant to the complaint for the purpose of investigation and potential resolution.
• The Integrity Commissioner may make interim reports to Council where necessary and as required to address any issues of interference, obstruction, delay or retaliation encountered during the investigation.
• At any time the complainant may abandon the request for an investigation and the Integrity Commissioner will cease his or her investigation.
Recommendation Report
Upon completion of an investigation, the Integrity Commissioner shall report to the complainant and the member on the results of his or her review within ninety days of receiving a complete Complaint Form. If the investigation process is going to take more than ninety days, the Integrity Commissioner shall provide an interim report to the complainant and member indicating when the complete report will be available.
If during the investigation process, the complaint is withdrawn, sustained or resolved, the Integrity Commissioner shall report to Council outlining the findings, and terms of any resolution and any recommended action within thirty days.
If upon completion of the investigation the Integrity Commissioner finds that a breach of the Code has occurred, the Commissioner shall report his or her findings to Council including a recommendation as to the imposition of a penalty as set out in the Municipal Act.
If upon completion of the investigation the Integrity Commissioner finds that there has been no contravention of the Code, or that a contravention occurred, however, the member took all reasonable measures to prevent it, or the contravention committed was trivial or committed through inadvertence or an error of judgment made in good faith, the Integrity Commissioner shall set this out in its report to Council.
Reports Prior to Election
The Integrity Commissioner shall not make any report to Council or any other person after the last Council meeting in June in any year in which a regular municipal election is to be held. Any reports would proceed to the first Council meeting after the Inaugural meeting of the new Council.
Confidentiality
The Integrity Commissioner and every person acting under his or her instructions shall preserve the confidentiality of all documents, materials or other information, whether belonging to the City or not, that come into their possession or to their knowledge during the course of their duties subject to section 223.5(2) and 223.5(3) of the Municipal Act.
If the Integrity Commissioner reports to Council on an investigation into an alleged breach of the Code, the report shall only disclose such information that in the Integrity Commissioner’s opinion is required for the purposes of the report.
Related document:
Code of Good Governance
 By Staff
May 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Imagine over 800 species of lilacs in one location.
A heavenly fragrance is drifting through Royal Botanical Gardens’ (RBG) Arboretum, marking the official start of lilac season! Visitors to RBG can experience one of the largest and most magnificent and diverse collections in the world as it reaches peak bloom.
 The fragrance is so distinct – but this flower doesn’t last for vert long – and cutting them to put in a vase is a very disappointing experience. French hybrids form the basis of the collection, but also displayed are Preston hybrids (originated in Canada by Isabella Preston), early-bloomers, such as hyacinth lilacs and a selection of species found in the wild. On more challenging terrain, The Katie Osborne Lilac Collection in the Lilac Dell is one of the most assorted and one of the definitive collections to demonstrate the range of the genus Syringa. This popular seasonal attraction provides visitors with weeks of delightful springtime colour and fragrance. Peak bloom time for lilacs generally lasts two to four weeks.
Weekend visitors can visit RBG’s Discovery Cart to learn more about the seven colours of lilacs then take a guided tour to learn about the collection’s history. Weekend entertainment helps to bring these incredible plants to life.
 The Lilac dell. Additional activities at the Arboretum include Biodiversity Festival taking place on Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As Canada’s biodiversity hotspot, RBG is offering a day of exploration and hands-on fun with local animals, plants, and ecosystems. Children’s activities, guided walks and more await visitors to this activity-packed celebration of the International Day of Biological Diversity.
RBG’s Arboretum (located at 16 Old Guelph Road, Hamilton) is open 10.a.m to 8 p.m. seven days a week and is more like an English landscape park than a garden. It has a wide variety of trees and other woody plants and, with the exception of the lilac walk and the shrub collection, has few formal paths.
It is a great place for watching and experiencing animal and plant interactions and connects with many of RBG’s nature trails. RBG general admission is required to experience the Arboretum. Admission is free to RBG members.
By Staff
May 25th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 Burlington’s city council now has a Code of Good Governance along with a document that sets out how compliance with the Code of Good Governance will be managed.
Both are published for the record – the story as to how the document came to exist and the dancing around that took place during the debate that went on for more than an hour and a half during a day time committee meeting has yet to be written. We will write that story in due course.
PREAMBLE
The Council of the City of Burlington is committed to achieving excellence in governance, and doing so in a way that maintains and ensures public trust and confidence in the City’s decision making.
The elements of this code that are subject to a formal complaint are intended to act as a Code of Conduct as required under the Municipal Act.
PURPOSE
The City of Burlington’s Council Code of Good Governance serves four main purposes:
• To set out, in manner that is aspirational and proactive, clear expectations of the governance behaviour of members of Council;
• To provide clarity to the public as to the behaviour they can expect from members of Council, and the governance responsibilities that go beyond those in the Municipal Act;
• To provide guidance to members of Council in the conduct of their duties as elected officials; and
• To provide a mechanism for responding to alleged breaches of elements of the Code.
APPLICATION
This Code applies to all members of the Council of the City of Burlington.
It is the responsibility of all members to be aware of and comply with the Code.
ASPIRATIONAL COMMITMENTS (NOT SUBJECT TO A COMPLAINT)
1. We will put the interests of the City above our own personal interests when conducting City business.
2. We acknowledge that working collaboratively will provide better governance decisions.
3. We will exercise strategic leadership by developing and clearly communicating to the public the Council’s purpose and priorities, and its intended outcomes.
4. We will ensure alignment of our key policies, budgets, and other policy instruments with our strategic goals, and hold ourselves, and staff accountable for the efficient and effective delivery of those goals.
5. Because our decisions often have generational impacts, we wild strive to take the long view, and in doing so consider the interests of those who will be immediately impacted, and those who will be impacted in the future.
6. We will, with our Audit Committee, identify risks to the corporation and ensure that Council and staff are effectively managing those risks.
7. We will strive to ensure expansive transparency and robust accountability.
8. We will exemplify the responsibilities and role articulated for members of Council in the Municipal Act.
CONDUCT COMMITMENTS (SUBJECT TO A FORMAL COMPLAINT)
9. We will not use city resources to advance our personal interests, we will adhere to the Council Expense Manual, and we will be particularly cautious about using city resources during an election, and will act in compliance with the City’s policies respecting elections.
10. We will treat each other, the public, and staff with courtesy and respect. In particular, we will act in a manner that ensures the Council Chamber is a respectful workplace.
11. We will communicate information to the public in ways that are accurate, timely, and in the interest of the corporation. We will respect that the Mayor, as head of council, is the primary spokesperson for Council.
12. We will respect the role of a ward councilor to play a leadership role on issues specific to their ward, and if we engage in issues in other wards we will exercise the courtesy of informing the ward councilor of our engagement.
13. We will take full responsibility for and curate our social media and Internet presence in a way reflects a high level of courtesy and respect. We will ensure that commenters are respectful, and do not impugn the motives, integrity, or competence of our Council colleagues, other members of the public, or staff. We will take reasonable efforts to address false or misleading information posted to our social media feeds.
14. We will hold in strict confidence all information concerning matters dealt with in Closed Council meetings, matters subject to solicitor client privilege, personal information, or information that is otherwise determined to be confidential.
15. We will avoid any actual or perceived conflict of interests. We, and our family members, will avoid accepting gifts, and where accepting a gift is an integral part of our duties as a member of council we will report those valued at more than
$25 accepted to the City Clerk who will annually report them to the public. We will adhere to the Corporate Policy on Gifts and Hospitality.
16. We will avoid directly or indirectly managing or controlling any monies received relating to a charitable, not for profit, or community-based organization’s fundraising in our capacity as a member of Council. We will avoid soliciting or accepting benefits or hospitality in any form from an individual, group or corporation who might require a decision or consideration by the City. We will keep a record of all donors to events we organize, and the value of their donation, and file it with the City Clerk.
17. We will respect the relative roles of Council to govern, and staff to manage. We will not direct staff, attempt to influence their professional advice to Council, and will not make public comments about their performance. We will actively create and sustain an environment where staff are comfortable providing their professional advice to Council, even when it may be difficult or controversial. We will take extra efforts to avoid engaging in purchasing decisions, litigation and insurance matters, by-law enforcement, prosecutions, and human resources matters (except those involving the City Manager), unless acting collectively with other members of Council in consideration of business brought forward for direction or decision..
 18. We will foster respect for the democratic decision-making process. We will accurately communicate decisions of Council, even if we disagree with Council’s decision. When we disagree with a Council decision we will do so in way that avoids impugning the motives integrity or competence of our Council colleagues, staff, or the institution generally.
19. We will hold ourselves individually accountable to these principles, and collectively accountable in a way that is respectful and constructive, and will use the complaint mechanism as a course of last resort.
Related document:
COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF GOOD GOVERNANCE
By Staff
May 24th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It is just a matter of days before Carriage Gate can begin the process of changing what downtown Burlington is going to look like.
 City Council approved the document earlier this week and – except for the 20 day wait that is needed – Carriage Gate can pick up their building permit and begin the demolition of the properties that are on the north side of James, east side of Brant as far up as the Wardell Insurance office.
ECoB, the community group that has opposed the height and density the development was given is asking the public what they think about what has been approved.
The group – Engaged Citizens of Burlington has been looking into a possible appeal of the decision city council made and now wants to find out just what there is in the way of support for an appeal.
The site to get your two cents on the record is right here: CLICK:
Engaged Citizens of Burlington is a not for profit group working towards a better Burlington for generations to come. Working on behalf of citizens with the City of Burlington and other stakeholders in the civic process, we are particularly engaged with issues of planning and development.
Through our online and community presence we help build awareness on issues affecting Burlington residents and the community as a whole.www.engagedburlington.ca
 The first public meeting ECoB held drew more than 100 people on an evening that had snow on the ground. We are a growing diverse group of residents and business people who want only the best for Burlington. The group is energized to bring voices and action from all areas of the city to challenges that will affect the quality of life for our citizens today and in the future.
The response to the survey will help ECoB determine if they have the support from the residents needed before engaging in an appeal of 421 Brant St.
By Staff
May 24th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Stephen Warner has one final comment about the New Street “bike lane debacle”.
“The city did not return it to the way it was before the botched experiment. Somehow they have eliminated a turning lane for Dynes, which has resulted in one horrific accident already, and a close call for me.
 The old lane design is on the left. The Road Diet design is on the right. That got scrapped but when the lane designed was re-worked they seem o have left out the left hand turn lane at Dynes Street. “As people sit in the left thru lane on New waiting to turn north on Dynes, cars speed eastbound, seemingly oblivious to cars signaling to turn.
“I’m pretty sure there used to be a turning lane before the bike lane was added at Dynes.
It was there with the bike lanes. It looks like they increased the boulevard on each side of New Street and widened the lanes slightly during the reconstruction losing the turning lane when the road was returned to two lanes each way.”
Some news items just go on and on.
By Staff
May 22, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a vicious break into the home of two elderly residents on April 25th 2018 shortly after 10:30 PM, at a home on Bonnieview Avenue in Burlington (Aldershot).
The suspects, one armed with a handgun and an aerosol weapon believed to be bear spray or pepper spray, confronted two elderly homeowners and demanded their bank cards and pins numbers.
The suspects then forced the homeowners into a bathroom before rummaging through the home in search of valuables.
Members of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau have identified one of two suspects responsible for this home invasion robbery.
 On May 5th 2018, police arrested Thomas Allan EDGAR (41-yrs) of Hamilton and charged him with the following offences:
• Robbery
• Wearing a disguise with intent to commit robbery
• Pointing a firearm (two counts)
• Administering a noxious substance (two counts)
• Assault with a weapon (two counts)
• Forcible Confinement (two counts)
• Fraud under $5000 (nine counts)
• Fraudulent use of credit card (nine counts)
• Fail to comply with probation
EDGAR was held for bail and subsequently remanded into custody. He will appear next by video on May 24th 2018.
Investigators are still seeking the identify of the second suspect described as a white male, thin build, approximately 5’9″ tall, clean shaven, wearing a black hoody, trapper hat with fur ear flaps, black jeans and dark glasses with metal frames.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel of the Burlington Criminal Investigations – Robbery Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2343.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca .
People charged with a criminal offense are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Staff
May 22, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington’s Interactive Maps and Open Data services not available on May 31 and June 1, 2018
The city is upgrading its mapping and open data technology. Please note that to be able to do the upgrade, interactive maps and open data will not be available on Thursday, May 31 and Friday, June 1.
These services will be available again on Saturday, June 2.
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By Staff
May 22, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
On Thursday May 17th 2918 at approximately 12:05 AM an attempted break and enter occurred to an apartment in downtown Burlington.
 The residents were home at the time and scared off the suspect who had not yet made entry. The suspect was located on video prior to the offence and police are seeking assistance from the public to identify him.
The suspect is described as a white male, average height, average build with a trimmed beard, dark hair, long sleeved blue shirt, dark pants and work boots.
 Anyone with information that would assist in identifying this suspect is asked to contact D/Cst. Mark Urie of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2338.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222- 477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca
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